Best Campgrounds near Alden, MI

Are you in need of a campground near Alden, MI? Alden is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Alden, Michigan (211)

    1. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "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."

    2. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 413-1160

    $45 - $60 / night

    "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."

    3. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "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."

    4. Barnes County Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Eastport, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 599-2712

    "Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."

    "Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"

    5. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    6. Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bellaire, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 533-8432

    $29 - $44 / night

    "Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."

    "Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 5/5

    Nearby activities Super close to torch lake and lots of great small towns."

    7. Honcho Rest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Kewadin, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 264-8548

    "It is situated on a small lake that is great for fishing, boating, or kayaking.

    There are also little cabins you can rent that are very cute."

    "“Slow, Grandparents at Play” are what the signs around the campground boast, which tells you a bit about their target audience at this lovely little RV only lakeside campground in the heart of Elk Rapids"

    8. Leelanau State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Northport, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 386-5422

    $20 / night

    "Our campsite was feet away from Lake Michigan- practically on the shoreline! Going to bed and waking up to the lapping of the waves is something you can’t miss here."

    "beautiful park next to the lighthouse. no showerhouse or flushing bathrooms...portajohns only.water pumps to get water from...and beautiful views of Lake Michigan"

    9. Kalkaska RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kalkaska, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 258-9863

    "1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas.
    The campground needs some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance."

    "Nice beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level."

    10. Starlight Campground and RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mancelona, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 535-0461

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."

    "They made us feel like family the minute we walked through the door. We would defiantly visit again!"

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Recent Reviews near Alden, MI

1025 Reviews of 211 Alden Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Friendly Staff

    Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    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. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Burt Lake State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Pretty 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.

  • C
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Elkwood Campground

    Amazing!

    Fall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. 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. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.


Guide to Alden

Camping near Alden, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Traverse City State Park Campground, are close to sandy beaches. One camper mentioned, "You’re right downtown and there’s a catwalk over the beach," making it easy to enjoy the water.
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Leelanau State Park Campground said, "There are lots of hiking and biking trails," perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Otsego Lake State Park Campground is a great spot. One reviewer noted, "Good pan and bass fishing," making it a popular choice for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Convenient locations: Campers appreciate being close to town. One happy camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, "Absolutely loved this campground in terms of location to do things around Traverse City."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground remarked, "Bath house facilities were very clean," which is a big plus for many campers.
  • Secluded sites: Campers enjoy having some privacy. A reviewer at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Each site is secluded," making it a peaceful getaway.

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The park is right next to a busy road and near an airport, so it was a little noisy."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground pointed out, "No electric hookups, so have solar ready," which is something to consider.
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for some critters. One camper at North Higgins Lake State Park Campground shared, "I met a squirrel that was so spoiled by previous humans," highlighting the local wildlife.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have nearby grocery stores. A camper at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park mentioned, "The local grocery store is close," making it easy to stock up on supplies.
  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A visitor at Young State Park Campground noted, "Our site was at the end of a row and we enjoyed a decent amount of space."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be small. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, make sure to choose a campground with electric hookups. A visitor at Indigo Bluffs RV Park appreciated the "FHU, level" sites.
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."

Camping near Alden, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Alden, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Alden, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 211 campgrounds and RV parks near Alden, MI and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Alden, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alden, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Alden, MI.

What parks are near Alden, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Alden, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.