19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and national forests surrounding Carp Lake, Michigan provide several options for tent camping in northern Michigan's scenic landscapes. O'Neal Lake campsite in Wilderness State Park offers walk-in tent sites in a secluded forest setting, while Camp Darling provides primitive tent-only camping with basic amenities. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, located about 30 miles southeast of Carp Lake, features tent campsites along the Ocqueoc River with proximity to Michigan's only designated waterfall in the Lower Peninsula.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited amenities. Sites typically feature level dirt or gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets and hand-pump wells for drinking water are standard at established campgrounds like Ocqueoc Falls and Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, particularly at more remote locations. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though some sites close earlier depending on weather conditions. Campers should bring adequate water containers, as potable water sources may be limited at walk-in tent sites.
The natural setting provides the primary appeal for tent campers visiting the region. According to reviews, Ocqueoc Falls campsites offer "lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging hammocks, and a private swimming hole in the river." Sites at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground feature waterfront access where campers report "sleeping to the sound of waves" as a highlight. Fall visitors often encounter fewer crowds and spectacular foliage. Many tent-only sites provide better seclusion than developed campgrounds, with C3 Farm Trust offering walk-in tent camping on private land with only three designated sites. Stoney Creek Trail Camp features dispersed tent sites where visitors can pull vehicles close for unloading before enjoying the surrounding natural areas.
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
"First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
"Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river. I could have used this as a base of operations for a week."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."
"Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
from $20 / night
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from $25 - $35 / night
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GuideGreat state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.
GuideWe stayed 8-3 to 8-7, only issue was the weather. Didn’t rain, but was hit with a cold front 😳. This was a great SP, no issues fitting our 36’ TT with 2 slides in our pull through site. We were nestled in the back of the park. Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP). No water hookups but we try to reserve next to a water spigot. Lots of trails all around the park for walking and bike riding. To get to the beach you had to take one of the beach trails which is roughly 50-75 yards off the campground road. We went nearing dusk and it was so beautiful. Since we were in the back of the park we decided to leave the park the following day about half mile to the East to a roadside pull off to watch the sunset (I wasn’t about to lug 4 large camping chairs across the campground, lol). This was unknown to us at the time but we ended up seeing a blood moon rise and on such a clear night that you can see all the stars and constellations. I would seriously recommend this campground to everyone (just pack warm clothes). There are some other great attractions in roger city like the quary, 40 mile lighthouse, and a small waterfall just outside of town. We will definitely be back.
TravelerStayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.
RangerWe camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.
TravelerGot here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical
LegendLime 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.)
GuideSecond time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.
ScoutThis campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.
While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!
We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.
Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.
Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.
*** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.
ScoutAs others have said, if you like a campground off the beaten path, this is it. We live in the UP and use this campground frequently for day and overnight use.
Most visitors will likely head east on m-134 stop in Cedarville to grab provisions, gas and a snack there are a couple cute stores a bakery and ice cream in town.
The road to the campsites once you turn off m-134 is gravel/dirt and a bit windy, we usually tent camp so I am unsure how it feels to drive a trailer down it. Being so far off the road makes it a very quiet campground.
Bring cash or check and fill out your self-serve registration and pay for the site and if needed your Recreation Passport which is required.
Outer loop sites will keep you in the trees, sites closer to the water have trails that lead to the beach but access to the beach is reasonable for all sites at this campground. Plenty of sandy area to lay out and the water is clear and shallow.
Vault toilets, dumpster and hand pump water along with fire rings and picnic tables are the extent of the amenities at this campground, but if you come prepared it is more than enough.
On clear nights make sure to make your way our to the beach for some of the best stargazing!!
Tent camping near Carp Lake, Michigan includes rustic sites nestled in northern Michigan's mixed forest environments. The area sits at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, with a continental climate that brings warm summers around 75°F and cold winters with lake effect snow. Several state forest campgrounds operate on 14-day maximum stays with recreation passports required for entry to state-managed properties.
Water sports access: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides direct river access for kayaking, with camper Sue R. noting, "River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak." The campground's proximity to multiple water systems makes it ideal for paddlers exploring northern Michigan's waterways.
Wildlife viewing: Garnet Lake State Forest Campground offers opportunities for wildlife spotting along the shoreline. Sites ring the lake with spacing that creates privacy, allowing campers to observe local fauna. One camper mentions the "decent fishing on the lake" making it a productive spot for anglers.
Horseback riding trails: The Pigeon River Country State Forest area provides extensive bridle paths accessible from Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail Campground. Equestrian campers appreciate the specialized facilities, with reviewer Devora D. stating it has "Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying."
Waterside accommodations: Many campgrounds feature lakefront or riverside sites. At Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, Mike K. highlights that "A few campsites on the water. Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy," offering tent campers direct water access.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. The "clean outhouses" at Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground receive positive mentions, with camper GoWhereYouAreDraw noting the "nice fire rings, and a water pump" that provide basic necessities in a remote setting.
Nature immersion: Small, limited-capacity campgrounds create more intimate camping experiences. C3 Farm Trust offers just three designated tent sites on private land, making it ideal for those seeking seclusion. The property is described as providing "Private tent camping in rural michigan" according to reviewer Jake C.
Seasonal availability: Most tent sites in the region close for winter, generally operating April through October. Weather conditions can affect early spring and late fall camping, with variable temperatures possible.
Wind exposure: Coastal and island camping locations experience significant wind. At Beaver Island, campers should "prepare by packing the right gear" as the reviewer notes it's "Very windy" along the shoreline sites.
Variable cell service: Stoney Creek Trail Camp and surrounding campgrounds have limited connectivity. Christopher P. describes Stoney Creek as a "Nice little metro park for tent camping" where "most sites are dispersed," but campers should expect minimal cell coverage.
Accessibility considerations: When camping with children or mobility-limited family members, consider sites with easy access. Christopher P. notes that at Stoney Creek Trail Camp "You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking," making it easier to transport family gear.
Recreation options: Choose campgrounds with diverse activities for different ages. Stoney Creek offers "kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards. Disc golf and regular golf available," providing varied recreation without leaving the camping area.
Swimming safety: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides water play appropriate for families. Sarah B. highlights the "private swimming hole in the river" while Amber A. notes the "Multilevel falls where you can swim" that are generally more manageable for supervised children than open water.
Site leveling requirements: Tent campers converting to RVs should note ground conditions. Joshua M. at Ocqueoc Falls mentions "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot," but cautions the campground has a "lack of big rigs" due to site limitations.
Rustic expectations: RV campers accustomed to full hookups should adjust expectations. Eddie N. notes that at Garnet Lake, there are "No hookups but there are widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake. It was a pleasant place to spend a night for $10," highlighting the value despite minimal amenities.
Privacy considerations: Tent campgrounds that accommodate small RVs often provide better spacing than dedicated RV parks. Joshua M. observes there is "adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors" at Ocqueoc Falls, making it suitable for campers preferring a middle ground between isolation and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carp Lake, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carp Lake, MI is O’Neal Lake campsite - Wilderness State Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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