Tent camping around Charlevoix, Michigan offers diverse experiences in the region's northern hardwood forests and along freshwater shorelines. The area sits at elevations between 580-1,060 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Winter tent camping remains possible at some locations like Graves Crossing State Forest Campground, which stays open year-round with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: 2-4 hour trips on the Sturgeon River provide tent campers with accessible water recreation. Sturgeon Valley Campground offers direct river access for kayakers. One visitor shared, "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak."
Island exploration: 12 miles offshore in Lake Michigan awaits an experience unlike mainland camping. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites offers 15,000 acres of wilderness for tent campers. "THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! Taking a ferry is definitely an experience but then they drop you off in an old abandon village. From there you take off in any direction and find a cool place to camp," notes one visitor.
Historical sites: 1-2 hour hikes lead to abandoned structures throughout the region. On North Manitou Island, "You can go many miles of hiking, where you will encounter beautiful forest, marsh, dunes, and the abandoned buildings, ruins, and orchards unused for over 100 years."
What campers like
Crystal clear waters: visibility to 10+ feet in many lake locations draws swimmers and photographers. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites showcases this feature. "The water is visible up to 10' maybe more.. Beautiful Caribbean blue waters," shares one tent camper.
Secluded tent sites: 700+ yards from parking at some locations offers true separation from vehicle noise. At Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground, "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
Private beach access: tent-only trails lead to shoreline spots not accessible to day visitors. At South Manitou Island, "Our site had its own access trail to the beach, some area's on this side are sandy beach and some is rocky."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: unmarked paths can confuse first-time visitors to some locations. When tent camping at Sand Lakes Quiet Area, prepare for orientation issues. "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off and that got us closer."
Weather conditions: rapid changes occur particularly on island locations. For tent camping on Beaver Island, one camper advises: "Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."
Reservation systems: varying procedures exist across campgrounds. When planning tent camping at South Manitou Group, know that "There are three campgrounds on South Manitou Island. All sites are first come first pick."
Tips for camping with families
Pest management: heavy mosquito presence requires preparation during summer months. Bring appropriate repellents for tent camping with children. On South Manitou Island, a camper notes: "Mid July was very buggy."
Water logistics: multi-trip planning needed at locations without nearby sources. "Water is about a mile out so that is a hike. After I bought water pills, so I will be more prepared next time. Friends had filter bags so that was ok."
Beach-friendly sites: shoreline access varies significantly between locations. C3 Farm Trust provides private tent camping options for families seeking controlled environments. A reviewer describes it as "Private tent camping in rural Michigan."
Tips from RVers
Conversion camping: tent options for RVers exist at several locations with size restrictions. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground accommodates tent campers arriving by boat with amenities not found at more primitive sites. "Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear."
Site selection priorities: wind exposure affects comfort significantly in shoreline locations. "Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump."
Transportation planning: ferry schedules limit arrival and departure flexibility. When tent camping on islands, "I'd also recommend bringing more food than you think you need, in case the weather turns and the ferry can't pick you up on the day planned."
