Best Tent Camping near Charlevoix, MI
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Best Tent Sites Near Charlevoix, MI (28)
1. C3 farm trust
Charlevoix, Michigan1 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
2. Pinney Bridge
Mancelona, Michigan1 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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
3. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
Williamsburg, Michigan8 Reviews•40 Photos•348 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground
Beaver Island, Michigan1 Review•3 Photos•6 Saves- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
5. Sturgeon Valley Campground
Wolverine, Michigan2 Reviews•21 Photos•12 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
6. South Manitou Island Group
Glen Arbor, Michigan8 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
7. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan6 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
8. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
Suttons Bay, Michigan2 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
9. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Leland, Michigan3 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
10. Torch Grove Campground
Rapid City, Michigan2 Reviews•21 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews in Charlevoix
903 Reviews of 28 Charlevoix Campgrounds
Tori K.
Legend
Straits 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.
- kk M.
Traveler
French Farm Lake Rd
Nice, but ....
stayed at campsite #2 twice in October. Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while. On the second visit to the same site, I found two 5-gallon pails off to the left in the brush, more trash, and a bottle with liquid in it. Also, the stump that someone left to be used as an additional table was missing. I usually pick up trash and leave the site better than I found it, but I did not dare touch the buckets or the bottle with the suspicious liquid in it. French Farm Lake Road is a beautiful area with the North Country Trail running through it but it seems some folks don't appreciate it. The other sites might be better "kept" (site #3 is sandy and looks like an RV was dragged out). Might go again because it is a nice secluded area.
- SSydneyTraveler
Wilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful views, but goes down to a skeleton crew in the off season!
We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note:
- The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready.
- Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation.
- Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us!
- You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.)
The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging.
I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw!
Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.)
We had no issues at all with wildlife.
There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system.
Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI.
We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly.
Happy camping!
Barry E.
Scout
Traverse City State Park Campground
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.
Alex M.
GuideStraits State Park Campground
Amazing views of Mackinac bridge
Most sites are all grass, but well maintained. Brand new, clean bathrooms and showers. Views of the lake and bridge can't get any better.
- Ken G.Guide
Straits State Park Campground
great view of bridge, but small campsites close together
This campground was OK. Just on the north side of the bridge. The site we had was really small and close to others. It was a short walk down to the lake and a great view of the bridge. It was pretty expensive, we paid $39 + $11 for a Michigan park pass. The place was clean and the restrooms and showers were nice.
I don't think I'd go back. There are better places to camp in the upper peninsula.
Lots of bugs.
- KKris D.Guide
Straits State Park Campground
Close to town but noisy
We stayed in a tight site with some not so friendly neighbors. Great views and average campground.
- Chad H.Traveler
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
Awesome location
We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.
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 Campground
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 Campground
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
- rroy H.Guide
Brevoort Lake Campground
Brevoort
Great camp ground , large sites right on the lake
- 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.
Teresa R.TravelerWilderness State Park Camping
Nice park, very big park but…..
Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles
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!
Rachel S.TravelerMackinaw Mill Creek Camping
Friendly environment
Very clean and very well ran and organized! Great staff will probably come back to this one
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
Cheboygan State Park Campground
Peaceful & plentiful
Cheboygan State Park is a must do for all campers! This is a hidden gem. Many of the campsites walk out to Lake Huron and there’s a perfect breeze from the water to the campsite to keep all of the bugs away. Very peaceful and the campsites are very private and quiet. Happily surprised and will be back! Very dog friendly, great hiking trails, and the beach is very sandy!
- 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.
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
Dan H.Guide
Lake Michigan At St. Ignace
Great dune beach access
Only 60 to 75 percent full midweek in July. Most sites are first come first served. Most sites are separated by natural forest. Beautiful dunes and beach. Traffic noise from highway is an issue.
- Dan H.Guide
Straits State Park Campground
Nice, no views from upper campground
Somewhere I read there might be lake views from the upper campground... Not with leaves on the trees. Follow the signs down a 500 foot trail to the surveyors lookout to see the bridge. Nice and wooded. You can hear the bridge and interstate traffic. Nice restrooms, showers. I will try lower campground next time.
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.