Best Campgrounds near Copemish, MI

Dispersed and established camping options are abundant around Copemish, Michigan, with numerous sites situated along rivers, lakes, and within forested areas of northwestern Michigan. The Manistee River Trail offers free dispersed tent camping sites with primitive amenities, while established campgrounds such as Northern Exposure Campground and Betsie River Campsite provide more developed facilities including RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region are positioned within 20-30 miles of Copemish, creating easy access to outdoor recreation activities throughout Manistee National Forest and near popular destinations like Crystal Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Seasonal availability varies significantly across the camping areas, with many established campgrounds operating from May through October. Winter camping is limited to select year-round sites, including some at Interlochen State Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Northern Exposure Campground operates from May to November, while Betsie River Campsite's season runs April through October. State forest campgrounds like Grass Lake and Healy Lake generally require first-come, first-served payment via lock boxes. As one visitor reported about dispersed camping along the Manistee River Trail, "Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Copemish area, with both developed and primitive sites available along rivers and lakes. The Manistee River Trail dispersed camping area receives particularly positive feedback for its scenic riverside camping. According to a camper, "Great river trail with a decent amount of campsites...plenty of firewood to salvage on both sides." Camping amenities vary widely across the region, with primitive sites offering basic fire rings while developed campgrounds provide modern bathhouses, electric hookups, and recreation facilities. Several reviews mention the value of spacious sites at newer campgrounds like Mountain Valley Lodge, which features "big spacious lots" and "full hookup on back in and pull thru lots." Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but may be limited in more remote dispersed camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Copemish, Michigan (228)

    1. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    2. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    "Lots of campsites 30 to 50 feet away from the roadway offering appropriate privacy. Woods and bushes separating campsites. Shower houses in excellent condition and clean. Pads for tents in place."

    3. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 885-1199

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."

    "I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it! Not many big boats on it so there was no motor noise constantly like how it is on most inland lake campgrounds."

    4. Betsie River Campsite

    18 Reviews
    Elberta, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 352-9535

    $33 - $85 / night

    "Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."

    "Very quiet campground and close to the small town of Frankfort. The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station."

    5. Turtle Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Honor, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 275-7353

    "Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!"

    "The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach. We took my mom & nieces two years ago."

    6. Seaton Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 723-0141

    $30 - $80 / night

    "It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."

    "You are surrounded by beautiful pines. I wasn't able to explore as much as I liked to but hear there are great trails and you are in walking distance of water."

    7. Kampvilla Park, LLC

    7 Reviews
    Arcadia, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 864-3757

    "Very clean campground, friendly, polite people all around, great pool and real nice “event” room. Nice clean (2) bathhouses, and one family bathhouse, also very nice."

    "This campground has very clean bathrooms, a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do."

    8. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan."

    9. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    10. Traverse City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Buckley, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 269-4562

    "This place is the perfect spot to camp to get away yet stay close to Home (if you live nearby!). Its great for a traveler as well."

    "This KOA is just south of Traverse City and very centrally located to all that makes this area so awesome! Wineries, Sleep Bear Dunes, golf courses, and of course downtown Traverse City."

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Recent Reviews near Copemish, MI

972 Reviews of 228 Copemish Campgrounds


  • Erin F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

    Off the beaten path

    Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded.

  • Evelyn K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Lots of privacy

    These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths. We had fun on our e-bikes. Beautiful surroundings. Good birding too. No bugs!

  • Kammy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    Beautiful fall morning, site on the lake

    Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Penny Park Campground

    Decent Little Campground

    Flat camp area on the lake. Some of the spaces have electric hookups. We came in the off season so it’s not too crowded, but the spaces are small so I imagine it would be tight in peak season. Bathrooms are currently locked, but there is a potable water spigot available. Reasonable camp fee - $20.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • J
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Nice and woodsy

    The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren’t close. FCFS of course, but I had no problem finding an available site.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.


Guide to Copemish

Camping near Copemish, Michigan, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Platte River Campground, are near scenic trails. One camper mentioned, "Amazing rangers with tons of info!" which highlights the helpful staff ready to guide you on local hikes.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Betsie River Campsite. A reviewer noted, "This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites," emphasizing the great fishing spots nearby.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Lake Michigan Recreation Area provide easy access to the beach. One visitor said, "The dunes were amazing! A short walk from the camping loops," making it a perfect spot for beach lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Orchard Beach State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers are clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site," which is great for families and groups.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for Indigo Bluffs RV Park noted, "Clean restroom and showers. Swimming pool very nice friendly staff," showcasing the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "It’s close to the airport and 4 lane road," which might not be ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary between campgrounds. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground noted, "Most sites do not have lateral privacy," so be prepared for close neighbors.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, offer a more rustic experience with fewer amenities. A camper shared, "There is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead," which is important for those who rely on connectivity.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "Great family fun," highlighting the variety of activities available.
  • Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor at Orchard Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom is a pretty distant walk," so keep that in mind when planning your stay.
  • Bring Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Green Lake Rustic South advised, "It's wooded so have bug spray," to keep the little critters at bay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be small for larger RVs. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways," which is something to consider when booking.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, make sure to choose campgrounds that offer them. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park mentioned, "FHU, level, absolutely would stay here again," indicating a positive experience with amenities.
  • Plan for Road Access: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can affect your stay. A visitor at Betsie River Campsite said, "The campground was a bit rustic for our liking," so be aware of your surroundings when choosing a spot.

Camping near Copemish, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Copemish, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Copemish, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 228 campgrounds and RV parks near Copemish, MI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Copemish, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Copemish, MI is Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Copemish, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Copemish, MI.

What parks are near Copemish, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Copemish, MI that allow camping, notably Huron-Manistee National Forests and Sleeping Bear Dunes.