146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Afton, Michigan range from developed state parks to rustic forest sites along Lake Michigan and inland lakes. Burt Lake State Park and Aloha State Park offer established campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities for both tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin accommodations, including Aloha State Park, Petoskey State Park, and Indian River RV Resort. The region includes both waterfront camping options along Lake Huron and Burt Lake as well as more secluded forest settings in places like Haakwood State Forest Campground and Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Camping in northern Michigan follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most campgrounds operating from April through October or November. "We were excited to find our first real free camping in Michigan, and so close to Mackinaw City," noted one camper about French Farm Lake Road. Winter conditions generally limit camping options, though a few facilities like Petoskey State Park and Onaway State Park remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Most state park campgrounds require the Michigan Recreation Passport for entry. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns like Petoskey and Cheboygan and more limited service in forest campgrounds.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Afton area. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake receives positive reviews for its beach access, with one visitor noting that "unlike many lakeside campgrounds, the large beach area along the shore is common space, so everyone in the campground gets equal access to the water regardless of where you're camped." Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to recreational activities, including paddling, fishing, and hiking trails. Several campgrounds provide boat launches for water access. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways. The area's natural beauty, especially Lake Michigan sunsets, receives consistent praise in camper reviews, with sites directly on the water commanding premium demand during peak season.
"We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private. The park store was closed Labor Day weekend."
"The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."
"Right on Mullett Lake, close to town for easy access to food, but really enjoyed kayaking lake"
"The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
"There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable."
"This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access."
"You can’t beat $15 a night, each rustic site is fairly secluded with privacy, and you’re right by Michigan’s only area to view free roaming wild elk!"
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Close to stores, tubing, able to ride atv/utv in and out."
"Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc.. 55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don’t have to go all the way to front of campground for"
from $50 - $95 / night
Check Availability"There are camp sites along Black Lake, which is the 7th largest lake in Michigan. The lake side campsites are very close together but you are right by the water's edge."
"There is a trail network that cuts through the forest of the campground, which is a nice plus and rests peacefully on the shores of Black Lake. "
"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"I stayed at the lower which has campsites right next to Black Lake. The sites were great and the grounds had all amenities."
"this beautiful campground has 2 parts, the upper which is geared to people with quads and dirt bikes, large sites close to trails, lower is right on lake, very nice water is great for swimming, shallow"
"Then, for $15 a night, we found this beauty along the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the larger inland lakes in northern Michigan. "
"Pros: Location! 25 minutes from Mackinaw City, 10 Minutes from Pellston for supplies. Right on Burt Lake. Clean pit toilets. Generally not too crowded."
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
Guide1st time I've seen Lake Huron and I picked a great spot for it. Last 100 yards was muddy and rutty, but my Pilot and Shasta did fine. Nobody else is here except for the skeeters, and there's plenty of them.
TravelerStayed at many NF sites much better facilities for the cost. Hosts are , Awesome and bar-non the best there is.
GuideJust passing through on my way home from the upper peninsula and decided to camp rather than getting a hotel as I always have my camping gear in the back of my truck. Great campsites and most of them are separated very well. Hiking trails nearby and good fishing right on tomahawk lake. I was here on a Sunday and Monday and had the place to myself. Very peaceful
GuideAbout 15 minutes to St Ignace. Quiet and clean. COLD at the end of May! (26 Degrees! ) Friendly camp host. We were the only people there. Paved road until campground, then easily access gravel. $24 cash or check only. Hidden gem by the river.
ScoutMe and the family camped at Tee Pee Campground last year during the weekend of the bridge walk. The camp ground and facilities were clean and the staff very friendly. I would definitely cajmp there agian.
GuideThis spot is an open pull-off in state forest land. Clean, safe and quiet - no road traffic at night and sparse during day.
ScoutYou won’t find a more secluded beachfront stay on Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of shoreline, this spot offers unmatched privacy, beautiful sunrises, and the calming sound of waves right outside your door. A hidden gem worth returning to
TravelerWe have stayed at Camp Petosega several times, the last was in October of 2025. Stayed in the Full hook up sites. very little traffic. Beautiful fall colors as we drove around the area. Clean bath house and nice walking areas, playground's and a beach with public park on Pickerel Lake.
