Top Tent Camping near Central Lake, MI
Looking for tent camping near Central Lake? Find the best tent camping sites near Central Lake. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Central Lake, MI (45)
1. Traverse City State Park
49 Reviews•93 Photos•214 SavesTraverse City State Park is a 47-acre state park set in a more urban setting and featuring .25 miles of beautiful beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The park is located only 3 miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the Michigan's most popular resort towns. The park was established in 1920 on about 16 acres of land after the logging industry began to wane. In 1921 and 1939, parcels were added to increase the park's land area. The original inhabitants of the land were the Ottawa branch of the Algonquin Indians.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
8 Reviews•40 Photos•347 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
3. Pinney Bridge
1 Review•18 SavesMichigan 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
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
4. C3 farm trust
1 Review•7 Photos•2 SavesWe host a rural very private camping spot with 3 camp sites, perfect for tent camping. And pet, firearms and cannabis friendly. Camp on a state national resident private hemp farm.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
$25 - $35 / night
5. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
2 Reviews•18 Photos•90 SavesThere are 10 campsites on Power/Bassett Island. These sites are not assigned, they are 1st come, 1st serve. Please use the fire pit area that is established on the site. Each site has it's own picnic table, cooking grill and campfire circle. There are maintained restrooms servicing the island. Power Island - Bassett Island Fun Facts Power Island is approximately 200 acres with over 3 miles of waterfront and over 5 miles of hiking trails Bassett Island is connected to Power Island via isthmus. Power Island has 5 rustic campsites. Bassett Island is 1 acre in size with 5 rustic campsites. It's a 6.5 mile boat ride from clinch Park Marina and 3.5 mile boat ride from Bower's Harbor Marina. Power Island and Bassett Island are dedicated as quiet, nature preserves.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Torch Grove Campground
2 Reviews•21 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
7. South Manitou Island Group
8 Reviews•47 Photos•59 SavesOverview
South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock. **Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first come/first served basis directly through Manitou Island Transit .**This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25 to 32 C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10 to 25 C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20 to 30 F (-7 to -1 C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7 C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.
Recreation
There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.
Natural Features
South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$30 / night
8. Pigeon River State Forest Campground
7 Reviews•26 Photos•71 SavesMichigan 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
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
6 Reviews•132 Photos•63 SavesCamping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves. The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves i the wilderness. Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
10. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
3 Reviews•10 Photos•8 SavesThe small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Central Lake
840 Reviews of 45 Central Lake Campgrounds
Tammy C.
Scout
Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Hidden gem on the west side
This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!
Barry E.Scout
Traverse City State Park
Convenient and clean
Very nice park, walkway to the public beach, paved path behind the grounds. Modern, clean bathhouse. Not a lot of privacy between spots, big mature trees all through the grounds. Right by municipal airport with lots of flight activity.
Michael N.
Guide
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Beautiful area!
The camping area is amazing. My group camped in the non electric section. Each area was set back from the road. Flat gravel pad. Small paved driveway for your car. It was peaceful. And absolutely dark at night. Perfect for star gazing. The comfort station was a short walk away. Clean bathrooms, shower areas, and a small room to wash dishes. You cannot wash dishes at your site. You must take precautions against bears. So food had to be locked in cars. We didn’t encounter bears. At the entrance is a canoe/tube business. You can float down the river to Lake Michigan.
David C.Scout
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Easy access to north central bike path
This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.
Amy D.
Traveler
Barnes County Park Campground
Beautiful Lake Access
This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.
- Amy D.Traveler
Young State Park
Unique Trails
The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.
Austin C.Scout
Camp David
Wonderful, quiet location
David and Gail were so friendly and welcoming, especially for the inconvenience of a last minute stay on Labor Day weekend! I had questions during the booking process and messaged them- I had a response in minutes. We had a quiet spot and were able to get some uninterrupted sleep after a long afternoon at the beach.
There are several places nearby with beach access (the turquoise water of Lake Michigan is beautiful), and lakes under 5 minutes away for fishing. For rockhounding, check out the beaches near Old Mission Lighthouse. Should we find ourselves back on the road to the UP, we'll be sure stop back in. Thanks again for being so accommodating!
- rroy H.Guide
Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego camp ground
Nice state park big sites on the lake
Skip C.Traveler
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Close to Torch Lake
Full hookup sites, cabins were nice. Many recent upgrades to the campground
- HHatcherScout
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Rustic campground
Stayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.
Jason H.
Ranger
South Manitou Island Group
Popple Campground
Stayed at site 3. It was a relatively easy hike until you hit a hilly spot towards the campground. Mid July was very buggy.
Site 3 has easy access to an overlook which we made use of for photos of a storm that rolled in over North Manitou Island, our original destination. There was one vault toilet at the opposite end of the campground.
Like at Weatherstation, it was easy enough to get down to the beach for swimming and refilling our Grayls but to get back up was a bit of a challenge that grew old after a few trips.
