Michigan boasts over 1,000 campgrounds, from rustic places you need to backpack in and modern ones with electrical hookups and play areas for the kids. But where are the best spots in Michigan to camp?
The best campgrounds in Michigan showcase the state’s natural beauty. There are brilliant remote sites such as Isle Royale National Park and the Manitou Islands. For those that appreciate some modern touches, there is Lakeport State Park and Sleepy Hollow State Park.
We know that while everyone appreciates gorgeous scenery, not everyone has the same ideals when it comes to camping. Some people want a working toilet and a hot shower, while others want to be as remote as possible. That’s why our 10 best places to camp in Michigan include a variety of roughing it styles, so everyone has their perfect spot.
Most Michigan campgrounds are open year-round. However, August is the most popular month. Remember to pack for the weather for both your season and area.
Michigan requires a Recreation Passport to access their state parks. Dispersed camping is also legal and free, but you will need to follow State Rules and be in possession of a camp registration card.
10 Best Campgrounds In Michigan
Michigan campgrounds are known for their plentiful beaches and multitude of forests, and many campgrounds provide both. So regardless of whether you want to swim or go birdwatching amongst the trees, we’ve got the right spot for you.
Beechwood Campsite
Ludington State Park, with 5,300 acres, has three campgrounds, but the Beechwood Campsite is popular due to having access to both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Depending on which campsite you stay at, there is motorcoach parking, electric hookup, disability access, modern restrooms, and a playground. It is pet-friendly, too.
The area has everything campers desire when it comes to landscape and nature. There are over 21 miles of hiking trails through their sand dunes, marshlands, hardwood forests, and beaches. There is also a special 4-mile canoe trail that moves from the shore of Hamlin Lake then weaves through the marshes.
There are 10 miles of cross-country ski trails for folks to enjoy in winter. Also, those who love to fish are not limited by season. Ludington is open for ice fishing, too.
Attractions:
- Beach
- Playground
- Fishing
- Mini Cabin
- Modern Restrooms
- Pet-Friendly
- Canoeing
- Hiking Trails
- Open Year-Round
Craig Lake State Park
Craig Lake State Park has two cabins, a yurt, and allows camping amongst its 8,400 acres of forest and six lakes. It is the most remote of the state parks tucked up in the Upper Peninsula. Visitors are further reduced due to there being no vehicle access for any type of accommodations. All supplies must be brought in by foot from the parking lot.
The advantage of this no-vehicles beyond the main camp parking is that it is a perfect place for those that love the wild outdoors. The nearly 7,000 acres is known as moose country. But there are also deer, loons, bald eagles, owls, mink, black bears, and more.
So yes, it is 1,000 feet to the water’s edge from where you have to ditch your rig. Which is heavy going if you’ve got a pack and kayak or canoe. But the rewards for your efforts are enormous.
Attractions:
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Paddle Sports
- Snowmobiling
- Boat Launch
- Cabins and Lodges
- Rustic Sites
Huron-Manistee National Forest
Huron-Manistee National Forest is a bounty of nature across its one-million-acres. Its diversity attracts botanists and biologists. The park has four major rivers passing through: Pere Marquette, Manistee, Au Sable, and Pine. In addition, there are coastal marshlands, dunes, fens, and a wide variety of trees, including the Jack Pine.
The park is massive, covering over 9760,000 acres. The timber industry once used its Au Sable River to float logs to mills at Oscoda and East Oscoda. To this day, it provides electricity for folks. But it also offers excellent trout, along with being a popular place for canoeists and kayakers.
A nice selection of camping is offered in the forest that falls into six categories: campground, dispersed, OHV, RV, group, and horse. Read all the rules, regulations, amenities, and zones in this wilderness treasure for your preferred style.
However, day passes are also available. Day visitors are granted access to most trailheads and boat launches for around five bucks.
Attractions:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- ATV Trail Riding
- Cabins
- Hunting
- Horse-Back Riding
- Beaches and Dunes
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is in Lake Superior and can only be reached by seaplane, ferry, or your own waterpower. The only wheels allowed are bikes and wheelchairs. It is the furthest north on our list, near Minnesota and the Canadian border, and the lower 48’s least-visited national park. Thus, if getting away from it all is your dream, then this is the place for you.
The park is open from April 16th – October 31st. However, the ferry and seaplane services have a shorter schedule, about mid-May to the end of September. There are thirty-six campgrounds, a lodge, and camper cabins for those who don’t wish to sleep on the ground. Backpackers can pick up an overnight permit on arrival.
The islands are home to some fairly spectacular wildlife. The largest is the moose. Their population is kept from getting completely out of control thanks to the presence of the gray wolf. However, they are shy and avoid people. On the smaller side of the animal scale are the beaver, otter, and the red fox.
There is a $7 fee per person per day for the park. The backpacker permit is free. A season pass is $60. Special events and group camping (7 or more people) will cost extra. The lodge and cabins must be booked and paid separately and in advance.
Attractions:
- Hiking
- Group Camping
- Fishing
- Scuba Diving
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Cabins
- Boat Tours
- Swimming
Lakeport State Park
Lakeport State Park is on pretty Lake Huron and has 250 campsites. The 565-acre park is a popular place to camp for people who enjoy modern amenities such as electricity, proper toilets and showers, pull-through sites, picnic tables, and a fire circle. In addition, there is a park store that will sell you various items, including campfire wood.
Lakeport is a great place for kids that need some socializing, as there is play equipment and areas to shoot hoops, play volleyball, play horseshoes, and canoe and swim. It is also a disabled-friendly spot. However, the pedestrian footbridge has a ramp that isn’t pretty hectic.
Pets are welcome. Please note, they are not allowed at designated swimming areas. However, they are allowed on most of the beach. Keep in mind that dog visitors must be leashed, and the maximum length is six feet.
