143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern Michigan's Conway area features a range of camping options along the shores of Lake Michigan and inland lakes. State parks dominate the landscape, with Petoskey State Park Campground offering year-round access to sandy beaches and dunes just 15 minutes from Conway. Wilderness State Park Camping, approximately 30 miles north, provides more secluded sites with direct lake access and wooded privacy. The region balances developed campgrounds with more rustic options like Fisherman's Island State Park near Charlevoix, where campers can enjoy lakefront sites without electricity or indoor plumbing. Most campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer cabins, with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Reservations become essential during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "We don't usually like camping at state parks because they get so crowded, but Fisherman's Island is different. Many sites provide a great deal of privacy, and you get your own stretch of beachfront." Sandy roads can challenge larger vehicles in some areas, particularly at more rustic campgrounds. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes, which peak in early summer. One visitor advised, "Bring plenty of mosquito and fly products. They weren't horrible at our campsite, but evening walks are definitely not happening." Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though several remain open year-round with reduced services during winter.
Lake access represents the primary draw for most campers in the Conway region. Waterfront sites typically command premium prices and require booking months in advance. The Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile paved biking path connecting Harbor Springs to Charlevoix, runs near several campgrounds, enhancing recreational opportunities. Magnus Park in Petoskey offers an urban camping experience with Lake Michigan views despite its proximity to town infrastructure. "The location of this park could not be better," reported one visitor, noting its walkable distance to downtown. Campers frequently mention spectacular sunsets as highlights of their stays, particularly at west-facing Lake Michigan sites. Facilities range from modern bathhouses with showers to rustic pit toilets, with state parks generally offering more consistent maintenance than smaller county or forest campgrounds.
"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
"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."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."
"You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private. The park store was closed Labor Day weekend."
"The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Then, for $15 a night, we found this beauty along the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the larger inland lakes in northern Michigan. "
"Lots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view."
"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
from $36 - $80 / night
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ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
ScoutNice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
TravelerGreat view and secluded enough
TravelerGorgeous! Easy to get to, didn’t need 4 wheel drive and potholes weren’t too awful. Definitely love it here and only downside will be leaving!
TravelerOnly stayed a night. Kinda of close together campsites. Seems like the majority have water and electric hook ups.
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights to visit Mackinac Island. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The facilities were kept clean, but could use a little updating.
GuideThe campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
GuidePetoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
Conway's camping options extend beyond the Lake Michigan shoreline, with many sites situated around inland lakes like Pickerel and Burt. The region sits at a relatively flat elevation of 650-700 feet above sea level, making most camping areas accessible for vehicles of all sizes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
Biking on paved trails: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects several campgrounds with a paved path. "We went as kids and revisited a couple weeks after labor day. Quiet campsites, nice neighbors, mostly retirees, friendly staff. Lake Michigan beach, bith stones and sand, hiking trails from easy to medium hard. On bike trail that extends north to Harbor Springs and south to Charleviox - scenic and paved. Some hills but mostly flat," notes a visitor at Petoskey State Park Campground.
Hunt for Petoskey stones: The fossil-rich shoreline provides opportunities to collect these unique stones. "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection!" reports a camper at Petoskey State Park. Another camper explains: "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks."
Explore local waterways: The inland lake system offers extensive boating opportunities. A visitor at Maple Bay State Forest Campground notes, "If you have a boat you can access the Indian River which takes you to Mullett lake. Also you can take the crooked river to crooked lake but you have to pay a $10 fee for the locks."
Private beach access: Many camping sites near Conway provide direct lake access. At Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, a camper shares, "There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! it gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between."
Spacious sites at some parks: Certain campgrounds offer more room between neighbors. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, a visitor mentions, "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area." Another notes, "Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Halloween camping events: Fall campers enjoy special seasonal activities. A visitor at Petoskey KOA reports, "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest. And we got second place so they gave us a nice goodie bag."
Mosquito intensity varies by season: Early summer brings peak insect activity. At Wilderness State Park, a camper warns, "Sites are close together. Very kid friendly, not a ton of hiking trails right off campground but clean restrooms and beautiful area to stay. Very buggy in June, come prepared."
Site privacy differs dramatically: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. A visitor at Camp Petosega notes, "The campground is off the water a small walk but very nice sites with different hookup options. Can accommodate large RVs in the drive through lots and the smaller sites have nice privacy."
Reservation policies vary: Some parks have minimum stay requirements while others operate first-come-first-served. A reviewer explains, "There are approximately 32-38 campsites on a first come first serve basis" at Maple Bay State Forest Campground, while Camp Petosega has "a two night minimum."
Beach safety considerations: Water depths can vary significantly between lakes. At Burt Lake State Park, a camper observes, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Playground availability: Many parks include recreation areas for children. Young State Park Campground offers "a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them."
Check for beach restrictions: Not all parks allow pets on beaches. One visitor at Petoskey State Park notes, "The only downside is that no dogs are allowed on the beach which is kind of a bummer. There is a great dog park however in Petosky nearby."
Electric hookup variations: Power options differ between parks. At Magnus Park Campground, a visitor explains, "The park as a full array of sites, but mostly caters to RV's, I paid the same rate to pitch a tent as it would have costed to park a large RV."
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups. A Burt Lake visitor warns, "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service."
Site leveling challenges: Some parks require additional preparation. At Straits State Park, campers mention that "some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding," while at Maple Bay, a visitor notes "This campground has tiny campsites that are very uneven. We camp in a tent so that was not ideal."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Conway, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Conway, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Conway, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Conway, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Conway, MI is Petoskey State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Conway, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Conway, MI.
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