10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Beaver Island offers rustic tent camping opportunities in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, accessible by ferry or small aircraft from Charlevoix. Bill Wagner Memorial Campground provides waterfront tent sites with beach access and basic amenities including fire rings and vault toilets. St James Township Campground offers 17 designated tent sites with more facilities including electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables for campers seeking established campgrounds with moderate amenities.
Tent campsites throughout the Beaver Island area typically feature dirt or gravel pads with varying levels of privacy between sites. Most established campgrounds provide vault toilets, though backcountry areas require pack-in, pack-out waste management. Water access varies significantly between locations, with Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offering a water pump while other areas require campers to bring their own water supplies. The camping season generally runs from April through November, with most facilities closing during winter months. Many tent sites are exposed to Lake Michigan winds, requiring proper gear and tent staking.
The island's remote location creates an exceptional tent camping experience characterized by quiet surroundings and minimal light pollution. Tent campers benefit from private sites that provide direct access to Lake Michigan's shoreline for swimming and fishing. Areas around Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offer particularly scenic waterfront camping with views across the lake. A visitor noted the campground provides "private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly)" with "clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump." Campers should prepare for potentially windy conditions by bringing appropriate gear. The lack of crowds on Beaver Island creates a genuinely secluded camping experience compared to mainland Michigan destinations, making it ideal for tent campers seeking solitude.
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake."
"Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"This designated campgroundon North Manitou is a short walk from the village where you have access to potable water as well as vault toilets in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself"
"Choose one of many trails to explore and distance is your choice to one of the many outback camps."
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutNo hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.
GuideWe lucked out and stumbled across Woodstar Campground. Super friendly host. RV sites and rustic sites along the beach but tucked into the moderate tree cover enough for wind protection. We stayed on the rustic side and had it all to ourselves while still really close to the bathrooms. Bathrooms and showers are older but well maintained. Wood, ice and laundry available. There’s a great playset, swings and tetherball for the kids right by the laundry and showers. We absolutely loved our stay!
TravelerStayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.
RangerWe camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.
TravelerGot here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical
GuideSecond time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.
RangerThis designated campgroundon North Manitou is a short walk from the village where you have access to potable water as well as vault toilets in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself.
The sites are isolated and well off the trail. There are community fire rings which led to a fun final night on the island passing some of my flasks around with fellow hikers.
ScoutThis campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.
While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!
We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.
Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.
Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.
*** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.
ScoutI can only speak to the one campsite I had at this park, which was supposedly a "rustic", walk-in, tent only site. However, the "walk" in from the truck was less than 20 feet, and we were within clear view of the ranger's check-in station, restrooms, and RV camping section. Certainly not rustic or secluded by any means. At the height of the summer camping season, we were at the apex of traffic and noise. Still a lovely park with great views of the lake, and I'm sure the backcountry is much better than the developed campground. If you are like me and want to avoid crowds while camping, do your research and find out where to go. I'll be doing much more of that next time!
Beaver Island offers remote tent camping experiences with distinct seasonal patterns affecting access and activities. Located in northern Lake Michigan, the island requires careful planning as ferry and air service become limited during non-peak months. Winter camping is generally unavailable, with most facilities closing from December through March when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
Beach exploration along secluded shorelines: The island features multiple undeveloped beaches accessible from camping areas. At Bill Wagner Memorial Campground, campers can find "private, quiet, and easy access to the beach" with opportunities to collect the island's distinctive pebbles and stones.
Stargazing in minimal light pollution: The isolated location creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions during clear nights. Campers at O'Neal Lake campsite report unobstructed stellar views due to the absence of nearby urban centers and minimal tree cover near shoreline sites.
Island-hopping excursions: Nearby islands offer day trip opportunities via water taxi services operating during summer months. One visitor mentioned they "heard great things about the Beaver Island Hideaway Campground" and that "surrounding islands are very neat to check out as well."
Fishing from shore: Multiple shore fishing spots exist around the island with species including smallmouth bass, northern pike and lake trout. Near Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, one camper noted "decent fishing on the lake" with easy access from lakeside tent sites.
Space between campsites: Sites on Beaver Island typically offer more privacy than mainland Michigan campgrounds. At Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, campers appreciate that "sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy" creating a more secluded experience.
Clean facilities despite remote location: Maintenance exceeds expectations given the island's isolation. A reviewer noted the "vault toilets were clean and stocked" at Garnet Lake, while others mentioned proper upkeep of fire rings and water sources.
Lake views from tent sites: Many sites offer direct waterfront placement. At C3 farm trust, visitors enjoy "private tent camping" with minimal competition for prime spots offering water views.
Affordable camping options: Despite transportation costs to reach the island, camping itself remains economical. One camper reported that a nearby mainland option was "a pleasant place to spend a night for $10" with "widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake."
Limited emergency services: The island has minimal medical facilities and response times can be significantly longer than mainland locations. Always bring a comprehensive first aid kit and necessary medications.
Communication challenges: Cell service is spotty across most of the island, with reliable coverage limited to areas near St. James. Wi-Fi access is primarily available at businesses in town.
Weather dependency for transportation: Ferry and air service frequently experience delays or cancellations during adverse conditions. When visiting North Manitou Island, one visitor noted "the ferry doesn't run if the weather is too grievous for safety so you never know if you could be on the island for a few days."
Resource planning requirements: Limited retail options necessitate bringing sufficient supplies. A visitor advised: "Bring plenty of food and weather gear as you never know what Northern Michigan can bring as far as storms."
Lighthouse tours for educational content: The island features historic lighthouses with guided tours available during summer months. A camper mentioned they "loved the lighthouse on the island" as a highlight of their trip.
Playground access at limited locations: While most island camping is rustic, Luce County Park & Campground on the mainland offers "a nice playground and beach area" for families seeking more developed facilities before or after island stays.
Age-appropriate hiking distances: Multiple short trails suitable for younger children exist near camping areas. One parent shared that "my 7 year old son and I hiked the island and loved the adventurous feeling of the unknown."
Water safety considerations: Lake Michigan shores can have sudden dropoffs and temperature fluctuations. At mainland locations near Beaver Island, visitors noted "we really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful" but recommended caution with children due to variable conditions.
Limited RV accommodation: Most Beaver Island camping is tent-focused with minimal RV infrastructure. For travelers with RVs, options include leaving vehicles on the mainland and tent camping on the island.
Electric site alternatives: While island options are limited, mainland locations like St James Township Campground provide electric hookups for campers seeking power before or after island visits. The campground offers 30-amp service at designated sites.
Campsite reservations recommended: The limited RV-compatible sites fill quickly during peak season (June-August). Caretakers are typically present at developed campgrounds with one visitor noting "everyone seemed very friendly" when assistance was needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Beaver Island, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Beaver Island, MI is Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Beaver Island, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Beaver Island, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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