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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
