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Best Tent Camping near Bellaire, MI

942 Reviews

The northern Michigan forests surrounding Bellaire offer secluded tent camping options ranging from established state forest campgrounds to backcountry areas. Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities, while Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers more primitive backcountry tent camping experiences. Both locations offer a true northern Michigan wilderness experience within reasonable driving distance of Bellaire.

Most tent sites in the region are reached via gravel or dirt roads, with some requiring additional hiking to reach. Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground requires a 700-yard walk from the parking area to reach the tent sites, which are 50 feet higher in elevation than the parking lot. Basic amenities like pit toilets and trash collection are common at established campgrounds, though drinking water is limited to certain locations. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area, campers should prepare for truly primitive conditions with no potable water and minimal facilities beyond basic pit toilets. Fire rings are typically provided at designated tent campsites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional solitude compared to RV-focused alternatives. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides multiple lakes with clear water and opportunities for fishing, with several campers noting excellent bass fishing. Sites are typically well-spaced for privacy, though navigation can sometimes be challenging. A recent review noted: "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off." For backcountry tent camping, the area offers extensive hiking trails through wooded terrain, with multiple pristine lakes accessible only by foot. Another visitor commented that the Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers "spacious campsites fire away from everybody" with "ample firewood available for processing."

Best Tent Sites Near Bellaire, Michigan (45)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bellaire, MI

33 Photos of 45 Bellaire Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bellaire, MI

942 Reviews of 45 Bellaire Campgrounds

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No 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.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Peaceful spot, plenty of room

    Seems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.

    Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

    We had a very pleasant stay.

    Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).

Guide to Bellaire

The tent camping options near Bellaire, Michigan extend beyond established campgrounds into the surrounding forests and waterways. The region features multiple state forest campgrounds within a 25-mile radius, with most situated along rivers or small lakes. Winter camping is available at some locations, though amenities become more limited with seasonal water shutoffs typically occurring from October through April.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground offers exceptional fishing experiences according to campers. "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast," shares one visitor at Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites.

Island exploration: For adventurous campers willing to travel a bit farther from Bellaire, boat access camping provides unique experiences. "We paddled our sea kayaks out as we are comfortable in the changing sea/wind conditions of Lake Michigan, but do keep in mind that conditions on the water change very quickly," notes a camper at Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites.

Trail hiking: The region offers numerous interconnected trails for day hikes from campsites. "We found a quaint opening with gorgeous water where the colors complimented each other. A beautiful spot for a quick lunch and as long as no one is across the way, good for a nice dip," reports a camper about exploring the trails at Sand Lakes Quiet Area.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy of backcountry sites with water access. "We pitched our tent, stoked the fire, and didn't see another soul during our entire time there. We had our car parked right up next to our site," explains a visitor to South Manitou Island Group.

Rustic, primitive camping: The best tent camping near Bellaire provides true wilderness experiences. "Though this area is usually busy, there is plenty of trail to explore here... Set up a tent and camp at one of the rustic campsites," advises a camper about Sand Lakes Quiet Area.

Diverse landscapes: Campers value the variety of terrain and ecosystems. "After some driving around the next morning, we managed to find a quiet spot near the river which was quite relaxing," shares a visitor to Sand Lakes, highlighting the multiple environments available within a single camping area.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Several campsites in the region have unclear access points or directions. "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off and that got us closer," notes a camper about C3 farm trust.

Physical demands: Some campsites require significant physical effort to access. "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground," warns a visitor to Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground.

Seasonal insects: Bug populations can affect camping comfort during summer months. "Campsites can be pretty buggy so bring your screens, hats and spray!" advises a camper about Sand Lakes Quiet Area, while another notes, "Hiking around it was clear there were a LOT of tics though so we avoided the trails."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bellaire, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bellaire, MI is Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bellaire, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Bellaire, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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