Our last night, we stayed at the Bay campground which was nice. Fire rings are available and getting to and from the water was much easier. I'd recommend the Bay for people who want a more leisurely experience and one of the other campgrounds if you want to get some miles and get more rustic.
- JJoeScout
The Campground
Fantastic Campground!
The campground is a small, family friendly campground that has a lot of activities for both adults and kids. It is clean, has level sites and well maintained facilities.
Erica L.TravelerChain-O-Lakes Campground
Will be back!
Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.
Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.
We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.
- RRobert T.Guide
Wild Cherry RV Resort
Quiet and peaceful
This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.
Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.
Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks.
Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.
This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.
Have fun!
- LLon L.Scout
Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
close to travese city and interlockin
Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups
Gary P.Scout
Whiting County Park Campground
Awesome Campground
First timers. Very pleased with our stay. Reservation system is awesome, and easy to follow. Bathhouse was clean and fresh smelling. Even with all the rain we had during the stay, the bathhouse never got overly soiled. Water has a very heavy sulphor smell, but that's the way it goes with Michigan well water. Our Tear drop camper had fresh water on-board, so we were good to go. We've stayed at Young State Park across the way. Given what I know now, Whiting Park will be our"go to" park in the future. Again, Very Pleased.
Martha L.Guide
Magnus Park Campground
Magus Park Great location
Great location, right on the lake and awesome views. Also very convenient to North country Trail to ride or run up and down the Lakeshore on a paved path! Very close to town to walk in and see the sites. Stayed by the water treatment plant and I wouldn’t recommend the West End as you could smell the treatments. Bathrooms were clean and convenient location. Spaces were extremely close together! Many people stayed for the whole summer. It seemed like.
Jen L.ScoutManton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Great location for orv trail access
Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It’s really handy to not have to trailer over to the trsilheads. Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!
Gills an B.Scout
Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
Everything that it said it was
To many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure
- BBob W.Scout
Grass Lake State Forest Campground
Updated Info
Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.
There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.
This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.
- DDrew M.Scout
Petoskey State Park
Fun!
Great spot very close to the lake and downtown Petoskey. Best of both worlds.
- DDavid C.Scout
Hartwick Pines State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
Very nice and well maintained campground. Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy. There are some activities in the area related to the park. All in all a very nice State Park campground.
Nicole V.Guide
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
Nice but camp host needed
Large campground composed or 5 loops. Many have a trail leading to the water. Hiking and biking paths within the campground along with a nice boat ramp. Trash on sites and dirty outhouses along with lots of generators and after hour noise was a downside.
- BBarbara K.Guide
Otsego Lake State Park
Nice surprise
First time camping here. Site 72 had a nice view if the make. Very nice park. Bathrooms s d dhowers ckean for really need to be upgraded. They have a ni. ce dog beach bit no real wslking trails as it is only 64 acres. Very nice beach! Already booked our next trip there.
Joshua C.Scout
Empire Township Campground
Great for tent camping!
We have come to this campground every year since 2020 for a week with our travel trailer. We got lucky to find and opening at an electric site in their schedule and once you're in, you can reserve the same site on the same week the following year. We've had family members stay in tent sites nearby and they loved it.
- CCoral C.Guide
Green Lake Rustic South- Interlochen State Park
Nice boating
Green Lake Rustic- clean campground. Some sites are small, and you are on top of your "neighbors." Vault style toilets that get quite smelly. The boat ramp to Green Lake is well maintained. The parking lot is a bit small but doable. Good pan and bass fishing. The local grocery store is close, as well as a dollar store, mini golf, ice cream, and restaurants (if that's your thing).
- Lydia T.
LegendYoung State Park
Favorite state park
I love this state park. It is located right on beautiful lake charlevoix. The campground doesn't have any road noise. The beach is long and sandy and there are lots of hiking and biking trails.
Guide to Central Lake
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.
What to do:
- Explore the beaches: Many campers love the stunning beaches near the campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw City!" at Wilderness State Park Camping.
- Hiking trails: There are great trails for hiking. A visitor at Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore said, "There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan, about a 1.2-mile hike which was a nice little hike even in the rain."
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you’re in luck! One camper noted, "Good pan and bass fishing" at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park.
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Straits State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and clean!"
- Secluded sites: Many enjoy the privacy of the campsites. One camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
- Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The front desk was very nice and helpful."
What you should know:
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore pointed out, "It's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water."
- Booking in advance: Popular sites fill up quickly. A visitor at Michigan Straits State Park Campground advised, "Book early to get a campsite on the beach!"
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "There is a playground. They also offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole."
- Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A reviewer at Platte River Campground said, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!" which can help with local dining options.
- Pack for the weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at D.H. Day Group Campground noted, "We got there late, put tents up in the dark, ate dinner late from a local watering hole."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
- Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA appreciated the "full hook-up with a gravel pull-through."
- Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be close to busy roads. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground mentioned, "I can't believe not one single person mentioned this in their reviews."
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Central Lake, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Central Lake, MI is Traverse City State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Central Lake, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Central Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.