1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campers visiting Charlevoix, Michigan can find several options across the Grand Traverse region, from established sites to backcountry tent camping. Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers backcountry tent campsites approximately 20 miles south of Charlevoix, with walk-in and drive-in access for tent campers seeking a more remote experience. Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground, located near Mancelona, provides tent-friendly sites with both hike-in and walk-in access options.
Most backcountry tent sites in the region lack amenities like running water and electrical hookups, requiring campers to bring necessary supplies. Sand Lakes Quiet Area features campsites with fire rings, vault toilets, and free primitive tent camping. At Pinney Bridge, sites include picnic tables and trash collection, but the closest parking is 700 yards and 50 feet lower in elevation than the campground. Both locations allow fires where designated rings are available, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some areas remaining accessible year-round.
Areas farther from main roads offer tent campers deeper seclusion with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides multiple lakes with excellent fishing opportunities and trails connecting various camping areas. Many tent sites sit near water, offering pleasant views and recreation options. One camper noted, "Amazing fishing and spacious campsites far away from everybody. We caught so many bass we lost count." Privacy varies by location, with some backcountry tent sites offering complete isolation while others may experience weekend crowds during peak summer months. Some campgrounds like C3 Farm Trust provide private tent camping with more seclusion in a rural setting. For tent campers seeking island experiences, North Manitou Island offers backcountry tent sites accessible by boat with acres of wilderness to explore.
"Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."
from $25 - $35 / night
"This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
from $15 / night
"Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."
"Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody."
"Absolutely 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."
from $20 / night
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"This place is primitive, but worth it.. lots of beautiful trails. 5 campsites on Power (big island) and apperantly 5 on Basset (little island) We kayaked with all our gear!!"
"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."
"The island does have drinking water but you have to hike from your sites ot get it our you can get water from Lake Michigan and make it drinkable."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Manitou Island is part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and is located in Lake Michigan and offers days of discovery to be had. To get to N."
"After taking a ferry for a few hours across 12 miles of Lake Michigan, you finally arrive on North Manitou Island! The crossing helps to really remove you from the mainland you left behind."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
RangerThe campground is laid out well although to tightly spaced for my taste.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
TravelerBeautiful location for dispersed camping right on the Castle Rock Ponds. Surrounded by lush trees and clean stocked ponds. Once you get onto the main road going in and out of the area it’s pretty straightforward - there are multiple sites where you can pull over and there’s a sort of peninsula that juts out where most people set up camp. Generally on the peninsula there’s about 4-5 spots unless you squeeze in but more can be accessed around the ponds. Expect people to be there if it’s the weekend.
ScoutBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
ScoutWe went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
GuideBumpy road but our 20 ft trailer made it ok. Some previous campers left trash but that is normal for dispersed camping as many campers don’t respect the land. Ponds were clear water. Some OHVs near by during the day enjoying the trails but very quiet at night. Other campers around at other spots. Overall we would come back
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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 27 tent camping locations near Charlevoix, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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