11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campgrounds near Alma, Michigan offer several options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking rustic experiences. Deerfield Nature Park provides tent-only sites accessible via a one-mile hike or by boat, with just ten primitive campsites available. Other notable options include Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground near Mecosta and Haymarsh State Game Area, both offering tent camping in more secluded settings within an hour's drive of Alma.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Deerfield Nature Park provides pit toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. Haymarsh State Game Area and Tubbs Lake offer more facilities with drinking water, toilets, and designated fire rings at most sites. Picnic tables are available at several locations, though amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. Sites are typically first-come, first-served, with Tubbs Lake Island in particular filling quickly during peak season.
The tent camping experience near Alma provides opportunities for peaceful nature immersion away from more developed areas. Lakeside camping is available at several locations, with Haymarsh and Tubbs Lake offering sites directly on the water. A camper noted that Tubbs Island was "gorgeous" and recommended staying on the island portion rather than the mainland for a more remote experience. Another visitor described Deerfield Nature Park as "very peaceful" with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including colorful fungi and even bioluminescent species visible at night. Most tent sites in the region feature ample shade from mature trees, making them comfortable even during summer months. For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, the hike-in sites at Deerfield provide a more secluded option without requiring extended backcountry travel.
"Lots of nature, seen a lot of colorful fungas. we did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish. I will definitely be back!"
from $10 - $179 / night
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TravelerVehicle broke down in mr pleasant so we parked our RV here the quietest campground I’ve ever been to ever . I’ve been here about a week haven’t met any camp staff booked our site online very clean nice restrooms showers
TravelerVisiting relatives in St Louis. Church campground with almost level sites, grass. Friendly staff and helpful. Clean and well maintained. Water and electric, no full hookup, but have dump station.
ScoutWe have camped here many times over the years and have always enjoyed our visits. The campground has made some great investments and improvements, which are appreciated. However, the overall maintenance has unfortunately declined. It is noticeable in the condition of the shower houses, tree trimming, staining, painting, and other general upkeep. A little more attention to these details would make a big difference, especially in the restroom facilities. This is a great campground for children and families, with plenty to enjoy. One area that could use improvement is consistency in how campground rules are enforced. During our stay, we observed several occasions where some seasonal campers—and even some weekend campers—were allowed to get away with things that others were not. We personally did not have any issues, but it did seem as though certain campers were singled out while others were overlooked, even when there was no obvious reason. Overall, this is still a good place to camp, and we will likely return. With a stronger focus on maintenance and more consistent rule enforcement, it could easily become an excellent campground.
ScoutThis place is a weird one for sure, they’ll let you do whatever you want there, even wander into random tent sites asking minors for alcohol and drugs.
We planned on camping here longer but after an evening where a drunk camper pursued our coolers at 1 in the morning and then asked our teenagers who’d were sleeping in tents if they had any alcohol or weed.
We told management of the incident, they did nothing. We also told them of the Lansing homeless who were coming in the early morning hours to use the facilities… nothing.
So if you like randoms in your site late at night, this is the campsite for you.
TravelerThis was our first camping trip as a family and our son choked made it a memorable one. He choked on a breadstick, threw it up and had piece stuck in his throat. The park ranger ( female, maybe 5'5 light brown hair, white. Because I cant remember her name) was amazing. She was calm, asked my son questions to help distract him and her overall kindness in her all was great. The rest of the team in there was amazing as well. Next day she stopped by to see how he was doing! I loved that. The camp ground itself it very nice, the bathrooms and showers were really clean. For sure worth the stay!
ScoutNice campground pretty quiet very well shaded lots. Some lots would be a bit difficult to get a camper in due to the amount of trees but nice for tent camping. Bathrooms are a bit dated is only downfall. Could use some maintance and upgrades
GuideThe only difference between this campground and a resort is the space between sites. The pool is enormous and sparkling, free mini-golf, illegal court and tons of kids activities. Great place and we were 1 of 2 day campers for 20 spots.
