Best Campgrounds near Atlanta, MI

Atlanta, Michigan features diverse campgrounds within the Pigeon River State Forest and surrounding public lands. Clear Lake State Park Campground offers modern amenities with electric hookups, showers, and a developed beach on crystal-clear waters. For more rustic experiences, the region includes several State Forest Campgrounds such as Avery Lake, Jackson Lake, and Big Bear Lake, where tent and RV camping are supported with minimal facilities. De Cheau Lake offers dispersed camping options for those seeking more remote experiences. The landscape consists primarily of forested areas surrounding small inland lakes, providing a quintessential northern Michigan camping experience.

Several campgrounds remain open seasonally from April through November, while Clear Lake State Park operates year-round. "The lake is crystal clear and has beautiful turquoise waters. We were able to take the canoe out and were the only ones on the water that afternoon," noted one visitor about Clear Lake in November. Most rustic campgrounds require a Michigan Recreation Passport for entry, with sites available on a first-come basis rather than by reservation. The region experiences typical northern Michigan weather patterns with warm summers, cold winters, and variable spring and fall conditions. Cell service varies throughout the area, with several reviews mentioning adequate coverage at Avery Lake but potentially limited connectivity elsewhere.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, particularly at Clear Lake, Jackson Lake, and Big Bear Lake. The lakes offer swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities, with many sites providing direct water access. A visitor to De Cheau Lake commented that it "feels more remote than it really is" while mentioning "beautiful lake, blessed by the Elk bugles nearby." The surrounding state forests offer extensive trail networks for hiking and ORV use, making these campgrounds popular bases for outdoor recreation. Campers frequently note the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, especially at smaller state forest campgrounds like Avery Lake, which visitors describe as "rarely gets busy" with "great views" and "clean privy, cold water."

Best Camping Sites Near Atlanta, Michigan (180)

    1. Clear Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Atlanta, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 785-4388

    "Beautiful turquoise lake. Nearest store in Atlanta. Freddie’s. Has everything u need Sites on outer edges bigger w woods. Stayed in the lower area near lake."

    "This is a nice state park and campgrou nd on clear lake near Atlanta, MI. About 45 minutes from Gaylord. The lake was absolutely beautiful and super blue and clear."

    2. Avery Lake State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Atlanta, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 785-4251

    $15 / night

    "It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available."

    "The lake is amazing with several islands to explore and one of the islands has a campsite. No busy roads near by so you really feel like you’re deep in the woods."

    3. Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atlanta, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 785-4251

    "This is a nice little state forest campground that has a beautiful lake for paddling and a handful of beautiful lakefront sites."

    "20 bucks a night very clean toilets, fire pits picnic tables plus $11 for out of state registered vehicle plate so nowhere near free camping but a nice stay over spot"

    4. De Cheau Lake Camping

    1 Review
    Atlanta, MI
    3 miles

    "Very near a handful of private residences. Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic. Didn't see anyone else during the stay."

    5. Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Johannesburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "Beautiful location with a perfect kayaking lake. The coyotes were very loud and close at night keeping us awake but the experience was exiting. Highly recommend"

    "Looking for something off the beaten path? Well, here it is (if you can find it)."

    6. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Johannesburg, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-3541

    "Bait and convenience store across from entrance. Good hub for local hiking and activities around the area."

    "Ramps to walk down to water. Amazing sunsets"

    7. Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lewiston, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-5485

    "Bathrooms are pretty far away from the camp spots in the front, fire pits are a little on the small end, and picnic tables HAVE to have a covered(plants growing out of them and very old)."

    "Each site is large and separated by trees and green space…pit toilets are clean and well equipped with tp… lake access fir fishing & swimming"

    8. Emerick Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Atlanta, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 733-0613

    "Restaurants close by and supermarkets. Side is clean bathrooms are clean and the Internet is great."

    "The lot's are huge, on the ThunderBay River, no reservations, very friendly and easy to walk into a small village."

    9. Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."

