Best Tent Camping near Eastport, MI
Looking for the best Eastport tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near Eastport. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Michigan tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Eastport, MI (36)
1. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
Williamsburg, Michigan8 Reviews•40 Photos•348 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
2. C3 farm trust
Charlevoix, Michigan1 Review•7 Photos•2 SavesWe host a rural very private camping spot with 3 camp sites, perfect for tent camping. And pet, firearms and cannabis friendly. Camp on a state national resident private hemp farm.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
$25 - $35 / night
3. Pinney Bridge
Mancelona, Michigan1 Review•18 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
4. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
Suttons Bay, Michigan2 Reviews•18 Photos•90 SavesThere are 10 campsites on Power/Bassett Island. These sites are not assigned, they are 1st come, 1st serve. Please use the fire pit area that is established on the site. Each site has it's own picnic table, cooking grill and campfire circle. There are maintained restrooms servicing the island.
Power Island - Bassett Island Fun Facts
Power Island is approximately 200 acres with over 3 miles of waterfront and over 5 miles of hiking trails Bassett Island is connected to Power Island via isthmus. Power Island has 5 rustic campsites. Bassett Island is 1 acre in size with 5 rustic campsites. It's a 6.5 mile boat ride from clinch Park Marina and 3.5 mile boat ride from Bower's Harbor Marina. Power Island and Bassett Island are dedicated as quiet, nature preserves.- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. South Manitou Island Group
Glen Arbor, Michigan8 Reviews•47 Photos•59 SavesOverview
South Manitou Group Campground is a tent-only backcountry facility on South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Campers must take a 1.5-hour Manitou Island Transit Ferry trip or boat ride to reach it, and must backpack their gear into the campground from the dock. **Booking for individual sites on South Manitou Island are made on a first come/first served basis directly through Manitou Island Transit .**This facility is comprised of three reservable group sites at Bay Campground and three others at Weather Station Campground. Each site is open to groups of nine to 20 people only. Smaller parties must plan to occupy multiple first-come, first-served individual sites at Popple, Bay or Weather Station Campgrounds on the island. Bay is the closest campground to the dock (less than a mile/1.6 km) and a short walk from the beach. Weather Station overlooks Lake Michigan from the bluffs on the south side of the island; the hike from the ferry is about 1.3 miles (2 km). If group sites are full, your group may be able to split up into multiple individual campsites. Be sure to book reservations on the Manitou Island Transit website or call (231) 256-9061 for transportation to the island. Or contact Sleeping Bear Dunes for more information at (231) 326-4700 ext 5010.Summer temperatures range from the upper 70s to 90 degrees F (25 to 32 C) during the day, and from the 50s to 70 degrees F (10 to 25 C) at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs from 20 to 30 F (-7 to -1 C) and lows in the 10s and 20s F (-12 to -7 C). Snow is usually on the ground from late November through March.
Recreation
There is no shortage of activities on South Manitou Island. Visitors can hike around the 10-mile perimeter of the island via pebble beaches, take a tour of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse during summer months, view the 1960 shipwreck of the Francisco Morazanon or go on a motorized tour to learn the history of the island. Visitors can also hike day-long excursions to unique sand dune formations and old growth cedar forests. Both campgrounds have beach access where campers can beachcomb and swim; group sites are closer to the beach at Bay Campground than at Weather Station.
Natural Features
South Manitou Island is part of an island chain in Lake Michigan that extends north to the Straits of Mackinac. The island consists of a ridge of tilted layers of limestone, buried under a blanket of glacial debris. It features unique sand dune formations, 10 miles of pebble beaches and a grove of old growth white cedars that date back over 500 years. The campgrounds lie on sandy soils among younger forests.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (231) 326-4700 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$30 / night
6. North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan6 Reviews•132 Photos•63 SavesCamping on North Manitou Island offers solitude and a wild beauty and nights listening to lapping waves. The small Village Campground contains eight designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but open fires are prohibited. Use gas or alcohol stoves i the wilderness. Backcountry Camping Regulations are in effect on North Manitou Island. A backcountry permit and fee payment must be completed before camping. Permits are available on the island and on the mainland. Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
7. Torch Grove Campground
Rapid City, Michigan2 Reviews•21 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
8. Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Leland, Michigan3 Reviews•10 Photos•8 SavesThe small Village Campground contains eight first-come, first-served designated campsites, two fire rings and one outhouse. There is a limit of two tents and four people per site. Fires are permitted in the community fire rings at the Village Campground.
