Tent camping opportunities near Good Hart, Michigan provide access to the diverse landscapes of Michigan's upper peninsula, where inland forests meet Lake Michigan shorelines. Northern Michigan's seasonal temperature variations create ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall, with daytime summer temperatures typically ranging 65-80°F and cooler evenings around 50-60°F. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Water recreation access: Sturgeon Valley Campground offers direct river access for paddlers, making it a convenient basecamp for kayaking trips. One regular visitor notes, "River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," highlighting the campground's strategic location for water-based activities.
Disc golf courses: Stoney Creek Trail Camp features both disc golf and traditional golf facilities on-site. According to a camper, "Park offers kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards. Disc golf and regular golf available."
Island exploration: The best tent camping near Good Hart, Michigan includes options on Beaver Island, where visitors can explore nearby islands and historic lighthouses. As one camper at Beaver Island State Forest describes, "Loved the lighthouse on the island. Surrounding islands are very neat to check out as well."
What campers like
Uncrowded shorelines: Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offers beach access without the typical summer crowds found at mainland locations. A camper appreciated that there were "No crowds which are very nice," making it ideal for those seeking quieter tent camping near Good Hart.
Water features: Stoney Creek Trail Camp provides multiple water activities with equipment rentals available onsite. A visitor noted, "Nice sandy beaches," while also mentioning the availability of "kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals."
True secluded experiences: For those seeking authentic backcountry camping near Good Hart, Michigan, Pinney Bridge requires physical effort to access. As one camper explains, "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground," creating natural separation from drive-in camping areas.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Lakeside camping locations experience significant wind, particularly on Beaver Island. A camper at Beaver Island State Forest advises, "Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear," suggesting tent campers bring extra stakes and wind-resistant equipment.
Site dispersal: At some locations like Stoney Creek Trail Camp, tent sites are spread out rather than concentrated. One visitor describes, "Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking," indicating a balance between accessibility and privacy.
Reservation requirements: C3 Farm Trust, with only three walk-in tent sites, requires advance reservations. The limited capacity makes this private camping option popular during peak summer months when other tent camping near Good Hart, Michigan fills quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Water amenities for children: Campgrounds with beach access provide natural entertainment for families with children. At Stoney Creek Trail Camp, families appreciate the "nice sandy beaches" where children can play safely while parents relax nearby.
Accessibility considerations: Families should note campgrounds requiring significant walking to reach sites. At Pinney Bridge, the 700-yard walk with 50-foot elevation change may be challenging for families with very young children or those carrying substantial camping gear.
Activity variety: Sturgeon Valley Campground offers paddling opportunities suitable for various age groups. Their river access creates opportunities for supervised water activities, with a regular visitor noting it's their "favorite place to camp and kayak," making it appropriate for families seeking outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Good Hart have significant limitations for RVs. Many sites are walk-in only, and others have space constraints or limited facilities for larger vehicles.
Utilities availability: Sturgeon Valley Campground offers some amenities helpful for small RVs, including drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations, though these facilities primarily support tent campers with minimal RV accommodation.
