From family-friendly campgrounds to private RV resorts, there are plenty of amazing camping spots in Michigan where you can enjoy the abundant and diverse nature that the state has to offer.
In this article, we’ll share our pick of the top campsites in Michigan state and provide tips on how to get the most out of your experience. Whether you’re hoping for a cozy tent experience, luxurious cabin rental or motorhome getaway, join us as we explore some of the best Michigan campgrounds.
Our list includes campsites like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains State Park, Huron-Manistee National Forest and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
The 10 Best Campgrounds in Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes photo by Parker McCullough
1 – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes is located in a setting complete with towering sand hills, wild Lake Michigan beaches, and lush coastal forests. The park’s main campgrounds are D. H. Day Campground and the popular Platte River Camp, both of which are walking distance to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors can explore biking, hiking and backcountry skiing hiking trails that travel through dunes, marshlands and forests filled with wildlife.
- Address: Northeast shore of Lake Michigan, 160 miles north of Grand Rapids. Click here for park maps.
- Visitor Center: 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
- Platte River Campground: 5685 Lake Michigan Road, Honor, MI 49640
- D. H. Day Campground: 8010 West Harbor Hwy. (M-109), Glen Arbor, MI 49636
- Amenities: Internet and cell phone reception, flush and vault toilets, showers, trash and recycling collection, amphitheater, potable water.
- Fees: $20 per night for a regular site, $50 for a group campsite.
- Type of Camping: 400 tent and RV sites.
- Reservation Number: (877) 444-6777, advance reservations required from May 1 through October 15 and can be made up to 6 months in advance.
- Hiking Trails:
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – 27 mile paved trail for walking, hiking and biking that connects the campsites and main attraction areas around the town of Glen Arbor.
- Old Indian Trail – 2 loops, 2.5 miles (easy)
- Platte Plains – 14.7 miles (easy to moderate)
- Kettles Trail – 3 miles (moderate to easy)
- Empire Bluff – 2 miles round-trip (moderate with lots of hills)
- Windy Moraine – 1.5 mile loop (easy)
- Shauger Hill – 2.4 miles (moderate, designated X-country ski trail)
- Cottonwood – 1.4 miles (easy, with lots of rolling dunes)
- Dunes – 3.5 miles (challenging, across steep dunes)
Pictured Rocks, Michigan photo by Sarah Shull
2 – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sits on sandstone cliffs that rise above the crystal blue waters of Lake Superior, providing pristine views of the shoreline. Campers have several options to choose from when deciding where to stay within the area—the Hurricane River Campground, Twelvemile Beach Campground, Little Beaver Campground—all can accommodate tent camping or RVs. There’s a variety of activities available, including swimming in Lake Superior coves, hiking, skiing or embarking on one of many challenging hikes.
- Address: 1505 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862
- Fees: $10 to $20 per night, park pass required for everybody over 16 years.
- Type of Camping: 99 tent and RV sites across three campgrounds: Little Beaver Lake, Twelvemile Beach, and Hurricane River.
- Reservation Number: (877) 444-6777, advance reservations required.
- Beaches (camping is allowed at some of these locations)
- Hiking Trails:
- Little Beaver Nature Trail – 1 mile (easy)
- Miners Falls Trail – 1.2 miles (easy)
- Miners Castle to Miners Beach – 2 miles (easy to moderate, with a portion of the hike along the coast)
- Sable Creek Trail – 2 miles (easy)
- Mosquito Beach – about 4.5 miles (challeging, traveling on muddy and rough trails)
- Chapel Loop – 10.5 roundtrip loop (moderate, traveling along Pictured Rocks cliffside)
Porcupine Mountains, Michigan photo by Yi Liu
3 – Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains is Michigan’s largest state park, located in western Upper Peninsula. Often referred to as “the Porkies”, this park covers over 60,000 acres of old-growth forest and waterfalls. The area features a unique blend of the natural attractions, including the relaxing shores of Lake Superior, wildlife, and rich flora and fauna. Activities include hiking trails in summer or exploring nature by skiing down its slopes during winter season.
