C
Cindy 
Scout
ScoutRvino - Timberline, LLC
Good North Country Camping
Sites are large enough, clean campground, staff polite, facilities were very clean. Camp store closes very early. We would return.
Camping near Buckley, MI
249 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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. Buckley campgrounds offer excellent access to popular outdoor recreation areas while providing diverse camping accommodations for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Best Campgrounds near Buckley (249)
1. 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 Availability2. Traverse City State Park Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
"We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability4. Traverse City KOA Holiday
"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."
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
"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."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability6. 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 Availability7. Green Lake Rustic North — Interlochen State Park
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability8. Seaton Creek Campground
"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."
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability9. Holiday Park Campground
"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)."
10. Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground
"Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right?"
"You have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 25 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 39 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 41 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 57 min from Muskegon, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Buckley, MI
434 Photos of 249 Buckley Campgrounds
Lisa D.
Traverse City KOA Holiday
Coral C.
Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
Kristi S.
Green Lake Rustic North — Interlochen State Park
Jonathan B.
Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
Missy E.
Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Pine Meadows - Coleman Cooking Site
George W.
Holiday Park Campground
Matt T.
Seaton Creek Campground
Troy L.
Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
Harry B.
Old US-131 State Forest Campground
Justin C.
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
Thomas H.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
Recent Reviews near Buckley, MI
1037 Reviews of 249 Buckley Campgrounds
Robert M.
TravelerWhitewater Township Park Campground
White Water Township Park, West Michigan
The park has 53 campsites I was satisfied with site size and separation from other sites. Camped on a Ridge View site. Site had picnic table and firepit.
I normally don't use electric hook-up, but all sites had them. There are scenic paths down to Elk Lake. The bathhouse has showers and restrooms. All were clean and showers had ample hot water. Some people have complained about only one bathhouse. Normally camping in rustic or dispersed areas I had no problem with that. I thought $45. was expensive for a township park but I guess it was in line with other parks' sites having electric hook-ups. As I said I normally do rustic or in dispersed camping. There are no water hook ups but there is a water fill station next to bathhouse. and 2 others near office. The campground has a dump station. It also has a boat launch with a large parking area in the lower park area. The campground was well kept.
The Township Park is only 10 miles, or 15 minutes west of Elk River where the Paddle Antrim group have a recently completed a beautiful Kayak/Paddle board launch site which is part of the "Chain of Lakes Waterway," at Rotary Park. It has wonderful water access with a handicap or "Easi-launch". There are also restrooms and a boat-wash and a posted map.
I was there for a celebration of that completion.
The only other campground close is expensive, (I believe the cheapest site was $75 per night), and packed tightly.
- AAngie S.
GuideNorthern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
Austin R.ScoutHoncho Rest Campground
My Family of Seven loved it
I 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.
Richard Z.ScoutNature
I believe this campground is closed, unfortunately.
We looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
Ashleigh K.ScoutReedsburg Dam State Forest Campground
Good fishing
Tons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
Shayla C.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!!!
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 😂
Guide to Buckley
Camping near Buckley, Michigan offers access to the Manistee National Forest with over 540,000 acres of public lands. The region sits at elevations between 580-1,280 feet, creating varied terrain for camping from riverside flats to forested hills. Winter camping options are limited, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: At Northern Exposure Campground, visitors can find nearby natural features. "Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" notes a camper who explored the Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping area.
Kayaking and tubing: The Platte River provides water recreation opportunities. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" shares a visitor to Platte River Campground.
Music and arts: The region offers cultural experiences alongside outdoor activities. "Next to a band camp too so it's fun enjoying the music in the distance while camping or around the fire," explains a camper at Interlochen State Park.
Fishing access: Camping sites with water access provide fishing opportunities. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, children's playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails," reports a visitor at Northern Exposure Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sites at many campgrounds provide room to spread out. "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back," notes a reviewer at Northern Exposure Campground.
Trail connections: Some campgrounds connect directly to hiking networks. "The trails are very nice. The trail from Loop 1 is 1.2 miles to Lake Michigan. If you like to walk, be sure to walk out there. The end is complete sand so be prepared to work hard!" advises a camper at Platte River Campground.
Privacy between sites: Forest coverage provides separation at certain campgrounds. "This campground has great amenities without feeling like urban camping. The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites," explains a visitor to Platte River Campground.
Water views: Lakefront options are available at several campgrounds. "Small campground with absolutely stunning views of the lake! The 'beach' area is a bit rocky and I wouldn't recommend actually swimming there, but there's decent fishing and it's very quite," shares a camper at Green Lake Rustic North.
What you should know
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "Some of the sites are located right off the main road, which leads to lots of noise during the day and night," notes a visitor to Green Lake Rustic North campground.
Wildlife awareness: Bears have been spotted in the area. "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," reports a camper at Platte River Campground.
Tick precautions: Ticks are present in warmer months. "Think it's just this summer but I did pull 2 ticks off the dogs after this hike," mentions a visitor to Manistee River Trail.
Site flooding risk: Weather can impact ground conditions. "The sites weren't bad but one of our sites turned into a small pond overnight during a rain storm," warns a camper at Green Lake Rustic North.
Seasonal crowds: Most popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night," says a visitor to Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play facilities. "Great site for first time campers or when you want to just get away quickly without having to take lots of equipment and supplies. Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities," recommends a visitor to Northern Exposure Campground.
Swimming safety: Families should research water conditions. "The Green Lake is clean but no beach. There aren't any trails or activities," notes a camper at Green Lake Rustic North.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. "This place was wonderful. The staff was all very nice, the grounds were clean, and our lot was huge," shares a visitor to Northern Exposure Campground.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences. "I highly recommend taking the time to travel up the Leelanau Peninsula and visiting Fishtown and the Sutton's Bay Farmers Market on Saturdays during the summer," suggests a camper at Interlochen State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific sites before booking. "We stayed at the the north end of the campground in back which was very quiet during the weekday. My kids had a blast, paved roads, beaches, camp store," advises an RVer at Northern Exposure Campground.
Pull-through options: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Long, level, pull through. A lot of wonderful things to say - but you'll have to see for yourself!" notes a camper at Traverse City KOA in Buckley.
Hookup variations: Service levels vary by campground and site. "Sites are stone and not muddy (it did rain). There were a lot of play grounds as well," reports a visitor to Holiday Park Campground.
Site spacing: RV sites vary in proximity to neighbors. "This is your typical KOA campground. Sites are close together with not a lot of trees. Activities for the kids are numerous and they really enjoyed the large jumping pillow," explains a visitor to Traverse City KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping in Buckley, Michigan?
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?
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?
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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