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Best Tent Camping near Cross Village, MI

725 Reviews

State parks and forests surrounding Cross Village, Michigan offer several tent camping options with Lake Michigan views. 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 camping experience 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 experiences 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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Cross Village, Michigan (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cross Village, MI

4 Photos of 15 Cross Village Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cross Village, MI

725 Reviews of 15 Cross Village Campgrounds

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • Kendra H.
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground

    Small rustic campground with boat launch

    Stayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Straits State Park Campground

    Unique View from camp

    We camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.

  • Bev B.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow

    Really perfect in off season

    Got here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical

  • Tanner G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    Camping with a view

    Second time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.

  • Moe R.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Lake Michigan At St. Ignace

    On the lake & right off the highway.

    This campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.

    While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!

    We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.

    Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.

    Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.

    *** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.

  • Chris H.
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Nice park if you get away from the crowds

    I can only speak to the one campsite I had at this park, which was supposedly a "rustic", walk-in, tent only site. However, the "walk" in from the truck was less than 20 feet, and we were within clear view of the ranger's check-in station, restrooms, and RV camping section. Certainly not rustic or secluded by any means. At the height of the summer camping season, we were at the apex of traffic and noise. Still a lovely park with great views of the lake, and I'm sure the backcountry is much better than the developed campground. If you are like me and want to avoid crowds while camping, do your research and find out where to go. I'll be doing much more of that next time!

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Nice sites but not too close to the lake

    Nice large state forest campground with plenty of space and sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Shared rustic toilets and hand pump for water are also available. The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim.

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?

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?

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?

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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