- Address: 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087
- Amenities: Bathrooms, fire rings, trash disposal
- Fees: $15 to $33 per night.
- Type of Camping: 300 tent, RV, and backcountry campsites across three campgrounds: Union Bay, Presque Isle, and Backcountry.
- Reservation Number: (800) 447-2757, reservations required.
- Hiking Trails:
- Escarpment Trail – 8.4 miles (Difficult)
- Lake of the Clouds – 1.5 miles (Easy)
- Summit Peak Observation Tower Trail – 1.2 miles (Easy)
- Government Peak Trail – 3.6 miles (Moderate)
- Big Carp River Trail – 10.6 miles (Difficult)
- Little Carp River Trail – 9.3 miles (Moderate)
- Lake Superior Trail – 17 miles (Difficult)
- Mirror Lake Trail – 2.4 miles (Easy)
- Nonesuch Trail – 3.5 miles (Moderate)
- North Country Trail – 3 days (Difficult)
4 – Huron-Manistee National Forest
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Huron-Manistee National Forest is an nature lover’s dream, offering thousands of campsites and 330 miles of trails. Sites include Au Sable River, Corsair Area, Hoist/Reid Lake, Manistee River and M-37: White Cloud to Baldwin – just to name a few. Campers will find a lot to enjoy in this lush landscape which boasts a variety of wildlife habitats, including rare songbirds.
- Address: Located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Click here for a map.
- Amenities: potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Activities: hiking, fishing, wildlife watching.
- Fees: $10 to $20 per night.
- Type of Camping: Tent sites, RV sites, and backcountry sites.
- Reservation Number: (877) 444-6777 – required at some, but not all sites.
- Hiking Trails:
- The Manistee River Loop Trail: 19.7 miles (difficult)
- Atodd Lake via North Country Trail: 5.5 miles (moderate)
- Corsair Trail: 28.3 miles
- Bowman Lake Trail: 10 miles
- Crystal Valley Trail: 12 miles
- Eagle Run Trail: 6.8 miles
5 – Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most popular areas in Michigan for Upper Peninsula camping. Spanning nearly 50,000 acres and stretching 13-plus miles, the park offers multiple campgrounds, as well as a boat launch, more than 35 miles of trails, and multiple overlooks of the majestic Upper & Lower Tahquamenon Falls – its main attraction. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is ideal for fishing, hunting, kayaking, and hiking.
- Address: 41382 W. M-123, Paradise, MI 49768. Click here for a map.
- Activities: Boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking.
- Amenities: potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Fees: $20 to $33 per night.
- Type of Camping: 300 tent, RV and backcountry campsites across Rivermouth Pines, Lower Falls, and a group camping area.
- Reservations required with recreation passport.
- Hiking Trails:
- Great Pines Loop – 1.3 miles
- Emerson Trail – 1.4 miles
- Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls
- River Trail – 4 miles
- Clark Lake Loop – 5.2 miles
- Wilderness Loop – 7.4 miles
6 – Traverse City State Park
Located in Michigan, Traverse City State Park is a beautiful 47-acre park with 0.25 miles of beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The campground boasts stunning lakefront views and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. In addition to providing direct access to the Shore Line Trails and Boardman River system, This state park offers wooded tent camping sites as well as full hook up RV sites making it an ideal destination for all types of campers. Plus, its close proximity to downtown makes it easy for visitors to explore local attractions such as historic lighthouses and art galleries.
- Address: 1132 US-31 N, Traverse City, MI 49686
- Activities: birding, hiking, fishing, swimming.
- Amenities: boat rental, heated restrooms, potable water, food concession stand.
- Fees: $27 to $37 /per night.
- Type of Camping: 343 campsites, including cabin rentals, yurts, safari-style tents, traditional tent sites, RV and backcountry camping.
- Reservation Number: (800) 447-2757, advance reservations required.
