Best Campgrounds near Frederic, MI

Frederic, Michigan provides access to several established campgrounds in the heart of northern Michigan's forested landscape. The Upper Manistee River Campground, located directly in Frederic, offers year-round tent and RV camping with boat-in access options. Nearby, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground in Grayling features cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping sites within an old-growth forest setting. The region includes a mix of state forest campgrounds, state parks, and private facilities like KOAs, with most locations providing basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Drinking water is available at many established sites, while electric hookups vary by location. "Love this campground for a good weekend stay. Small campground but there's some nice wooded sites and some more open sites," noted one visitor about Hartwick Pines. The Upper Manistee River area provides more rustic experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Road access throughout the region is generally good, with most campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly along river corridors and within dense forest stands.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those along the Manistee River. Fishing opportunities abound, with the Upper Manistee River area serving as a popular destination for anglers. The Manistee River Bridge Campground receives excellent reviews for its riverside location and peaceful setting. According to reviews, the old-growth forest trail at Hartwick Pines is "beautiful and really well maintained" with "crazy TALL" trees, offering a unique hiking experience directly from the campground. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground provides lake access for boating and swimming. Winter camping is available for those prepared for Michigan's cold season, though amenities become more limited. The proximity to Grayling and Gaylord ensures campers have access to supplies and services within a reasonable driving distance.

Best Camping Sites Near Frederic, Michigan (229)

    1. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    4 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."

    2. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    11 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 provides a needed escape from the city while still being close enough to a happening town that one can camp and get into town for a nice dinner. The lake and campsite are clean."

    3. Upper Manistee River

    11 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    $15 - $20 / night

    "the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"

    "We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."

    4. Gaylord KOA

    10 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    13 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."

    5. Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA

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

    $64 - $94 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    6. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6125

    "It is in a nice location with lakeside swimming and picnic tables while having the camping site close by. Campers are respectful and it is nice and quiet at night. Terrific park!"

    "Sites are ok sized, bathroom was clean, biggest issue was right next to a main road so expect alot of highway noise if you're on the outermost part of the circle"

    7. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    "Being right on the lake was wonderful."

    "The campground is conveniently located but this means it’s a very busy place."

    8. Kneff Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    6 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    13 miles
    +1 (989) 826-3252

    $15 / night

    "This campground is beautifully located in the middle of Huron-Manistee national forest."

    "Very nice campground on Kneff Lake in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The campground road is blacktop in great condition. There are 2 loops."

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling

    7 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    14 miles
    Website

    $37 - $68 / night

    "Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"

    10. Manistee River Bridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    "The views along the 15 mile trail are second to none. There are about 15 camp sites. I would try and stay at 7b, 4b or the site next to the waterfall."

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Recent Reviews near Frederic, MI

847 Reviews of 229 Frederic Campgrounds


  • Kathie M.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Beautiful small rustic campground

    This campground is my all time favorite. I don't think there is a bad site (51 sites plus 3 cabins). Very beautiful in the fall with outstanding forest hiking south of campground. I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch. Very short walk to Lake Michigan- you can even see if you have a clearing. Vault toilets so clean! Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly. Highly highly recommend!

  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    Lots of activities

    We just needed a spot for the night near Traverse City, and this fit the bill.
    It is a huge campground, with lots of activities for kids, but we have none. It was not high season, so it was not crowded and it was quiet. Our site was full service, but we only need electric for our van. The bathrooms were clean, but we were disappointed that the showers require quarters, as we had none. It was a great last minute opportunity, but I'm sure in high season you need a reservation.

  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Petoskey KOA

    Beautiful setting in woods

    This campground was close to the town of Petoskey, had clean showers and bathrooms, which were toasty in the cool October night we stayed! Kudos! Our site was level, shaded, and close to the facilities, as we are van campers this was nice.

  • 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.

  • Peyton
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Cathedral Pines Campground

    Hidden gem

    Very quiet and remote, if you go as a hiker pick times when the water conditions are poor. This is primarily a paddling campground.

    Toilet has no TP, lots of hidden sites if you venture off trail

  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • T
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

    It is not free to stay as online shows

    Lots of road noise and no water or electricity and it’s not free as stated online $20 isn’t bad per night but other places near charge $27-35 per night and have water and electric hookups there is tons of random traffic through the grounds which is a little uncomfortable. They do have bathrooms and you can fish but if your looking for a peaceful place this is not it or a free campsite it is not

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

    Young State Park Campground

    Nice Lakeside Campground

    Lovely campground right on the water and sandy beach. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers, sites had electric hookups, camp area had potable water and black water dump. We came at the very end of the season (October 4-5) and from what I could tell, the campsite was shutting down, so I’m unsure of the availability going forward until next season. Overall a beautiful spot!


Guide to Frederic

Camping sites near Frederic, Michigan provide access to the Huron-Manistee National Forest and the Manistee River watershed. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with cooler nights, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below zero.

What to do

Hiking old-growth forests: At Hartwick Pines State Park Campground, visitors can explore remnants of Michigan's ancient forests. "There is a small lake for fishing, an old logging community with some programming in busier months," notes Lisa B., who adds that the side trails are "less traveled so you rarely see anyone else."

