20 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds near Grayling, Michigan range from developed state parks to rustic forest sites, primarily situated along the AuSable River and Lake Margrethe. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground features cabins and full hookup sites among its old-growth forest, while Upper Manistee River and Lake Margrethe State Forest Campgrounds provide more rustic experiences. The region includes a mix of year-round and seasonal camping areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to campgrounds with modern facilities. Several campgrounds offer access to popular water recreation areas, including fishing spots and beaches.
Road access varies throughout the region, with some state forest campgrounds accessible via maintained gravel roads while others require careful navigation during wet seasons. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. The military training facility at Camp Grayling can occasionally affect the camping experience with artillery noise at certain times. Rustic state forest campgrounds typically provide vault toilets and drinking water but lack shower facilities. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. A camper noted: "Maintained gravel road. Variety of trees. Walking path to AuSable River. Canoe launch at end main road past campground."
Waterfront sites at Lake Margrethe and along the AuSable River consistently receive positive reviews for their scenic views and recreation opportunities. Several campers mention the excellent swimming at Lake Margrethe, with one describing it as having "a killer beach for swimming and wading." The old-growth forest at Hartwick Pines is frequently cited as a highlight, offering educational opportunities about Michigan's logging history alongside hiking trails. Many sites provide good privacy thanks to mature tree cover, though campgrounds closer to water tend to be busier, especially during summer months. According to one visitor, Hartwick Pines features "large sites and most with plenty of trees surrounding the sites." Some campgrounds in the area balance wilderness experiences with proximity to town amenities, making them popular bases for fishing, canoeing, or exploring the region's extensive trail systems.
"There are many walking trails and bike trails too. So much history to be shared and learned about through this area."
"A few trails walking distance from the campground. The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $100 / night
"It is in a nice location with lakeside swimming and picnic tables while having the camping site close by. Campers are respectful and it is nice and quiet at night. Terrific park!"
"Sites are ok sized, bathroom was clean, biggest issue was right next to a main road so expect alot of highway noise if you're on the outermost part of the circle"
Available this weekend
from $36 - $60 / night
"We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."
"the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"
from $15 - $20 / night
"This campground is beautifully located in the middle of Huron-Manistee national forest."
"Very nice campground on Kneff Lake in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The campground road is blacktop in great condition. There are 2 loops."
from $15 / night
"Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"
from $37 - $68 / night
"Most of the sites overlook the lake. It appears the park is upgrading its restrooms with one new, one relatively new and one older one. We enjoy the central location to places we like to visit."
"A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $80 / night
"One of my favorite parks in Michigan. Beautiful beaches and always a fun week during Harvest Fest!"
"Higgins lake is beautiful. The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep. The water color is amazing when the sun is out."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $80 / night
"Being right on the lake was wonderful."
"The campground is conveniently located but this means it’s a very busy place."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
"This campground is rustic and mid way between Grayling and Lucerne. The campground is generally quiet and practically deserted during the week. "
"Access to the river was good and the sites were a decent size with privacy in between. We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails"
from $15 / night
"It is a smaller KOA surrounded by dense woods. Some trails and very close to Higginss Lake state parjs."
"Some family activities and trails. Surrounded by nice mature trees. Site 61 did take some time to get all leveled out almost didn't have enough blocks. But very nice once set up."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
ScoutGreat campsite. Nice spot with solid fire ring. There was also connection so we could watch football
ScoutBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
ScoutWe went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
TravelerThe 2 good things about this campground was the full hook up & the large site size. However, my site & a few surrounding sites smelled like sewage from the moment I stepped out of my truck. I couldn't sit outside to enjoy the "fresh" air or open my windows. The picnic table was backed against utility boxes, & the fire pit was within a few feet of the camper behind me. Supposedly there are 3 dog beaches. I found 1 that was a tiny spot with a little bit of sand. I walked over a mile to the park's edge following signs for another dog beach. It didn't exist. Dog beaches are not marked on the map.
GuideNice 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.
GuideAwesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
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.
