Best Campgrounds near Beaver Island, MI

Beaver Island, Michigan features a mix of established campgrounds, state forest sites, and waterfront camping options spread across the island and nearby mainland. St. James Township Campground provides 17 tent sites with electric hookups and showers on Beaver Island itself, while Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offers more primitive tent camping with toilets and drinking water available. Wilderness State Park, located on the mainland near Carp Lake, provides tent, RV, and cabin camping with full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access. Most accommodation types in the region include a combination of tent sites, RV spaces with varying hookup options, and some cabin or glamping alternatives.

Camping season in the area typically runs from April through November, though some mainland facilities remain open year-round. Many campsites near Lake Michigan experience strong winds, requiring proper gear preparation. The region's lakeside locations offer excellent water access, but weather conditions can change rapidly. Island camping requires additional planning as visitors must arrive via boat or air travel. Water activities are popular throughout the area, with several campgrounds providing direct beach or lake access for swimming and paddling. As one camper noted about Beaver Island, "Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear."

Lakefront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those offering private beach access. Several visitors mentioned enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and water activities available near their campsites. The Bill Wagner Campground on Beaver Island provides a quieter alternative to more developed mainland options, with one visitor describing it as having "no crowds which are very nice." Mainland options like Fisherman's Island State Park offer "huge" campsites that are "NOT on top of each other," providing a backcountry feel with established amenities. While mainland locations provide easier access to surrounding attractions, island camping delivers a more remote experience with fewer amenities but greater solitude. Visitors particularly appreciate sites that offer both wooded privacy and easy Lake Michigan access for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

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Best Camping Sites Near Beaver Island, Michigan (87)

    1. Wilderness State Park Camping

    76 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "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."

    2. St. James Township Campground

    2 Reviews
    Beaver Island, MI
    1 mile
    Website

    "I have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times."

    "Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."

    3. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground

    1 Review
    Beaver Island, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-3541

    "Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."

    4. Big Knob State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    "Rustic campground along the shores of Lake Michigan. 23 sites. Hand pump for water available. Beautiful spot on Lake Michigan with no signs of life for miles down the beach. Pets are welcome."

    "Sites are a little small, and are moderately close to other sites. heavily wooded makes it feel cozy. Some sites have "private" trails to the beach, approximately 50-75yrds away."

    5. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    17 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    $15 / night

    "Our site was just steps from Lake Michigan. Others were tucked in the woods. The out house was clean and we’ll stocked. There was a pump for water but no electricity."

    "the spots on Lake Michigan are the best, if you are in the wooded sites it can be buggy, can have secluded spots with paths right out to the lake"

    6. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "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."

    7. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Charlevoix, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 547-6641

    $20 / night

    "So yes you will sorta see if from the beach and you will see it when you drive up to go into the park. Other than that you won’t really know it’s there."

    "Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."

    8. Leelanau State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Northport, MI
    37 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. St James Township Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Beaver Island, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (231) 448-2014

    $20 - $30 / night

    10. Brevoort Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 203-9872

    $26 - $48 / night

    "Very nice lakeside campsites. Little on the pricey side for me. Edging a little bit towards the style of the Michigan state parks, which isn't my scene."

    "The lake is beautiful, good for swimming and fishing. The town of Escanaba is nearby with good restaurants and Lake walks. Be sure to take yard guard, some mosquitos and black flies."

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Recent Reviews near Beaver Island, MI

707 Reviews of 87 Beaver Island Campgrounds


  • Kurt and Mary Ann C.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    KOA

    Haven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.

  • Hannah W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Carp River Boat Launch

    Easy to get to !

    We drove a 24 ft RV at night to the site and the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that ! No one else at the site! Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. James Township Campground

    Incredibly quiet, relaxing spot

    I have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.

  • 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.

  • Vidalia S.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Carp River Boat Launch

    Too good to be true.

    Beautiful view of lake Huron. Labor Day weekend and no one else is here except the ubiquitous mosquitoes. Easy and easy out on a good gravel road. Access to Lake Huron.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Castle Rock Ponds

    Castle Rock easy in and out

    Just minutes off of 75 down a well maintained gravel road are the Castle Rock ponds. Decent flat parking around the ponds, with plenty of room for at least 6 rigs.

  • Angelica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Big Knob State Forest Campground

    Quiet w/Animal Terrorists

    There are 2 or 3 vault toilets around the campground. It takes about 20 minutes from the main road to the campground, and the road is gravel with some pot holes. Sites 3-7 have a path to the Lake Michigan beach, which takes less than 2 minutes to get to. The water is calm over here, and cannot be heard from the campground. NO ONE was on the beach when I visited. The quiet was amazing. There are tons of mosquitoes, flies that bite and squirrels who are brazen and unafraid. Sites are $20 a night if you have a state park pass. You will have to pay for a pass in addition if you do not have one. Out-of-state license plates cost $11 for the pass.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Lake Michigan At St. Ignace

    Huge flat gravel site

    This site was large and level. It would be great for a small camper but was a nightmare for a tent with stakes. The toilets were clean. The hosts were welcoming. The traffic from highway 2 was louder than the waves at the beach.

  • Kammy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tee Pee Campground

    Family and friends camping trip

    We had five camp sites all together. We loved it. Will definitely be back. The owners were joyful and helpful. Thank you Tee pee campground.


Guide to Beaver Island

Camping near Beaver Island, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Wilderness State Park Camping, provide stunning beach access. One camper mentioned, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear," making it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails around Fisherman's Island State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Nice trails down to the beach," which are great for a leisurely hike or a more vigorous trek.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Leelanau State Park Campground enjoy spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Very quiet campground on the shores of Lake Michigan," perfect for observing nature.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Brevoort Lake Campground. A happy camper said, "Well spaced, clean sites," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground remarked, "The outhouse was clean and well stocked," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One camper at Magnus Park Campground said, "Everyone is very nice," making it a great place for families.

What you should know:

  • Check-in Times: Be aware of check-in times, especially at places like Wilderness State Park Camping. One camper warned, "Don’t try to arrive early and get in," as they strictly enforce a 3 PM check-in.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "No showers, no toilets," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Noise Levels: If you're looking for peace and quiet, consider the location. A visitor at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground mentioned, "The only real complaint is how close to the main road you are," which can affect the tranquility.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Leelanau State Park Campground said, "Our site was perfect with gorgeous views," which can enhance the family experience.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Brevoort Lake Campground enjoyed, "Lots of trees so solar could be an issue," suggesting they were prepared for outdoor fun.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Magnus Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean and convenient," which is great for quick trips back to the site.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Beaver Island, Michigan, offers a unique experience with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Beaver Island, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Beaver Island, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Beaver Island, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Beaver Island, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Beaver Island, MI is Wilderness State Park Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 76 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Beaver Island, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Beaver Island, MI.