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Camping near Fife Lake, MI

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping areas around Fife Lake, Michigan encompass a variety of public lands and established facilities within the northern Lower Peninsula. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides rustic sites along the Manistee River, while Spring Lake State Forest Campground offers primitive camping with lake views. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with varying hookup levels, and cabin accommodations at places like Manton Trails RV Park. Sand Lakes Quiet Area features backcountry tent sites for those seeking more solitude, with most campgrounds positioned along waterways or within forested settings.

    Many State Forest campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with rustic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump water. The camping season typically runs from May through October, though some sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions. The North Country Trail passes through several campgrounds, making them ideal for backpackers following this long-distance route. The Fife Lake Loop, a popular hiking trail, connects with Spring Lake State Forest Campground and offers multiday hiking opportunities. "Spring Lake State Forest Campground is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day."

    Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly along the Manistee River which provides opportunities for paddling and fishing. Sites at Old US-131 State Forest Campground are described as spacious and wooded, offering good separation between campers. Several visitors note the quiet atmosphere at most campgrounds, particularly during weekdays and in spring or fall. A visitor described Old US-131 as "a fantastic little campground, right on the Manistee River" with sites that are "spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall." Traffic noise affects some campgrounds located near highways, with Spring Lake campground occasionally receiving road noise from nearby M-66. Cell service varies throughout the region, with spotty coverage in more remote forest campgrounds but generally sufficient connectivity at developed campground options closer to towns.

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    Best Campgrounds near Fife Lake (253)

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      1. Traverse City State Park Campground

      4.0(51)15mi from Fife Lake347 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

      "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

      from $45 - $100 / night

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      2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

      4.5(22)12mi from Fife LakeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

      "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

      from $60 - $260 / night

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      3. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

      4.5(35)20mi from Fife Lake224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

      "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

      from $20 - $120 / night

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      4. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

      4.6(10)10mi from Fife LakeTents

      "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."

      "great spots near lakeside hiking nearby

      quiet, hardly saw anyone"

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      5. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

      4.5(6)7mi from Fife LakeRVs, Tents

      "The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."

      "it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great"

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      6. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

      5.0(5)8mi from Fife Lake5 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs. I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"

      "This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."

      from $25 - $55 / night

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      7. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

      4.8(5)8mi from Fife Lake30 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."

      "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."

      from $20 / night

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      8. Whitewater Township Park Campground

      4.3(13)17mi from Fife LakeRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."

      "The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."

      from $45 - $60 / night

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      9. Spring Lake State Forest Campground

      4.3(3)1mi from Fife LakeRVs, Tents

      "Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."

      "However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."

      from $20 / night

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      10. Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

      4.6(5)10mi from Fife LakeRVs, Tents

      "Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right?"

      "You have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!"

      from $15 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Fife Lake, MI

    408 Photos of 253 Fife Lake Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Fife Lake, MI

    1016 Reviews of 253 Fife Lake Campgrounds

    • Robert M.
      Aug. 1, 2026

      Whitewater Township Park Campground

      White Water Township Park, West Michigan

      The park has 53 campsites I was satisfied with site size and separation from other sites. Camped on a Ridge View site. Site had picnic table and firepit.

      I normally don't use electric hook-up, but all sites had them. There are scenic paths down to Elk Lake. The bathhouse has showers and restrooms. All were clean and showers had ample hot water. Some people have complained about only one bathhouse. Normally camping in rustic or dispersed areas I had no problem with that. I thought $45. was expensive for a township park but I guess it was in line with other parks' sites having electric hook-ups. As I said I normally do rustic or in dispersed camping. There are no water hook ups but there is a water fill station next to bathhouse. and 2 others near office. The campground has a dump station. It also has a boat launch with a large parking area in the lower park area. The campground was well kept.

       The Township Park is only 10 miles, or 15 minutes west of Elk River where the Paddle Antrim group have a recently completed a beautiful Kayak/Paddle board launch site which is part of the "Chain of Lakes Waterway," at Rotary Park. It has wonderful water access with a handicap or "Easi-launch". There are also restrooms and a boat-wash and a posted map.

      I was there for a celebration of that completion. 

      The only other campground close is expensive, (I believe the cheapest site was $75 per night), and packed tightly.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 30, 2026

      Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

      Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite

      The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?

    • C
      Jul. 25, 2026

      Countryside Campground & Cabins

      Relaxing with adventures thrown in

      If you're looking for a family oriented campground,  look no further.   From the park to play in for the kids and the heated pool, to the large fields and trails,  you'll find entertainment to fill your days.   Visit the wishing tree or porcupine tree.   Swing on your trail adventure.   The owners are delightful.

    • Austin R.
      Jul. 24, 2026

      Honcho Rest Campground

      My Family of Seven loved it

      I have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.

      It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.