Kayaking calm waters: Kneff Lake offers peaceful paddling opportunities in a secluded setting. "The lake is beautiful - fun to kayak! The day access lake area has a beach that is all sand, no seaweed in the water. It's a perfect swimming area," says Carrie O.

Biking paved trails: The campgrounds near Frederic connect to regional bike paths. At Otsego Lake State Park Campground, "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," reports Amy K.

Winter activities: Several camping areas remain open year-round for cold weather adventures. "Open all year, nice park, big rig friendly, has full hookups. We enjoy hiking here," mentions Cindy C. about winter options at Hartwick Pines.

What campers like

Spacious, wooded sites: Upper Manistee River campers appreciate the natural setting. "The sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. Sites are spacious enough for small campers and walk/boat-in tent sites are great and have their own vault toilets and pump," explains R.B.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good standards. At Gaylord KOA, "This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG. The CG is very clean and well maintained," notes Ray & Terri F.

Water recreation: Lake access is a major draw for campers. At Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground, "Being right on the lake was wonderful. The sites along the lake are gorgeous and have many little paths down to the water," reports Bill W., though he cautions to "stay away from the interior sites (#24-28) because they are basically little islands in a marsh."

Educational opportunities: Historical elements enhance the camping experience. "The old logging museum is interesting to walk around & check out," mentions Cindy C. about Hartwick Pines, while Wesley R. notes that "the park also provides nature activities during the summer, along with some educational opportunities."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Frederic area campgrounds have different operating windows. The Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA operates from "May 1 to Oct 31" according to its listing information, while state forest campgrounds typically remain open year-round with reduced amenities in winter.

Site variations: Not all campsites offer the same experience or quality. At Lake Margrethe, "If you want another reason not to go, there is a health advisory about swallowing any of the foam in the water because of PFAS contamination," warns dh W., who also mentions noise from nearby Camp Grayling.

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance planning. "This is dry camping and is first come first served," notes John W. about Kneff Lake Campground, while state parks typically offer reservations through the Michigan DNR system.

Road access: The quality of approach roads varies significantly. To reach Kneff Lake Campground "requires a lot of driving through dirt roads," according to Halie C., though once there, "The campground road is blacktop in great condition."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated kid amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort offers "a pool, outdoor movies, horseshoes, inflatable blob (kids love the blob), putt putt, sand box, small bikes to rent and a nice store and lodge on site," according to Brittny B.

Choose campgrounds with sandy beaches: Several lakes provide swimming opportunities. At North Higgins Lake State Park Campground, "The beach was great, soft sand bottom, water was clear & cold!" reports Heather M.

Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "The campground is very clean. The shower room was very clean and well organized. The site we camped on was a little small but it served our needs," notes Annette B. about Hartwick Pines.

Select sites with shade: Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s. "Love camping here. We've been camping here for many years and love it every time," says Nick W. about North Higgins Lake, though he cautions "the sites are all sand. This is a problem when it rains. No matter how hard you try to clean your shoes, you end up tracking in wet, dirty sand."

Tips from RVers

Check for full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!" notes Neil about the Gaylord KOA, while Debra S. mentions that Hartwick Pines has "some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I've seen."

Be prepared for uneven sites: Some campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Otsego Lake State Park, "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie," warns Patrick.

Verify size restrictions: Campgrounds vary in their ability to accommodate larger rigs. At Kneff Lake, John W. reports "Had no problem staying here with our 35' fifth wheel and RAM 3500 dually on site 26 in the upper loop. There several spurs on the upper loop in the 60' to 70' range."

Monitor electrical service: During busy periods, power can be inconsistent. At Bradford Lake KOA, "We got in on a Thursday and left on a Saturday. The power was fine Thursday and early Friday, but as more campers arrived the voltage dropped to the point where my surge protector started cutting it off," cautions Michael T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Frederic, Wisconsin?

For camping near Frederic, Wisconsin, the Upper Manistee River offers an excellent option with boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access, plus basic facilities like toilets and water. Another good choice is Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground near Grayling, which features reservable sites and water access. Both provide great bases for exploring the natural beauty around Frederic. The area has several other options within a short drive, including state forest campgrounds that offer more rustic experiences and state parks with fuller amenities.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping in Frederic?

The Frederic area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, you can enjoy activities along Burt Lake's northwest shore, including fishing, paddling, and swimming. Petoskey State Park Campground provides beautiful hiking trails with stunning Lake Michigan views. The region boasts excellent fishing in numerous lakes and rivers, miles of hiking and biking trails through scenic forests, and paddling routes for kayakers and canoeists. Wildlife viewing, photography, and bird watching are also popular activities. During winter months, the area transforms for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

What amenities are available at Frederic campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Frederic offer varying levels of amenities. Thurston Park Campground provides lakefront sites perfect for fishing and paddling, plus a playground adjacent to the camping area. Magnus Park Campground offers 77 sites with a mix of full hookups (36 sites) and electric-only hookups, plus a cabin option. Many campgrounds in the region include basic amenities like potable water and toilet facilities, while others feature more developed options with showers, dump stations, and electricity. Some sites are suitable for big rigs, particularly at the more developed campgrounds. Most offer fire rings and picnic tables at individual campsites.