Best Campgrounds near Barton City, MI

Barton City, Michigan provides access to several campgrounds within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering a mix of established and dispersed camping options. Jewell Lake Campground, located within walking distance of Barton City, features tent and RV sites with lake access. The area includes both rustic state forest campgrounds and more developed options like Harrisville State Park on Lake Huron. Camping areas range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV locations, with several campgrounds offering cabin accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping experiences.

The camping season in this region typically runs from May through September, with some campgrounds like Harrisville State Park remaining open year-round. Most rustic forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while state parks and some private campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering direct lake frontage while others are nestled in wooded settings. Cell service can be limited in more remote forest areas. A visitor noted, "Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Barton City area, with several campgrounds providing beach access, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Jewell Lake Campground features a small beach area, dock, and boat launch, making it popular for water activities. Sites at many campgrounds offer good separation and privacy between campsites, with mature trees providing shade and natural boundaries. Campers frequently mention the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty as highlights of their experience. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to RVs, with some locations specifically designed for ORV access to nearby trail systems. Vault toilets are standard at rustic sites, while more developed campgrounds provide modern restrooms and shower facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Barton City, Michigan (130)

    1. Harrisville State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Harrisville, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 724-5126

    $28 - $74 / night

    "Fire ring located near back corner... away from your awning. Path behind site makes for short walk to the beach."

    "Great wooded campground on the shores of Lake Huron. Great beach with sand and rocks. Once you’re out in about 2 feet of water it becomes all sand for as far as you can go."

    2. Jewell Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barton City, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $15 / night

    "Gorgeous area right on Jewell lake. Walking distance from Barton City. Sites have nice privacy between them. Utilized the grill on the fire ring alot Privy was well kept."

    "Relatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest."

    3. Alcona Park

    9 Reviews
    Glennie, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 735-3881

    $16 - $30 / night

    "I had cabin #3, very beautiful on the lake. Wish they had a grate to cook some things, however I failed to bring my own. It made do with what I had."

    "This is a great campground and very close to canoe rentals. They pick up trash right at your site! Also, buy the wood from the people driving around."

    4. Huron-Manistee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Brethren, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    $10 - $14 / night

    "River Trail."

    "We walked this trail for 5 days and 4 nights. Cell service was spotty, which was the goal. Lots of wildlife and great views. You need to carry everything out that you carry in."

    5. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area

    2 Reviews
    Barton City, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    "I took a hike around the lake and it was wonderful.The hike wasn't too hard and is perfect for everyone. It was only 4 miles for the whole thing."

    "This is not a drive-up campground."

    6. Pine River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Glennie, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-0728

    7. Jewell Lake NF Campground

    1 Review
    Barton City, MI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 739-0728

    "I think jewel lake is pretty good because they have good campsites. I like the dog, they have an island, you can go on can't sleep on there, but you can go on it."

    8. Ossineke State Forest Campground

    12 Reviews
    Alpena, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 785-4251

    $20 / night

    "Right on lake huron, the lake side sites fill up fast. The sites are tucked in just enough to eliminate traffic noise but super close to markets and fuel. Clean privy."

    "The camp spots were spacious and all were either on the water or had a path to the water."

    9. Colemans

    1 Review
    Barton City, MI
    6 miles
    +1 (616) 368-5131

    $38 - $48 / night

    10. Hoist/Reid Lake Areas

    3 Reviews
    Curran, MI
    12 miles

    "The trail is only about 8 miles but it would be easy to spend a day next to the water or a little inland."

    "Trail is easy enough and there are so many different spots to camp along the way. It is foot travel only and most sites are a decent hike to get to."

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Recent Reviews near Barton City, MI

332 Reviews of 130 Barton City Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Jonathan  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    Jackson Lake

    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

  • Kristin Z.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground

    Clean, Friendly, and Perfect River Tubing Trip

    We stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic.

    The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and had excellent communication both during the reservation process and throughout our stay. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

    The gift shop was a nice bonus, offering fresh coffee for just $1 every morning and stocking plenty of essentials in case you forgot something at home. Downtown Roscommon is only about 6 minutes away, making it easy to pop into town.

    We also did the 4-hour tubing trip and rented tubes from Paddlebrave—it couldn’t have gone better. The river was beautiful and the whole experience was smooth and well-organized.

  • L
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Monument Campground

    Quiet spot in the pines

    18 spots available. Half are reservable and half are first come first serve. There are a few double lots. Pay at entrance in envelope. Camp host came around to check our ticket. Clean pit toilets and water spigots throughout. Close to Lumbermans monument visitor center. $15 for single site or $30 for double. Half price if you have a Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Pass

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Alpena County Fairground

    Alpena County Fairgrounds

    It’s a decent little park, but right off a main road across from an Anheuser-Busch distributor ship. Necessarily the quietest, but it wasn’t very populated at the time we got here. Somewhat limited sites for large RVs, but quite a few places that you can get up to 35 feet in, but with a slightly difficult back in. There are larger sites on the other side of the race track.

  • Tony
    Jul. 17, 2025

    MI Lavender Farm

    Peaceful full hookup

    Owners friendly and helpful with nice location


Guide to Barton City

Camping near Barton City, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the lakes: Many campgrounds, like Harrisville State Park Campground, provide access to Lake Huron. One camper mentioned, "Loved being right by the water, and bathrooms were so clean. Would go back!"
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available at places like Tawas Point State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails."
  • Fishing: Campers at Alcona Park have enjoyed fishing, with one saying, "Caught lots of fish from walleye to crappie, even a 6.3lb small mouth bass!!"

What campers like

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Ossineke State Forest Campground. One review stated, "Most are well spaced and offer lots of privacy."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Old Orchard Park Campground, are noted for their cleanliness. A camper shared, "Bathrooms are clean, but very outdated and run down."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Oscoda-Tawas KOA are great for families. One reviewer said, "The facilities are nice, there is tons to do for kids, and the owners are awesome!"

What you should know

  • Quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose."
  • Limited amenities: Some sites, like those at Au Sable River Primitive Camping, are more rustic. A visitor noted, "They only have a fire ring, no picnic tables or bathrooms."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Devoe Lake Rustic Campground require reservations. One camper said, "Sites require a reservation either at the office or online."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Harrisville State Park Campground, which has great facilities. A family shared, "Great facilities and most spots are fairly private with amazing sites right on the lake."
  • Plan activities: Bring bikes and fishing gear to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Two swimming beaches. Dog beach. A few trails to walk on."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A visitor at Old Orchard Park Campground noted, "Delicious hard ice cream served from the store."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "Can feel a little tight on some spaces, especially if your neighbor sprawls over the lines."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Many sites, like those at Ossineke State Forest Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "No electric hookups."
  • Bring extra cords: If you need water and electric, be ready with long hoses and cords. A visitor at Alcona Park noted, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."

Camping near Barton City, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Barton City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Barton City, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Barton City, MI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Barton City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Barton City, MI is Harrisville State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Barton City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Barton City, MI.