Best Tent Camping near Charlevoix, MI
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Best Tent Sites Near Charlevoix, Michigan (28)
1. C3 farm trust
1 Review•7 Photos•2 SavesCharlevoix, MichiganWe 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
2. Pinney Bridge
1 Review•18 SavesMancelona, MichiganMichigan 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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
3. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
8 Reviews•40 Photos•349 SavesWilliamsburg, Michigan- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•6 SavesBeaver Island, Michigan- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
5. Sturgeon Valley Campground
2 Reviews•21 Photos•12 SavesWolverine, Michigan- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
6. South Manitou Island Group
8 Reviews•47 Photos•62 SavesGlen Arbor, MichiganOverview
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
7. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
6 Reviews•132 Photos•63 SavesSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MichiganCamping 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
8. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
2 Reviews•18 Photos•92 SavesSuttons Bay, MichiganThere 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
9. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
3 Reviews•10 Photos•8 SavesLeland, MichiganThe 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
10. Torch Grove Campground
2 Reviews•21 Photos•34 SavesRapid City, Michigan- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews near Charlevoix, Michigan
904 Reviews of 28 Charlevoix Campgrounds
Melissa M.
Ranger
Leelanau State Park Campground
Breath taking views
Tent camping on the water, it does not get any more beautiful than this!
Close to town Fire pits No hook up at the tent sites
- Stacia R.Ranger
Straits State Park Campground
Unique View from camp
We camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.
Shari G.
Legend
Wild Cherry RV Resort
Ranger Review: Optic Nerve Sunglasses at Wild Cherry RV Resort
Campground Review:
Nestled in a private spot on the Leelanau Peninsula on the 45th north parallel and just a couple miles from Lake Leelanau (west) and Suttons Bay (east) beach, marina, and village is this quiet RV and tent campground.
While trees line the perimeter and are speckled throughout the campground, all of the RV sites are completely open to the sun, making it an RV parking lot with grass. Each RV site comes with water and electrical hook-ups and many with sewer hook-ups as well. While most RV campgrounds have centralized bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and showers, this one is lacking those amenities.
The tent camping area has 10 sites, is nestled in the trees, with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. In addition, there are 2 rustic cabins and 1 yurt nestled among the tent sites for those who aren’t interested in roughing it as much. There is a one pit toilet, a unique “tent shower,” and a central fresh water spigot for campers and those staying in the cabins.
There are 2 man-made ponds in the middle of the RV section of the campground, which sadly act more as mosquito breeding grounds than they do for water activities as they are quite small. There is also a new driving range above the campground for the golfers in the group.
The best part of this campground is its location. It is just a couple miles from either Suttons Bay and Lake Leelanau, and within walking/biking distance of 2 local wineries (Forty-Five North and Aurora), nice restaurants, and great backroads that are off the beaten path and away from nearly all traffic. The Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery has a great walking/mountain biking trail in addition to a nice selection of very accessible wines, a great atmosphere, and super friendly staff! Hang out on their porch or play cornhole and bocce ball while you enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate.
Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I was able to test the Rapid & Backwoods sunglasses by Optic Nerve. After a day of cycling and wine tasting, we took our sea kayaks out to Suttons Bay and spent the day kayaking around the bay.
What I like most about these glasses:
· Lightweight (poly carbonate materials) but seem very durable.
· Great price for high quality glasses. I usually buy cheap glasses because I tend to lose them or break them, but these are well-worth the extra $10-15 for quality glasses.
· Polarized lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. Perfect for water sports such as sea kayaking, sailing, etc.
· Different shapes/lines work well for various sports or simply for everyday. I chose the Rapid sunglasses for use on the water and the Backwoods style for cycling/running.
· Lifetime warranty!
Some of the things I wish these glasses had:
· It would be great if these came with a protective case with the Optic Nerve logo.
Product Link:
https://www.opticnerve.com/collections/mens/products/rapid
https://www.opticnerve.com/collections/mens/products/backwoods
Product Video:
- Ashleigh M.
Guide
Wilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful Tent Sites
I stayed at one of the new tent sites over Labor Day and this quickly became one of my favorite Michigan parks! The tent sites are large and very private and right on the water. Don’t be freaked out that they are called hike in sites because the walk wasn’t any longer than from any other site to the car. The best thing for me is that these sites are so removed from the rest of the park that it didn’t even feel like a holiday weekend. It was very calm and quiet and I recommend the tent sites to anyone who enjoys unplugging in camp!
- mmike C.
Traveler
Kalkaska RV Park & Campground
Great RV Park and Campground
We enjoyed our tent camping 4-day experience at this wonderful, clean, & friendly place.
