139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Alanson, Michigan include several established campgrounds along lakes and waterways, with both public and private facilities throughout the region. Camp Petosega on Pickerel Lake offers tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals within 15-20 minutes of Petoskey. Maple Bay State Forest Campground provides more rustic camping experiences on the shores of Burt Lake. The region includes a mix of county parks, state parks, KOA facilities, and resort-style campgrounds that accommodate different camping preferences and equipment needs.
Most campgrounds in the Alanson area operate seasonally from spring through fall, though some facilities remain open year-round. Petoskey KOA typically operates from May through mid-October, while Camp Petosega and several state parks maintain services throughout the year. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state forest campgrounds like Maple Bay operating on a first-come, first-served basis, while county and private campgrounds generally accept advance bookings. Water access represents a significant feature at many sites, particularly around Burt Lake, Pickerel Lake, and connecting waterways. As one camper noted, "The sites are beautiful! The site around Loop E are newer so there isn't much coverage but they're still really nice sizes and maintained well."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Maple Bay State Forest Campground where lakeside sites provide direct views of Burt Lake. Campers highlight the boating opportunities, with many locations offering boat launches and mooring areas. Several visitors mentioned the cleanliness of facilities at Camp Petosega, where modern shower buildings and well-maintained campsites enhance the experience. The proximity to nearby attractions represents another advantage, with most campgrounds situated within 15-25 minutes of Petoskey, allowing convenient access to services and supplies. Review data suggests sites vary in size and privacy, with some campgrounds offering more spacious accommodations than others. A recent review mentioned, "The view from the front sites overlooking Maple Bay are some of the best I've seen," indicating the premium nature of waterfront locations in the region.
"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."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Lots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view."
"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."
from $36 - $80 / 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"Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability
ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
ScoutNice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
TravelerGreat view and secluded enough
TravelerGorgeous! Easy to get to, didn’t need 4 wheel drive and potholes weren’t too awful. Definitely love it here and only downside will be leaving!
TravelerOnly stayed a night. Kinda of close together campsites. Seems like the majority have water and electric hook ups.
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights to visit Mackinac Island. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The facilities were kept clean, but could use a little updating.
GuideThe campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
GuidePetoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
Camping options near Alanson, Michigan center around the inland waterway system connecting Burt Lake, Mullett Lake and Crooked Lake. The area sits within the sandy glacial hills of northern Michigan at approximately 600 feet elevation. Regional campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, though winter opportunities exist at several locations with limited facilities during snow season.
Water sports access: At Burt Lake State Park Campground, the beach provides opportunities for swimming and kayaking with gradually sloping shoreline. "Easy to find. Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," notes Kerry P. from Burt Lake State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Aloha State Park Campground provides direct access to Mullett Lake with multiple fishing spots. "Fishing was nice off the pier. The sites along the canal tend to have a good amount of goose poop by them as the geese were there daily," shares Jessica S. The park includes boat launch facilities and shore fishing areas.
Biking trails: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects multiple communities and passes near several campgrounds. "There is a great paved biking trail located nearby that runs from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs," notes one visitor to the area. Petoskey KOA offers easy trail access, as Cody S. mentions, "The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner."
Beach quality: Burt Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its waterfront. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3 feet or so). Bring your kayaks too," suggests Myron M. The sandy shoreline and gradual depth make it suitable for families.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer larger-than-average sites. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," reports Myron M. about Burt Lake. Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more space than private facilities.
Fossil hunting: Petoskey State Park Campground provides access to Lake Michigan shoreline where visitors search for Petoskey stones (fossilized coral). "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," explains John K.
Midges and insects: Several campgrounds report seasonal insect activity. "Beware of poison ivy—it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site—but our site was fantastic," cautions Laura B. about Petoskey State Park. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "Rustic features. The water pumps here did not drain well, the nearby dumpster did smell like a dead animal... Just understand the bare necessities of this campground with a beautiful view," notes Brittny B.
Site reservations: Booking requirements vary significantly. State forest campgrounds like Maple Bay operate first-come, first-served, while others require advance planning. "Reserve in advance," advises Anna E. about Burt Lake State Park, noting its popularity during summer months.
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing," reports Brenda M. about Burt Lake. Most campgrounds closer to towns like Petoskey have stronger signals, while those in more remote forest settings have limited coverage.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a large playground," notes Kerry regarding Indian River RV Resort. When selecting a campsite near Alanson for family trips, prioritize locations with dedicated children's facilities.
Beach safety: Indian River RV Resort provides family-friendly swimming areas. "If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location," suggests Brenda M. Parents report the gradual entry shoreline at most inland lakes makes swimming safer for young children.
Winter activities: For families camping during colder months, Wilderness State Park remains open year-round. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," shares Jenafer P., highlighting the seasonal programming that extends beyond summer.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "Campsite was level, shaded, and close to the facilities, as we are van campers this was nice," notes Art W. about Petoskey KOA. Wilderness State Park Camping offers both modern and rustic sites, but reviewers note preparation is needed: "Can be pretty loud. On the plus side, the campsite was relatively clean of physical trash, but the closeness of the neighbors on all sides made it difficult to enjoy the environment."
Electric service: Power connections vary between campgrounds. "The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises Brenda M. regarding Burt Lake State Park. Most state parks offer 30-amp service while private campgrounds more commonly provide 50-amp options.
Utility access: For full hookup needs, "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," reports Don B. about Burt Lake State Park. Dump station facilities are available at most established campgrounds in the region, though not at rustic forest campgrounds.
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.
Keep Exploring