- Tents
9. Popple Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Glen Arbor, Michigan3 Reviews•13 Photos•5 SavesThe Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock (about 3.5 miles), so you are likely to have fewer people camping there. The campground is close to the beach on the northern tip of the island. Bring water filtration equipment since there is no source of purified drinking water. There are 7 individual sites
- Tents
10. Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan3 Reviews•9 Photos•24 SavesThe Weather Station campground overlooks Lake Michigan on the island's south side, about a mile beyond the lighthouse. The campsites are located within a forested area and are pretty well secluded from each other. This location affords inspiring views of the Manitou Passage and Sleeping Bear Dunes on the mainland. The lighthouse, Lake Florence, the Morazan, and Giant Cedars are all within easy walking distance. Follow the signs to take a pleasant walk along a woodland path, past the lighthouse to this campsite, or follow Burdick Road, turning left at Ohio Road for a less scenic but more leisurely walk. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water.
There are 20 individual sites (maximum of 4 people or two tents per site) and 3 group sites (maximum of 20 people or ten tents per site). There are several fire rings in the campground that can be shared by campers.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Eastport
866 Reviews of 36 Eastport Campgrounds
Tammy C.
Scout
Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Hidden gem on the west side
This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!
- SSydney
Traveler
Wilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful views, but goes down to a skeleton crew in the off season!
We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note:
- The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready.
- Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation.
- Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us!
- You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.)
The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging.
I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw!
Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.)
We had no issues at all with wildlife.
There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system.
Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI.
We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly.
Happy camping!
Barry E.Scout
Traverse City State Park Campground
Convenient and clean
Very nice park, walkway to the public beach, paved path behind the grounds. Modern, clean bathhouse. Not a lot of privacy between spots, big mature trees all through the grounds. Right by municipal airport with lots of flight activity.
Michael N.
Guide
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Beautiful area!
The camping area is amazing. My group camped in the non electric section. Each area was set back from the road. Flat gravel pad. Small paved driveway for your car. It was peaceful. And absolutely dark at night. Perfect for star gazing. The comfort station was a short walk away. Clean bathrooms, shower areas, and a small room to wash dishes. You cannot wash dishes at your site. You must take precautions against bears. So food had to be locked in cars. We didn’t encounter bears. At the entrance is a canoe/tube business. You can float down the river to Lake Michigan.
David C.Scout
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Easy access to north central bike path
This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.
Amy D.Traveler
Barnes County Park Campground
Beautiful Lake Access
This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.
- Amy D.Traveler
Young State Park Campground
Unique Trails
The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.
Austin C.Scout
Camp David
Wonderful, quiet location
David and Gail were so friendly and welcoming, especially for the inconvenience of a last minute stay on Labor Day weekend! I had questions during the booking process and messaged them- I had a response in minutes. We had a quiet spot and were able to get some uninterrupted sleep after a long afternoon at the beach.
There are several places nearby with beach access (the turquoise water of Lake Michigan is beautiful), and lakes under 5 minutes away for fishing. For rockhounding, check out the beaches near Old Mission Lighthouse. Should we find ourselves back on the road to the UP, we'll be sure stop back in. Thanks again for being so accommodating!
- rroy H.Guide
Otsego Lake State Park Campground
Otsego camp ground
Nice state park big sites on the lake
Skip C.Traveler
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Close to Torch Lake
Full hookup sites, cabins were nice. Many recent upgrades to the campground
- HHatcherScout
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Rustic campground
Stayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.
Jason H.
Ranger
South Manitou Island Group
Popple Campground
Stayed at site 3. It was a relatively easy hike until you hit a hilly spot towards the campground. Mid July was very buggy.
Site 3 has easy access to an overlook which we made use of for photos of a storm that rolled in over North Manitou Island, our original destination. There was one vault toilet at the opposite end of the campground.
Like at Weatherstation, it was easy enough to get down to the beach for swimming and refilling our Grayls but to get back up was a bit of a challenge that grew old after a few trips.