Please note, even day visitors must have a recreation passport. However, this will provide them access to 2,250 feet of Lake Huron’s beach, including those who boat in. Do be aware that day-trippers coming by vehicle will have to access the water and beaches by using a footbridge. Thus, all supplies will have to be carried across and it.
Attractions:
- Shopping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Boating
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Sports
Manitou Islands
Manitou Islands of the Sleeping Bear Dunes is a highly protected area where even bringing your own firewood is illegal due to the risk of bringing in foreign insects (you can collect on the islands). However, the tree-covered sands and rocks are gorgeous, and it is a perfect place to escape.
The North Manitou Island is the most secluded, recommended for campers that love self-reliance and solitude. The eight campsites are of rustic beauty accompanied by the sound of lapping water. However, you may camp elsewhere on the island. Please read all camping info before arriving at this unique and special area.
The South Manitou Island is slightly less rustic, although that is only comparatively speaking. There are two campgrounds, one more remote than the other. But there is also a museum, ghost town, and lighthouse to explore. You can also join a wagon tour.
Some campers find it easiest to reach their preferred camping spot by using an inflatable canoe or paddleboards rather than haul their stuff on foot. Whatever you bring, also make sure it is permitted by the ferry.
Wildlife on the islands includes white-tailed deer, woodland deer mice, turtles, frogs, and an abundance of birds. Sharp-eyed folks are known to spot a beaver or otter taking a swim. Bald eagles have been known to come by when on the hunt. Snowshoe hares occasionally pop up in the South Manitou, but not in the North.
Attractions:
- Island Hiking
- Island Camping
- Museum
- Nature
- Swimming
- Lighthouse
- Ghost Town
Ossineke State Forest Campground
Ossineke State Forest Campground is a deliciously overlooked first-come-first-serve site on Lake Huron in the Lower Peninsula. Tucked within Thunder Bay River State Forest, it is secluded but pretty close to Alpena if you need something. Beaches are known to be clean. It is a good place for fishing, paddling, and snorkeling.
Do be aware that the raccoons are incredibly clever and will happily help themselves to unattended food. Lids to cooler boxes must be secured, not just shut.
While rustic with no electrical hookup, the campground does provide picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and potable water for only fifteen dollars per night. The 42 sites can fit a tent or a small trailer, have parking for two vehicles, and are spaced out, so nobody feels on top of one another. Also, all spots are located on or very close to the water. It’s a quiet place to chill.
Attractions:
- Fishing
- Hunting
- ATV Trails
- Snowmobiling
- Beach
- Swimming
- Rustic Sites
- Paddle Sports
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 60,000-acres of woods, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Thanks to the “Porkies” location, it doesn’t tend to get too busy. There is a large array of camping options, including backcountry, modern, yurt, and cabin. Thus, you decide on your camping style while enjoying this gorgeous place.
However, do try to look past the park’s big three. Yes, it is fantastic to reach Summit Peak Observation, take in the view from the Lake of the Clouds overlook, and see the Presque Isle River’s famed triplet waterfalls. But the Porkies have so much more.
For instance, the park has so many waterfalls, some of which have not even been properly marked or named. Yes, the top 14 are on the map. But that leaves 79 for the true adventurer to find and admire. Another overlooked gem is the Upper Peninsula’s second-largest terrestrial spring, Union Spring. No matter the year, it will be 32 degrees.
Attractions:
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Motorcycle Tours
- Paddle Sports
- Mountain Biking
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Sleepy Hollow State Park has two campgrounds that offer 181 modern campsites, complete with motorcoach parking. However, day visitors are also welcome. The warmest months to visit are, in order of heat, July, August, then June. Yet, it is incredibly popular as a winter spot.
People flock to this area for the spectacular birdwatching. The East Central Michigan Park hosts over 228 bird species, including waterfowl, Eastern Bluebird, the Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-headed woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, and the Blue Jay. Winter visitors keep their eyes peeled for a sight of the Northern Shrike.
Lake Ovid sits in the center of the park, with a river that snakes along with the forests and fields. Common non-birding activities include hiking the 15 miles of trails, biking, dog sledding, and riding across the 10-miles of horse trails. Summer rentals are available for boats, including canoes, pontoons, rowboats, and paddleboats.
Attractions:
- Pet-Friendly
- Boat Rental
- Snowmobiling
- Horse-Back Riding
- Disc Golf
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Paddle Sports
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is as gorgeous as the name suggests. It offers plenty of campsites in its four campgrounds, along with cabins, cottages, yurts, and safari-style glamping tents. Two modern campgrounds are located at Lower Falls, and one modern and one rustic are positioned at the river mouth.
Much of the 52,000 acres of the park is undeveloped, providing an authentic nature experience. However, there is a restaurant and gift shop near Upper Falls, which is the largest fall in the park has a 50-foot drop, creating a spectacular sight. Lower Falls is comprised of five smaller falls that are gorgeous, although less dramatic.
The park is a popular destination throughout the year. In winter, there is even a special lantern-lit snowshoe path for visitors to enjoy. If you are lucky, you could snag a spot on their special guided snowshoe tours, which pop up from time to time. The park is also a popular place to enjoy some great cross-country skiing.
In summer, it is a hot spot for fishing. The brown-tinted water is not from pollution but from natural tannins in the area, similar to what colors tea. Thus, there is no negative impact on the trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass in the area. For those that enjoy paddling but don’t own their own boat, the park does rent them in summer.
Attractions:
- Boat Rental
- Cross Country Skiing
- Hunting
- Paddle Sports
- Winter Camping
- Fishing
- Rustic Sites
- Snowmobiling
Best of luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: How Much Does It Cost To Build An RV Park?
