K
Kaitlin W.
Scout
ScoutPetoskey State Park Campground
Great quiet and cozy campground
We love everything about staying at the dunes campground but access to the beach is a small hike up and over the dunes. Could be quite difficult for some.
Camping near Bellaire, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Bellaire (206)
1. Barnes County Park Campground
"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. **"
2. Traverse City State Park Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Leelanau State Park Campground
"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"
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability5. Whitewater Township Park Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Chain-O-Lakes Campground
"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
Check Availability7. Young State Park Campground
"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."
"very nice lake and beach bathrooms and amenities are excellent
sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you
overall really enjoyed our stay"
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability8. Honcho Rest Campground
"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"
9. Starlight Campground and RV Park
"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!"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Thurston Park Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 45 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 2 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 5 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 14 min from Saginaw, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Bellaire, MI
333 Photos of 206 Bellaire Campgrounds
Hailey C.
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Uncle D.
Antrim Meadows Campground
Bobbi Jo K.
Torch Grove Campground
Victoria S.
Starlight Campground and RV Park
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Shooks Farm Site
Meara H.
Barnes County Park Campground
Nancy W.
Wooden Shoe Campground
Kelsey P.
Whitewater Township Park Campground
Becky K.
Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
Macy M.
Log Lake Campground
Tammey B.
Kalkaska RV Park & Campground
Tom B.
Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground
Recent Reviews near Bellaire, MI
1029 Reviews of 206 Bellaire Campgrounds
- AAngie S.
GuideNorthern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
Austin R.ScoutHoncho Rest Campground
My Family of Seven loved it
I have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
Richard Z.ScoutNature
I believe this campground is closed, unfortunately.
We looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
Ashleigh K.ScoutReedsburg Dam State Forest Campground
Good fishing
Tons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
Shayla C.
TravelerPlatte River State Forest
Beautiful campground
Our site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!
Meghan B.
LegendMaple Bay State Forest Campground
Maple Bay State Forest Campground
Lots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view. None of the sites are actually right on the lake--that area is for all campers to enjoy--with spots to park your pontoons/jetskis/kayaks/dingy. Pit toilets were a bit smelly, but clean. Boat launch near campground entrance. Arrived on a Monday and was busy even during the week, but still several spots available--snagged one of two lake view sites available. Good cell service. Would stay again!
Gerard E.LegendLake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
July 2026
July 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
- EEva Y.Traveler
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Best Campground
This campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
Guide to Bellaire
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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.
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