TravelerThis campground was close to the town of Petoskey, had clean showers and bathrooms, which were toasty in the cool October night we stayed! Kudos! Our site was level, shaded, and close to the facilities, as we are van campers this was nice.
Camping options around Afton, Michigan center on the inland waterway chain that includes Burt, Mullett, Pickerel, and Black Lakes. The region features sandy lakeshores and mixed hardwood forests at elevations of 600-800 feet above sea level. Campers can access the 38-mile inland waterway system that connects these lakes through rivers and channels, allowing for multi-day water-based camping trips.
Fishing opportunities: Burt Lake State Park offers diverse fishing experiences with multiple species available. "Great park, we always try to park in the boat bison. Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water," notes Edmund P. about Aloha State Park. Anglers target walleye, pike and trout at various locations throughout the area.
Hiking trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems. "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs right through the camgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking," explains Halie C. about Pigeon River State Forest Campground. The North Central State Trail also runs through parts of the region, accessible from multiple camping locations.
Swimming in inland lakes: The region offers varied swimming options from sandy beaches to more natural settings. "The beach is really nice and the water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks," notes one visitor to Petoskey State Park. Water quality in the inland lakes receives consistently positive reviews across multiple campgrounds.
Large campsites: Many campgrounds feature unusually spacious sites. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65!" exclaims Myron M. about Burt Lake State Park Campground. At Black Lake State Forest Campground, "the upper has HUGE SITES and is shaded better, but cant see the water," according to Sarah L.
Clean facilities: Even rustic campgrounds maintain good standards. "This was also one of the cleanest rustic campgrounds I've been to in a while," notes Kate K. about Black Lake State Forest Campground. Many reviewers specifically mention the cleanliness of vault toilets at the more remote sites.
Quieter alternatives: Less developed forest campgrounds provide peaceful options. "Nice, quiet campground just off of I-75. Sites all seemed private and comfortable. This would be a nice alternative to the busier campgrounds near Indian River, Burt Late, etc.," says Dan T. about Haakwood State Forest Campground.
Campsite reservation systems vary: While state parks require advance booking, forest campgrounds operate differently. "This campground is also first come first serve but way more sites," explains Sarah L. about Black Lake State Forest Campground. At peak times, arriving mid-week improves chances of securing first-come sites.
Generator noise at rustic sites: Some rustic campgrounds experience unexpected noise issues. "Camping there was the worst experience I've ever had. I pick rustic campgrounds for a reason. This one was full of RVs & 5th wheels all running on generators," cautions Rachel G. about Black Lake State Forest Campground.
Cell service limitations: Communication capabilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing," notes Brenda M. about Petoskey State Park Campground. Complete service gaps exist at more remote locations like Pigeon River, where one reviewer advises: "Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service."
Beach selection criteria: Some lake access points are more child-friendly than others. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so)," mentions Myron M. about Burt Lake State Park. Water depth and bottom composition vary between lakes.
Playground availability: Only certain campgrounds offer play structures. "The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide," notes Ann D. about Onaway State Park Campground. Camp Petosega also features playground equipment along with a recreation hall.
Wildlife cautions: Parents should be aware of specific concerns. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there," reports Jessica S. about Aloha State Park. Other campers mention ticks at certain locations, particularly in early summer.
Hookup variations: Electrical service specifications differ between campgrounds. "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises Brenda M. about Burt Lake State Park. Some locations offer 50-amp service while others are limited to 30-amp.
Site size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Lower campsites by beach are in full sun some have trees blocking your view 2 and 3rd and 4th road are wooded," explains Donna J. about Burt Lake State Park. At Indian River RV Resort, "Staff escorts you to your site and lines you up with water/sewer," according to Steve W.
Access to town services: Proximity to supplies varies significantly. For Pigeon River State Forest, one visitor cautions: "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away." In contrast, Indian River RV Resort offers easier access to services, with one reviewer noting it's "centrally located to Mackinac Island and Petoskey."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Afton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Afton, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Afton, MI and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Afton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Afton, MI is Burt Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Afton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Afton, MI.
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