118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Carp Lake region in northern Michigan features multiple camping options along the shores of Lake Michigan and nearby inland lakes. Wilderness State Park Camping provides established camping with tent, RV, and cabin accommodation options, while Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers similar variety with views of the Mackinac Bridge. Several private campgrounds like Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA and St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA complement the state-operated facilities, providing amenities such as electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. French Farm Lake Road offers a more primitive camping experience for those seeking a less developed setting.
Campground access and availability fluctuate seasonally, with most facilities operating from May through October. Winter camping is limited to select year-round locations like Wilderness State Park and Straits State Park. Roads are generally paved and accessible to standard vehicles, though some primitive sites may require high-clearance vehicles or short walks from parking areas. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable near developed areas but may be spotty in more remote locations. A camper noted the practical considerations at French Farm Lake Road: "There is no water, trash services, or showers. Just 6 primitive sites with fire pits... scout on foot first. It's kinda frustrating to be in states without dispersed camping."
Waterfront campsites consistently receive positive reviews, particularly those with views of Lake Michigan or the Mackinac Bridge. Many campgrounds in the area feature direct beach access, allowing for swimming, paddling, and sunset viewing directly from camp. Sites at Wilderness State Park and Petoskey State Park include beach access via short trails through dunes. Proximity to the Little Traverse Wheelway, a paved bike path connecting multiple towns, enhances recreational opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of staying near tourist attractions like Mackinac Island while still enjoying natural surroundings. A visitor commented about Petoskey State Park: "The park is situated between Petoskey and Harbor Springs – both of which have good restaurants, shopping, marinas, and lots of outdoor summer activities." Mosquitoes and flies can be problematic during summer months, so appropriate repellents are recommended.
"Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."
"You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
from $36 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The pool was great for swimming, and mackinaw city is a great place to walk around and explore!"
"Close to Leggs restaurant. Mackinac Island. Tunnel of Trees. Upper peninsula Michigan. All this and a great campground."
"This is a great location to camp if you are looking for proximity to Mackinac Island. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They have electric and water but no sewer."
"Small campground but right on Lake Huron. The campsites are close to each other so I would recommend one of the outer campsites that backs up to the woods."
from $34 - $52 / night
Check Availability"We had site #16 right near the front, which meant we had some traffic noise and kids running to the adjacent playground, but the spacious lot size made up for it (and having 3 kids of our own, we didn't"
"Spent four nights here while we explored the surrounding area. Took two trips out to Mackinac Island - the ferry sompanies have free pick up at the KOA."
"Our site was just steps away from Lake Huron, so we got to enjoy swimming right from camp, which was such a bonus."
"We traveled with two other families and chose to stay on the Lake View (Mackinaw Bridge not visible). For our families these were the best sites because they are on the water with beach sand."
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We were excited to find our first real free camping in Michigan, and so close to Mackinaw City."
"Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while."
"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"Located up on a hill and there are some spots that overlook the lake and Mackinaw Island. Close to town. Very clean and friendly staff."
"This campground is a good location to activities within St. Ignace. The person in the site next to us was in Site 5. But, good luck trying to find it on the map. "
from $28 - $42 / 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
TravelerClean and updated bathrooms and shower rooms. We had a bit of a wait on a Tuesday night so maybe more shower rooms could help.
Great location for exploring macinac Island or just taking in the views of the bridge. Some sites are very private and looked nice. Bring the bug spray.
GuideOver 250 campsites divided into three separate sections. Electric only; no water or sewer at any campsite. Nice bathhouse in each section. Dump station and potable water filling station in each section also.
Ranger1st time I've seen Lake Huron and I picked a great spot for it. Last 100 yards was muddy and rutty, but my Pilot and Shasta did fine. Nobody else is here except for the skeeters, and there's plenty of them.
TravelerStayed at many NF sites much better facilities for the cost. Hosts are , Awesome and bar-non the best there is.
GuideJust passing through on my way home from the upper peninsula and decided to camp rather than getting a hotel as I always have my camping gear in the back of my truck. Great campsites and most of them are separated very well. Hiking trails nearby and good fishing right on tomahawk lake. I was here on a Sunday and Monday and had the place to myself. Very peaceful
GuideAbout 15 minutes to St Ignace. Quiet and clean. COLD at the end of May! (26 Degrees! ) Friendly camp host. We were the only people there. Paved road until campground, then easily access gravel. $24 cash or check only. Hidden gem by the river.
ScoutMe and the family camped at Tee Pee Campground last year during the weekend of the bridge walk. The camp ground and facilities were clean and the staff very friendly. I would definitely cajmp there agian.
GuideThis spot is an open pull-off in state forest land. Clean, safe and quiet - no road traffic at night and sparse during day.
ScoutYou won’t find a more secluded beachfront stay on Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of shoreline, this spot offers unmatched privacy, beautiful sunrises, and the calming sound of waves right outside your door. A hidden gem worth returning to
Camping spots near Carp Lake, Michigan stretch along the Inland Waterway, a 38-mile chain of lakes and rivers connecting Crooked Lake to Lake Huron. Winter temperatures in the region can drop to single digits, while summer brings average highs around 75°F. Most primitive camping areas close during hunting season from November through April, and all sites on French Farm Lake Road lack water sources.
