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Best Campgrounds near Buckley, MI

999 Reviews

The area surrounding Buckley, Michigan offers a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to more remote options. Traverse City KOA, located in Buckley, provides tent and RV sites with full hookups, while Northern Exposure Campground in nearby Mesick offers cabins and glamping accommodations. Several state parks and forest campgrounds are within a 30-mile radius, including Interlochen State Park which features both modern and rustic camping areas on Duck Lake and Green Lake. Dispersed camping options are available along the Manistee River Trail for those seeking more primitive experiences.

Camping seasons vary considerably across the region, with many campgrounds operating from May through October, though some remain open year-round. The Traverse City KOA operates from late May to mid-October, while state park facilities like Interlochen typically maintain longer seasons. Winter camping is limited primarily to year-round facilities. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks in the region. Proximity to lakes and rivers is a significant feature for many campsites, though this can mean higher demand during peak season. As one visitor noted, "Quiet 25 site campground. It does get a lot of non-camper traffic. A little road noise but the river makes up for it."

Waterfront access remains a key attraction for campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or rivers. Green Lake at Interlochen State Park features "Caribbean blue and crystal clear" water according to visitor feedback, with campsites that offer direct water views. Family-friendly amenities are common at established campgrounds, with the Traverse City KOA noted for its "massive kids playground," jumping pillow, and pool facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, sites along the Manistee River provide opportunities for hiking and water activities without developed facilities. Campers frequently mention the region's balance of natural settings with reasonable proximity to attractions in Traverse City, Frankfort, and Manistee, making it a convenient base for exploring northwest Michigan.

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Best Camping Sites Near Buckley, Michigan (244)

    1. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    3. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 885-1199

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."

    "I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it! Not many big boats on it so there was no motor noise constantly like how it is on most inland lake campgrounds."

    4. Traverse City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Buckley, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 269-4562

    "This place is the perfect spot to camp to get away yet stay close to Home (if you live nearby!). Its great for a traveler as well."

    "This KOA is just south of Traverse City and very centrally located to all that makes this area so awesome! Wineries, Sleep Bear Dunes, golf courses, and of course downtown Traverse City."

    5. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    22 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

    6. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "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."

    7. Seaton Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 723-0141

    $30 - $80 / night

    "You are surrounded by beautiful pines. I wasn't able to explore as much as I liked to but hear there are great trails and you are in walking distance of water."

    "It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."

    8. Holiday Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Grawn, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 943-4410

    "Was able to check in early...because campers had checked out early and they had time to check the site...very clean...close to all the great sites around Traverse City...the only thing was where our site"

    "It has everything; off of Silver Lake to swim, fish or rent a boat. Their is no reason to leave this paradise (except for groceries/drinks)."

    9. Green Lake Rustic North — Interlochen State Park

    8 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "It was nice waking up to hearing loons calling on the lake though. The campground doesn’t have any trails or a nice beach, but there’s lots to do nearby."

    "If you are going to this state park camp at the green lake rustic sites! These sites are bigger and more spread out. I had a spot that was great for my hammock. Some right on the lake!"

    10. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan."

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Recent Camping Photos near Buckley, MI

443 Photos of 244 Buckley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buckley, MI

999 Reviews of 244 Buckley Campgrounds

  • Kathie M.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Beautiful small rustic campground

    This campground is my all time favorite. I don't think there is a bad site (51 sites plus 3 cabins). Very beautiful in the fall with outstanding forest hiking south of campground. I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch. Very short walk to Lake Michigan- you can even see if you have a clearing. Vault toilets so clean! Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly. Highly highly recommend!

  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    Lots of activities

    We just needed a spot for the night near Traverse City, and this fit the bill.
    It is a huge campground, with lots of activities for kids, but we have none. It was not high season, so it was not crowded and it was quiet. Our site was full service, but we only need electric for our van. The bathrooms were clean, but we were disappointed that the showers require quarters, as we had none. It was a great last minute opportunity, but I'm sure in high season you need a reservation.

  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Lively Acres Campground

    Clean, new, quiet

    We visited in mid October, out of season, but the phone reservation that same day was easy and helpful. Verizon cell service was good, and the Porta potties were clean. There were no plumbed toilets or showers. The planted trees and shrubs are young, so there is no shade or privacy between sites yet.

  • Erin F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

    Off the beaten path

    Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded.

  • Evelyn K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Lots of privacy

    These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths. We had fun on our e-bikes. Beautiful surroundings. Good birding too. No bugs!

  • Kammy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    Beautiful fall morning, site on the lake

    Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here.

  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

Guide to Buckley

Camping near Buckley, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms there were still nice!"
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered at campgrounds like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. One camper remarked, "The campsites were big and beneath mature trees for max shade and privacy."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have a welcoming vibe. A visitor at Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park mentioned, "Folks were very friendly and helpful to us newbies."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, lack modern amenities. A camper warned, "It made loud noises all day and night," referring to the nearby concrete factory.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like D.H. Day Group Campground can fill up quickly. One visitor said, "Went at the end of August and lucked out to get one spot for a tent."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area noted, "Mice and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the campsite."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be small. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups like Platte River Campground. A camper mentioned, "Sites had good fire rings and picnic tables."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Lake Michigan Recreation Area, can be near busy roads. A visitor shared, "The park is right next to a busy road and near an airport, so it was a little noisy."

Camping near Buckley, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping in Buckley, Michigan?

Reservations are highly recommended for camping near Buckley, Michigan, especially during peak summer season. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore fills up quickly, with campers noting its popularity and clean facilities. Similarly, D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore operates on a first-come, first-served basis for some sites, but competition for spots can be fierce during summer months. Most private campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays and holidays. For the best camping experience, secure your reservation several months ahead for summer visits and at least a few weeks in advance during spring and fall.

Where are the campgrounds located near Buckley, MI?

Several campgrounds are located within driving distance of Buckley, Michigan. The closest is Traverse City KOA, which is situated near Buckley itself. For those willing to venture a bit further, Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park near Mesick offers multiple access options including drive-in and hike-in sites. Other options within reasonable driving distance include campgrounds in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, sites near Interlochen, and various options around Traverse City. These campgrounds provide access to northern Michigan's beautiful lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making Buckley a good central location for exploring the region.

What amenities are available at Buckley campground?

Campgrounds near Buckley offer varying levels of amenities. Orchard Beach State Park Campground provides clean facilities, beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and hiking trails across the road. The park features typical Michigan State Park site sizes with maintained grounds. Thurston Park Campground offers waterfront sites with lake access for fishing and paddling, plus a playground adjacent to the campground. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities such as restrooms and water access. Some offer more rustic experiences with vault toilets, while others have modern shower facilities and electrical hookups. Amenities typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby recreational opportunities like hiking trails, fishing, and swimming access.

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