Camping near Charlevoix, Michigan offers access to both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan shorelines with water temperatures averaging 70°F in summer. The region sits within the northern hardwood forest zone with predominantly maple, beech, and birch trees providing substantial shade at many sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain vault toilets and basic water facilities even during off-season periods.
What to do
Hunting for Petoskey stones: The shoreline at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities for finding these unique fossils. "The parks' six miles of shoreline are a perfect location to search for these treasures," reports Nancy W., who explains these aren't actually stones but "pieces of coral that existed in warmer waters that covered the land hundreds of millions of years ago."
Biking paved trails: The Petoskey KOA serves as a good base for cycling enthusiasts. One camper mentions, "We wanted to 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."
Stargazing opportunities: For night sky viewing, several campgrounds offer ideal conditions. A camper at Wilderness State Park notes it's "Best star gazing in the LP" and recommends the beach for meteor showers, adding it's "Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows."
What campers like
Beachfront camping access: At Leelanau State Park Campground, sites offer direct Lake Michigan access. Kenneth K. describes "Falling asleep to light sound of waves" and mentions the "rangers were so nice and helpful, the sites in great condition." Another camper notes it's "remote, rustic and the lakefront is scrubby and unspoiled."
Beach quality and activities: Barnes County Park Campground features a well-maintained beach area just steps from campsites. "Breathtaking views very close to torch lake. Does are very sandy but the rest makes up for that. Horseshoe pits. Park for the kids, hiking trails, bike trails and just a mile to boat launch on torch lake," reports April S.
Privacy between sites: Several campsites offer natural separation. At Fisherman's Island, one camper observed, "Even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between." Barnes Park has "sites spaced decently far apart" according to a visitor.
What you should know
Rustic vs. modern facilities: Many campgrounds in the area are rustic with limited amenities. Young State Park Campground offers more facilities, with a camper noting, "The park has a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them."
Weather and water conditions: Lake Michigan can have strong waves. "Amazing rustic park, DNR was called on us at 9pm for being too loud even thought it was before quiet hours," reports one camper at Fisherman's Island, suggesting noise travels easily in the open setting near water.
Site selection matters: Choose carefully based on shade, size, and distance from water. "Those with small kiddos may want to opt for interior site as lake sites are RIGHT ON THE WATER," warns Karen O. about Fisherman's Island State Park. At Magnus Park, "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Petoskey State Park Campground offers child-friendly facilities, though one camper warns, "Beware of poison ivy- it is everywhere." The park includes "a new playground was a hit for the kids, one of the best playgrounds we have experienced at a state park."
Swimming areas to consider: Water depths vary significantly between parks. At Leelanau State Park, one visitor notes, "Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a distance." Another mentions, "Ring road through the park is quiet enough to bike around."
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds host special fall events. "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest," shares one visitor about Petoskey KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Magnus Park Campground provides various hookup options but has some environmental factors to consider. "Sitting between the town and the water, the backside of the camp area is the hospital with loud cooling fan towers running constantly," notes one RVer, adding that it's "convenient" but feels like "staying in a trailer park."
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have uneven sites. At Petoskey RV Resort, one camper mentions, "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Young State Park, "the roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam." For larger rigs, check site dimensions carefully as many campgrounds have tight turns and low-hanging branches.
