A
Anne D.
Scout
ScoutLake Leelanau RV Park
Beautiful campground
Would definitely stay here again. Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake.
Camping near Arcadia, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The western Michigan shoreline near Arcadia features diverse camping options within a short drive of Lake Michigan's sandy beaches and scenic dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, approximately 30 miles north, offers highly-rated campgrounds including D.H. Day and Platte River, both providing access to the park's signature dune formations. Closer to Arcadia, Betsie River Campsite in Frankfort accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups with full hookups. The region includes both developed state park campgrounds with modern amenities and more rustic options in Manistee National Forest, particularly around the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area where dispersed camping is permitted.
Camping reservations are essential during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly, especially at popular destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes. Many campers note beach erosion issues at some lakefront campgrounds, including Orchard Beach State Park where "stairs to the beach had been eroded near its base so you could no longer access beach," according to one visitor. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with pleasant temperatures from June through September but potential for strong winds off Lake Michigan. Poison ivy is prevalent in wooded areas, particularly at D.H. Day Campground where multiple reviewers warn to "stay on the paths." Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds but spotty in more remote areas of Manistee National Forest.
Lake Michigan access represents the primary draw for most campers in the region. Visitors consistently praise the clear waters and sandy beaches, with one camper describing "beautiful dunes and a little swimming hole" where "the river's confluence with Lake Michigan makes the water warmer." Paddling opportunities abound on inland lakes and rivers, with the Platte River offering a popular kayaking route. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to Lake Michigan shoreline, though some require moderate effort to reach. Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with state park campgrounds typically offering less separation than national forest sites. As one Nordhouse Dunes camper noted, "Rustic camping off two tracks throughout the area. We never have neighbors!" Wildlife sightings include black bears, particularly around Platte River Campground.
Best Campgrounds near Arcadia (202)
1. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"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 Availability2. Betsie River Campsite
"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 Availability3. Orchard Beach State Park Campground
"Pretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited."
"Clean park with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Unfortunately no access to beach because of erosion. Typical site sizes for Michigan State Park. Walk across the road for a 2 mile hike in the woods."
from $36 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Kampvilla Park, LLC
"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."
5. Rvino - Timberline, LLC
"We are tucked into some mature shade trees with Fantastic atmosphere of families around."
from $32 - $92 / night
Check Availability6. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"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 Availability7. Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
"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 Availability8. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"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."
"DH Day campground is the perfect rustic camping spot in Northern Michigan. All campsites are within easy walking distance to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Squid Off The Grid
"Kendra and her team have created a unique glamping experience in northern Michigan. They have thoughtfully designed spaces that are comfortable and fun."
"Stayed here for a few night whilst visiting friends at Crystal Lake. The Camp Squid team were at hand to solve and issues."
from $135 - $499 / night
Check Availability10. Platte River State Forest
"It is a beautiful campground with 4 loops and a walk-up camp area. There are handicap and group camp area. Abundant large trees offer shady campsites."
"In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!"
from $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 57 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 43 min from Muskegon, MI
- 3 hrs 58 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 10 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Arcadia, MI
405 Photos of 202 Arcadia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Kampvilla Park, LLCC
Betsie River Camp Site
Betsie River Campsite
Camp Squid Off The GridK
Rvino - Timberline, LLC
Llovely Meadows CampgroundB
Mountain Valley Lodge & CampgroundA
Healy Lake State Forest Campground
Orchard Beach State Park CampgroundK
Matson's Big Manistee River Campground
Insta-Launch Campground & Marina
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Recent Reviews near Arcadia, MI
986 Reviews of 202 Arcadia Campgrounds
- GGayle B.
GuideTurtle Lake Campground
RV park not great for tent camping
Cute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
- LLaura H.Scout
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Great Place to Relax
I had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
- mmickScout
Pines Campground — Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park
Nice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
Kristy W.GuideOrchard Beach State Park Campground
Lk Michigan sunsets included
Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
- Kristy W.Guide
Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
Michigan's 1st State Park
Interlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
Mary Ann M.
TravelerHenry's Landing Campground
Fun and friendly campground
The staff is awesome and super friendly! Remember you from the time you set your reservation. Take care of all your needs and have awesome evening activities. It may be small but just right. Every site is on the water and no bad spots to fish.
Robert M.TravelerPlatte River State Forest
Beautiful Campground.
Though labeled on the Dyrt map as Platte River "State" Campground this is a federal campground in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and run by National Park Service. It is a beautiful campground with 4 loops and a walk-up camp area. There are handicap and group camp area.
Abundant large trees offer shady campsites. Sites are large with plenty of separation from you neighbors. A nice feature in addition to your paved RV space, that I've never seen at another campground- each site has a leveled dirt area for tent set-up. Each site offers a firepit and large metal picnic table.
Camp fees are reasonable, even more so if you have a Senior pass, (unfortunately I lost mine), but I still had a site with electric hookup for $31. Generator use is not allowed, but if you feel the need for electricity, a site with electric hookup is only $5.00 more.
Reservations available from May 1 through October 31st. I lucked out due to a cancellation.
There are 6 shower/restroom facilities in the main campground and even 1 serving the walk-In camp area. They are in good shaped and I saw them being cleaned every morning. Another offering in those facilities is a small room with a " camp sink" for washing dishes. Throughout the campground there are plenty of creature-proof trash receptacles, clean water sites and an RV dumpsite.
I have T-Mobile with the new satellite back up and had good service, but I noticed my hotspot worked better in loop 1 than in loop 2 where I camped the first night.
There is a Railroad Grade hiking trail that runs on the north end of the campground.
The Platte River is close and "River Rentals" where they have Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, tubes and an assortment of other inflatables to rent, is less than a half mile away. They also offer a shuttle service for those with their own boats which I took advantage of. They have a store with ample souvenir offerings
This campground was a great find for me, and you can bet I will return. The campground is open year around.