Camping near Grayling, Michigan provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in the northern Lower Peninsula. The region sits at approximately 1,150 feet elevation with sandy soil conditions typical of the Au Sable River Valley. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during daytime with considerably cooler nights even in July and August, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
Fishing access points: Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground offers direct lake fishing where the water is clear and suitable for wading. According to a camper, "Most sites have an amazing view. The campground is so pretty with huge Pines and hills overlooking the lake. You can swim right at most of the sites."
Kayaking routes: Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground connects to the South Branch of the Au Sable River with multiple access points. One visitor noted, "The access to the river is fantastic, with multiple trails and access points easily accessible with a short walk." This campground serves as an excellent base for paddling excursions with manageable river entry points.
Winter usage: Hartwick Pines State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter activities. A camper mentioned it's "Open all year, nice park, big rig friendly, has full hookups. We enjoy hiking here. The old logging museum is interesting to walk around & check out." The park maintains plowed access roads during winter months.
Clean facilities: North Higgins Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. A visitor reported, "The park and bathrooms were always clean, showers were clean and had good water pressure. They did lose power in the whole park for about 3 hours due to a squirrel chewing through a wire somewhere."
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming beaches, but Kneff Lake Campground offers a quieter alternative. A camper described it: "The day access lake area has 2 put toilets with stairs and a ramp leading down to the beach. The beach is all sand, no seaweed in the water. It's a perfect swimming area."
Forested sites: Otsego Lake State Park Campground provides larger, more established sites. A reviewer noted, "Without a doubt this is one of our favorite campgrounds. It's a bit older, so the campsites are quite large compared to modern campgrounds. There are huge trees throughout, easily navigable roads, etc."
Artillery noise: Camp Grayling military training facility produces periodic artillery noise that affects nearby campgrounds. A camper at Lake Margrethe described: "On top of that, nearby Camp Grayling provided almost constant noise from machine gun fire...It was hilarious, guys, thanks. To be fair, the artillery sounds ended around 8 PM and started up again at 9 AM (on a Saturday morning)."
Road access: Several state forest campgrounds require navigation on rough forest roads. At Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, a visitor warned: "The dirt road from the hwy to the campground is really-really rough... drive slow." This road condition is particularly challenging during spring thaw or after heavy rains.
Cell service: Cell phone coverage varies widely across the region with many campgrounds having limited or no service. At North Higgins Lake, a camper reported: "Don't expect to make phone calls, the cell service (AT&T) was very spotty." Those requiring connectivity should plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Grayling, Michigan?
Grayling offers excellent campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Keystone Landing State Forest Campground provides secluded, shaded sites along the river while remaining close to town. It's perfect for trout fishing with three river access points. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with direct water access, making it ideal for paddling and fishing. Other notable options include Hartwick Pines State Park with its historic logging exhibits and hiking trails, and River Park Campground with its family-friendly atmosphere and clean facilities. The area's campgrounds provide excellent access to the AuSable River, perfect for canoeing and fishing adventures.
How much does camping cost in Grayling, MI?
Camping costs in Grayling vary by campground type and amenities. River Park Campground, a family-owned facility with shower facilities and spacious sites, charges moderate rates for daily lots that accommodate tents or travel trailers. State forest campgrounds like Upper Manistee River typically charge $13-20 per night, with an additional Recreation Passport required for Michigan residents ($12-17 annually). These rustic sites usually offer vault toilets and water pumps but no hookups. Private campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort have higher rates ($35-75+) but provide additional amenities including water, electrical hookups, and family activities. Most campgrounds accept credit cards, but state forest locations may require cash or check payment.
What camping options are available near Grayling for different seasons?
Grayling offers year-round camping options with seasonal advantages. Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground is particularly peaceful during weekdays and serves as an excellent base for fishing trips on the AuSable's South Branch. Spring visitors should be cautious of ticks. Summer is prime time for water activities at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground, which offers educational programs about logging history alongside numerous hiking and biking trails. Fall brings spectacular colors to the Upper Manistee River area, perfect for paddling. Winter camping is available for hardy souls at several state forest campgrounds, though amenities are limited. Many campgrounds reduce services during shoulder seasons, so check availability before planning off-season trips.
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