23 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds near Bellaire, Michigan range from full-service RV parks to rustic forest sites, with multiple options located along lakes and waterways. Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers 98 sites with full hookups for both tent and RV camping directly in Bellaire, while Starlight Campground and RV Park in nearby Mancelona provides 136 sites with similar amenities. The region's camping options typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with several locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort without bringing their own equipment.
The camping season in northern Michigan generally runs from May through October, though exact opening dates vary by facility. Many campgrounds, including Thurston Park in Central Lake, close during winter months. "Great campground, amazing camp store, and friendly staff. Most camp stores over price and this camp's store prices are very fair," noted one Chain-O-Lakes visitor. Water access represents a significant draw for the area, with several campgrounds offering boat launches and shoreline sites. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable at established campgrounds, though service may be limited in more remote areas. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends.
Lakefront camping opportunities appear consistently throughout visitor reviews, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. Visitors to Barnes County Park Campground highlight its "easy access to the beach with wide stairs" and opportunities for "rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset." Campers frequently mention the proximity to popular destinations like Torch Lake, which is within a short drive of several area campgrounds. The region's campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with many reviews specifically praising shower buildings and restrooms. Most camping areas feature wooded settings providing natural shade and privacy between campsites, making Bellaire an ideal base for exploring northern Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities.
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $100 / 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"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $80 / night
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
"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."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing."
"Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."
from $29 - $44 / night
"Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
"It is situated on a small lake that is great for fishing, boating, or kayaking. There are also little cabins you can rent that are very cute."
"Slow, Grandparents at Play” are what the signs around the campground boast, which tells you a bit about their target audience at this lovely little RV only lakeside campground in the heart of Elk Rapids"
"Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
"They made us feel like family the minute we walked through the door. We would defiantly visit again!"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"This is a cute little campground located in Central Lake. Many of the water sites are very close together, but it offers you access to the lake for fishing, paddling and more."
"Located on Intermediate lake within walking distance of a grocery store and a ice cream parlor that servers Moomers ice cream."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
TravelerStayed in the non electric sites. Short paved driveways were nice, but if not in a tent your just in a driveway. Bathrooms were super nice, and bear proof trash and mixed recycling outside. Private outside entry showers, and a camp sink room in the shower house. Lots of trails thru out the camp to get to the shower house.
ScoutGreat campsite. Nice spot with solid fire ring. There was also connection so we could watch football
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
ScoutBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
ScoutWe went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
Camping sites near Bellaire, Michigan offer a variety of terrain from dense pine forests to waterfront locations along the region's numerous inland lakes. The area sits at approximately 600-700 feet above sea level in Michigan's Chain of Lakes region, creating a microclimate that extends the fall camping season later than many northern Michigan locations. Most campgrounds remain open from May through mid-October, with several offering rustic camping options without electrical hookups.
Waterfront activities: Barnes County Park Campground provides direct Lake Michigan access with fishing opportunities. "There are campsites here with direct access to the beach. The campsites are relatively close together but there a lot of tall trees and it was nice and quiet," notes Shelagh R. The park also features "easy access to the beach with wide stairs" according to another visitor.
Trail exploration: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive trail networks for various activities. "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action," explains Jay J., while other visitors mention dedicated bike and ATV trail access. The resort connects directly to regional trail systems, making it a popular base camp for off-road enthusiasts.
Lighthouse visits: When camping at Leelanau State Park Campground, you can visit the historic lighthouse on the property. "We walked over to the lighthouse. They give tours and have a camp store/gift shop," reports Art S. The park offers both camping and day-use areas with numerous walking paths connecting the campground to the lighthouse grounds.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Whitewater Township Park Campground. "Their bathrooms are very clean daily. Very happy with our stays at this campground," writes Zebadee. Another reviewer noted, "Clean restrooms and spacious lake view sites," highlighting multiple aspects campers appreciate.
