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Best Campgrounds near Glen Arbor, MI

716 Reviews

Campers in the Glen Arbor area of Michigan have several good options, including Manton Trails RV Park with its roomy sites and well-maintained bathhouse. Day Group Campground sits close by, giving campers a more basic experience while still keeping hiking trails within easy reach. These two places have different setups that work for different camping styles. Glen Arbor puts you right by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where you can check out beaches and views. The hiking trails around Glen Arbor range from easy walks to tougher climbs. Lake Michigan is right there too, so swimming and kayaking are common activities when the weather's warm. You should book early during summer since spots fill quickly. If you visit in fall, you'll see great colors and deal with fewer people. The small towns near Glen Arbor host festivals throughout the year that many campers enjoy visiting. Glen Arbor works well as a home base whether you want full facilities or something more stripped-down.

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Best Camping Sites Near Glen Arbor, Michigan (142)

    1. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    52 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "One of my favorite parts of MI. 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The campground is 4 miles from Glen Arbor and barely a mile walk to Glen Haven."

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. It is all walk ups so plan accordingly though the park service is might changing it to reservation. The sites are wooded and semi private."

    2. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "If you stay it’s worth the drive 30 minutes north to visit Glen Arbor for the day!"

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    3. Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    22 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5050

    "Close to Empire and Glen Arbor! We would stay here again!"

    "It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."

    4. South Manitou Island Group

    8 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $30 / night

    "Sailed tonSouth Manitou from Glen Arbor. Some group camping."

    "The island does have drinking water but you have to hike from your sites ot get it our you can get water from Lake Michigan and make it drinkable."

    5. Traverse City State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    6. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    7. Leelanau Pines Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cedar, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 228-5742

    $103 - $130 / night

    "Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit)"

    "The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."

    8. Empire Township Campground

    6 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5285

    "Located just a short drive away from many attractions."

    "The campground is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes (15 mins) and Traverse City (30 mins). We enjoyed traveling to the city for Cherry Festival and returning to a quiet campground."

    9. Weather Station Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    3 Reviews
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    "Weather Station Campground is located on South Manitou Island and offers 20 individual sites and 3 group sites nearby. "

    "A relatively short hike and simple hike, Weather Station offers some great scenic views of Lake Michigan."

    10. Rustic Retreat

    4 Reviews
    Lake Ann, MI
    12 miles
    +1 (231) 649-1445

    $55 - $75 / night

    "I let Jamie know and without asking or expecting, she refunded me and wished me luck with our situation. The cabin was cute and cozy, I slept like a baby, definitely going to come here again."

    "Easy to get to, you can drive right up to the cabin and load in. But also, you're straight up in the middle of the woods. One of my favorite places to stay for sure!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Glen Arbor, MI

337 Photos of 142 Glen Arbor Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Glen Arbor, MI

716 Reviews of 142 Glen Arbor Campgrounds

Guide to Glen Arbor

Camping near Glen Arbor, Michigan, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: This stunning national lakeshore is a must-see. One camper mentioned, “The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water,” highlighting the rustic charm of the area.
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. A visitor at Platte River Campground noted, “Amazing rangers with tons of info! Also worth checking out the fish hatchery on the Platte.”
  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like D.H. Day Group Campground, provide easy access to beautiful beaches. One reviewer said, “Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground remarked, “It’s nice to have well-maintained showers to feel fresh after.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park shared, “Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Leelanau State Park Campground said, “Beautiful location and beautiful views.”

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Betsie River Campsite mentioned, “Sites look level but it's deceiving. Very few trees.”
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near busy roads or airports can be noisy. A camper at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park noted, “It’s close to the airport and 4 lane road. There are cars passing by frequently.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like D.H. Day Group Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers, which might not suit everyone.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with amenities for kids. A family at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, “Great family fun. Kids have fun.”
  • Plan for Privacy: When booking, try to select sites that offer more space. A camper at Barnes County Park Campground advised, “I would advise to book a spot early because the bad spots are all in a line.”
  • Pack for the Beach: Bring beach gear if you’re near the water. A visitor at Leelanau State Park Campground mentioned, “Bring some water shoes to enjoy the rock beaches.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, “The spots are very small and you have to park sideways.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park said, “This campground is absolutely beautiful! Tons of trees, large sites, well maintained.”
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in wooded areas. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park mentioned, “The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily.”

Camping near Glen Arbor, Michigan, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Glen Arbor, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Glen Arbor, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Glen Arbor, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Glen Arbor, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glen Arbor, MI is D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.6-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Glen Arbor, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Glen Arbor, MI.

What parks are near Glen Arbor, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Glen Arbor, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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