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Best Campgrounds near Frederic, MI

838 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Frederic, MichiganExplore the Map

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 Camping Photos near Frederic, MI

307 Photos of 229 Frederic Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Frederic, MI

838 Reviews of 229 Frederic Campgrounds

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • 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.

  • 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!

Guide to Frederic

Camping near Frederic, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature 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:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "There are many walking trails and bike trails too" at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Enjoy the water activities at Au Sable River Primitive Camping. A visitor shared, "The perfect morning and evening view of the river" makes it a great spot for fishing and kayaking.
  • Beach Time: Relax at the beach areas. A review for North Higgins Lake State Park Campground noted, "The beach was very nice and had kayaks and paddle boards available to rent."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Hartwick Pines State Park Campground stated, "Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A visitor at Gaylord KOA mentioned, "The sites are bigger than other campgrounds in the area."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the welcoming vibe. A review for Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "The cleanliness and friendliness clearly shows."

What you should know:

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at North Higgins Lake State Park Campground noted, "The campground was located right next to a busy road. So, there was road noise through the night."
  • Booking Challenges: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A review for Upper Manistee River stated, "Only amenity is a fire ring."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One visitor at Gaylord KOA appreciated the "great bathrooms and showers" for quick clean-ups after meals.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Check out local parks and attractions. A review for Young State Park Campground highlighted, "There are lots of hiking and biking trails."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Frederic, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.

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