- Hiking Trails:
- Hickory Hills Trail – 3.5 miles (Moderate)
- Boardman River Trail – 3.5 miles (Easy)
- Brown Bridge Quiet Area Trail – 3.5 miles (Easy)
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – 22 miles (Easy)
- Leelanau Trail – 17 miles (Easy)
Mackinac Island, Michigan photo by Aaron Burden
7 – Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA
This popular campground in Northern Michigan is located just 2 miles from a sandy beach, and visitors can take free shuttles to island ferries and make use of RV rental and motorhome options onsite. The KOA location is a modern campground with resort-style activities like mini-golf, horseshoe pits, a pool complex with waterslide, volleyball courts and more.
- Address: 2400 US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
- Activities: hiking, biking, swimming, mini-golf, Tahquamenon Falls, Soo Locks, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
- Amenities: full RV hookups, cable TV, Wi-Fi, a heated pool, a playground, a game room, a camp store.
- Fees: $30 to $95 per night.
- Type of Camping: 200 camp sites, including cabins, tent sites, and RV lots
- Reservation Number: (800) 562-1738
8 – Hiawatha National Forest
Located in Michigan, Hiawatha National Forest is graced with a breathtaking backdrop of the three Great Lakes of Michigan, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, forests and lakes. Although developed campsites are available, this campground feels like a backcountry, wilderness camping experience, very detached from most modern conveniences.
- Address: Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
- Activities: birdwatching, hjiking, fishing, North Country National Scenic Trail.
- Amenities: potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Fees: $10 to $20 per night.
- Type of Camping: Backcountry, Tent, and RV camping among a mix of developed, dispersed, and group campgrounds.
- Reservation Number: (877) 444-6777
- Hiking Trails:
- Chapel Rock and Beach Trail – 10.4 miles (moderate)
- North Country Trail: Munising to Grand Marais – 42.2 miles (moderate)
- Valley Spur Trail – 27 miles (moderate to challenging)
- Au Train Lake to Lake Superior Trail – 10.5 miles (moderate)
9 – Wilderness State Park
Located about 11 miles west of Mackinaw City in Michigan, and spanning over 26 miles of shoreline on the beautiful Lake Michigan, Wilderness State Park is a natural mecca and beautiful campground. The park offers over 250 modern campsites divided into two areas– Lakeshore and Pines – so you can choose between beach camping or roughing it amongst the trees. Each area has its unique charm and natural beauty to offer.
Additionally, there’s an extensive 20-mile trail system running through the park that winds around pristine lakes and breathtaking overlooks. If you’re looking for a rejuvenating backpacking trip, or a secluded and peaceful place, then look no further than Wilderness State Park; it’s renowned for providing a calming atmosphere and is perfect for escaping from day-to-day stresses!
- Address: 903 Wilderness Park Drive, Carp Lake, MI 49718
- Activities: wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, fishing.
- Amenities: potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Fees: $20 to $33 per night.
- Type of Camping: 250 campsites, including 10 rustic cabins, 2 mini-cabins, backcountry and modern tent sites, and RV hookups.
- Reservation Number: (800) 447-2757
- Hiking Trails:
- North Country National Scenic Trail – (easy to moderate)
10 – Fisherman’s Island State Park
Located on the majestic shores of Lake Michigan in western Michigan, Fisherman’s Island State Park is home to rolling dunes covered with maple, birch and aspen trees. The 2,678-acre park features 80 sites for backcountry camping within three rustic campgrounds that provide a serene setting for camping.
Activities such as hiking, fishing and hunting can be enjoyed throughout the year at Fisherman’s Island State Park. With its six miles of beautiful shoreline decorated by sand bars and lighthouses this state park also offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Address: 16480 Bell’s Bay Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720
- Activities: 2.5-mile beach access, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, fishing.
- Amenities: potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Fees: $20 to $33 per night.