    • Richard Z.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 22, 2026

      Nature

      I believe this campground is closed, unfortunately.

      We looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use.  Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.

    • Ashleigh K.
      Jul. 18, 2026

      Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground

      Good fishing

      Tons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.

    • Shayla C.
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Platte River State Forest

      Beautiful campground

      Our site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!

    • Gerard E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 12, 2026

      Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

      July 2026

      July 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.

      Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.

    • Ronnie G.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 11, 2026

      Silver Creek State Forest Campground

      Rustic, River, and Racoons!!! 🦝

      I camped here on my motorcycle in a tent. NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!It is quiet after dark, river sites all over, walkin sites at the entrance. Its $20 a night. Its a nice scenery the bugs are a little rough but there is fire wood close by for $5 a bundle. All in all a good experience except... The damn racoons!! It was like the movie the great outdoors and they come in packs!!! I had to hide everything and they stole my ketchup 😂

    Guide to Fife Lake

    Camping spots near Fife Lake, Michigan provide varied terrain for outdoor recreation in the Pere Marquette State Forest. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet with sandy soil supporting abundant pine and oak forests. Northern Michigan's climate brings warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and cool evenings, making the May-October camping season ideal for both tent and RV campers.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers multiple secluded fishing spots with exceptional catch rates. "Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody... Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count," reports Dan K.

    Trail hiking: Spring Lake State Forest Campground connects directly to the Fife Lake Loop trail system. "It's perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day," notes Mark M.

    Paddling: Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides direct Manistee River access. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one. Awesome spot!" shares Tee Jay M.

    What campers like

    Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the roomy sites at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," notes Michelle S.

    Natural settings: Many appreciate the secluded locations of rustic campgrounds. "We just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it. We pitched our tent, stoked the fire, and didn't see another soul during our entire time there," reports Alyssa A. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area.

    Clean facilities: Whitewater Township Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "They do a great job maintaining and improving site each year. Their bathrooms are very clean daily," reports Zebadee.

    What you should know

    Seasonal variations: Late spring and fall offer the most solitude. "We love going around September so quiet a few people there loads of trails to walk on and people are very respectful I keep going every year," notes Larry K. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.

    Water conditions: Some lakes in the region may have swimmers' itch during summer months. "The sites are not real big, and all dirt. Not quiet time enforced. And swimmers itch in the lake," reports Sherrie P. about Green Lake at Interlochen State Park.

    Road noise: Spring Lake State Forest Campground sits close to a main road. "Pretty good campground other than it's right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish," notes Matt T.

    Tips for camping with families

    Activity-focused campgrounds: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers numerous family activities. "This campground is great for what it is, a resort type campground with tons of activities and opportunities for fun. It is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods," explains Jay J.

    Youth-friendly amenities: Recreational facilities keep children entertained. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," shares Cassondra P.

    Music experiences: Campers can enjoy live entertainment at Manton Trails RV Park. "Over the weekend they had a concert! Live band and food truck...free to all campers and their friends! It was a great time and the owners and manager are very friendly," reports Sarah S.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Whitewater Township Park offers varied campsite options. "Get site 7, 8, or 9 for an unobstructed view of the lake. Firewood was $6 a bundle, $5 to use the boat launch, and $15 per night for an extra tent," advises Sarah L.

    Urban proximity: Traverse City State Park Campground provides convenient access to urban amenities. "Great place to camp in traverse! I prefer state parks to private campgrounds, and I don't mind the crowds, but it is a very busy place to camp in the summer," shares Emma W., who adds "There are lots of places to go see in the traverse area like sleeping bear sand dunes, mission point, and of course getting some cherries!"

    Access to trails: Many sites offer direct connections to recreation. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," shares Jen L. about Manton Trails RV Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What amenities are available at Fife Lake camping areas?

    Camping areas around Fife Lake offer a variety of amenities. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides spacious, wooded campsites with Manistee River access for kayaking and fishing. The North Country Trail and Fife Lake Loop trailhead are located right in the campground. At Thurston Park Campground, you'll find lakefront sites with fishing and paddling access, plus a playground adjacent to the campground. Most sites in the area are rustic but well-maintained, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary by specific location.

    Where is Fife Lake campground located in Michigan?

    Fife Lake is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Two popular camping options in the Fife Lake area include Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Spring Lake State Forest Campground. These campgrounds are situated near the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop trail system. The area provides access to the Manistee River, making it a convenient base for hiking, fishing, and kayaking activities.

    Are reservations required for camping at Fife Lake?

    Reservations are not required at many campgrounds around Fife Lake. Spring Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This makes it particularly convenient for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop, as they can stop for the night without prior planning. For more options with reservation systems, Traverse City State Park Campground is available within driving distance. It's advisable to arrive early during peak summer months and weekends to secure a spot at the first-come, first-served campgrounds.

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