113 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern Michigan's coastal region surrounding Good Hart features a mix of established campgrounds and rustic sites along Lake Michigan's shoreline. Wilderness State Park, located about 20 miles north in Carp Lake, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins in a forested setting with beach access. Petoskey State Park, approximately 15 miles south of Good Hart, provides modern facilities with electric hookups amid scenic dunes. Fisherman's Island State Park near Charlevoix combines rustic camping with direct Lake Michigan frontage. The area's camping options range from primitive forest sites to developed grounds with full amenities, many featuring the region's signature sandy beaches and wooded landscapes.
Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites. Sandy roads and variable terrain can limit access for larger RVs in some areas, with campers noting the importance of scouting sites before arrival. As one visitor to a nearby primitive campground observed, "Beware of sandy roads and make sure to scout before pulling in with your big rig." Summer brings warm days suitable for swimming, though Lake Michigan waters remain relatively cool even in July and August. Mosquitoes and flies become prevalent in wooded areas during summer evenings. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns like Petoskey and Charlevoix and limited connectivity in more remote camping areas.
Lakefront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, with many visitors highlighting the sunsets and beach access as primary draws. "Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can't beat the sunsets," noted one Wilderness State Park visitor. The Little Traverse Wheelway, a 26-mile paved biking path connecting Harbor Springs to Charlevoix, passes near several campgrounds, offering recreational opportunities beyond swimming and hiking. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, with many campgrounds remaining open through October. Proximity to small towns provides convenient access to supplies, with Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Mackinaw City all within reasonable driving distance of Good Hart area campgrounds.
"Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."
"You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
"There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
from $36 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"The pool was great for swimming, and mackinaw city is a great place to walk around and explore!"
"Close to Leggs restaurant. Mackinac Island. Tunnel of Trees. Upper peninsula Michigan. All this and a great campground."
"Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night."
"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."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This is a great location to camp if you are looking for proximity to Mackinac Island. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They have electric and water but no sewer."
"Small campground but right on Lake Huron. The campsites are close to each other so I would recommend one of the outer campsites that backs up to the woods."
from $34 - $52 / night
Check Availability"He told us everything is closed but to call in the am and he’ll move some things around and get us in."
"Close to Petoskey"
ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
ScoutNice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
TravelerGreat view and secluded enough
TravelerGorgeous! Easy to get to, didn’t need 4 wheel drive and potholes weren’t too awful. Definitely love it here and only downside will be leaving!
TravelerOnly stayed a night. Kinda of close together campsites. Seems like the majority have water and electric hook ups.
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights to visit Mackinac Island. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The facilities were kept clean, but could use a little updating.
GuidePetoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
GuideI see several good reviews but I differ. The restrooms were very dirty After staying for two nights noticed the dirty toilets were still not cleaned. They were missing toilet paper is a couple of stalls as well. The sites were really small, one of the smallest I've stayed on. Perks were they did have power, water and sewer at the sites and everyone has mentioned the access to Lake Michigan which is nice and site of the mackinaw bridge is nice as well.
Camping near Good Hart offers both rustic and modern options within 20 miles of this northern Michigan coastal community. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with shorelines dominated by sandy beaches and limestone formations. Winter temperatures commonly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer daytime averages reaching 75-80°F in July and August.
Stargazing at dark sky sites: Wilderness State Park is recognized for exceptional night sky visibility. "Best star gazing in the LP," notes Ted B., while another visitor adds, "I believe the only dark park in Michigan. Beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach. Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows."
Seasonal activities beyond summer: Young State Park Campground offers year-round accessibility. "We visited Young State Park in the summer but in talking to locals this place is wonderful in the winter and great for cross-country skiing with trails that wind through wooded areas," explains one visitor. The park covers 560 acres with multiple trails.
Biking on established trails: The region features extensive paved paths connecting coastal communities. At Magnus Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "Little Traverse Wheelway bike trail that stretches 23.5 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix." Another camper notes it's "a great area to relax and explore with a nice walk/bike trail along the bay."
Ferry access to Mackinac Island: Tee Pee Campground provides convenient transportation options. "The shuttle for the island ferry picks you up right at the campground," reports one camper, making day trips hassle-free. Another visitor appreciates that the campground is "conveniently located to Mackinaw City and the shuttle boats to Mackinac Island."