- Type of Camping: 80 camp sites, including backcountry, RV hookups and tent campsites among modern, rustic, and group camping areas.
- Hiking Trails:
- Fisherman’s Island Trail – 5.5-mile (moderate)
Full Hookup RV Campgrounds in Michigan
With a wide variety of RV resorts and campgrounds, there is something for everyone in Michigan.
Traverse Bay RV Resort
- Address: 5555 M-72 East, Williamsburg, MI 49690
- Fees: $45 to $95 per night.
- Type of Camping: Pull-through and back-in RV sites, Fifth Wheel, Class A & C multi-use RV.
- Amenities: Electric 50 AMP, 30/20/15 AMP, oversized lots with patios, resort-style pool, hot tub, playground, basketball court, restrooms, showers.
Traverse Bay is an adult-focused campground in Michigan, offering premium amenities and luxurious RV sites. The resort boasts immaculate parking and well-maintained sites that are suitable for Class A RVs, Super C RVs, and Fifth Wheelers.
In addition to the exceptional convenience of these features, Traverse Bay also offers pickleball facilities and a pool with recreational activities such as swimming or lounging in the sun.
Located along beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, visitors can enjoy incredible views of sparkling blue waters from their RV campsite. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience while camping out on your own, or if you prefer to take part in fun activities like pickleball, Traverse Bay is sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
- Address: 9730 US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
- Fees: $33 to $70 per night.
- Type of Camping: Lakefront cabin rentals, RV hookup sites, and tent camping.
- Amenities: Camp store, full-size basketball court, heated pool, dog play area, restrooms, Wi-Fi.
Situated on over 200 acres of woods and a mile-long shoreline, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping in Mackinaw City, Michigan is the ultimate camping destination for outdoor adventure. Offering more than 200 full hookup sites with electricity, water, and sewer for RVers looking to stay connected while they’re away from home.
The campground also features 600 campsites in total with plenty of wooded options for those looking to escape into nature. Ideal for group trips and special occasions, there are even cabin and cottage rentals available at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping with beautiful lakefront views that make it feel like you’re really getting away from it all no matter how long your trip may be.
Petoskey RV Resort
- Address: 5505 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
- Fees: $50 to $90 per night.
- Type of Camping: RV sites, including pull-through, back-in, and premium RV sites.
- Amenities: Electric 50 AMP, 30/20/15 AMP, billiards, cable TV, Wi-Fi, bathrooms and showers, fitness center, laundry, swimming pool, tennis court.
Petoskey RV Resort, now Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor, is a luxury campground located in Northern Michigan with stunning views of Lake Michigan and easy access to local attractions.
This resort offers spacious RV sites with full hookup services for motorhome owners as well as fully furnished vacation homes for guests seeking extended stays. Guests can enjoy upscale amenities such luscious landscaping, unlimited internet connection, cable television service and pet-friendly facilities.
The resort also provides excellent outdoor activities such us swimming pools, beaches, bike trails and playgrounds which are perfect to entertain the whole family. With its lakefront location and prime nearby amenities including shops, restaurants, breweries and wineries; this destination offers visitors an unforgettable experience in Northern Michigan.
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
- Address: 4050 Hammond Road East, Traverse City, MI 49686
- Fees: $50 to $85 per night.
- Type of Camping: Rental cabins and cottages, pull-through RV sites, back-in, and premium RV sites.
- Amenities: Camp store, game room, heated pool, horseshoe pits, dog areas, laundry, playground, tennis and volleyball courts.
Located near Traverse City, Michigan, Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort is a full hookup RV campground that come with dedicated 20/30/50-amp power outlets and fresh water connections.
Guests can also rent out cabins and yurts if they’re looking to mix things up a bit. And when you’re not busy camping or exploring the great outdoors, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
Try some local golfing courses found in the area, grab a bite at one of many restaurant spots nearby or browse through some shops near shopping centers like Grandview Village Shopping Center located close by – all within easy access from your campsite. Plus, don’t forget about Mackinac Island (just feel free to take the ferry over) or casinos across Traverse Bay – offering something special around every corner!
Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park
- Address: 5514 E Airport Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
- Fees: There are fees for camping at Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park, and they vary depending on the type of site and time of year. The fees range from $35 to $70 per night.
- Type of Camping: 67 RV lots, back-in, pull-through and premium hookup sites.
- Amenities: Horseshoe pits, laundry, playground, tennis and volleyball courts, private bathhouse, pool, sauna, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats available for rent.
Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park offers RV lots with full hookups for water, sewer and electricity, as well as concrete pads for RVs, fire pits for campfires and picnic tables for outdoor dining.
Conveniently located on 42 acres of lakefront property, this resort offers recreation like boating, fishing and swimming on the lake! There are also facilities like a general store selling essentials items, laundry rooms and free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected while away from home.
Tips for Camping in Michigan
From figuring out the best time of year for camping, to making reservations and getting familiar with activities, make sure you are prepared before you start your Michigan adventure!
Best time for Northern Michigan Camping
Northern Michigan is a great destination for outdoor adventurers. From fishing and kayaking in the turquoise lakes to hiking through lush evergreen forests, campers can experience an unforgettable adventure here.
The best month to camp in this area is during the summer and early fall months, when days are longer and temperatures are more comfortable – usually between May and September.
Late May, June, late August, and September offer the most favorable conditions for RV camping with mild daytime temperatures ranging from 75–85°F (23–29°C). Campers should also consider seasonal activities such as picking apples or berries in the fall, or snowshoeing on fresh powdery snow trails in the winter.
Making reservations
When planning a camping trip in Michigan, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance. This is especially important during peak camping season when popular campgrounds can fill up quickly.
Reservation systems vary from park to park – state parks, private campground, and even some national forests offer online reservations or may require calling ahead. Many of these campsites have minimum stay requirements such as two nights minimum so it’s important to double check the terms prior to reserving your spot.
Cancellation policies also vary so it’s advisable to understand them beforehand in order not miss out on a potential refund should you need one. By booking your campsite in advance and utilizing any convenient methods offered by the parks themselves you will be well prepared for a hassle-free camping trip and ready for the ultimate outdoor getaway!
Seasonal camping considerations
When deciding what month to camp in Michigan, make sure to keep in mind seasonal conditions and the types of activities that you’re planning. Summer months tend to be ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, biking, hiking or just lounging about at the beach.
However, summer temperatures can be hot — especially during mid-July when average highs reach over 80°F. Spring and fall offer milder weather with cooler days (spring) and warmer nights (fall).
In wintertime, Michigan drops down to some very cold temperatures, but also provides stunning scenery for snowshoeing or winter camping trips like Dog Sledding adventures north of Marquette through Sugarloaf Mountain trails.
Backcountry and wilderness camping
Michigan offers some of the most unique camping in the Midwest, especially for those interested in backcountry and wilderness camping. From exploring the majestic waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park to remote areas found within Huron-Manistee National Forest, there are numerous areas available that offer rustic and secluded campgrounds perfect for a primitive experience.
Visitors can also take advantage of plentiful hiking trails throughout these natural spaces while taking in all its pristine beauty. If you’d like assistance planning your backcountry or wilderness trip in Michigan, guides are available to help make sure your adventure goes as smoothly as possible with tips from experts on what to pack, how to get there, regulations or restrictions that may be applicable in certain parks or area etc., providing plenty of resources to plan an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Conclusion
Michigan offers excellent camping and an abundance of outdoor activities and scenic camping sites for visitors to explore. From Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, to Huron-Manistee National Forest, and Wilderness State Park for tent camping. And Traverse Bay RV Resort, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping and Timber Ridge Resort for RV camping, there are plenty of amazing places to explore.
In conclusion, it’s easy for both experienced campers statewide or anyone looking for a weekend getaway outdoors to find an unforgettable camping options in Michigan, also known as The Great Lake State.
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