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Best Campgrounds near Gaylord, MI

810 Reviews

Gaylord camping includes several good spots within a short drive of town. Otsego Lake State Park Campground sits just six miles from Gaylord, with big sites and a path to the water. Each spot comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and you'll find clean bathrooms throughout the grounds. About 19 miles away, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground puts you near old-growth forests and walking paths. Many campers check out the logging museum while staying there. Late spring and early fall work best for camping around Gaylord—the weather stays nice and the crowds thin out. If you want to camp during summer, book well ahead as sites fill quickly. Winter camping exists but you'll need serious cold-weather gear. When you need a break from camp, you can head into Gaylord or drive to Pigeon River State Forest. Most people spend their time fishing, hiking trails, or looking for animals. Always check if any areas are closed before you head out, especially in shoulder seasons. The Gaylord area has enough different camping spots and outdoor places to keep you busy for multiple trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gaylord, Michigan (197)

    1. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-5485

    "A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"

    "Otsego Lake is a great campground. It's quiet for a state park, and the sites are roomy. The sites on the outer perimeter have large trees and some have water views."

    2. Gaylord KOA

    10 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 939-8723

    $61 - $95 / night

    "While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."

    "The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."

    3. Otsego Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 731-6448

    "This is a great campground South of Gaylord on Otsego Lake. I believe all sites have electric. The park is beautiful with a many sites having lake views."

    4. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-7068

    "A few trails walking distance from the campground.

    The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."

    "Some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I’ve seen."

    5. Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA

    4 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 731-0459

    $64 - $94 / night

    "This is a privately owned campground tucked away not far from Gaylord, MI. There are no laundry facilities onsite but the bathhouse is well maintained."

    "Sits on the shores of Big Bradford Lake which appears to be an all sports lake. The beach is very clean! Close to the ORV trails for those that enjoy off-roading."

    6. Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vanderbilt, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The campground is right on a small but very pretty lake in the middle of Michigan’s elk country."

    "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."

    7. Young State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Boyne City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 582-7523

    "Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."

    "very nice lake and beach

    bathrooms and amenities are excellent

    sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you

    overall really enjoyed our stay"

    8. Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 470-7070

    $105 - $403 / night

    "Get ready, Gaylord! Alpen Bluffs is shaping up to be an incredible new resort destination in Otsego County, set to open its doors in May 2025."

    9. Beaver Creek Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-2459

    10. Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."

    "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gaylord, MI

278 Photos of 197 Gaylord Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gaylord, MI

810 Reviews of 197 Gaylord Campgrounds

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aloha State Park Campground

    Big. Beautiful lake. Nice open sites.

    There’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Burt Lake State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Pretty nice campground.   The sites vary is size - some are close together.  We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private.  The park store was closed Labor Day weekend. There is a vending machine for firewood at the entrance. One bundle is $10 which is expensive. The campground is close to I-75 but we couldn't hear any traffic noise.

  • Jonathan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • C
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Elkwood Campground

    Amazing!

    Fall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

Guide to Gaylord

Camping near Gaylord, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campgrounds are close to lakes and trails. For example, at Otsego Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy a sandy beach and swimming area. One camper mentioned, "The park has a small sandy beach; the swim area is sandy."
  • Fishing and boating: If you love fishing, check out Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. One reviewer shared, "The Boardman River is only 10 minutes away and supports incredible fly fishing."
  • Visit nearby attractions: Many campgrounds are near local attractions. At Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA, a guest noted, "There are great places to ride bikes outside of the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms there were still nice!"
  • Secluded sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One happy camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground remarked, "Each site is secluded, and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offer tons of activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "A lot of the sites back up to the busy road, and you can hear road traffic noise all day and night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or modern facilities. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming, it’s not my #1 choice."
  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground said, "The gnats were relentless. Literally millions by our tent and fire."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, one parent said, "The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike."
  • Plan for noise: If your family prefers quiet, check reviews for noise levels. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The streets are gravel, so not great for riding bikes."
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "There is a ton of stuff to do there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight, so make sure to check dimensions. A visitor at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level, so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Bring extra supplies: Make sure to have extra hoses and cords for hookups. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "We had to purchase extra hose for the sewage hookups as they were situated further away."

Camping near Gaylord, Michigan, has something for everyone. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a great time in the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How close are campgrounds to downtown Gaylord, MI?

Otsego Lake County Park is approximately 10-20 minutes from downtown Gaylord, situated on the scenic shores of Otsego Lake. This makes it a convenient option for campers wanting quick access to town amenities. Another option, Beaver Creek Resort, is located near Gaylord with easy access to downtown attractions. The proximity of these campgrounds to Gaylord allows campers to enjoy outdoor recreation while still having convenient access to restaurants, shopping, and other town services.

What are the best campgrounds in Gaylord, Michigan?

Otsego Lake State Park Campground is among the top options in Gaylord, offering spacious sites with large trees and water views. The park features a clean lake with a main beach, dog beach, and multiple access points. For a private camping experience, Haakwood State Forest Campground provides a more secluded setting with well-maintained facilities. Both campgrounds offer different experiences – Otsego Lake provides family-oriented camping with modern amenities near town, while Haakwood offers a more rustic, peaceful environment for those seeking tranquility.

Is there a KOA campground in Gaylord, Michigan?

Yes, there are two KOA options in the Gaylord area. Gaylord KOA offers spacious full hookup sites with modern amenities including a pool and shower facilities. While pricier (around $65 per night), it provides convenient amenities like coin laundry. The Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA is another excellent option, located on Big Bradford Lake. This campground is clean, quiet, and features a nice beach area. It's positioned close to ORV trails and a bike path, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

What are the best options for tent camping around Gaylord, MI?

Clear Lake State Park Campground offers exceptional tent camping about 45 minutes from Gaylord. The strikingly blue, clear lake has a nice beach area and natural sandy shoreline, perfect for swimming and water activities. For a more rustic experience, Pigeon River State Forest Campground near Vanderbilt provides tent sites with basic amenities like water and toilets in a more secluded setting. Both locations offer the quintessential northern Michigan camping experience with beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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