190 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Benzonia, Michigan serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences along the shores of Lake Michigan and throughout the surrounding forests. Campgrounds like Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Betsie River Campsite provide options for tent camping, RV hookups, and even cabin rentals. The area features both established campgrounds with modern amenities and more rustic options within a short drive of town. Several sites offer easy access to water recreation on Lake Michigan, inland lakes, and rivers, making this region particularly popular during summer months.
Camping in the Benzonia area typically operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Winter conditions and snowfall limit accessibility during colder months. "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites," noted one camper about Platte River Campground. Road access varies across the region, with some campgrounds accommodating large RVs while others have more limited access. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer season, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, especially within the national lakeshore boundaries.
The proximity to Lake Michigan stands out as a defining feature of camping in this region. Campers frequently mention the value of sites with beach access or views of the water. Several campgrounds provide direct paths to Lake Michigan beaches, though some visitors note that erosion has affected beach access in certain areas. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers particularly scenic camping with opportunities to explore dunes, forests, and shoreline. A review highlighted that "the campground is located right along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail making it a great starting point for bike trips through the National Lakeshore." Poison ivy is mentioned in multiple reviews as something to watch for, particularly at D.H. Day Campground, where campers are advised to stay on established paths.
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
"Lots of campsites 30 to 50 feet away from the roadway offering appropriate privacy. Woods and bushes separating campsites. Shower houses in excellent condition and clean. Pads for tents in place."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Very quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
from $33 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it’s located in our favorite vacation destination!"
"Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!"
"The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach. We took my mom & nieces two years ago."
"In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Very clean campground, friendly, polite people all around, great pool and real nice “event” room. Nice clean (2) bathhouses, and one family bathhouse, also very nice."
"This campground has very clean bathrooms, a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do."
"Walked through to check it out and the sites are large and nice looking!"
"We forgot to grab firewood, but they came around every night with a truckload of wood! $10 for a full wheelbarrow of wood and they stacked it up next to the firepit for us."
from $35 - $52 / night
Check Availability"We are tucked into some mature shade trees with Fantastic atmosphere of families around."
from $32 - $92 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI 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.
ScoutWe 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.
TravelerOur 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!!!
LegendJuly 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.
GuideI camped here on my motorcycle in a tent. NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!It is quiet after dark, river sites all over, walkin sites at the entrance. Its $20 a night. Its a nice scenery the bugs are a little rough but there is fire wood close by for $5 a bundle. All in all a good experience except... The damn racoons!! It was like the movie the great outdoors and they come in packs!!! I had to hide everything and they stole my ketchup 😂
TravelerThis campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
LegendJuly 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
ScoutThis was our first time in orchard beach and we will definitely return! This campground was so clean, the sites were large, the bathrooms were immaculate, and the staff was kind and helpful! We had a site backing up to the fence of the drop off and we could hear the water all night. The view is absolutely beautiful, I was bummed to miss the sunset on our first night. We took away a star because of the blocked off stairs. We were under the impression that there would be water access so that was disappointing. But! We had a blast and made friends with our site neighbor and will definitely recommend this spot to friends!
TravelerSix or so full hook up sites in the campground (several are seasonal/permanent sites). The sites are spacious, woodsy, shaded with nice grass for the kiddos to play in. The owners, Rocky and Richard were friendly and available if needed. They even filled our campfire ring with wood before we arrived. There is a porta potty on site, but otherwise expect to use your camper for bathing needs. The 25 min drive into traverse city felt easy even with toddlers in toe. The town of Cedar is small but quaint.
Camping sites near Benzonia, Michigan range from rustic forest campgrounds to developed lakeside facilities within a 25-mile radius. This area sits at elevations between 600-800 feet and experiences average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most area campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options due to snowfall that can exceed 120 inches annually.
River activities: Platte River offers excellent kayaking opportunities near Platte River Campground. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" notes Nikki M. The river provides both relaxed paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swimming: Green Lake at Green Lake Rustic South provides beach access with volleyball areas. The campground features "large, shaded, private" sites according to Andrea B., who also mentions "many areas to hike, fish or tube down a river nearby."
Cycling: Several campgrounds connect to regional bike paths. At Betsie River Campsite, Chris W. notes, "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do."
Fishing: Fall salmon runs create unique fishing opportunities. Joyce B. from Platte River Campground recommends: "Go when they release the salmon from the hatchery - you feel all the salmon brush against your kayak as they swim upstream!" Multiple campgrounds offer fish cleaning stations for successful anglers.
Spacious campsites: Platte River State Forest receives high marks for site size. "Very secluded and peaceful. Clean bathrooms and friendly staff," notes Bryan S. Chris G. adds, "Our neighbors were far away and very quiet. Pit toilets were cleaned more than once a day during our stay."
Clean facilities: Kampvilla Park maintains exceptional cleanliness standards. Karen B. comments, "Extremely clean bathrooms n showers. So much to do right here at the campground." Another camper mentions "great pool and real nice event room. Nice clean bathhouses, and one family bathhouse."
Beach access: Despite Lake Michigan's popularity, inland lakes offer less crowded alternatives. D.H. Day Campground features "a short boardwalk to the beach" according to Jeffrey R., who adds that "the amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus."
Privacy: Several campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide natural screening. Anne G. from Platte River Campground appreciates that "sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites but also close enough for larger groups to spread out."
Campsite availability: Reservations are essential, particularly for holiday weekends. Stephanie C. advises about Platte River Campground: "If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" This applies to most area campgrounds during summer.
Bear awareness: Bears occasionally visit campgrounds in the area. Joyce B. mentions, "Was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car." Several campgrounds enforce strict rules about food storage.
Park regulations: D.H. Day Campground enforces specific rules about vegetation protection. Be aware that rangers monitor compliance closely, and fines can reach $125 for infractions like leaving food out or unattended fires.
Water conditions: Some lakes in the area have reported cases of swimmer's itch. At Interlochen State Park, Sherrie P. notes: "The sites are not real big, and all dirt. Not quiet time enforced. And swimmers itch in the lake."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground, Liz E. notes, "Our kids loved the pool and the space to ride bikes." The campground also offers "a nice park for the kids, and nice spacious lots."
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. Taylor D. appreciates D.H. Day Campground for its "quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views," mentioning that "going into Glen Arbor is fun and checking out all the different parts of Sleeping Bear is a treat."
Protection from elements: Screening is important for comfort. Katie D. from Platte River Campground cautions, "Even after applying a ton of bug spray we felt like we were getting eaten alive on the trail." Consider bringing canopy tents for additional protection.
Indoor options: For rainy days, campgrounds with indoor facilities are valuable. Amy Y. appreciates that Kampvilla Park's "indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!"
Hookup availability: Indigo Bluffs RV Park offers full hookups but site spacing varies. Matt M. notes, "The 'backroads' sites are very close together. Disappointing for the cost." Consider requesting specific site numbers when booking.
Site size realities: Some RV parks advertise large sites but have limitations. Jeff G. advises, "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing."
Campground accessibility: Road conditions affect larger rigs. Scott D. from Platte River Campground appreciates the "really nice paved camping sites with fire pits and tables," adding that "sites not too close to each other."
Local service availability: Limited dump stations means planning ahead. Kampvilla Park receives praise for its comprehensive services, with Chris R. noting, "Spacious, level sites. Great family atmosphere! Very clean and well kept. Close to every kind of recreation you can think of."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Benzonia, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Benzonia, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Benzonia, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Benzonia, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benzonia, MI is Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.8-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benzonia, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Benzonia, MI.
What parks are near Benzonia, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Benzonia, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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