Night sky viewing: Wilderness State Park Camping offers exceptional stargazing opportunities as Michigan's only designated Dark Sky Park in the Lower Peninsula. "Best star gazing in the LP," notes Ted B., while another visitor recommends "sleeping on the beach during meteor shows" for "beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach."
Bike rental and trail access: Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers on-site bike rentals for exploring the area. "Definitely bring your bike if you can! It makes exploring the park so much easier. But if you forget, no worries—they have rentals available on-site too," shares Chelsea & Wes J.
Fishing and boating: Burt Lake State Park Campground provides direct boat access to two connected lakes. "If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location," advises a camper, while another notes the lakes are "full of fish and the hunting is great!"
Ferry shuttle service: St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA provides free transportation to island ferries. "The shuttle they have to the island ferry's is great. They even haul your bikes there for you," reports David G., making day trips to Mackinac Island convenient without moving your vehicle.
Private beach access: Tee Pee Campground features a small beach with bridge views. "Cute little beach with views of the bridge," notes Brooke L., while another camper mentions it's "right on the water with a great view of the bridge" and allows for evening beach activities.
Communal shoreline fire pits: Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers shared fire areas along the water. "There is a beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening. Very cool and communal in a good way," explains Greg S.
Large, level campsites: Burt Lake State Park provides unusually spacious sites. "Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," reports Kerry P., while another camper confirms, "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65!"
Clean, private shower facilities: Straits State Park Campground offers individual shower stalls. "The showers were private, deadbolt locking individual showers with hot water. They automatically go off every five minutes and you press a button to get another 5 minutes," explains Melissa A., noting the newly constructed bathhouse also includes dish washing stations.
Seasonal closures and access: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October, with limited winter options. "The road is closed off, but there's a small area to camp off-season," notes Will E. about French Farm Lake Road access during colder months.
Primitive camping limitations: French Farm Lake Rd offers free dispersed camping but with minimal amenities. "There is no water, trash services, or showers. Just 6 primitive sites with fire pits," explains a visitor, adding, "scout on foot first" when arriving with larger vehicles due to sandy roads and limited turnaround options.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and flies are prevalent, particularly in wooded areas and during early summer. "Lots of mosquitoes is my only mark against it," notes a French Farm Lake camper, while another visitor at Wilderness State Park mentions it being "very buggy in June, come prepared."
Site selection importance: Sites vary significantly in privacy, shade, and lake views. "Try to score one of the lakefront ones if you can! They have beautiful views," advises one camper, while another recommends "the outer campsites that backs up to the woods" at Tee Pee Campground for more privacy.
Halloween camping events: Wilderness State Park Camping hosts special seasonal activities. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," shares Jenafer P., making fall camping trips more entertaining for children.
Kid-friendly amenities: Tiki RV Park & Campground offers various recreational options. "They do have a Swimming pool. There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole. There is a Reading lending library and board games to borrow," notes one visitor.
Beach safety: Burt Lake provides shallow water ideal for younger swimmers. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3 feet or so)," explains Myron M., making it suitable for families with small children.
Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate family pets, including designated pet areas. "Pet friendly park and beach area," notes a Burt Lake camper, while St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA has "a small dog enclosure at front as well as mini golf and playgrounds."
Electrical considerations: Tiki RV Park & Campground has inconsistent power options between sites. "We reserved 50 amp full hook up... We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome," warns Jennifer B., suggesting confirming your specific site's amenities before arrival.
Large rig access: Site navigation can be challenging for bigger vehicles at some campgrounds. "You need to know the campground a little bit IF you're planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they'll put you in a good spot," advises Chad H. about Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for RVs. "The site was easy to level," notes one camper about their pull-through site at Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA, while others mention using blocks at various campgrounds to compensate for uneven terrain.
Water and electric hookup locations: Extension cords and extra hoses may be necessary. "Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises a Burt Lake camper, while another notes that "water hook ups were shared (which is tough for a pull through) so we needed three hoses to hook up" at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Carp Lake campground located in Michigan?
Carp Lake is located in Northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, near Mackinaw City. The area is part of Michigan's scenic wilderness region, situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Nearby campgrounds include French Farm Lake Rd, which can be found at coordinates 45.7621519, -84.7673995 and offers primitive camping sites. Cheboygan State Park Campground is also in the vicinity, located just outside of town on Lake Huron, providing a quintessential Northern Michigan experience with hiking trails throughout.
What amenities are available at the Carp Lake campground?
Camping options around Carp Lake typically offer rustic to moderate amenities. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground features sites just yards from Lake Michigan, though early season visitors may find minimal maintenance. Thurston Park Campground provides lake access for fishing and paddling, a playground for children, and waterfront sites, although these can be quite close together. Most campgrounds in the area offer fire pits, while amenities like water, toilets, and shower facilities vary by location. Be prepared for primitive conditions at some sites, which may only provide basic facilities like pit toilets and water pumps.
What does the Carp Lake Michigan map show for camping and recreation areas?
Maps of the Carp Lake area showcase multiple recreation opportunities and camping options across Northern Michigan. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground appears on maps with sites directly on Lake Michigan as well as wooded sites, offering a primitive camping experience. Maple Bay State Forest Campground is marked on the northwest shore of Burt Lake. Maps typically highlight water access points, hiking trails, boat launches, and the proximity of campgrounds to lakes and recreational areas. The region features numerous inland lakes, forests, and shoreline areas perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, paddling, and hiking.
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