Best Campgrounds near Gaylord, MI

Gaylord, Michigan has good camping options throughout the area. Otsego Lake State Park Campground sits right on Otsego Lake and comes with restrooms, showers, and a boat launch where you can get out on the water. The Gaylord KOA is another solid choice with its playground, pool, and kids' activities, all while being close enough to town when you need supplies. You'll likely see deer, raccoons, and many birds around your campsite, so keep your food secure. It's smart to book ahead for both places, especially in summer. At Otsego Lake State Park, you can reserve spots up to six months early to guarantee a site during busy times. The KOA has an easy online booking system too. Both places work well for RVs, though the KOA has full hookups if that's important to you. Weather in Gaylord changes with the seasons - summer is typically warm, winter gets snowy, and fall brings colorful leaves that make camping even better. You can find something that works whether you want to be by the lake or need a more family-friendly setup.

Best Camping Sites Near Gaylord, Michigan (195)

    1. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    6 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 is a great campground. It's quiet for a state park, and the sites are roomy. The sites on the outer perimeter have large trees and some have water views."

    2. Gaylord KOA

    10 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 939-8723

    "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."

    3. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    19 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."

    4. Otsego Lake County Park

    4 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 731-6448

    "This is a great campground South of Gaylord on Otsego Lake. I believe all sites have electric. The park is beautiful with a many sites having lake views."

    5. Headwaters Camping & Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 705-2066

    $39 - $49 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    6. Young State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Boyne City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 582-7523

    "Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."

    "very nice lake and beach

    bathrooms and amenities are excellent

    sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you

    overall really enjoyed our stay"

    7. Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 470-7070

    $105 - $143 / night

    "Get ready, Gaylord! Alpen Bluffs is shaping up to be an incredible new resort destination in Otsego County, set to open its doors in May 2025."

    8. Beaver Creek Resort

    2 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-2459

    9. Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."

    "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."

    10. Upper Manistee River

    11 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    20 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."

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Recent Reviews near Gaylord, MI

783 Reviews of 195 Gaylord Campgrounds



Guide to Gaylord

Camping near Gaylord, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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:

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campgrounds are close to lakes and trails. For example, at Otsego Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy a sandy beach and swimming area. One camper mentioned, "The park has a small sandy beach; the swim area is sandy."
  • Fishing and boating: If you love fishing, check out Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. One reviewer shared, "The Boardman River is only 10 minutes away and supports incredible fly fishing."
  • Visit nearby attractions: Many campgrounds are near local attractions. At Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA, a guest noted, "There are great places to ride bikes outside of the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms there were still nice!"
  • Secluded sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One happy camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground remarked, "Each site is secluded, and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offer tons of activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "A lot of the sites back up to the busy road, and you can hear road traffic noise all day and night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or modern facilities. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming, it’s not my #1 choice."
  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground said, "The gnats were relentless. Literally millions by our tent and fire."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, one parent said, "The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike."
  • Plan for noise: If your family prefers quiet, check reviews for noise levels. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The streets are gravel, so not great for riding bikes."
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "There is a ton of stuff to do there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight, so make sure to check dimensions. A visitor at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA said, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull-throughs."
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level, so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Bring extra supplies: Make sure to have extra hoses and cords for hookups. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted, "We had to purchase extra hose for the sewage hookups as they were situated further away."

Camping near Gaylord, Michigan, has something for everyone. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a great time in the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gaylord, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gaylord, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Gaylord, MI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gaylord, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gaylord, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gaylord, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Gaylord, MI.

What parks are near Gaylord, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Gaylord, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.