The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Central Lake. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Central Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Central Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$20 / night
"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
$20 / night
"Our campsite was feet away from Lake Michigan- practically on the shoreline! Going to bed and waking up to the lapping of the waves is something you can’t miss here."
"beautiful park next to the lighthouse. no showerhouse or flushing bathrooms...portajohns only.water pumps to get water from...and beautiful views of Lake Michigan"
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
"very nice lake and beach
bathrooms and amenities are excellent
sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you
overall really enjoyed our stay"
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
"This is a cute little campground located in Central Lake. Many of the water sites are very close together, but it offers you access to the lake for fishing, paddling and more."
"Located on Intermediate lake within walking distance of a grocery store and a ice cream parlor that servers Moomers ice cream."
$29 - $44 / night
"Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."
"Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 5/5
Nearby activities Super close to torch lake and lots of great small towns."
"It is close to everything. And it's close to Charlevoix, Traverse City, Torch Lake. We camp here every year and go visit all of these places while we stay at East Jordan tourist Park."
"Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small"
$25 / night
"Most sites have a great Michigan views. Only 30 amp and water hookup."
"Had two sites on the hill and our view was the lake and beautiful sunsets. I haven’t been camping since I was little, over 20 years, so I haven’t been to a lot of campgrounds."
$45 - $60 / night
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
TravelerStaff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.
ScoutI have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.
ScoutThis is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!
GuideAbsolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.
This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.
From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.
I’d love to come again.
RangerThere’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day.
GuidePretty nice campground. The sites vary is size - some are close together. 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. There is a vending machine for firewood at the entrance. One bundle is $10 which is expensive. The campground is close to I-75 but we couldn't hear any traffic noise.
ScoutFall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!
ScoutAwesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.
GuideRight of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small
Camping near Central Lake, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Central Lake, Michigan, has something for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central Lake Campground located in Michigan?
Thurston Park Campground is located in the village of Central Lake in Antrim County, Michigan. This small campground offers waterfront access to Central Lake, part of the Chain of Lakes waterway in northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The park is situated within the village limits, making it convenient for accessing local amenities while still enjoying a lakeside camping experience.
How far is Central Lake from Torch Lake camping areas?
Central Lake is approximately 5-7 miles from Torch Lake camping areas, making it a quick 10-15 minute drive. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on nearby Burt Lake is about 20-25 minutes from Central Lake and offers affordable camping ($15/night) with lake access. For campers looking to explore both lakes, Chain-O-Lakes Campground near Bellaire provides a strategic base for visiting both Central Lake and Torch Lake within a short drive.
What amenities are available at Central Lake Campground?
Thurston Park Campground offers several amenities for campers including lakefront access for fishing and paddling, water sites (though some are close together), and a creek running through the property. The campground is family-friendly with a playground adjacent to the camping area. For those seeking additional amenities, Magnus Park Campground in the nearby Petoskey area offers more facilities including downtown access, water, and restroom facilities while maintaining waterfront views.
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