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Best Campgrounds near Bellaire, MI

993 Reviews

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 generally maintain clean facilities, with many reviews specifically praising shower buildings and restrooms. Most camping areas feature wooded settings providing natural shade, though site sizes and privacy vary considerably between facilities. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds appear at several campgrounds, making the area suitable for campers of all ages.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bellaire, Michigan (203)

    1. Barnes County Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Eastport, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 599-2712

    "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

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "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."

    3. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground

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

    $20 / 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."

    4. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 413-1160

    $45 - $60 / 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."

    5. Leelanau State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Northport, MI
    23 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"

    6. Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bellaire, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 533-8432

    $29 - $44 / 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."

    7. Young State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Boyne City, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 582-7523

    "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"

    8. Starlight Campground and RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mancelona, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 535-0461

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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!"

    9. Thurston Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Central Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bellaire, MI

350 Photos of 203 Bellaire Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bellaire, MI

993 Reviews of 203 Bellaire Campgrounds

  • Kammy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    Beautiful fall morning, site on the lake

    Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here.

  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • T
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

    It is not free to stay as online shows

    Lots of road noise and no water or electricity and it’s not free as stated online $20 isn’t bad per night but other places near charge $27-35 per night and have water and electric hookups there is tons of random traffic through the grounds which is a little uncomfortable. They do have bathrooms and you can fish but if your looking for a peaceful place this is not it or a free campsite it is not

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Young State Park Campground

    Nice Lakeside Campground

    Lovely campground right on the water and sandy beach. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers, sites had electric hookups, camp area had potable water and black water dump. We came at the very end of the season (October 4-5) and from what I could tell, the campsite was shutting down, so I’m unsure of the availability going forward until next season. Overall a beautiful spot!

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.

  • Craig S.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Horrible RV Park - Beware!

    Recently visited as we were competitors in Empire Hill Climb. Had an issue w our group this weekend that I’ve never experienced in 40 yrs of camping. Stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately, after an incident one of the families we were with was kicked out. Never heard of being kicked out of a campground before without any prior warning. I will admit we had issue w one of our 5yr olds. The family I mentioned was camping in a pop up. They utilize a 5 gallon bucket to urinate in. Well, on the first full morning apparently the 5yr old dumped the bucket on the ground outside the camper. Others saw this and reported it. Again, we know we/he was in the wrong. However, clearly the 5 yr old thought they were helping and didn’t know the magnitude of their actions. With that said, he is 5 and made a mistake. Steve, the manager showed up after the report and kicked them out without a conversation had. His exact words were“ you have an hour to leave or I’m calling the sheriff.” Mind you this is a family w 3 little ones. Was sooo taken back by this comment. Been visiting Glen Arbor for 40 yrs and will never be back to Indigo Bluffs. If you don’t have money, 100k camper, and/or retired stay away at all cost, all they care about. 2.5 miles down Street is lovely brand new RV campground, Lively Acres Campground. Stay there if you want to your family treated right.

Guide to Bellaire

Camping near Bellaire, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campers love the sandy shores and clear waters. One reviewer at Wilderness State Park Camping said, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw City!"
  • Hiking and trails: Enjoy the numerous trails in the area. A visitor at Platte River Campground mentioned, "There’s a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan, about a 1.2-mile hike which was a nice little hike even in the rain."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Bellaire are great for fishing. One camper at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park noted, "Good pan and bass fishing."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean (enough)."
  • Secluded sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground shared, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One camper at Platte River Campground said, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!"

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "There is a lot of road and airport noise."
  • Site sizes: Not all sites are spacious. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities like showers or electric hookups. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground said, "It's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA appreciated the "full hookup with a gravel pull-through."
  • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "A lot of the sites back up to the busy road and you can hear road traffic noise all day and night."

Camping around Bellaire, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your needs!

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.

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