Our last night, we stayed at the Bay campground which was nice. Fire rings are available and getting to and from the water was much easier. I'd recommend the Bay for people who want a more leisurely experience and one of the other campgrounds if you want to get some miles and get more rustic.
Teresa R.TravelerWilderness State Park Camping
Nice park, very big park but…..
Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles
- JJoeScout
The Campground
Fantastic Campground!
The campground is a small, family friendly campground that has a lot of activities for both adults and kids. It is clean, has level sites and well maintained facilities.
Erica L.TravelerChain-O-Lakes Campground
Will be back!
Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.
Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.
We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.
- RRobert T.Guide
Wild Cherry RV Resort
Quiet and peaceful
This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.
Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.
Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks.
Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.
This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.
Have fun!
- LLon L.Scout
Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
close to travese city and interlockin
Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups
Gary P.Scout
Whiting County Park Campground
Awesome Campground
First timers. Very pleased with our stay. Reservation system is awesome, and easy to follow. Bathhouse was clean and fresh smelling. Even with all the rain we had during the stay, the bathhouse never got overly soiled. Water has a very heavy sulphor smell, but that's the way it goes with Michigan well water. Our Tear drop camper had fresh water on-board, so we were good to go. We've stayed at Young State Park across the way. Given what I know now, Whiting Park will be our"go to" park in the future. Again, Very Pleased.
Martha L.Guide
Magnus Park Campground
Magus Park Great location
Great location, right on the lake and awesome views. Also very convenient to North country Trail to ride or run up and down the Lakeshore on a paved path! Very close to town to walk in and see the sites. Stayed by the water treatment plant and I wouldn’t recommend the West End as you could smell the treatments. Bathrooms were clean and convenient location. Spaces were extremely close together! Many people stayed for the whole summer. It seemed like.
Jen L.ScoutManton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Great location for orv trail access
Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It’s really handy to not have to trailer over to the trsilheads. Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!
Gills an B.Scout
Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
Everything that it said it was
To many people and yelling kids but breath taking for sure
- BBob W.Scout
Grass Lake State Forest Campground
Updated Info
Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.
There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.
This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.
- DDrew M.Scout
Petoskey State Park Campground
Fun!
Great spot very close to the lake and downtown Petoskey. Best of both worlds.
- DDavid C.Scout
Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
Very nice and well maintained campground. Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy. There are some activities in the area related to the park. All in all a very nice State Park campground.
Nicole V.Guide
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
Nice but camp host needed
Large campground composed or 5 loops. Many have a trail leading to the water. Hiking and biking paths within the campground along with a nice boat ramp. Trash on sites and dirty outhouses along with lots of generators and after hour noise was a downside.
- BBarbara K.Guide
Otsego Lake State Park Campground
Nice surprise
First time camping here. Site 72 had a nice view if the make. Very nice park. Bathrooms s d dhowers ckean for really need to be upgraded. They have a ni. ce dog beach bit no real wslking trails as it is only 64 acres. Very nice beach! Already booked our next trip there.
Joshua C.Scout
Empire Township Campground
Great for tent camping!
We have come to this campground every year since 2020 for a week with our travel trailer. We got lucky to find and opening at an electric site in their schedule and once you're in, you can reserve the same site on the same week the following year. We've had family members stay in tent sites nearby and they loved it.
Guide to Eastport
Tent camping near Eastport, Michigan offers a variety of scenic locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private campgrounds to public parks, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Torch Grove Campground provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for those who want a bit more comfort while camping.
- Pinney Bridge features drinking water and picnic tables, perfect for families looking to enjoy meals outdoors.
- C3 Farm Trust offers a unique experience with a market on-site, allowing campers to stock up on local goods during their stay.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites, visitors can kayak to the island and explore beautiful trails, making it an adventurous spot for outdoor lovers.
- Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers eager to catch bass in the clear waters.
- Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers hiking trails that lead to stunning views of Lake Michigan, perfect for those who enjoy exploring nature on foot.
Tent campers should check out unique features
- Graves Crossing State Forest Campground is open year-round and allows campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
- Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides a secluded camping experience with easy access to the beach, ideal for those looking to unwind by the water.
- Deer Brooke Woodland Forest allows pets, making it a great option for families who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eastport, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eastport, MI is Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Eastport, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Eastport, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.