When you think about camping in Michigan, it’s the water that draws most to the Great Lakes State. Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline, the second longest of any state, including 1,056 miles of island coast. Plus, you’re never more than six miles from a natural water source, or more than 85 miles away from a Great Lake. 


There are plenty of opportunities for coastal and island camping in Michigan, but it’s more than just water. Michigan has the largest state park and state forest system of any state, with over 100 state parks, recreation areas, and state forests. There are also several national parks, forests, and lakeshores to pitch a tent or park the adventure rig. Needless to say, you have some options, so stick with The Dyrt to help you narrow it down. Consider these main Michigan attractions when deciding on where to go camping in Michigan. 


For most campers, the epicenter of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in Michigan is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Mountainous dunes slope from high peaks and plateaus down to meet with the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. Hiking, biking, hang gliding, off-roading, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, or just simply sandy beach lounging can all be found in and around Sleeping Bear Dunes. Also, when you take a camping trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the nearby quaint towns and rolling inland hills speckled with fruit orchards provide the perfect bonus excursions. 


Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Michigan waterways have been essential to the growth of the nation, but they’ve also been treacherous for mariners for centuries, and continue to demand respect. When camping in Michigan, touring some of the iconic Michigan lighthouses can be a great way to learn about the history of the region, while also taking in stellar views of natural landscapes and architectural achievement. Check in with The Dyrt for information on camping near some great Michigan lighthouses. 


Finally, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an entire playground of its own for outdoor recreation and exploration. Discover some of the many waterfalls like the impressive Tahquamenon Falls, or kayak on Lake Superior for a memorable view of the famous Pictured Rocks. The power of Lake Superior can be seen across the northern shore with unique rock formations, and remnants of the prominent mining and shipping industry still exist throughout. If you’re thinking about more remote or wild camping options in Michigan, the Upper Peninsula is for you. Whatever your camping style, stay tuned to The Dyrt for inside information on the best camping in Michigan. 

Michigan

The Best Camping in Michigan | 100+ MI Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Bowens Mill, MI has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bowens Mill campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.

Bowens Mill

The Best Camping Near Bowens Mill, Michigan

Campit is a resort for all kinds of outdoor recreation and accomodations. We primarily serve people identifying with the LGBTQ communities, their friends and allies. We are all affirming, with a reputation as a very friendly, welcoming and safe place to relax and play. Campit’s beautifully wooded 33-acre property is located just 10 minutes from Saugatuck and Douglas, the Midwest’s most popular LGBTQ vacation destination and its beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. In addition to camping for both tenters and RV’ers, Campit offers a number of lodging choices including Log Cabin rentals, a five-bedroom Bunkhouse B&B, and Vintage Trailers. Weekly scheduled events and activities, a large, heated pool, clubhouse, and a variety of other amenities provide many choices for outdoor recreation and meeting great people.









Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck

Full hook up tent and RV camp grounds on 4.5 acres with 2,000 feet of lake frontage.

Peaceful campground to park your RV or Tent camping May 1st - October 1.
Enjoy great fishing, swimming, relaxing.
Full hook ups. Fire pits & boat docks. Fishing boats & Kayaks for rent.
417 acre Lower Crooked Lake is pristine and filled with Blue Gill, Crappie, Perch, Bass, Grass Pike, Musky. 

Crooked Lake Campground and RV Park

This family friendly campground offers a beach for swimming, hiking trails, fishing and kayaking on a small no wake lake. The campground is bordered by state land and is close to Deep Lake, Gun Lake and Yankee Springs Recreational Area which offers additional recreational activities. Nearby businesses include a winery, local shops, golf courses, Gun Lake Casino and several local restaurants. Surrounded by multiple small towns that offer events and attractions year-round.

Sharp Park Campground offers rustic sites, electric sites and full hookup sites as well as two full hookup lakeside sites! There is a 2-person cabin with electricity as of 2023 which is perfect for a couple looking to getaway into the woods.

Under new ownership for the 2022 camping season, come check us out!



Sharp Park Campground

Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

Camp Michawana is located on 188 acres in West Michigan Barry County equidistant from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. We have acres of beautifully forested, rolling hills, and a ¼ mile of waterfront on Long Lake.

Our RV Campground provides beautiful scenery along with family adventures, all at a low cost. Bring your RV, tent, or pop-up, or rent one of our cabins and plan to have a great time relaxing.

Michawana Campground

78 sites at Deep Lake Rustic Campground are now site-standard reservable.

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

Deep Lake Campground

Indian Valley Campground offers modern and rustic campsites for all types of camping units. Campsites by night, week, month, and season.