TravelerWoohoo! What a campground! I’m currently camping here attempting to stay long term. It’s a bit packed of long term-ers but there are a few openings. As far as the daily hookup sites/regular tent sites are absolutely darling. Plenty of space for whatever you need plus a vehicle! There’s a huge pond in the center of the campground with an inflatable slide that the kids absolutely love. The pond gets fairly deep which makes it perfect for all ages. Including the little beach front it has making it perfect for the lounging parents or the toddlers to play in puddles of water. I brought my own electric scooters to ride around site but the campground is walkable! The store up front has almost everything you’d need in an emergency or an “oops I forgot XYZ” situation. There is a small cafe as well on site which is awesome for a quick bite! Laundry on site has 2 washers and 2 dryers.. which I think is fair! The bathrooms/showers are clean and plentiful. Staff is fairly friendly as well. I do feel the employees need proper training based on the campground itself (like the price of propane or the ability to book sites without management assistance) which are all an easy fix for such an awesome place.
ScoutIf you’re looking to rustic camp this probably isn’t the site for you. I booked 4 nights here and I had to leave after the first night. The campground itself seems nice from what I can see. It’s just way too crowded. The noise level is insane, even well into the night so you can’t sleep. Came here to solo camp to get away from the world and this was not it. I will say though if you’re here to camp with kids then it would probably be great!
Tent camping near Alma, Michigan provides access to rustic sites within the rolling landscapes of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Most campgrounds in this region sit within the transition zone between agricultural areas and northern forests, with elevations ranging from 700-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s, with cooler nights around 60°F, making tent camping comfortable with proper gear.
Fishing opportunities: At Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground, anglers can access the water directly from most campsites. The boat-in access makes this location particularly convenient for fishing enthusiasts, with a narrow dirt road connecting the mainland to the peninsula camping area.
Beach activities: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground features two swimming beaches that are ideal for cooling off during summer months. "Great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow!" notes camper Angel.
Wildlife viewing: Camp Clear Sky offers opportunities to observe both wild and domesticated animals. As one visitor mentioned, "Not to mention the chickens keeping us company!" This unique feature adds an unexpected element to the traditional camping experience.
Secluded waterfront sites: At Haymarsh State Game Area, campers appreciate the privacy and direct water access. "This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish," reports Danielle C.
Clean facilities: The maintenance at Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground receives consistent praise. Brad F. notes, "Clean bathrooms, easy access to lake, nice beach. Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."
Rustic camping with basic amenities: Camp Clear Sky surprises visitors with its blend of rustic setting and unexpected conveniences. Paul K. shares, "Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities."
Reservation systems vary: Deerfield Nature Park requires reservations for its ten primitive sites, while Tubbs Lake Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Michael W., "There are about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up."
Water access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited water sources, requiring preparation. At Merrill-Gorrel Park, campers should "bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."
Site selection matters: At Haymarsh State Game Area, certain sites offer better experiences than others. Dawn K. specifically recommends, "very quiet and secluded, nice get away, #11 is the best spot."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground is particularly well-suited for children on bicycles. One parent shares, "Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff! A great little campground."
Beach access for children: When camping with kids, proximity to swimming areas can be crucial. Merrill-Gorrel offers "2 beaches" that provide supervised water play opportunities without leaving the campground.
Pack for varied weather: The Alma region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall. Evening temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees below daytime highs, requiring layered clothing and appropriate sleeping bags.
Limited hookup availability: Most tent campgrounds near Alma have few or no hookups. Camp Clear Sky provides basic amenities like "outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet" but does not offer electric hookups for RVs.
Access road considerations: Several campgrounds have narrow access roads that limit larger vehicles. Tubbs Lake Island has "a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge" that may present challenges for RVs during wet conditions.
Equipment preparation: RVers at Merrill-Gorrel should "bring extra hose and extension cord" as hookups may be positioned far from actual sites, requiring longer connections than standard equipment provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alma, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alma, MI is Deerfield Nature Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Alma, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Alma, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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