235 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $41 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $64 - $94 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $36 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Being right on the lake was wonderful."
"The campground is conveniently located but this means it’s a very busy place."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"
from $37 - $68 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutI have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
ScoutTons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
LegendLots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view. None of the sites are actually right on the lake--that area is for all campers to enjoy--with spots to park your pontoons/jetskis/kayaks/dingy. Pit toilets were a bit smelly, but clean. Boat launch near campground entrance. Arrived on a Monday and was busy even during the week, but still several spots available--snagged one of two lake view sites available. Good cell service. Would stay again!
TravelerSix or so full hook up sites in the campground (several are seasonal/permanent sites). The sites are spacious, woodsy, shaded with nice grass for the kiddos to play in. The owners, Rocky and Richard were friendly and available if needed. They even filled our campfire ring with wood before we arrived. There is a porta potty on site, but otherwise expect to use your camper for bathing needs. The 25 min drive into traverse city felt easy even with toddlers in toe. The town of Cedar is small but quaint.
ScoutThis dispersed camping free no hookups no water there are porta potties out here can't say what condition they are in I didn't look I'm boondocking in an 26 ft RV it's very pretty area lots of camping spots big enough for an RV I would say at least 45 ft roads to get in here are dirt the road actually leading down to the camp is not to bad not very wide I have a 26 ft class C RV and just as you get to the camp there is a large Sandy area I wouldn't come down here after a downpour there's camping spots in the woods, there's also an open area where you can get lots of Sunshine if you got solar. It's about 9- 10 miles East of Mio, Michigan. On Google Maps they refer to as a horse camp.
TravelerNice clean campground with modern bathrooms and showers. Plenty of shade and great views of Otsego Lake. Beach access and boat launch right in the park.
ScoutYou have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!
ScoutWe had site 12, narrow with posts lining the paved pad but long enough for a 25' camper. Nice lake for kayaking. Would rate higher but the ticks were horrible; if you step off the paved surface, you will have ticks. Near zero cell service, too many trees for reliable starlink. Pit toilets were in good shape, water pump functional.
GuideThis campground offers 80 sites only 14 sit on lake michigan. We weren't able to get one of those although the day of checkout we scoped the new empty ones they looked less spacious than the one we stayed at in the woods. But the view and lake access would have been worth the loss of space. Lots of bugs in the wooded area sites. They offer many vault toilets and some water pumps but the faults were some of the worst I've seen in awhile. All in all we would definitely stay again but only on a water site. You also can't beat the price at $20 a night.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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