47 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Frederic, Michigan range from drive-in sites along the AuSable River to walk-in and boat-in backcountry options within the state forest system. With 48 tent campgrounds available, options span primitive hike-in spots to drive-in sites with drinking water and fire rings. The Wakeley Lake Area offers walk-in tent sites within the Huron Manistee National Forests, with trails leading to primitive camping locations near the water.
Most tent-only campgrounds feature basic amenities such as vault toilets and fire rings, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Drinking water is available at several sites including Keystone Landing and Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground, but many backcountry tent areas require campers to bring their own water supply or treatment methods. Access varies from drive-in sites to boat-in and hike-in only options, with White Pine Canoe Camp and Wakeley Lake both requiring non-motorized access. Campers should note that seasonal restrictions apply to many areas, with most state forest campgrounds operating from April through October.
The tent camping in the Frederic region offers exceptional seclusion and natural surroundings. Walk-in sites at Wakeley Lake provide waterfront camping with minimal crowds. A recent review noted that "we only stayed one night but it was very nice, right by the water. One other camper nearby but completely out of earshot." For river-based tent camping, the AuSable River corridor offers multiple access points with Rainbow Bend and White Pine serving as popular stops for multi-day paddling trips. Forest cover provides ample shade at most tent sites, though spring visitors should be prepared for ticks. During summer weekdays, many backcountry tent campgrounds remain nearly empty, allowing for quiet nature immersion without the crowds typically found at developed campgrounds.
"You get the best of both worlds here, camping on the river but close to Grayling. The campsites are fairly secluded and shaded."
"Short backpacking walk to this no-reservations rustic campsite. You need a backcountry permit and there’s usually a small fee. Lovely forested secluded tent sites."
"After a short mile or so hike over a mostly level sandy trail you'll reach to the campground. It's located in a part of the forest with lots of ridges."
"One other camper nearby but completely out of earshot."
"Loved camping on this lake. We hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas."
"By the lake... lots of trails for exploring. Good area for hunting upland game. Can’t wait to go again!"
"If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place. Get back to nature here with no running water or electric."
"The site had 2 vault toilets. The water pump was out of commission and there was very limited access to dry wood or dead trees, but fortunately we brought enough water and pre-made foods."
"Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody."
"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."
ScoutNo hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.
LegendSeems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.
Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
We had a very pleasant stay.
Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
GuideGreat state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
LegendThis place was really nice and not very busy. It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available. There is a nice boat launch located within the campground as well.
LegendRustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.
ScoutThis campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground.
TravelerI scouted this campground over a holiday weekend and found all the sites that could accomodate RVs were occupied, while all the tent sites were available. Returning on the Monday after the holiday with my tent, I was the only camper on site for all three nights I was there.
I camped in Site 2, as it was close to the lake and fishing was my purpose in being there. The campground is small (15 sites) and the cost is $20/night. The vault toilets (2) were clean and well supplied with toilet paper. The hand pump well takes a bit of priming to get going, but don't give up. You will get water. There is a small beach area next to a well maintained boat dock and concrete boat launch. Everything at my site, fire ring and picnic table was in good condition. As others have mentioned, this campground is right on a paved road. For some reason, this road is popular with noisy motorcycles and pickup trucks. Fortunately, the traffic almost completely stops by 9PM.
The fishing was just ok. Although rumor has it the lake is stocked with Walleye, my take was limited to abundant Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, and Largemouth bass, many of which were on the larger size. Waterskiing and jetskiing is prohibited on the lake before 11AM, but they come out in numbers after that time.
All in all, being the sole camper at the site made for a pleasant stay. I would not venture to stay there on a weekend or holiday.
Tent campsites near Frederic, Michigan offer primitive camping experiences within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The area features sandy terrain with mixed hardwood forests and sits at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer camping season brings average highs in the 70-80°F range with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fishing adventures: Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground provides excellent access to the AuSable River, known for its trout fishing opportunities. "Great, quiet, cozy place to take kids or anyone for that matter. Right on the river and clean, flat lots," notes camper Tiffany M. in her review of Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground.
Canoe and kayak expeditions: The AuSable River corridor creates perfect conditions for multi-day paddling trips. "We stayed at White Pine Canoe Camp for the 1st night of a 3 day kayaking trip. The site had 2 vault toilets," shares Sean G. about his experience at White Pine Canoe Camp. Many paddlers arrange shuttle services with local outfitters or use their own transportation logistics.
Trail exploration: The 4-Mile Trail Camp offers access to extensive trail systems. "There's trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well," explains Lexi G. from her stay at 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR. Hikers should bring detailed maps as some trails intersect without clear markings.
River proximity: Keystone Landing State Forest Campground offers campsites along the AuSable River. "You get the best of both worlds here, camping on the river but close to Grayling. The campsites are fairly secluded and shaded. Perfect for trout fishing as there are three access spots to the river," writes Walt S. in his review of Keystone Landing State Forest Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Wakeley Lake provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "Loved camping on this lake. We hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites. Loved watching the loons on the lake," shares John H. about Wakeley Lake Campground.
Solitude and quiet: Many tent campsites remain uncrowded even during peak season. "Spent a week here with only two other campers. Rustic. Maintained Gravel Road. Variety of trees. Walking path to AuSable River," notes Susan F. about her experience at Keystone Landing. Most weekday visitors report having minimal neighbors.
Limited facilities: Most tent-only sites have minimal amenities. "The water pump was out of commission and there was very limited access to dry wood or dead trees, but fortunately we brought enough water and pre-made foods," explains Sean G. about White Pine Canoe Camp. Campers should bring adequate supplies including drinking water.
Access challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground," warns Doug B. about Pinney Bridge. Plan accordingly with appropriate gear and transportation methods.
Seasonal considerations: Spring visitors face specific challenges. "Watch out for ticks in the spring," cautions Walt S. about Keystone Landing. Most state forest campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter accessibility.
Accessible fishing spots: Rainbow Bend provides family-friendly fishing access. "Great place to take kids or anyone for that matter. Right on the river and clean, flat lots," notes Tiffany M. The shallow river edges offer safer water play areas for children during summer months.
Short hiking distances: Wakeley Lake Area offers manageable trails for younger hikers. "By the lake... lots of trails for exploring. Good area for hunting upland game," shares Mariah R. about her experience at Wakeley Lake Area. Most loops stay under 3 miles, making them appropriate for children.
Rustic but approachable: Keystone Landing balances wilderness with convenience. "You get the best of both worlds here, camping on the river but close to Grayling," notes Walt S. The proximity to town allows families to resupply easily if needed.
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Frederic accommodate smaller rigs only. "Drive in campground that is like a hike in site. If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place," writes Heidi S. about Rainbow Bend. RVs over 25 feet generally cannot access these rustic campgrounds.
No hookups available: Prepare for dry camping at all locations. "Get back to nature here with no running water or electric. There is a clean outhouse and a well with a pump that has fresh cold water," advises Heidi S. regarding Rainbow Bend. RVers should arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries.
Consider horse camping: Specialized options exist for equestrian campers. "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it," explains Lexi G. about 4-Mile Trail Camp, which provides dedicated facilities for those traveling with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Frederic, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Frederic, MI is Keystone Landing State Forest Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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