Cabin camping near Carp Lake is a great way to escape into nature, yet still have all the comforts of home. Find the best information on cabin camping near Carp Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach and unique camping opportunities. The park is also a designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky and is just 9 miles from Headlands Dark Sky Park (an Emmet County park).
Mackinac Island is the most spectacular destination in Michigan, and this KOA is a perfect location to stay. KOA offers great camping near Mackinac Island and Free shuttles to island ferries available. Mackinaw Campgrounds nature trail connects to a paved trail into Mackinaw City, where you can explore Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Or continue on the North Western State Trail for miles of hiking/biking. Rent a bike from KOA or bring your own. Use this KOA as a base camp for an easy trip across the Mackinac Bridge to Tahquamenon Falls, Soo Locks and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Lake Superior. Take a scenic drive through Tunnel of Trees. You're less than 2 miles from a Lake Michigan beach. After sightseeing, head back to KOA to enjoy the heated pool and a campfire. There are sites for everyone: pull thrus/full hookups, pop-ups, tents and Cabins. Cable TV/Wi-Fi available at sites. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
Petoskey State Park began its service as a public recreation area in 1934 as the Petosky Bathing Beach. Prior to that, the area was privately owned by a local tanning company. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Poetoskey camping is a 300-acre park is popular for its mile-long sand beach and forested campgrounds. Within the park are nearly 3.5 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails that wander among the park’s wooded dunes. Summer months bring out scores of sunbathers, swimmers, paddlers, boaters and water skiers. The nearby towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs offer a variety of local arts and crafts shops, cafes and charming Victorian architecture.
The two campgrounds at Petoskey State Park offer 180 tent and RV sites situated among shady woods near the lakeshore. The Dunes Campground, on the north end of the park, has 80 smaller sites suitable for tent campers, while the Tannery Creek Campground, on the south end of the park, has 100 larger sites ideal for RVs and trailers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and electrical hookups, and there are restrooms, showers and drinking water available in both campgrounds; a dump station is located near the park entrance. Other park amenities include a picnic area, beach house and concession stand. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsite rates range from $33–$37/night, plus park entrance fee.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$30 - $34 / night
This spectacular KOA is located in beautiful Northwest Michigan. The park is rated #1 in Michigan by Trailer Life and it is among the highest rated RV Parks in North America. Lake Michigan and sand dunes are just minutes away and the refreshing breezes rustle through the cedar, pine and maple trees at the resort. The romantic "million dollar" sunsets will give you goose bumps as you watch the sun sink into the lake. The unique park layout weaves sites into the natural landscape. Flowers and landscaping adorn every corner of the tranquil 30 acre setting. Each of our spacious 160 RV sites has a level paved parking area and large, clean concrete patio for relaxing with your family. The resort's cozy log Camping cabins are nestled among the trees. We also offer deluxe camping cottages, lodges and studios, which include bathroom and kitchen amenities. We offer a full slate of activities including educational nature events, movies, bingo and Saturday breakfast in our Cafe. Within minutes lie local golf, restaurants, beaches, bike trails and shopping. Easy day trips include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lighthouse Museum, Mackinac Island and many more nearby destinations. Our outstanding staff takes pride in offering service to our visitors that is second to none. The Rose Family invites you to visit the Petoskey KOA. "For a place you will always remember and a vacation you will never forget."
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
$27 / night
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping features cabins and sites for all types of campers. From modest supersaver sites (for those on a budget) up to large RV sites (sewer, water & 50 amp electric), Mill Creek campground has it all. From beautiful basic cabins, up to 3-bedroom, 2-story loft cabins with bathrooms. Over 200 acres of woods and a mile of shoreline, viewing the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Voted one of Michigan's top family friendly destinations by the Detroit News. A favorite vacation spot for thousands of summer visitors to the Mackinaw area for over 50 years!
$16 - $50 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Ranger
If you have a big Class A RV and need a full hook up and a pool, this place will work. We paid $165 a night and were surprised that it was just a gated community for RVs with a pool. Lots of the amenities were broken or not available (hot tub jets broken, no hot water for showers, movie room broken). Some of these may be due to covid or just like of upkeep. Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn’t level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers. The coach house had very limited hot water. Gas fireplace and grill was provided. The vibe of this place was gated community and not camping- wry little trees in property. A fine location to access the Petosky are. Overall we found it overpriced and boring. We thought it would be luxury for the price, and it was “meh.”
