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Best Campgrounds near Buckley, MI

989 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

    17 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

    21 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

989 Reviews of 244 Buckley Campgrounds

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • J
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Nice and woodsy

    The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren’t close. FCFS of course, but I had no problem finding an available site.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    good spot

    we went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night. we took the 3rd open space i think. it was close to others but not too close. it is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season.

  • Craig S.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Horrible RV Park - Beware!

    Recently visited as we were competitors in Empire Hill Climb. Had an issue w our group this weekend that I’ve never experienced in 40 yrs of camping. Stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately, after an incident one of the families we were with was kicked out. Never heard of being kicked out of a campground before without any prior warning. I will admit we had issue w one of our 5yr olds. The family I mentioned was camping in a pop up. They utilize a 5 gallon bucket to urinate in. Well, on the first full morning apparently the 5yr old dumped the bucket on the ground outside the camper. Others saw this and reported it. Again, we know we/he was in the wrong. However, clearly the 5 yr old thought they were helping and didn’t know the magnitude of their actions. With that said, he is 5 and made a mistake. Steve, the manager showed up after the report and kicked them out without a conversation had. His exact words were“ you have an hour to leave or I’m calling the sheriff.” Mind you this is a family w 3 little ones. Was sooo taken back by this comment. Been visiting Glen Arbor for 40 yrs and will never be back to Indigo Bluffs. If you don’t have money, 100k camper, and/or retired stay away at all cost, all they care about. 2.5 miles down Street is lovely brand new RV campground, Lively Acres Campground. Stay there if you want to your family treated right.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Friendly Staff

    Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

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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