Planned activities on Saturday with Wagon rides. Canoe or Kayak the Thornapple river, 2 to 6 hour trips start or end at the campground. Excellent fishing on the Thornapple river at the campground, and you can rent a fishing boat, paddle boat or fish the spring fed pond. Barry county has 300 lakes and rivers to enjoy.

Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery

Gun Lake - Yankee Springs RA

Located on the Thornapple River in the heart of Michigan’s Barry County, Whispering Waters Campground is ideally situated and easy to reach from the metropolitan areas of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Battle Creek. Offering a quaint lifestyle that is cherished but so often missing from the contemporary American landscape, the town of Hastings has been identified as # 68 on the list of the best small towns in America in author Norman Crampton’s book “The 100 Best Small Towns in America”. We like to think that Whispering Waters Campground, in turn, offers its guests some of the best in Hastings, Barry County, and the state of Michigan. By definition, this is “Pure Michigan” at its finest!

For the 2016 camping season, Whispering Waters Campground is changing its focus to concentrate on seasonal camping. Although a limited number of monthly and weekly campsites will be maintained on a space-available basis, we really want to do everything possible to meet the needs of our seasonal guests. Seasonal campers demonstrate a true commitment to their chosen RV park, and we are committed to dedicating our efforts to the the interests of those seasonal guests. We offer the nicest and cleanest facilities in the area, the most highly dedicated staff, a true family-like atmosphere, and campers who take tremendous pride in both the park and their individual campsites. We believe that this defines the best in family camping, and we invite you to stop in to personally experience what we offer. We think that after touring our facility, talking with our current campers and meeting with us, you will want to join that special camaraderie that you will discover at Whispering Waters. 

Whispering Waters Campground

Near Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan, Hungry Horse Campground is your campground destination for family camping in Dorr, Michigan... with all the fun and horseplay you could want on your outdoor vacation! With 96 sites spread out over 90 gorgeous acres, you’ll never be out of things to do and enjoy!

Hungry Horse Campground

Join the fun near Detroit. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Detroit is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Detroit camping trip.

Detroit

The Best Camping Near Detroit | Michigan Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Warren, MI has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Warren. Find the best campgrounds near Warren, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Warren

The Best Camping Near Warren, Michigan

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sterling Heights, MI has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sterling Heights. Discover great camping spots near Sterling Heights, reviewed by campers like you.

Sterling Heights

The Best Camping Near Sterling Heights, Michigan

Are you in need of a campground near Lansing, MI? Lansing is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lansing

The Best Camping Near Lansing, Michigan

Ann Arbor is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ann Arbor. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Ann Arbor

The Best Camping Near Ann Arbor, Michigan

Join the fun near Grand Rapids. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Grand Rapids, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.

Grand Rapids

The Best Camping Near Grand Rapids, Michigan

Flint is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Michigan camping adventure.

Flint

The Best Camping Near Flint, Michigan

Clinton Township, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Clinton Township is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Clinton Township camping trip.

Clinton Township

The Best Camping Near Clinton Township, Michigan

Join the fun near Dearborn. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dearborn campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dearborn. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dearborn

The Best Camping Near Dearborn, Michigan

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Livonia. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Livonia campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Livonia, MI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Livonia

The Best Camping Near Livonia, Michigan

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Hiawatha National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Hiawatha National Forest, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Hiawatha National Forest

The Best Camping Near Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ottawa National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Ottawa National Forest

The Best Camping Near Ottawa National Forest, Michigan

Looking for the best campgrounds near Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI? Sleeping Bear Dunes is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Sleeping Bear Dunes, reviewed by campers like you.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

The Best Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pictured Rocks National Park campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Pictured Rocks National Park camping trip.

Pictured Rocks National Park

The Best Camping Near Pictured Rocks National Park, Michigan

Manistee National Forest camping is some of the best the midwest has to offer. You do not need a permit to camp on the National Forests or in designated campgrounds. If your campfire will be on National Forest System lands you will not need a wood permit to cut firewood. Dispersed and Primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping".


Huron-Manistee National Forests

Searching for the best camping near Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Huron-Manistee National Forests and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Camping Near Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The Best Camping Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Best Camping Near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Surrounded by the water of Lake Superior is some of the best camping in Michigan on the isolated and quiet Isle Royale. Near Rock Harbor, MI, campers can enjoy a variety of activities from swimming and fishing to boating and scuba diving. Lake Superior’s seemingly bottomless depths offer a world of exploration for snorkelers and divers. Campsites close to the lake make it easy to put in a kayak or canoe for exploring the tiny islands and waterways found throughout the area. Campgrounds come with the amenities campers expect to find that include cabins, yurts, and plenty of sites ideal for tents. RV drivers will also find plenty of places to hook up their vehicles.

The Best Camping in Bowens Mill

Top Campgrounds in Bowens Mill (128)

1.