Best Campgrounds near Cedarville, MI

Cedarville, Michigan offers both established and dispersed camping options in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Loons Point RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites directly on the water with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Search Bay Dispersed camping area, located closer to Hessel than Cedarville, provides free lakefront camping with no amenities along Lake Huron. The region is characterized by cedar forests, lakefront views, and proximity to the Les Cheneaux Islands, creating diverse camping experiences within a 20-mile radius of town.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping areas. Search Bay Dispersed features a gravel access road with numerous potholes and low-hanging branches that limit access for larger vehicles. Several reviewers note the road is manageable with smaller RVs and passenger vehicles but becomes challenging for anything over 20 feet in length. Weather patterns affect camping conditions, with mosquitoes being particularly problematic in the cedar forests during summer months. Cell service is generally available but inconsistent, with Verizon providing 1-3 bars in most areas. A visitor noted: "The terrain is slightly rocky, and there's a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm."

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for camping in the Cedarville area. Campsites at Loons Point RV Park receive consistently high ratings for their views and water proximity. One camper described it as having an "incredible water view" while another mentioned it was "quiet and peaceful." Search Bay Dispersed camping area features multiple lakefront sites with views of Lake Huron, though recent management changes have restricted camping directly on the beach. Several visitors commented on the natural beauty despite occasional issues with trash left by previous campers. The combination of cedar forests and lake views creates a distinctive camping environment, though summer visitors should prepare for potential mosquito activity, especially away from shoreline areas where wind provides natural relief.

Best Camping Sites Near Cedarville, Michigan (86)

    1. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "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."

    2. Search Bay Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road."

    "Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience."

    3. Loons Point RV Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (906) 484-2881

    "Lots of trails nearby."

    "Sites are narrow but the great hosts and location make it a hr eat stay."

    4. Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow

    10 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    16 miles

    "Got 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."

    "Barbara is amazing as is her 50 some spots on private camping land on the lake! Electric hookups, water well, and honestly my favorite camping site so far! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

    5. Wilderness State Park Camping

    77 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "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."

    6. DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest

    10 Reviews
    De Tour Village, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    "Not once did we have a physical distance concern at the campground. We left home with a 6 hour drive to our location."

    "As 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."

    7. Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA

    24 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5643

    "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."

    8. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    20 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-9303

    "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."

    9. Tiki RV Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-7808

    $28 - $42 / night

    "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. "

    10. Tee Pee Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5391

    $34 - $52 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Cedarville, MI

698 Reviews of 86 Cedarville Campgrounds


  • Joe C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park

    Very few campers at this time of year. Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in. Very nice park and we would come back again.

  • J
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Tee Pee Campground

    Fine for the area

    It’s a basic public campground in a busy town. Not much privacy and plenty of drunk RV’ers but I found a nice spot and had a good night. I found a nice long trail to hike that started in town.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Waterways Campground

    Very nice campground

    Check in was great and the host was very friendly and helped me with all my questions. The site is very well maintained and the bathrooms were super clean. Close to great biking trails and other amenities in Cheboygan. The wireless and cell coverage was great. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and would recommend this RV park.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Carp River Boat Launch

    Free place to park, no trash, no water, no gray dump.

    This place has a lot of people driving through it, but it's a nice place to park. The beach smells like fish, but overall it's pretty nice.

  • Evgeniy D.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Clean, rustic, beautiful

    The staff member at check-in was very pleasant even though it was past her shift time. Stayed at walk-in site 113. It was clean and had sufficient privacy especially with site 114 being vacant. Vault toilet was clean and not far.

  • J
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Castle Rock Ponds

    Perfect Hidden Gem

    We came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    French Farm Lake Rd

    Close to Mackinaw City

    Nice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Beautiful spot on the lake.

    Nice Camp sites, pretty beach. I was there in October, so I don’t know what it would be like in warmer weather. I had the place to myself on a Saturday.

  • Kurt and Mary Ann C.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    KOA

    Haven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.


Guide to Cedarville

Camping near Cedarville, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Wilderness State Park Camping, have stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw City!"
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Cheboygan State Park Campground noted, "Great hiking trails everywhere. I'd definitely recommend and return!"
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Drummond Island Township Park Campground is a great spot. One happy camper shared, "We fished the fossil ledges (caught a ton of smallmouth on a blue and silver spoon)."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "The shower house has individual showers. Toilets with sinks are in a shared bathroom. These are kept very clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground mentioned, "The front desk was very nice and helpful."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Brevoort Lake Campground said, "Well spaced, clean sites. Stayed one night en route but would like to stay longer."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy. A camper at Aloha State Park Campground noted, "This camp was very cramped and crowded with many families with small kids running loose everywhere."
  • Limited privacy: Many sites are close together. A reviewer at Michigan Wilderness State Park Camping mentioned, "The spots were pretty much on top of one another."
  • Weather can change quickly: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground warned, "If there is inclement weather, it will seem like you are in a hurricane due to the proximity to the water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose sites with activities: Look for campgrounds that offer fun for kids. One parent at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "Lots of activities for the kids and a shuttle to the ferry."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly. A camper at Wilderness State Park Camping noted, "The crowd that this park attracts blatantly ignores quiet time rules."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A visitor at Brimley State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites aren't super tiny, but having two was worth the extra $$."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A reviewer at Tee Pee Campground said, "The spots are very tight to navigate into and took some extra work for my fifth wheel."
  • Look for full hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at Cheboygan State Park Campground noted, "Not all sites have full hookups."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Drummond Island Township Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are not cleaned like they were, you will find cig butts and other trash on the ground."

Camping near Cedarville, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cedarville campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Cedarville typically offer basic to moderate amenities. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground provides clean outhouses, water pumps, and well-spaced sites with some directly on Lake Michigan. French Farm Lake Rd offers primitive camping with just fire pits and no water, trash services, or showers. For RV campers, facilities like Loons Point RV Park provide water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Most state forest campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with potable water available from hand pumps. Full-service amenities are limited, so campers should plan accordingly and bring supplies.

Where are the campgrounds near Cedarville, Michigan?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Cedarville, Michigan. DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest is located east of Cedarville on M-134 and offers secluded sites with Lake Huron access. For those seeking island camping, Drummond Island Township Park Campground provides waterfront sites after a short ferry ride from DeTour Village. Other nearby options include Hog Island Point State Forest Campground to the north and French Farm Lake Road for primitive camping near Mackinaw City. Loons Point RV Park provides additional accommodations for RVers looking to stay close to the Cedarville area.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Cedarville, Michigan?

The prime camping season in Cedarville runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm temperatures perfect for enjoying waterfront sites at Lake Michigan At St. Ignace, where you can experience gorgeous sunsets and beach access. Early fall (September-early October) provides stunning colors and fewer crowds at places like Cheboygan State Park Campground, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Spring camping (May-early June) can be beautiful but prepare for variable weather and potential black fly season. Winter camping is possible for experienced cold-weather campers, but most facilities close or offer limited services.