Best Campgrounds near Good Hart, MI

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Good Hart, Michigan (107)

    1. Wilderness State Park Camping

    76 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "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."

    2. Petoskey State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Conway, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 347-2311

    "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."

    3. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Charlevoix, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 547-6641

    $20 / night

    "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."

    4. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "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."

    5. Magnus Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Petoskey, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 347-1027

    "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."

    6. Petoskey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Conway, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 347-0005

    "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. "

    7. Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA

    24 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5643

    "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."

    8. 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"

    9. Tee Pee Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5391

    $34 - $52 / night

    "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."

    10. Petoskey RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Petoskey, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 348-2400

    "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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Good Hart, MI

785 Reviews of 107 Good Hart Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Castle Rock Ponds

    Perfect Hidden Gem

    We came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    French Farm Lake Rd

    Close to Mackinaw City

    Nice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Beautiful spot on the lake.

    Nice Camp sites, pretty beach. I was there in October, so I don’t know what it would be like in warmer weather. I had the place to myself on a Saturday.

  • Kurt and Mary Ann C.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    KOA

    Haven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.

  • Hannah W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Carp River Boat Launch

    Easy to get to !

    We drove a 24 ft RV at night to the site and the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that ! No one else at the site! Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    St. James Township Campground

    Incredibly quiet, relaxing spot

    I have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aloha State Park Campground

    Big. Beautiful lake. Nice open sites.

    There’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day.

  • Vidalia S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Busy because it's perfection

    Beautiful large dispersed camping area on the shores of lake Huron. Note camping on the beach is not permitted, but there are plenty of beautiful campsites overlooking the lake. There were only four or five other overnight campers, although during the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon. Several campsites at the end of an excellent gravel road, more further down if you have four-wheel drive. Active logging in the area when we were there. No. T-Mobile, no bugs or mosquitoes when we were there.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Burt Lake State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Pretty nice campground.   The sites vary is size - some are close together.  We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private.  The park store was closed Labor Day weekend. There is a vending machine for firewood at the entrance. One bundle is $10 which is expensive. The campground is close to I-75 but we couldn't hear any traffic noise.


Guide to Good Hart

Camping near Good Hart, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes 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 beaches: Many campgrounds, like Wilderness State Park Camping, have stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, "The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw City!"
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Young State Park Campground said, "There are lots of hiking and biking trails."
  • Fishing and kayaking: Campers love the water activities. One review for Fisherman's Island State Park Campground noted, "The beach is sandy with plenty of cool rocks for rock hunting."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Straits State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and clean!"
  • Secluded sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the campgrounds. A camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Friendly staff: Visitors often mention helpful staff. One camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA noted, "Staff is very helpful and pleasant."

What you should know:

  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A review for Burt Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "When the campground is full, you are quite close to your neighbors."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Brevoort Lake Campground pointed out, "No water or electricity but has clean restrooms."
  • Early check-in rules: Some places have strict check-in times. A camper at Wilderness State Park Camping warned, "Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, "The sites are tight, particularly the inside pull throughs."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A camper at Young State Park Campground advised, "The campground store was closed as it was in mid-Sept."
  • Plan for weather: Be ready for changing conditions. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground warned, "If there is inclement weather, it will seem like you are in a hurricane due to the proximity to the water."

Camping near Good Hart, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip.

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.