Best Campgrounds near Chatham, MI

Camping near Chatham, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This stunning area is just a short drive away. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views and the chance to see waterfalls. One camper mentioned, "The staff at the office gave a helpful map that showed where the local waterfalls are at. There are a lot in the area!"
• Hiking and Nature Walks: Trails abound in this region, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. A visitor shared, "We hiked around Beaver Lake and along Lake Superior. Enjoyed both sites."
• Fishing and Swimming: Au Train Lake is a great spot for fishing and swimming. One camper noted, "Caught fish off shore. Sites are large."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Munising Tourist Park Campground are praised for their beautiful surroundings. A reviewer said, "The campground is pretty wide open, so there isn't much privacy, but it is absolutely beautiful!"
• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bay Furnace Campground remarked, "Host here did a great job keeping everything tidy and clean."
• Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One camper at Otter Lake Campground & Lodge said, "Everything was great. Friendly staff and fellow campers."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Au Train Lake Campground, lack electric hookups and showers. A camper noted, "No dump station but sign on well house states you can dump at nearby campground for free with proof of stay."
• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Bay Furnace Campground warned, "It is filled with loads of voracious mosquitoes."
• First-Come, First-Served: Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a good idea. A visitor at North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground mentioned, "There were 2 sites open when we arrived about 3 pm; filled up by evening."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Rippling Rivers RV Resort, which has a pool and easy access to trails. A family shared, "Kids loved the pool. Easy trail access to the mountain bike park!"
• Pack for Comfort: Bring extra cords and hoses if you're staying at sites with tricky hookups. One camper at Munising Tourist Park Campground advised, "Make sure to have extra cord and hoses."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be busy, so having a plan for downtime is helpful. A visitor at Marquette Tourist Park Campground noted, "The campground bit more populated than campgrounds where I normally stay, but quiet."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Forestville Campground said, "Sites are small for larger vehicles."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check ahead. One RV traveler at Rippling Rivers RV Resort mentioned, "Great campground with a variety of options to stay."
• Be Ready for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Otter Lake Campground & Lodge noted, "Just be advised there’s no cell service, and the WiFi is a bit spotty."

Camping near Chatham, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!