Beach access: The direct water access at Young State Park earns high marks from visitors. "Huge park with three sections. Terrace is the best but hard to get. Lake side sites. Nice facilities and camp store. Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," shares Tracie S. The park's beach area includes concessions and rental equipment.
Privacy between sites: Several camping areas offer good separation between campsites. "Our site was easy access in and out. Clean bathrooms super close. Best of all the beach area. The views are stunning," notes Meara H. about Barnes County Park Campground. The natural tree cover provides shade and visual barriers between many sites.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Young State Park Campground, "Reservations can be made on-line via the Michigan DNR site. The advantage of making reservations online is that you get a really good description of the site which includes length, width, hook-ups, amount of shade, length of site, distance to restrooms, and best of all - pictures," explains Nancy W.
Rustic options: Some campgrounds offer more primitive experiences. At Fisherman's Island State Park, "Understand that this is a rustic campground with small sites, no electric, scattered water spigots, and pit toilets," advises Nancy W. These options typically cost less, with sites available for around $13-20 per night.
Weather considerations: Northern Michigan weather can change rapidly. "We did have our RV on this trip, 100 degrees and we have two littles," notes one reviewer about summer heat. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures, with one camper mentioning "Fall camped here. First time and it lived up to all the good reviews! Absolutely beautiful fall colors throughout the campground!"
Playground access: Thurston Park Campground offers convenient playground access for children. "The playground for kids is actually next to the campground," notes Ann D. Additionally, several nearby amenities make it family-friendly: "There's a party store and small grocery store within walking distance."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds organize specific children's events. "Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," mentions Cassondra P. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. Another visitor adds, "There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc."
Beach safety: When selecting waterfront sites with small children, consider safety factors. One camper advises, "Those with small kiddos may want to opt for interior site as lake sites are RIGHT ON THE WATER." Some Lake Michigan beaches have gradual entry points while others drop off more quickly.
Site selection: When booking RV sites, consider specific needs. "Sites near water are great. Far enough away but close to town if needed," suggests Mary K. about Leelanau State Park Campground. RVers frequently mention the importance of checking site dimensions before booking.
Hookup availability: Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers comprehensive hookup options. "Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level," reports Erica L. The campground provides 98 sites with various hookup configurations to accommodate different RV needs.
Navigating campground roads: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam," warns one camper. Timber Ridge offers pull-through sites that many RVers prefer, with one noting, "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in and around Bellaire, MI?
The Bellaire area offers several camping options within a short drive. Chain-O-Lakes Campground provides a quiet, clean environment with full hookup sites and a well-stocked camp store. For those seeking water access, Thurston Park Campground in nearby Central Lake offers waterfront sites with lake access for fishing and paddling, plus a playground for children. Other options in the region include Young State Park near Boyne City, Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake, and several campgrounds around Traverse City. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like restrooms and water access, with varying levels of hookups depending on whether they're state-operated or private facilities.
What are the seasonal camping options in Bellaire, Michigan?
Bellaire and surrounding areas offer seasonal camping primarily from late spring through early fall. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake provides affordable camping ($15/night) with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. Petoskey State Park Campground offers beautiful Lake Michigan views with a similar seasonal window. Many campgrounds in the region close for winter or significantly reduce operations after October. Some private campgrounds may extend their seasons slightly longer than state parks. Weather in northern Michigan can vary significantly, with pleasant summers and cold winters, making May through September the prime camping season. Always check with specific campgrounds for their exact operating dates as they may adjust based on weather conditions.
What amenities and features does Barnes Park Campground offer?
Barnes County Park Campground offers spacious sites with good separation between campers. One of its standout features is the proximity to Lake Michigan, with some sites located just a short walk through the trees to reach the water. The campground provides restroom facilities for visitors, maintaining a good balance between amenities and natural setting. A general store is located nearby for supplies and necessities. The campground's location provides a peaceful environment while still offering water access, making it popular for those seeking a relaxing lakeside camping experience. While not as developed as some larger state parks, Barnes Park Campground focuses on providing a more rustic and natural camping experience with basic essential amenities.
Keep Exploring