- Tammy G.Guide
Wilderness State Park Camping
options from tent to cabin group cabin option too
love this campground. when tent camping prepare for windscreen when cooking. beautiful sunsets amazing night skys
Misty F.Traveler
Tiki RV Park & Campground
Peaceful and clean
Great staff. Clean facilities. Quiet tent site.
- Ryan C.
ScoutWilderness State Park Camping
Great space!
Wilderness was great, not what you are looking for if you are tent camping more of an RV park. Beautiful views though
- Melissa M.Ranger
Wilderness State Park Camping
Heaven on earth
This is our favorite rustic campground, Surrounded by woods and on the water edge.
Tent camping - rustic waterfront, fire pit
RV camping - electric/ water, fire pit
Open your door and you are on the water!
- Amanda L.Ranger
D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Bliss
Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!
Erin H.RangerD.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
D. H. Day Campground
Great access to dunes, beautiful state and national park. Sites are leveled, cleared and overall very well kept. I liked the tent sites best. Wooded in between most sites.
Suzanne A.ScoutWilderness State Park Camping
Wonderful Wilderness!
Tent camped in site 441 right on the lake. Wide open spots (mostly campers in this loop but was fine for 2 tents), fairly close together but the views, the beach/water, the nearby activities entirely make up for that. Nice, clean bathrooms. Surprisingly no issues with bugs at all in early June!
- BBradyScout
Barnes County Park Campground
Barnes County Campground
We’re tent camping this spot and it’s really nice, multiple trails and a private beach. I would advise to book a spot early because the bad spots are all in a line on an open lot which isn’t really ideal for my situation, but overall it’s a nice place.
- Christopher P.Guide
Stoney Creek Trail Camp
Nice little metro park gem
Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking.
Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site.
Park offers kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards.
Disc golf and regular golf available.
Nice sandy beaches.
- MMichael Z.Guide
Young State Park Campground
Location, location, location
The neat thing about Young State Park is its site on Lake Charlevoix. Three miles away is the lovely and cute town of Boyne City.
This is a typical state park campground designed to pack in the numbers. Sites are close to one another, no to little vegetation between the sites. Not much comfort for tent camping. The shower houses are not large for the number of campers and despite daily cleaning, there's a lot of use. By the end of the day, early evening, it's a bit dirty. There are lots of other things going for it that includes hiking trails, boating, beach area with concessions, picnic areas and playgrounds.
Location, location, location. In addition to easy access to Lake Charlevoix, there's traveling through the other quaint towns that include East Jordan (where the manhole covers were cast), Ironton (where you cross the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix on a ferry) and of course, Charlevoix.
Nearby, Boyne City has developed nicely over the past few years. The town's supporters are doing a great job of sustaining this village. Seven years ago, it was a fine little town that seemed to "get along" with its harbor and a couple restaurants. Now, its center has many nice and newer restaurants and pubs, a great weekly farmers market and weekly summer events with a really nice, spacious town park on the lakeside. A grocery store is also located here, with a Starbucks inside for those who have to have it.
Emily M.Ranger
Petoskey State Park Campground
Typical State Park
We had a nice tent site that the guy at the front help us pick out. The beach was nice and the sunset was very pretty. Squirrels took over our site in the morning, but not too buggy. The bathrooms were fine, but were constantly getting sandy and gross.
There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable. The campground also has a path that connects to the bike trail. If you catch the trail, you can bike on paved path all the way to Charlevoix. That was a nice ride and I recommend doing that.
The beach was beautiful and very wide. The water was calm and welcoming. There are lots of beautiful rocks along the shore (know any rules before you take them: it is illegal to take more 25Ibs of rocks from a Michigan State Park).
The campground is on the edge of town. There are lots of restaurants and even a grocery store nearby. Much of it is in biking and even walking distance.
It was a nice stay, but nothing about it blew me away.
- EElaine G.Traveler
Wilderness State Park Camping
A family favorite
I tent camped here with my parents, and came back often with my own children. Far enough from Mackinaw City for peace and quiet, near enough to visit all the attractions during the day. Tall trees and a beautiful beach. It,s a great vacation destination. One of the best state park campgrounds in a state full of beauties.
- AAlyssaGuide
D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Great spots, close to beach
Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).
Sara S.LegendStraits State Park Campground
beautiful views across the water
Wooded tent camping spots on the water :) Decent water to wade or swim in. The best part though… the view! Beautiful view overlooking the water and the bridge. Such a spectacular site to wake up to and go to sleep admiring beyond the campfire. There are a couple trails to check out and this park is near to many attractions and restaurants (within minutes). Definitely a place to visit again!
Mark N.TravelerBarnes County Park Campground
Tent Camping was GREAT!