Private beach access: Fisherman's Island State Park Campground offers waterfront sites with personal shoreline access. "If you are lucky enough to score one of the dozen or so sites right on the water, you will be treated to easy beach access and beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan," reports one visitor. Another camper describes how "it gave the illusion of our own private beach."
Petoskey stone hunting: The unique fossilized coral rocks draw many visitors to shorelines. "There are tons of Petoskey stones as you walk the shoreline," notes one camper at Fisherman's Island. Another visitor at Petoskey State Park Campground mentions "The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils."
Campground amenities: Young State Park features practical services that campers appreciate. "The park has a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them," explains one visitor.
Bridge views: Tee Pee Campground offers unique vistas of the Mackinac Bridge. "Great beach with a view of the Mackinaw bridge!" shares one camper. Another visitor confirms the "beach front has a good view of the bridge."
Site privacy varies significantly: At Young State Park, "the sites can be very close to your neighbor, so must be a people person and know that kids will be noisy. There's a more rustic secluded section for camping where the sites aren't as close and there's actually trees."
Seasonal insect concerns: Bug activity peaks in summer months. At Wilderness State Park, one visitor warns of "Very buggy in June, come prepared." Another camper cautions about "millions of dead fish flies in the water and shore line" during certain periods.
Water levels affect campsite availability: Fisherman's Island experienced flooding impacts in recent years. "The waterside sites were flooded due to the high lake levels lately," reports a visitor, limiting prime location availability.
Reservation requirements: Magnus Park fills quickly during peak seasons. One visitor noted, "Book early—it fills up fast!" Wilderness State Park similarly requires advance planning, particularly for waterfront sites.
Halloween events: Several campgrounds host seasonal activities. At Straits State Park Campground, "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," shares one family. Another visitor to Wilderness State Park similarly notes, "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun."
Playground options: Young State Park includes multiple recreation facilities. "The park has a large beach area with concessions, boat launch, picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and fishing pier."
Beach safety considerations: Water depth variations require supervision. At Fisherman's Island, "Those with small kiddos may want to opt for interior site as lake sites are RIGHT ON THE WATER," warns one parent.
Family-friendly campground layouts: At Young State Park, "Spruce loop sites don't have a designated pad so you can arrange your RV or tent any way you like. This was the case with groups of friends who had two or three sites and arranged them so they faced each other with a common area in the center."
Road conditions: Access to Fisherman's Island requires caution with larger vehicles. "Roads are narrow and there are low-hanging tree limbs," notes one RVer. "Some of the sites say they will fit a 40' RV but be careful."
Leveling challenges: Site terrain varies considerably. At Petoskey RV Resort, "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
Hookup availability: Magnus Park offers practical amenities for larger rigs. "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay. Great area to relax and explore."
Seasonal considerations: Magnus Park serves as a convenient base camp during shoulder seasons. "As it was cold and windy, we didn't have any noise from the hospital or smells from the waste treatment plant! Park is good for a quick overnight but the rates were still $30 E/W $32 full hookups off season."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Good Hart, Michigan?
While Good Hart itself is a small community with limited facilities, there are several camping options in the surrounding area. Just southwest of Good Hart, French Farm Lake Rd offers six primitive sites with fire pits, though no water or trash services are available. For a more developed camping experience, Fisherman's Island State Park Campground provides sites just yards from Lake Michigan. Additional options within driving distance include Petoskey State Park, Wilderness State Park, and various rustic forest campgrounds. The region offers a mix of state park, county, and forest service campgrounds to suit different camping preferences.
What are popular outdoor activities near Good Hart, MI?
The Good Hart area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The shoreline of Lake Michigan provides excellent swimming, beachcombing, and sunset viewing. Hiking is popular at nearby state parks and forest lands, with trails offering lake views and woodland experiences. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake provides water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The region is also known for cycling, with the Tunnel of Trees route (M-119) being a favorite. At Thurston Park Campground in Central Lake, visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, and access to a playground for children. Wildlife viewing, photography, and berry picking are seasonal favorites.
Where is Good Hart, MI located and how do I get there?
Good Hart is a small, unincorporated community located on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan in Emmet County, in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It's situated along the historic M-119 highway (also known as the 'Tunnel of Trees') between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. The closest major city is Petoskey, about 20 miles south. To reach Good Hart, most visitors drive north from Petoskey along the picturesque coastal route M-119, which offers stunning lake views. The area is within driving distance of Cheboygan State Park Campground and about an hour south of Lake Michigan At St. Ignace.
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