Traveler
Wilderness State Park is one of my favorite campgrounds in northern Michigan. They have true rustic sites, where you have to hike into, usually a little over a mile. If you want to get away into your own space, Wilderness has it. There are plenty of trails to explore and of course some Great Lakes State waters! They also have regular campsites and cabins. I haven't stayed in those areas, but have checked them out and they look great. My focus is always on the rustic!! Also, Wilderness opened a dark sky park this past year as well. If you want to explore some gorgeous dark night skies in Northern Michigan, I suggest checking it out!
ScoutWe had a great time here. We rented a cabin for the whole family. The cabin was clean a very cozy.
ScoutMy wife and I spent the first day and night of Memorial Day weekend at one of the cabins here and absolutely loved it. Private and peaceful with unmatched views of the night sky over the lake. The cabins are simple but perfect for the basics of what you need for a great time outdoors.
Scout
They gave us a bogus charge of 50$ several days after we left, for smoking in a cabin. Myself, my wife and our 4 year old son do not smoke. Never have never will. The bogus charge is being disputed but that’s not the point. Warning to others to find somewhere else to camp, at least if you’re renting a cabin. What a scam operation.
Legend
Lime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary’s River at the very east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It sits in the middle of the river with Canada on one side and Michigan on the other. Raber, Michigan is the nearest shore town, 2 miles across the river. The only way to reach the park is by boat but there are no designated ferries, so the only way to reach it is by using your own boat or finding someone in the area with a boat willing to charter you and your gear. Non-motorized boats are not recommended due to the many freighters and choppy water conditions.
Overnight accommodations include six cabins that can sleep between four and seven guests each, as well as 10 tent sites on wooden platforms that look out over the river. The park is a favorite among fishermen, couples, and large families who like to rent out all the cabins for annual reunions.
A boat slip comes with your reservation. The island has limited electricity (solar-powered only) and no running water. Portable toilets are provided and there is a pump for a potable-water well. Cabin guests need to provide all their own gear, including sleeping and cooking supplies and equipment.
Approximately 7 miles of hiking trails traverse the island, providing guests the chance to wander, explore and possibly encounter wildlife. With so little human activity you never know what you’ll find.
One of the favorite pastimes of guests is sitting and watching the large Great Lakes freighters pass by at all hours of the day. They pass so close to the island you feel you could almost touch them. It’s quite a sight!
There's a ton of history on the island, some of which is still visible. According to the Michigan DNR, “Lime Island provides a significant representation of early 20th-century industrial and maritime history. The coal dock, fuel storage tanks, Quonset hut with bunker, fuel heating and pumping equipment, other supporting buildings, and scattered industrial equipment, provide a complete picture of the island’s use as a ship refueling depot. The schoolhouse, superintendent’s house (that was brought to the island by dragging it across the frozen river), cottages, and fruit trees remind visitors of island life for the workers that supported the depot.”
It's not an easy state park to reach, but if you can find a way to get there, the seclusion should make for some great camping on the tent platforms (or hanging out in the cabins if you're into that sort of thing.)
Guide
We have been going yearly to the cabins in Cheboygan State Park for many years and have stayed at each cabin they offer. All of them are great, vault toilet and hand pump for water, drive up (although the road in can be a little rough). Some have better beach access then others, 2 of them have firepits on the beach to enjoy the amazing sunsets. Excellent view of the bridge and many large boats going by, perfect photo opportunity!
Guide
Clean restrooms and showers, cozy little cabins of all different sizes. Would go there again.
ScoutGreat park have camped there multiple times in the cabins and in a tent. Right on the water with great trails for hiking and walking a dog.
Ranger
Beautiful view Dump near by it can get smelly and hospital local can be noisy, neither bothered us. Right on the water, very close to town, good park in town but not super kid friendly.
One cabin
They view is worth it!
Traveler
Pickerel lake views are the best. The houses and cabins have beach views. The campground is off the water a small walk but very nice sites with different hookup options. Can accommodate large RVs in the drive through lots and the smaller sites have nice privacy.
Scout
Love being shaded by full mature trees everywhere yet the campgrounds are very well cared for inside and out. We’ve chosen to rent a cabin. Simple yet clean. I’m a bit fussy about having a firm mattress; no problem, I brought a firm air mattress to put over their marine covered like mattress. My brother put his 38’ trailer on a pad with full hookups. We wanted to follow figure out the best scenic bike route to get into Petoskey and beyond toward Charlevoix to go along the shorelines as much as possible. Customer service is amazing and they printed of a map for us as well. Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive.
GuideThe KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner.
There are amenities that would be good for a family and also big enough for a peaceful weekend for couples. There is a stream that runs through the middle of the cabins for a peaceful setting.
