Top Free Dispersed Camping near Gaylord, MI

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!