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Camping options around Boyne Falls, Michigan include multiple established campgrounds along Lake Charlevoix and nearby waterways. Chandler Hill Campground in Boyne Falls offers tent camping, RV sites, and glamping opportunities from May through October. Young State Park Campground, located on Lake Charlevoix just 3 miles from Boyne City, provides over 560 acres with multiple camping loops featuring a mix of wooded and waterfront sites. The region supports various accommodation types including traditional tent sites, RV hookups with 30/50 amp service, cabin rentals, and specialized glamping options like yurts.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. "The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix," noted one visitor about Young State Park. Water levels on Lake Charlevoix can impact site availability, with some waterfront sites occasionally closing due to high water. Cellular coverage is generally reliable near developed campgrounds, though reception may vary in more remote areas. Many campgrounds in the area feature modern amenities including shower facilities, sanitary dump stations, and electrical hookups.
Lakefront campsites receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several visitors highlighted the beach areas at Young State Park as particularly appealing, with one camper describing the sunsets as "breathtaking." Whiting Park Campground provides direct lake access with sites that, while somewhat close together, offer decent tree coverage for shade and privacy. Families appreciate the playground facilities and clean bathhouses available at most developed campgrounds in the area. While sites near the water tend to be more popular and crowded, especially during peak summer months, they provide convenient access to swimming, boating, and fishing. The proximity to towns like Boyne City, Charlevoix, and Petoskey allows campers to easily access restaurants, grocery stores, and other services during their stay.
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
"very nice lake and beach bathrooms and amenities are excellent
sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you
overall really enjoyed our stay"
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
"There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"
"Otsego Lake provides a needed escape from the city while still being close enough to a happening town that one can camp and get into town for a nice dinner. The lake and campsite are clean."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private. The park store was closed Labor Day weekend."
"The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"It is close to everything. And it's close to Charlevoix, Traverse City, Torch Lake. We camp here every year and go visit all of these places while we stay at East Jordan tourist Park."
"Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small"
"Recommend the on site ATVrental lots of trails to ride"
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.
ScoutVery private and quiet during our stay. Very close to the ferry company for the trip to Mackinaw Island. Nice store and pool/beach area
GuideThis is a very popular campground in July! Sites are tightly packed together. But it’s clean and has a great view of the bridge. Beaches are nice although some spots are mostly rocky. Beach-side sites usually don’t have electric service. If you don’t mind lots of other people it’s a nice park.
GuideFirst time staying at a KOA. Wow. The staff is so helpful!!!! They were constantly tending to the grounds. The shuttle to the Mackinac Island was great! Saved on parking. Took our e-bikes on the natural trail into Mackinaw City.
LegendLots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view. None of the sites are actually right on the lake--that area is for all campers to enjoy--with spots to park your pontoons/jetskis/kayaks/dingy. Pit toilets were a bit smelly, but clean. Boat launch near campground entrance. Arrived on a Monday and was busy even during the week, but still several spots available--snagged one of two lake view sites available. Good cell service. Would stay again!
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.
TravelerNice clean campground with modern bathrooms and showers. Plenty of shade and great views of Otsego Lake. Beach access and boat launch right in the park.
GuideThis campground offers 80 sites only 14 sit on lake michigan. We weren't able to get one of those although the day of checkout we scoped the new empty ones they looked less spacious than the one we stayed at in the woods. But the view and lake access would have been worth the loss of space. Lots of bugs in the wooded area sites. They offer many vault toilets and some water pumps but the faults were some of the worst I've seen in awhile. All in all we would definitely stay again but only on a water site. You also can't beat the price at $20 a night.
TravelerThis campsite is quiet with a nice view of Lake Michigan. A friendly staff quickly checked us in. The restrooms and showers are adequate. One very nice perk is the camp’s own private access to the beach. We would definitely stay here again.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Boyne Falls?
The Boyne Falls area offers several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Chandler Hill Campground is located directly in Boyne Falls and provides drive-in access with reservable sites. For those willing to venture a short distance, Young State Park Campground near Boyne City offers lakeside camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites. Other nearby options include Whiting Park Campground and East Jordan Tourist Park, both within a 20-minute drive. The region's campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with peak season during summer months when Michigan's northern woods and lakes are most accessible.
What amenities does Chandler Hill Campground offer?
Chandler Hill Campground offers a range of essential amenities for campers. The campground features water hookups and toilet facilities, making it suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Sites are reservable and the campground is big-rig friendly, accommodating larger recreational vehicles. Access is available via drive-in or walk-in options. The campground's location in Boyne Falls puts it in proximity to northern Michigan attractions while providing a peaceful woodland setting. For those seeking additional water-based recreation nearby, Burt Lake State Park Campground offers similar amenities with the added benefit of lake access for boating and fishing.
How close is camping to Boyne Mountain Resort?
Whiting Park Campground is approximately 10 miles from Boyne Mountain Resort, making it one of the closest camping options. This campground provides water and toilet facilities with reservable sites. For those seeking a premium camping experience closer to the resort, Petoskey KOA is about 15 miles away and offers full amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Many campers use these locations as a base for day trips to Boyne Mountain for skiing in winter or mountain biking and other outdoor activities during summer months. Most nearby campgrounds are seasonal, typically operating from May through October.
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