justin H.
Scout
ScoutBig Knob State Forest Campground
Quiet and clean.
Tent Camping near Cross Village, MI
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State parks and forests surrounding Cross Village, Michigan offer several tent camping options with Lake Michigan views, ranging from walk-in primitive campsites to waterfront tent sites on Beaver Island. O'Neal Lake campsite in Wilderness State Park provides walk-in and hike-in tent sites in a natural setting. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground, accessible by ferry, offers primitive tent camping from April to November with waterfront access. C3 Farm Trust, a small private campground with just three tent sites, provides a more intimate setup with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings.
Most tent campgrounds in the Cross Village area feature rustic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically have dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Vault toilets are standard at state forest campgrounds, while drinking water availability varies by location. Campers should check seasonal access dates, as many campgrounds operate from April through October or November. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, but campers should verify if fires are permitted during dry conditions. First-come, first-served policies apply at several locations, making early arrival advisable during peak summer weekends.
Waterfront tent sites provide distinctive camping throughout the region. According to reviews, Beaver Island's Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offers "private, quiet, and easy access to the pebbly beach" with "clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump." Campers noted the wind can be strong, so proper gear is essential. Walk-in tent sites at some locations require carrying equipment short distances but reward campers with greater privacy. The lack of light pollution in these primitive tent camping areas creates excellent stargazing opportunities, with one visitor reporting "decent views of the Milky Way on clear nights." Morning fog over Lake Michigan and evening sunsets provide natural scenery unique to backcountry tent camping in this northern Michigan region.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Cross Village (15)
1. O’Neal Lake campsite - Wilderness State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
2. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground
"Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."
3. Pigeon Bay Campground
4. C3 farm trust
"Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $35 / night
5. Camp Darling
from $40 - $50 / night
6. Bill Wagner Memorial Park
7. Sturgeon Valley Campground
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
8. Stoney Creek Trail Camp
"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
9. St James Township Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
10. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground
"Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 31 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 34 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 43 min from Saginaw, MI
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cross Village, MI
4 Photos of 15 Cross Village Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Cross Village, MI
798 Reviews of 15 Cross Village Campgrounds
- DDennis R.
TravelerLeelanau State Park Campground
Great Location, Quiet Campground
Camped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
- UUrsula
LegendWilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful nature surrounding you
The campground is laid out well although to tightly spaced for my taste.
Daniel M.TravelerCastle Rock Ponds
Awesome location - Castle Rock Ponds
Beautiful location for dispersed camping right on the Castle Rock Ponds. Surrounded by lush trees and clean stocked ponds. Once you get onto the main road going in and out of the area it’s pretty straightforward - there are multiple sites where you can pull over and there’s a sort of peninsula that juts out where most people set up camp. Generally on the peninsula there’s about 4-5 spots unless you squeeze in but more can be accessed around the ponds. Expect people to be there if it’s the weekend.
- CCathryn S.Scout
Big Knob State Forest Campground
Perfect for a first timer
Some of these sites are on Lake Michigan and it's beautiful with a few trails. Self serve, first come first served. I got a site at 7 pm on a beautiful Saturday night in September. Very lucky!
- BBrooke J.Scout
Search Bay Dispersed
Search Bay Camping Area
Beautiful area. Lots of exploring to do. No crowds at all. One wish. Don’t throw left overs out on the ground even if it’s back on n the bushes. Dogs find them and may have difficulty digesting whatever it is.
Robert M.
GuideWooden Shoe Campground
Wooden Shoe Campground, Nice campground on a bluff above Lake Ellsworth.
I was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
- Gordie H.Scout
Beaver Creek Resort
Perfect Get away!
We went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
- JJonathan B.Guide
Castle Rock Ponds
Ok but bumpy
Bumpy road but our 20 ft trailer made it ok. Some previous campers left trash but that is normal for dispersed camping as many campers don’t respect the land. Ponds were clear water. Some OHVs near by during the day enjoying the trails but very quiet at night. Other campers around at other spots. Overall we would come back
Guide to Cross Village
Tent camping options near Cross Village, Michigan extend beyond waterfront sites to include forested settings and private campgrounds. The region sits along the northwestern edge of Michigan's Lower Peninsula where Lake Michigan shorelines meet inland forests and small lakes. Summer daytime temperatures average 70-80°F with cooler nights around 50-55°F, creating comfortable camping conditions from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Kayaking and river access: At Sturgeon Valley Campground, located about 45 miles southeast of Cross Village, visitors have direct river access for kayaking. Sue R. notes that the "River access [is] great" and calls it her "favorite place to camp and kayak."
