Best Campgrounds near Harrietta, MI

The Manistee National Forest region surrounding Harrietta, Michigan provides numerous camping options ranging from established campgrounds with full amenities to primitive dispersed sites. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park offers waterfront campsites along with cabin and glamping accommodations, while the more rustic Seaton Creek Campground provides tent and RV sites near water features. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering waterfront views along rivers and lakes.

Campground accessibility varies seasonally throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through October or November. "This campground is perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. If you are looking for rugged, wilderness/secluded camping it's probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem," noted one visitor about Northern Exposure Campground. Several locations like Silver Creek State Forest Campground remain open year-round, though winter access may require additional preparation. Water and electric hookups are common at developed sites, while dispersed camping areas like Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping offer more primitive experiences with no amenities but free access. Campground hosts are available at many locations during peak season.

Riverside and lakefront camping opportunities represent significant draws in the Harrietta area. Campers consistently mention water access as a primary attraction, with sites directly on Manistee River and various lakes being particularly sought after. A recent review highlighted that "Nice spots both on the river shore and across the road. Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats/kayaks." The region's campgrounds frequently feature clean facilities, with several reviews specifically mentioning well-maintained bathrooms and showers at places like Northern Exposure. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to the surrounding forest, with the Manistee River Trail providing popular backpacking routes. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and camp stores appear at the more developed locations, while the dispersed sites appeal to those seeking quieter, more natural settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Harrietta, Michigan (276)

    1. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 885-1199

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."

    "I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it! Not many big boats on it so there was no motor noise constantly like how it is on most inland lake campgrounds."

    2. Seaton Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 723-0141

    $30 - $80 / night

    "You are surrounded by beautiful pines. I wasn't able to explore as much as I liked to but hear there are great trails and you are in walking distance of water."

    "It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."

    3. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground

    9 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3481

    "Absolutely gorgeous surroundings. Great hiking. One family had over 70 pumpkins carved and set up a trail. Impressive night walk. New owners. Like 8 days. Very accommodating."

    "A few trails to walk around the property, and not far to Manistee (bakery downtown is the best in the state). Will definitely be coming back here."

    4. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan."

    5. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "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."

    6. Peterson Bridge

    7 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $35 / night

    "This campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nesseled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle. Therr is a restroom every 4 campsites."

    "We decided the day before to go up to sleeping bear dunes for the weekend, and all the reservations across western Michigan were full, so we picked this one to try first come first served, and got lucky"

    7. Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Luther, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-9465

    "The 8 mile hiking loop follows the river and intersects with some off road trails."

    "It's a lovely, quiet, private, in-the-middle-of-nowhere-in-the-middle-of-Michigan place on the beautiful Pine River. We listened to it burble past us all night long and it was heavenly."

    8. Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 848-4124

    $11 - $90 / night

    "Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."

    "And while I will say it's not very hidden away from the other sites it was still plenty relaxing and served the purpose of somewhere to hang my hat at the end of the day."

    9. Kestelwoods Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3476

    "This campground caters to trail bikers, kayakers & other groups."

    "In the Manistee National Forest, close to major trailheads, and right between two prime access points to the Pine river for canoeing and kayaking. Less than a mile to river trip rental locations also."

    10. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "I hear it’s darn near impossible to find an open site During June-August. Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV trails a d routes are in close proximity."

    "Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."

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Recent Reviews near Harrietta, MI

1084 Reviews of 276 Harrietta Campgrounds


  • Erin F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

    Off the beaten path

    Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded.

  • Evelyn K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Lots of privacy

    These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths. We had fun on our e-bikes. Beautiful surroundings. Good birding too. No bugs!

  • Kammy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    Beautiful fall morning, site on the lake

    Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here.

  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Penny Park Campground

    Decent Little Campground

    Flat camp area on the lake. Some of the spaces have electric hookups. We came in the off season so it’s not too crowded, but the spaces are small so I imagine it would be tight in peak season. Bathrooms are currently locked, but there is a potable water spigot available. Reasonable camp fee - $20.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!


Guide to Harrietta

Camping near Harrietta, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds are near scenic trails. For example, at Platte River Campground, visitors can enjoy trails that lead to stunning views and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!" which highlights the helpful staff available to guide you.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily," making it a comfortable place to return after a day on the water.
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers at Orchard Beach State Park Campground can easily access nearby towns for dining and shopping. One visitor said, "A short drive south gets you into Manistee with a great river walk and restaurants."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, one guest remarked, "The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe. A reviewer at Betsie River Campsite shared, "We first stayed here in 2016 and just keep coming back! Absolutely love it and love the hospitality."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Campers often seek out spots with some space. At Silver Creek State Forest Campground, one visitor noted, "Most of the sites are pretty private and a few are along the river."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sulak Campground, do not have water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "No water. Poor phone coverage," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground said, "The weekends seem to be a little heavy on the partying," so plan accordingly if you prefer quieter times.
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. Campers at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park noted, "Lots of wildlife and good views along the trails."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Traverse City State Park Campground, one parent said, "It’s nice to have well-maintained showers to feel fresh after."
  • Group Sites: Consider reserving larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground mentioned, "We usually book a larger lot with a big group."
  • Plan for Distance: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor at Orchard Beach State Park Campground noted, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work or stay connected, check cell service availability. A camper at Sulak Campground said, "Little cell signal but with our antenna we could work as well."

Camping near Harrietta, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Harrietta, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Harrietta, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 276 campgrounds and RV parks near Harrietta, MI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Harrietta, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harrietta, MI is Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harrietta, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Harrietta, MI.

What parks are near Harrietta, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Harrietta, MI that allow camping, notably Huron-Manistee National Forests and Sleeping Bear Dunes.