Best Campgrounds near Conway, MI
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.