- YYvonne P.Scout
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Very clean
Level camp pads, easy to back into.
Guide to Arcadia
Dispersed camping near Arcadia, Michigan offers numerous options from rustic sites to modern campgrounds. The region around Arcadia sits in a transitional zone between dense forests and coastal plains, with elevations ranging from 600 feet to lake level. Average summer temperatures reach 75-80°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights that drop to the low 60s even in July and August.
What to do
Kayaking the Platte River: The Platte River offers excellent paddling opportunities near Arcadia. "We do a lot of camping all throughout Michigan. We are from Traverse city and this is our go-to campground. We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking," reports a visitor to Platte River Campground.
Biking on local trails: Benzie County features paved trails connecting several camping spots near Arcadia, Michigan. "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," notes a camper at Betsie River Campsite.
Hiking to secluded beaches: For those willing to put in some effort, backcountry beach spots can be found. "A 2 mile hike in beach spot with beautiful views. Lots a variation in how great each spot is, but absolutely worth it. No amenities at all. Great beach walks on lake michigan," says one camper about Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.
What campers like
Individual bathrooms: Modern facilities at some campgrounds stand out. "This campground has great amenities without feeling like urban camping. The staff and park rangers are amazing," reports a visitor to Platte River Campground, and another camper at Mountain Valley Lodge noted, "Bathhouse has individual showers which I love and the entire campground is surrounded by state land."
Campsites with lake views: Waterfront camping remains popular around Arcadia. "This is a very special area and this campground was an excellent, private host for it all," says a camper. Another visitor to Orchard Beach State Park mentioned "older campground high above beach, couple camper cabins. beautiful views of lake michigan."
Family-friendly environment: Many campgrounds focus on kid-friendly accommodations. "The camp store and little outdoor cafe are great and serve a delicious breakfast," mentions a visitor to Betsie River Campsite, while another notes it's "Very family-friendly with a nice bike path."
What you should know
Beach access limitations: Erosion has affected some campgrounds beyond those mentioned in the existing description. "Due to high waters the past few years there is no beach. This is still a family favorite and perfect if you want to go into Manistee," notes a camper at Orchard Beach State Park.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. One camper at Kampvilla noted, "No WiFi at our site near the back of the campground," while others report stronger signals closer to main buildings.
Black bears presence: Wildlife encounters should be expected. "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," warns a visitor at Interlochen State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better play facilities than others. "There is a room in the bathhouse that is for washing dishes. This made it very convenient and I was very impressed with that," notes a camper at Platte River Campground, while another mentions "a nice park for the kids, and nice spacious lots."
Swimming considerations: Water quality varies by location. "Swimmers itch can be a problem," cautions a visitor to Interlochen State Park. Another camper noted, "The sites are not real big, and all dirt. Not quiet time enforced. And swimmers itch in the lake."
Kid-friendly programs: Ranger activities enhance family trips. "The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," shares a visitor to D.H. Day Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV sites may require additional setup. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," warns a camper at Betsie River Campsite. Another RVer noted, "We weren't impressed. Sites look level but it's deceiving."
Water and electricity limitations: Hookup availability varies significantly. A camper at Kampvilla Park states, "Spacious, level sites. Great family atmosphere! Very clean and well kept," while another mentions "We had an electric only site and it was very private."
Reservation timing: Securing spots requires advance planning. "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" advises a visitor to Platte River Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Arcadia, Michigan?
What are the best campgrounds near Arcadia, Michigan?
Arcadia, Michigan offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Orchard Beach State Park Campground is a top choice featuring clean facilities and beautiful Lake Michigan views, though beach access is currently limited due to erosion. For a more secluded experience, Peterson Bridge provides gorgeous, well-maintained sites nestled in the woods with restrooms every few campsites. Other notable options include Platte River Campground and D.H. Day Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake with its playground and lake access. Ludington State Park's campgrounds are also worth considering for their scenic dunes and beaches.
How do I make camping reservations in Arcadia, Michigan?
How do I make camping reservations in Arcadia, Michigan?
For camping near Arcadia, Michigan, reservations can be made through different systems depending on the campground. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore requires reservations through Recreation.gov, ideally 6 months in advance as sites fill quickly. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended. For Michigan State Parks like Orchard Beach, reservations open 6 months ahead through the Michigan DNR website or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS. Private campgrounds such as Whispering Surf and Mountain Valley Lodge generally accept reservations via phone or their websites with varying advance booking windows.
Can you camp at Arcadia Dunes and what amenities are available?
Can you camp at Arcadia Dunes and what amenities are available?
While Arcadia Dunes itself is primarily a nature preserve without designated campgrounds, nearby Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness offers a similar dunes experience with dispersed camping options. This wilderness area provides a primitive camping experience with no formal amenities - you'll need to bring all supplies including water and pack out all trash. For those seeking amenities while still enjoying the dunes region, Betsie River Campsite near Frankfort offers water, toilets, and reservable sites. The campgrounds within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provide another alternative with various levels of amenities from vault toilets at more primitive sites to shower facilities at developed campgrounds.
Are there RV rental options available in Arcadia, Michigan?
Are there RV rental options available in Arcadia, Michigan?
While Arcadia itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby locations can accommodate RV campers. Lake Leelanau RV Park and Poncho's Pond RV Park are RV-friendly facilities in the region that may offer rental information or recommendations. For actual RV rentals, check with dealerships in larger nearby cities like Traverse City, which typically offer rental options. Alternatively, online platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy connect RV owners with renters in the area. Once you've secured an RV, several campgrounds near Arcadia can accommodate them, including Timberline Campground near Benzonia and Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground, both offering water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites.
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