Alanson is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Alanson, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Alanson. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"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."
"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."
"Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."
"You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."
"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. "
"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"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. "
"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."
$50 - $95 / night
"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"
$22 - $42 / night
"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
$30 - $34 / night
"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."
TravelerWe came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!
TravelerNice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.
ScoutNice Camp sites, pretty beach. I was there in October, so I don’t know what it would be like in warmer weather. I had the place to myself on a Saturday.
ScoutHaven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.
ScoutWe drove a 24 ft RV at night to the site and the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that ! No one else at the site! Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !
ScoutI have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.
RangerThere’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. 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.
TravelerBeautiful large dispersed camping area on the shores of lake Huron. Note camping on the beach is not permitted, but there are plenty of beautiful campsites overlooking the lake. There were only four or five other overnight campers, although during the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon. Several campsites at the end of an excellent gravel road, more further down if you have four-wheel drive. Active logging in the area when we were there. No. T-Mobile, no bugs or mosquitoes when we were there.
GuidePretty nice campground. The sites vary is size - some are close together. 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. There is a vending machine for firewood at the entrance. One bundle is $10 which is expensive. The campground is close to I-75 but we couldn't hear any traffic noise.
Camping near Alanson, Michigan, offers a great mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Alanson, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping locations near Alanson, MI?
Alanson's surrounding area offers several excellent camping options. Maple Bay State Forest Campground is a hidden gem on the northwest shore of Burt Lake with affordable $15/night sites. For those wanting lakeside camping, Burt Lake State Park Campground provides excellent amenities with reservable sites and is big-rig friendly. Primitive camping enthusiasts can head to French Farm Lake Rd for basic sites with fire pits. Other quality options within a short drive include Cheboygan State Park on Lake Huron and Camp Petosega near Petoskey. The region's abundance of lakes and forests creates numerous camping opportunities for every preference, from rustic to fully-equipped sites.
What outdoor recreational activities are available around Alanson, MI?
The Alanson area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with activities centered around its abundant lakes and forests. Water recreation dominates with fishing, paddling, and boating opportunities. Thurston Park Campground in nearby Central Lake offers excellent lake access for fishing and paddling. Cheboygan State Park Campground features extensive hiking trails that showcase northern Michigan's natural beauty. The region is also perfect for beach activities, wildlife viewing, photography, and cycling. In winter, the area transforms for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Nearby towns like Petoskey and Harbor Springs offer additional recreational options and amenities, making Alanson an ideal base for exploring northern Michigan's outdoor treasures.
When is the best time of year to camp in Alanson, MI?
The prime camping season in Alanson runs from late May through early October, with July and August being the busiest months. Petoskey State Park Campground experiences its peak season during summer when the weather is ideal for enjoying Lake Michigan's beaches. Early fall offers a magical experience at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground with fewer crowds and spectacular fall colors, though prepare for cooler nights. Late spring (May-June) offers pleasant temperatures and fewer insects than midsummer. Early-season campers should note that some facilities may not be fully operational, as evidenced by reports of winter debris still present in May. For the best balance of good weather and moderate crowds, consider camping in June or September.
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