    "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 180 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Atlanta, MI

677 Reviews of 180 Atlanta Campgrounds


  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • T
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

    It is not free to stay as online shows

    Lots of road noise and no water or electricity and it’s not free as stated online $20 isn’t bad per night but other places near charge $27-35 per night and have water and electric hookups there is tons of random traffic through the grounds which is a little uncomfortable. They do have bathrooms and you can fish but if your looking for a peaceful place this is not it or a free campsite it is not

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Young State Park Campground

    Nice Lakeside Campground

    Lovely campground right on the water and sandy beach. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers, sites had electric hookups, camp area had potable water and black water dump. We came at the very end of the season (October 4-5) and from what I could tell, the campsite was shutting down, so I’m unsure of the availability going forward until next season. Overall a beautiful spot!

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Waterways Campground

    Very nice campground

    Check in was great and the host was very friendly and helped me with all my questions. The site is very well maintained and the bathrooms were super clean. Close to great biking trails and other amenities in Cheboygan. The wireless and cell coverage was great. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and would recommend this RV park.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Campers Cove RV Park And Canoe Livery

    Campers Cove

    Stayed 4 nights in early September. Nice area and RV spots around the lake. Check in was easy and friendly. Internet and cell coverage were good. Showers were clean and maintained. Level site, had shade trees. Very quiet and laid back. The site is clean, Overall it’s a nice place to unwind and spend a few days, I would recommend it to others.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • 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!


Guide to Atlanta

Camping near Atlanta, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, have sandy beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One camper mentioned, "The beach is sandy with plenty of cool rocks for rock hunting."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "There are nice bike and walk/jog trails, access to Harrisville, which is quite lovely."
  • Fishing: Lakes and rivers around Atlanta are great for fishing. A camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground said, "Bring your kayaks, boats, and fishing gear."

What campers like:

  • Secluded sites: Campers appreciate the privacy offered at places like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground. One review stated, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were so clean."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Burt Lake State Park Campground are great for families. One camper said, "Wonderful campground that is great for the family."

What you should know:

  • Noise from factories: Some campgrounds, like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, are near industrial areas. A camper warned, "I can't believe not one single person mentioned this in their reviews."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or markets nearby. A visitor at Harrisville State Park Campground noted, "There is no market, but the facilities are great."
  • Crowded on weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy during weekends. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "It can get really packed here on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose a family-friendly campground: Look for places like Burt Lake State Park Campground, which has a nice beach and playground. One parent shared, "Great dog beach! The kids loved it."
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Young State Park Campground mentioned, "The beach was close by and clean."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the peace. A visitor at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA noted, "They have a great general store."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight, so it's good to know what you're getting into. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
  • Bring leveling blocks: Many campgrounds have uneven ground. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are not level."
  • Plan for limited hookups: Some campgrounds only offer electric hookups. A camper at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground noted, "There isn't any swimming at the campground."

Camping around Atlanta, MI, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at campgrounds near Atlanta, MI?

Campgrounds near Atlanta offer varying levels of amenities. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground provides basic amenities including water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites. Avery Lake State Forest Campground offers water access, toilets, and can accommodate larger vehicles. Most state forest campgrounds in the area are rustic with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. For more amenities, Clear Lake State Park features a swimming beach, boat launch, and modern facilities. Supplies can be purchased in Atlanta at Freddie's store, which carries camping essentials. The campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding forests.

What campgrounds are available in Atlanta, MI?

Atlanta, MI offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Clear Lake State Park Campground is a popular destination featuring a beautiful turquoise lake with a nice beach area. Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground provides a more rustic experience with first-come, first-served sites adjacent to Tomahawk Lake and surrounded by Atlanta State Forest. Other nearby options include Avery Lake State Forest Campground, Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, and Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground. Many of these campgrounds provide access to northern Michigan's natural attractions, including hiking trails, lakes, and forests, making Atlanta an excellent base for outdoor adventures.

How do I get to Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground from Atlanta, Michigan?

From Atlanta, Michigan, Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground is approximately 25 miles southwest. Take M-32 West from Atlanta for about 18 miles toward Johannesburg. Near Johannesburg, turn south onto Turtle Lake Road and follow for approximately 5 miles. Watch for the campground signs directing you to the entrance. The campground is accessible via a drive-in access road and features basic amenities including water access and vault toilets. It's suitable for big rigs and offers a peaceful forest setting. For a nearby alternative, Jackson Lake State Forest Campground is in the same general area and provides similar rustic camping experiences with boat-in and drive-in access options.