Had a great time staying at this Campground! Well maintained/clean, 50 yards from the Lakeshore of Lake Michigan, and the staff are super friendly. The campground uses a service where you can digitally reserve your desired campground in real time! This can be found on the Campgrounds website and very intuitive to use. I was never planning to go to this Campground but after reading the reviews on the Dyrt App and realizing you can book digitally, it was a no brainer. The only downside of this campground is that it’s very expensive! I paid $36 a night to tent camp, and in my experienced opinion, that is absurd! Nevertheless had a great time here!
Dan N.RangerLeelanau State Park Campground
Cabins by lighthouse
Great park out on a peninsula with sunset views. Hiking on the sand and boardwalks, lighthouse tours, perfect weekend spot---though not particularly close to much. Pretty “rustic” cabins and tent sites near lighthouses and the water---great listening to the shore in our sleeping bags. Most of the sites are pretty private, wooded/shrubby, and large. There’s a gift shop but it doesn’t feel overly touristy. Recommended.
- AAustinTraveler
Wilderness State Park Camping
Nice view of Lake Michigan
Great campground only about 15 minutes from mackinaw city. Vault toilets but they are kept clean. Front desk was very nice and helpful. The tent site we stayed at had a good view of the lake and passing ships. Just a short 30 second walk from our site to the beach. Other sites are fairly close by but there is pretty good tree coverage for privacy from other campers.
- Erica K.Traveler
Straits State Park Campground
Clean and great sites on water
This campground is one of the cleaner state parks that I have stayed at in Michigan. there are beautiful sites near the lake, although I remember staying here as a kid when the beach access was better. Now there is a lot of beach grass (probably due to the park trying to preserve the grasses/beach) and the beach isn’t as nice as it once was when I was young. This is a very family friendly park. Prime times are during the car show in St. Ignace. a great place to stay if you plan on checking out the island for a day or so. Good prices for sites. I highly recommend tent camping so you can hear the waves at night.
Rachel G.Guide
Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground
Beautiful rustic campground
The campground itself was gorgeous, well maintained and spacious. (Tent) Camping there was the worst experience I’ve ever had. I pick rustic campgrounds for a reason. This one was full of RVs & 5th wheels all running on generators. There is no peace here. If you’re looking for quiet- it’s quieter at home than this place. Trying to sleep with an entire campground humming to the sounds of motors running all night was impossible. Ppl leaving their generators running even when they weren’t there. I would love to revisit this campground, but I won’t.
Tori K.LegendStraits State Park Campground
Bridge views
amazing views of the straits of Mackinac and the mighty Mac bridge! Absolutely loved camping here despite the nearly hurricane like wind and rain experienced overnight that ended up soaking all of my bedding. Bathroom and shower facility was nice and clean.
But seriously, the best thing this campground has to offer are the amazing views of the bridge from many of the campsites. I had a waterfront tent site with the best view and it was so inexpensive.
- Kathleen T.Traveler
Straits State Park Campground
Camping with a view
I have camped here many times over the years, it is tucked away right near the Mackinaw Bridge. There are tent sites right on the water and you can watch the lights come on at night. There is wood to buy and the camp hosts are always keeping you updated on the weather and have plenty of ideas of things to do. The St. Ignas Trolly comes through and picks people up to go to the ferry there as well.
Bucky W.Guide
Tee Pee Campground
Nice location, tight spots
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. There is a dump on the way out. The spots are very tight to navigate into and took some extra work for my fifth wheel. Tent camping or smaller campers would enjoy this site. The town nearby is cool, includes a nice bakery and a great RV/hardware store. Wifi is hit and miss. You can walk up to the water to get a nice view of the bridge.
Guide to Charlevoix
Tent camping near Charlevoix, Michigan offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Explore Scenic Local Attractions
- The Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground provides stunning views of the lake and easy access to the beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
- At Graves Crossing State Forest Campground, you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while being just a short drive from local hiking trails.
- The Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites are accessible only by boat, offering a unique adventure and the chance to explore beautiful hiking trails on the island.
Tent Camping Amenities
- Pinney Bridge features picnic tables and allows campfires, making it a great spot for evening gatherings under the stars.
- At C3 Farm Trust, campers can enjoy a private setting with amenities like firewood and a market nearby for convenience.
- Torch Grove Campground offers electric hookups and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for those who prefer a few more conveniences.
Activities for Tent Campers
- Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails at O’Neal Lake campsite - Wilderness State Park, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.
- Kayaking and fishing are popular activities near Sturgeon Valley Campground, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
- The Pigeon Bay Campground is a great base for exploring nearby lakes and rivers, perfect for a day of water activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Charlevoix, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Charlevoix, MI is C3 farm trust with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Charlevoix, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Charlevoix, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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