Camping sites near Garden, Michigan generally offer access from May through November, though availability varies by location. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level on Michigan's Garden Peninsula, jutting into Lake Michigan with predominantly sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds experience moderate temperature swings between daytime highs around 75°F in summer and cooler nights in the 50s.
What to do
Paddle Lake Michigan's shoreline: Portage Bay State Forest Campground provides excellent access for paddlesports enthusiasts. "Great spot for any paddling sports in the warmer months," notes one visitor, who has "camped here many times" and plans to return. The protected cove with shallow water makes it ideal for kayakers of various skill levels.
Explore historic ruins: Fayette State Park Campground offers a unique combination of camping and historical exploration. "When you camp here you can visit the townsite at night. I'm a photographer and i love the challenge of taking night pictures! I love the history here," shares one camper. The ghost town buildings remain accessible during evening hours, creating unusual photography opportunities.
Fish the local waters: Camp Seven Lake Campground offers productive fishing in a less crowded setting. "Great swimming and fishing lake! Sites are big and some even have electric," reports one visitor. The lake supports multiple species, and fishing from shore is possible from many campsites or from the dedicated beach area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at Portage Bay State Forest Campground, noting "Plenty of room between most campsites." Another visitor emphasized, "Secluded dense wooded area along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, which most sites have a trail leading to." This forest campground sits at the end of a 7-mile dirt road, contributing to its quiet atmosphere.
Swimming opportunities: Indian Lake State Park South Campground receives high marks for its swimming conditions. "The beach was very nice with shallow, warm water. That was the highlight of this Campground," reports a visitor. Another camper noted, "There are three bath houses and a pavilion. The water is so nice!"
Disconnecting from technology: Limited connectivity creates opportunities to truly unplug. One honeymoon camper at Portage Bay noted, "If you are someone who needs a break from social media, I highly recommend. Pros: Quiet near the shoreline. Clean campsites. Nice campers. Con (ish): there is zero cell service or plugs (that we noticed) so pre download your music/entire entertainment and have battery backups."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several Garden area campgrounds requires careful navigation. For Portage Bay, "7 miles down a road that quickly shrinks to a one lane dirt and gravel road you will find a beautiful campground stretching out along the lakeshore. It's where the road ends so just keep going until you find it."
Limited cell service: Prepare for minimal connectivity throughout the Garden Peninsula. Indian Lake West Campground visitors report "Internet & cell connectivity was nonexistent with Star Link & TMobile." At Portage Bay, expect "0-1 cellular bars for ATT at #23, 1-2 bars at #1."
Campground amenities vary significantly: Facilities range from rustic to modern. At Camp Seven Lake, "There are no showers or running water. Camp hosts were very nice, helpful, & welcoming." Meanwhile, Manistique Lakeshore Campground offers "full hookups to rustic tent sites. Each site has a huge permanent firepit. RV lots are large and private."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Manistique Lakeshore Campground receives strong recommendations for families: "This was such a surprise and such a great experience. Very clean campground, clean showers, great playground, beautiful beach and view of a lighthouse. Memorable experience for the whole family."
Explore Kitch-iti-kipi Springs: Located near several campgrounds, this natural attraction appeals to children. From Indian Lake West Campground, "The west campground is close to Kitch-Iti-Kipi. After having dinner at Clyde's in Manistique (great burgers!) we visited the Big Spring. It was almost dusk and the park was still relatively busy. The spring was awesome, and riding the raft out and back was fun."
Consider campground spacing: Site proximity varies greatly between Garden area campgrounds. At Fayette State Park, some visitors note that "the campsites are very close together and do not allow for any privacy." For more space, Camp Seven Lake offers "sites are nice and large. There was nice trees for the hammock. Quiet campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: BayRidge RV Park requires preparation for uneven sites. "Have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with - at my max hitch jack limit and still 3" nose low."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks near Garden operate seasonally. Indian Lake RV Resort receives positive reviews but warns potential visitors: "For 2021 -monthly or seasonal reservations only." Many RV accommodations throughout the region close between November and May.
Maneuverability concerns: Larger RVs face challenges at some Garden area campgrounds. At Portage Bay, "Several brought pop up campers but larger RVs might have a tough time." Sites along the Garden Peninsula often have tight access roads with limited turning radius for longer rigs.