RangerPark is larger than you think, make sure to check out all of it. Stayed in the rustic cabins in the summer, which were way out on the western peninsula. “Rustic” indeed (no water, no power, bring absolutely everything you need) but we enjoyed it. Kids did some geocaching right in the park. Can’t beat the sun rises/sets. Tons of bugs but also loads of birds and wildlife.
Guide
We crashed here overnight on our way further up north. We decided to go wayyyy up into the Keweenaw and wanted to break up the trip. We stayed here for one night in one of their cabins. It was clean and comfy and allowed our dog too! We did not have time to explore the amenities of the campground but if I were to make the trip again, I'd stay here.
Legend
This is a great campground South of Gaylord on Otsego Lake. I believe all sites have electric. The park is beautiful with a many sites having lake views. The playground is the classic old playground with swings and slides and some big tires to climb on. The water was mostly sand with some rocks. The campground has 4 cabins to rent right on the lake.
TravelerWe went to this campground in December and it had been just after a hard snow. We stayed in one of the rustic cabins, although it was a hike to get back (they close the main road with snow)... it was worth it. Seclusion, beauty and relaxation! No electricity, but a nice wood stove to keep you toasty with an endless amount of cut wood to keep you warm. Hoping to make it an annual adventure!
ScoutWe discovered this campground over thirty years ago when our children were young. Your about ten miles from Mackinaw City. There miles to explore yet there's a small store to walk to to get your paper and a morning donut. You'll see lots of wildlife, fish if you like or just spend the day at the beach. I spend my winters dreaming about going back. Oh and if your a winter person I understand there's plenty to do then and cabin accomodations.
LegendThis is a beautifully placed campground right near the mackinaw bridge. Most sites are on the water and the campground has water and electric hookups. Unfortunately the sites have minimal trees and are far too close together. The views and the swimming make up for it though. I generally opt for the rustic cabins located on the far end of the park because they provide more privacy and a better area to spread out in. Also a wonderful place for winter camping and star shooting.
LegendThis lovely Michigan state park juts out on a small peninsula into the waters of north Lake Michigan within site of the Mackinaw bridge, connecting the lower and upper parts of the state. With over 26 miles of coastline there are no shortages of beaches to walk and find solitude.
The campsite we stayed in offered more than expected: paved campsite, electricity, solid picnic table and the beefiest campfire pit ever to come standard in a state park – Michigan is serious about their campfire pits. There is a uniformity to the water-side sites that would please even a middle child --everyone gets the same share. So, searching out the “best site” isn’t necessary, though that won’t likely stop folks from trying.
The bathrooms were clean and modern, though the pit toilets are typical Michigan State Park stinky. There is a small campground with RV full-hookups, water, electricity and sewer, in addition to a few rustic cabins which are all reserve-able on the MI DNR website, https://www.midnrreservations.com/.
The park offers miles of hiking and skiing/snowshoe trails for year-round enjoyment. The string of small islands as well as the coast would make for interesting and scenic kayaking. The area is also a wonderful place to cycle, especially in the fall with the autumn colors in full bloom.
Camp site fees vary, but keep in mind that non-residents pay an additional $9 per day for use of Michigan State Parks.
TravelerThis is a beautiful campground right on the straits of Mackinaw. They’ve recently added several sites with full hook ups and some just for tents that feel like they’re rigt on the beach. The older areas are going to be updated over the next couple years so we’ll see what they come up with. There are several rustic cabins available to stay. Some for large groups, and others more isolated in the park for smaller groups. Before memorial day and after Labor day its quite easy to find a site. Durig the main season, you’ll defintely want to reserve a site as they fill up quickly.
LegendThis park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga sits on the 1,080 acre Pickerel Lake and has 90 campsites which offer electricity and water and five of which are pull-through sites with sewer hook-up. There are also rental cabins, playgrounds, a recreation hall and pavilion, a canoe/kayak launch, basketball court, hiking trails, beach area, restrooms/shower house, and it has various events like pancake breakfasts throughout the year.
You really get a feel of remote peacefulness here but have the luxury of pretty modern facilities. As we drove to the park we got the feel that we were in the middle of nowhere but realized from downtown Petoskey it was only a 15-20 minute drive. The 300-acre park dates back to the 1930’s and started as a boys camp where young men learned various skills like archery, shooting, tennis, orienteering, camping, and aviation. Emmet County purchased the property in 1992 and added modern facilities and opened it to the public.
