John Gurney Park

Take the family on a West Michigan getaway!  John Gurney Park offers a wide range of amenities ranging from fishing, kayaking, hiking, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis and more.  Convenience awaits with restaurants within walking distance, gas and grocery just up the road.

• ​Bath House

• Coin Laundry

• 50 Amp Hook Ups

• Pavilion

• Picnic Areas

• Boat Launch for Kayaking, Canoeing and Small Fishing Boats.

• Baseball Fields

• Playground

• Basketball Hoops

• Pickle Ball

• Wooded Trail

• Sandy Beach Area  & Wading area.

• Kayaking

• 22 Miles of Bike Trails

• Hiking

• Camp Store

• Rec Room

• 85 Large Shaded Grassy Camp Sites ~  From Overnight to Seasonal

• Plenty of Full Hook-Up 50 Amp Sites Available

• From Big Rigs and travel trailers to the smallest tent, all are welcome at John Gurney Park

• Clean Modern Restrooms

• Friendly Staff

With over 100 years of history, John Gurney Park is also the trailhead for the Hart-Montague Rail State Park and overlooks Hart Lake.

To check out the campground layout, rates, payment or deposit information or park policies, along with information on how you can rent the Pavilion for events visit our website or contact the park at (231) 873-4959.  If calling during the off season please call (231) 769-9717.

THE HISTORY

Former state senator Theron Gurney and his wife, Helen, donated land to the Village of Hart in 1912 for a park to honor their son. Lieutenant John Gurney (1871-1898), a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, had died at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-American War. In 1914 the Progressive Park Association erected the entrance arch as a memorial. John Gurney Park was one of several auto tourist camps developed along the West Michigan Pike during the 1920s. In 1921 the pavilion was built and the park was improved with water and other amenities. A 1921 Hart Journal called it “one of the most beautiful and spacious parks that any town in Western Michigan can boast.”