Camping sites near Boyne Falls, Michigan include diverse options across state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds. The region sits in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where the terrain features rolling hills and elevation changes significant enough to support Boyne Mountain ski resort with a 500-foot vertical drop. Campsites throughout the area can experience significant temperature variations between day and night, often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months.
What to do
Beach activities and rock hunting: At Petoskey State Park Campground, visitors can hunt for the unique Petoskey stones along the shoreline. "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," notes one camper.
Cycling on paved trails: The region offers extensive paved bike paths connecting multiple towns. "On bike trail that extends north to Harbor Springs and south to Charleviox - scenic and paved. Some hills but mostly flat," reports a visitor to Petoskey State Park. Another camper at Petoskey KOA mentions it offers "cycling dream trails."
Winter activities: While most campgrounds operate seasonally, the area transforms in winter. A Young State Park visitor notes, "We visited Young State Park in the summer but in talking to locals this place is wonderful in the winter and great for cross-country skiing with trails that wind through wooded areas."
ATV riding: For motorized recreation, Chandler Hill Campground in Boyne Falls offers direct access to trail systems. "Recommend the on site ATV rental lots of trails to ride," shares one visitor who appreciated the convenience of renting equipment directly at the campground.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Burt Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its generous site dimensions. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," reports one visitor. Another notes, "Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Water access and swimming: Many campers highlight the water quality and swimming conditions at area lakes. At Burt Lake, a visitor mentions, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Camp stores and facilities: Young State Park Campground offers convenience through its well-stocked store. "The park has a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing remains popular throughout the region's lakes and waterways. A visitor to East Jordan Tourist Park mentions "Full hook up great beach and fishing!" while another at Young State Park notes, "Behind the concession stand is a fishing pier that was really popular with the kids."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, campers should understand the rustic nature of facilities. "Understand that this is a rustic campground with small sites, no electric, scattered water spigots, and pit toilets," cautions one visitor. Another adds, "If you camp in the back of the park or at 76+, you do not see or hear or see this factory."
High season reservations: Most campgrounds in the region fill quickly during peak summer months. For Young State Park, a camper advises, "Reservations can be made on-line via the Michigan DNR site. The advantage of making reservations online is that you get a really good description of the site which includes length, width, hook-ups, amount of shade, length of site, distance to restrooms, and best of all - pictures."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have noise challenges from nearby development. At Fisherman's Island, a reviewer mentions, "The only downside to this park is the cement factory, accompanied with its sounds, polluting the shoreline to the right." Similarly, at Magnus Park, a camper notes, "Sitting between the town and the water, the backside of the camp area is the hospital with loud cooling fan towers running constantly."
Water conditions: Water levels can fluctuate significantly from year to year. A visitor to Young State Park in 2019 observed, "Other than that the campground has a lot to offer, especially being so close to Charlevoix and Petoskey. The waterside sites were flooded due to the high lake levels lately."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Whiting Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "I stayed in the corner lot next to the playground. There was more than enough room for my tent," reports one camper. At Chandler Hill Campground, a visitor mentions, "We've camped here for two years in a row and we LOVE it! Everyone is so friendly. Camp sites are nicely spread out and our 4 kids have a ball. They just updated their playground area as well!"
Safe swimming areas: Many families prioritize gradual shorelines for children. At Burt Lake State Park, a visitor notes the shallow water extends significantly from shore, making it safer for younger swimmers: "you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe."
Biking opportunities: Parents appreciate parks with safe biking areas. A Young State Park visitor comments, "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide." At Otsego Lake State Park, another visitor calls it a "great bike riding park for little ones."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger programs. One visitor to Young State Park noted "Park ranger, crafts, and beach area for the kids. Very clean."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RVers should pay particular attention to site dimensions when booking. At Petoskey KOA, a visitor cautions, "Be sure when you book that you put down the correct size of your rig as they have site management down to a science." Another notes, "Getting to the site in our RV was a little tricky because of all the trees and cars parked everywhere."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have significant grading issues. At Otsego Lake State Park, a camper reported, "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie." Another advises, "Be sure to read the site descriptions as several can be uneven."
Hookup locations: Electrical connection placement varies between campgrounds. At Young State Park, a camper notes, "All campsites are a mix of 20/30/50 amp or 20/30 amp with water spigots scattered throughout the loop." At East Jordan Tourist Park, visitors appreciate the "Full hook up" capabilities.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds can present challenges. A Young State Park visitor observed, "The roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam."