Explore nearby islands: Camping on Beaver Island provides opportunities to visit surrounding islands. One camper at Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground shares they "Loved the lighthouse on the island. Surrounding islands are very neat to check out as well."
Disc golf and water activities: Stoney Creek Trail Camp offers diverse recreation options beyond just camping. Christopher P. mentions the park "offers kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards. Disc golf and regular golf available. Nice sandy beaches."
What campers like
Lake views with privacy: Campers at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground appreciate the secluded waterfront sites. Mike K. notes there are "A few campsites on the water. Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy." Eddie N. adds it's "a nice surprise" with "widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake."
Small, quiet campgrounds: Smaller campgrounds in the region provide peaceful experiences away from crowds. Christopher P. describes Stoney Creek Trail Camp as a "Nice little metro park gem" where "Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking."
Clean facilities: Basic but well-maintained amenities are common at Cross Village area campgrounds. Mike K. observed that "Vault toilets were clean and stocked" at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, while others mention the availability of water pumps at select locations.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Cross Village region operate seasonally. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground runs from April to October, while Stoney Creek Trail Camp has similar seasonal limitations. Bill Wagner Memorial Campground on Beaver Island operates from April to November.
Wind conditions: Lake Michigan shoreline camping can experience significant wind, particularly on Beaver Island. A camper at C3 farm trust mentions it's "Private tent camping in rural michigan," offering an alternative to windier shoreline locations.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require reservations while others operate on a first-come basis. Eddie N. notes Garnet Lake State Forest Campground costs "$10" per night and doesn't require reservations, making it "a pleasant place to spend a night."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational rentals: Families benefit from campgrounds offering equipment rentals. Christopher P. notes that Stoney Creek Trail Camp has "Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site" along with kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals, providing activities without hauling extra gear.
Consider fishing opportunities: Fishing can entertain children at campgrounds with lake access. Mike K. mentions "Decent fishing on the lake" at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, making it a "Great spot to camp" for families who enjoy fishing.
Select campsites near beaches: Sandy beaches provide natural play areas for children. Christopher P. highlights that Stoney Creek Trail Camp features "Nice sandy beaches," ideal for families with children who enjoy swimming and water play.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: The Cross Village area has few full-hookup options for RVs. Sturgeon Valley Campground (formerly Circle S) is one exception, offering water and electric hookups, making it suitable for those who don't want to boondock.
Consider smaller RVs: Many campgrounds in the region aren't big-rig friendly. For camping on Beaver Island, smaller trailers or campervans are more appropriate due to ferry restrictions and limited site sizes.
Dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal as many campgrounds lack dump stations. Sue R. mentions that Sturgeon Valley Campground provides good amenities, making it her "favorite place to camp" when traveling with her RV through Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the designated tent camping areas in Cross Village, Michigan?
Where are the designated tent camping areas in Cross Village, Michigan?
Cross Village offers several tent camping options. Pinney Bridge is a hike-in only campground with sites located about 700 yards from parking. For lakeside camping, Garnet Lake State Forest Campground provides spacious tent sites around the water with good privacy. Additionally, the nearby Wilderness State Park offers tent camping at O'Neal Lake, and St. James Township provides drive-in sites. When seeking more remote experiences, check out the smaller forest campgrounds that dot the region.
What amenities are available at Cross Village tent campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Cross Village tent campgrounds?
Tent campgrounds in Cross Village offer varying amenities. Stoney Creek Trail Camp provides modern bathrooms, a snack shop, equipment rentals for kayaks and canoes, plus recreational facilities including disc golf and sandy beaches. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground features clean outhouses, fire rings, a water pump, and easy beach access. Most State Forest campgrounds offer vault toilets and basic facilities like fire rings and picnic tables. Amenities are typically minimal but sufficient for an authentic outdoor experience.
When is the best season for tent camping in Cross Village?
When is the best season for tent camping in Cross Village?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the ideal tent camping season in Cross Village. Summer provides warm days perfect for enjoying water activities at Sturgeon Valley Campground, which offers excellent river access for kayaking. Early fall brings spectacular color changes and fewer crowds at Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail Campground, where you'll find pump water and some cell reception. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions near Lake Michigan shoreline campgrounds. Winter camping is possible but recommended only for experienced cold-weather campers with proper gear.
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