Shayla C.
Traveler
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!!!
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 (201)
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. 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 Availability6. 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 Availability7. Rvino - Timberline, LLC
"We are tucked into some mature shade trees with Fantastic atmosphere of families around."
from $32 - $92 / 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."
"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 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. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
"Lake Michigan rec area is adjacent with beach access and trails to walk. Hamlin Lake at Ludington State Park is not far and has an interpretive canoe trail."
"Beautiful campground within walking distance from Lake Michigan and a beautiful beach. Flushable toilets and potable water. No hookups."
from $14 - $27 / 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
402 Photos of 201 Arcadia Campgrounds
Chris R.
Kampvilla Park, LLC
The Dyrt
Betsie River Camp Site
Nicole T.
Betsie River Campsite
Kendra @.
Camp Squid Off The Grid
Horizon M.
Rvino - Timberline, LLC
Bettyanne D.
Llovely Meadows Campground
Amber C.
Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground
John N.
Healy Lake State Forest Campground
Scott S.
Orchard Beach State Park Campground
Rochelle T.
Matson's Big Manistee River Campground
Emily M.
Insta-Launch Campground & Marina
Steven D.
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Recent Reviews near Arcadia, MI
966 Reviews of 201 Arcadia Campgrounds
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.
Ronnie G.
GuideSilver Creek State Forest Campground
Rustic, River, and Racoons!!! 🦝
I 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 😂
- 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.
- Gerard E.Legend
Interlochen State Park
July 2026
July 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.
- KKhrysin M.
ScoutOrchard Beach State Park Campground
Clean and quaint!
This 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!
Courtnee H.TravelerRocky’s Woods
Shaded, Grassy Sites, Friendly owners
Six 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.
Amy W.TravelerSand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest
Great, shady campsites close to beach
We dropped in on a friend who was camping here and stayed just one night at the start of a long trip, but we'll definitely be back. Site 19 has its own little path to the beach. So do several others on that side of the campground. Nice little lake and beach. Loons in the evening.
- Gerard E.Legend
Green Lake Rustic North — Interlochen State Park
July 2026
July 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites. No electric, hand pump for water and pit toilets spread throughout the area.
T-Mobile had 1bar LTE but I could get 5G at Interlochen CG.
Picnic tables and steel/concrete fire pit. Showers available at Interlochen CG, short drive or walk a mile through the woods and cross the main road near the entrance to the boat launch.
Bugs were not bad, trash dumpster near the entrance and some road noise since the CG runs parallel to the main road.
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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