The grounds and sites were very well maintained. We were thoroughly impressed with how clean and cared for everything was. Despite having lots of green space and open fields for lawn games it was all mowed and not overgrown. There was no trash at the sites and fire pits were clean and picnic tables were in great shape. The roads throughout the park are paved. Sites were a mix of gravel and paved but all ADA accessible sites and pull through sites were paved. The restrooms were very clean and seemed large enough to handle the volume of campers. Showers are in individual rooms across from the restrooms and were also clean.
You can reserve a site by filling out a reservation request online or calling. There is a two night minimum. The price was $22/night for Emmet County residents, $25/night for non-county residents, and $30/night for a full hook-up pull-thru. There is also a $10 reservation fee. Sites vary among 30 and 50 amp so be sure you reserve one that fits your needs. There are also some sections that are RV only.
The canoe/boat launch has a floating dock that extends into the lake that makes for easy access. Fishing is popular in the lake with game species like largemouth bass, walleye, pike and trout being favorite target species.
LegendVisited in Fall. Camped in lake front site (419); the lake being right by the campsite was nice. However, very little privacy nor trees in this area. Wide open camping - more like RV park camping. Not at all what I had hoped. Fire pits do not have cooking rack so bring own. Beach for walking very nice with water level down. Drove to Piping Plover nesting area-that was beautiful. Seven very remote rustic cabins in beautiful areas. Some right on water. October 18th they close modern bathrooms and most water spigots, so have to get water at Camp office. 20 miles of hiking trails. Headlands Dark Sky Park well worth the short drive; a Beautiful area. Gave 3 stars due to “RV Park” like campground. Otherwise rest of park 4-5 stars. More trees in back campground (not near Lake MI).
Legend
This campground is a must do. Electric site campground with a short walk to the beach on Lake Huron. One of few campgrounds you can view both sunrise over Lake Huron and sunset from the beach. Showers and flush toilets. Great biking and hiking trails. Really nice day use area with pavilion. Mini cabin and Sears Roebuck house for rent for those wanting more comforts. One of MI State Parks original campgrounds but well taken care of. Would have given it 5 stars except for the extremely rude Ranger on check in. I’ve never encountered this level of rudeness anywhere- I’d suggest he find another career. Other rangers were great. Rogers City, 40 Mile Lighthouse and waterfall all within easy drive from campground. Does have nice water tank filling station and dump station. Does not have water nor sewer hookups at sites.
LegendIf you've camped at a KOA before, then you know what you're getting here. Easy on, easy off I-75. It's close to the interstate, but the noise was never intrusive. Mostly because of the stiff wind blowing out of the North.
The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull throughs. The back in sites are more spacious, though that's relative. Site 7 is a very spacious back in site. 1-6 are by Trails End Road, but it isn't really that busy or noisy. I would get a back in site, especially if you can get away with 30 Amp service. 16-20F are back in sites with 50 Amp. There are some deluxe pull throughs with patio & grill on site. There are some extra long pull through sites.
There are the usual KOA amenities like a heated pool, playground, a game area & bike rental. There's a nice hiking trail in the back. It takes you to the bike trail, so back track back to the campground unless you want to walk on the bike trail/road.
What makes KOAs & this KOA special are the clean bathrooms & showers. It's always a pleasure to know that a shower will be KOA clean!
Staff was courteous & efficient. They delivered ice & wood to your site.
This is a good base camp for the area. I would stay again if in Mackinaw City!
ScoutLocated on Michigan’s sunrise side, Hoeft State Park offers a unite getaway for tent campers and RV campers alike. Many trees for hammocking! Short trek across sandy dunes brings you to the beach of Lake Huron. Shallow in parts for the kids but deep enough to snorkel for pudding stones. Rock hounds will slight in the fossil, Petoskeys and puddings along the shoreline. Excellent paved bike trail takes you to town or north to the lighthouse. Campground has excellent activities for the kids. Firewood for ale. Currently updating the electric and bathhouses.
ScoutMake reservations early! This is a beautiful state park with the best of pure Michigan woods and Lake Huron sandy dunes and beaches . Very family and pet friendly but also quiet and peaceful for couples who just wanna get away . Only drawback is low signal cell service but hey getting off the grid is what’s its all about. Unplug and recharge yourself. Electric hook up availability 20/30 amp . Hiking and biking paths , a cute play ground , sandy beach with volleyball area all walking distance from campsites! Friendly staff , we love this park !
Cabin camping near Carp Lake, Michigan offers a serene escape into nature, with various options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Carp Lake, MI is Wilderness State Park Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 72 reviews.
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