Gordie H.
Scout
ScoutBeaver Creek Resort
Perfect Get away!
We 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!
Cabin Camping near Grayling, MI
8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Hartwick Pines State Park and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offer cabin accommodations near Grayling with varying levels of amenities. Cabins at Hartwick Pines feature electricity, mini-refrigerators, and bunk beds, providing basic comfort while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. North Higgins Lake State Park provides similar cabin setups with electricity and refrigeration options. Most cabins include picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor meals and evening relaxation. A visitor commented that their "cabin had electricity, mini fridge, electricity and bunk beds," though they noted the cabin was "close to fairly busy road."
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Jellystone Park Resort features family-friendly cabin options with more amenities than state park alternatives, particularly during their popular themed weekends. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months and fall color season. Pet policies vary by location, with some properties allowing dogs for an additional fee. A recent review noted that Jellystone offers "single room cabins, they are affordable and have a cute front porch - the bed was even comfortable."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic cooking facilities are limited at rustic cabins, often consisting of outdoor fire rings with attached grills. Campground stores at locations like Jellystone Park and KOA properties stock essential supplies, firewood, and ice. State park cabins typically provide fewer amenities than private resort cabins. Visitors should check specific cabin listings before arrival as furnishing levels vary significantly between properties. Otsego Lake State Park and South Higgins Lake State Park also offer cabin options within reasonable driving distance of Grayling.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Grayling (55)
1. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
"Well maintained grounds, with a fire pit and picnic table. State park, so no WiFi. AT&T is 1 bar. Restroom and showers are updated and clean."
"Large wooded campground with nice sized sites, picnic table, fire ring, electric hook up, flush toilets, and year round activities."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $100 / night
2. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground
"Little more privacy than the rest. We stayed at 137 which backed up to the woods which was lovely. This is a very bustling and full campground with lots of groups and families."
"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!"
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $36 - $60 / night
3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling
"Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"
"There is a pool, outdoor movies, horseshoes, inflatable blob (kids love the blob), putt putt, sand box, small bikes to rent and a nice store and lodge on site."
Check Availabilityfrom $37 - $68 / night
4. Otsego Lake State Park Campground
"Got into the park late (around 1030) but it was a great clear night. Spacious campsites with both a bench and picnic table. Bathroom with showers was clean."
"One complaint we had was that most of the electrical outlets are shared between 2 or 3 sites."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $80 / night
5. South Higgins Lake State Park Campground
"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."
"Stayed here before the 4th of July for the weekend and was really impressed with the facilities and size of spaces at the campground."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $80 / night
6. Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA
"Nice Campground, pretty well maintained. close enough to the ORV trails that you can ride to them from the park which is a huge bonus as many parks won't let you unload or ride out of the park."
"It is a smaller KOA surrounded by dense woods. Some trails and very close to Higginss Lake state parjs."
7. Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA
"This is a privately owned campground tucked away not far from Gaylord, MI. There are no laundry facilities onsite but the bathhouse is well maintained."
"Sits on the shores of Big Bradford Lake which appears to be an all sports lake. The beach is very clean! Close to the ORV trails for those that enjoy off-roading."
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $94 / night
8. Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground
"We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic."
9. Gaylord KOA
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"Large sites, amazing hosts, does charge for a band for kids to do activities like jumping pad etc. this includes a bike rental and golf but was an added charge."
Check Availabilityfrom $61 - $95 / night
10. Kalkaska RV Park & Campground
"1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas.
The campground needs some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance.""They only have 15 full hookup sites and none were available for our time frame. They have several long term tenants. Roads are narrow but most sites are ample."
Drive Time
- 57 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 13 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 15 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 25 min from Saginaw, MI
Recent Cabin Photos near Grayling, MI
25 Photos of 55 Grayling Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
Otsego Lake County Park
Rainbow Jim Legacy Cabin
Elkwood CampgroundC
Rvino - Camp Cadillac, LLC
Clear Lake State Park Campground
Traverse City State Park Campground
Young State Park CampgroundB
Wilson State Park Campground
Countryside Campground & CabinsC
Woodlands Acres Campground
Alcona ParkC
Cabin Reviews near Grayling, MI
327 Reviews of 55 Grayling Campgrounds
Dana
TravelerSouth Higgins Lake State Park Campground
Disappointing
The 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.
Mary H.
RangerYoung State Park Campground
Great location; nice amenities
We 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.
David L.
GuideHartwick Pines State Park Campground
Nice state park
The campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
- BBlair W.Scout
East Jordan Tourist Park
Family friendly
It is a pretty nice camp ground. The spaces are small and neighbors are really close. But we are close to water spirt rentals. Nice beach on beautiful Lake Charlevoix. Playground is big and fun for kiddos. The shower rooms are dated and old, but seem clean. We will be back for sure. The pros outweigh the cons
Steve L.TravelerHartwick Pines State Park Campground
Quiet and shady
We love this campground. Many of the sites are somewhat secluded from each other by trees, its shady and clean. The restroom building is very nice, but can be a pretty good hike from many of the outer sites. Nice breeze, and no bugs in August!
- KKathleen S.Traveler
Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA
Nice, quiet, close to the highway
We stopped here on the way back from the UP. It had after hours check in plus the owners still answered the phone after hours. Site 16 had beautiful views of the lake where I did see the loon diving for a bit in the am. My daughter enjoyed the beach/playground. Was too chilly to swim but the water was clear to the sandy bottom in the swim area Bathrooms were clean! Definitely would return
Katie S.ScoutTimber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
Do not Recommend
I have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
- CChris M.Scout
Grousehaven Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area
Fun time
Evidently we are too loud for all the other guests at 8:00 at night so the park rangers had to come up and quiet us down three times and we barely have the radio even up where we could hear it in our campsite they take care of the whine bags there that's for sure
Guide to Grayling
Cabin camping near Grayling, Michigan offers options for visitors seeking accommodations beyond traditional tent or RV setups. Located in north-central Michigan where the AuSable River flows through town, Grayling sits at approximately 1,150 feet above sea level with a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer cabin campers should prepare for average July temperatures around 80°F during the day, dropping to 55°F at night.
What to Do
Hiking through old growth forest: At Hartwick Pines State Park Campground, cabin guests can explore Michigan's largest contiguous stand of old-growth white pines. "There are lots of trails for biking and hiking, a day use/mucc logging museum that's kinda throughout this one area of woods. Beautiful new and old growth," notes Rachel K.
Kayaking or tubing the AuSable: Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground offers organized river trips from their cabin locations. A recent visitor reported, "We also did the 4-hour tubing trip and rented tubes from Paddlebrave—it couldn't have gone better. The river was beautiful and the whole experience was smooth and well-organized."
Winter activities: Hartwick Pines cabins remain open year-round, serving as basecamp for cold-weather activities. "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," writes Cindy C.
What Campers Like
Spacious cabins with basic amenities: Gaylord KOA offers cabin accommodations with convenient access to their facilities. "This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG. The CG is very clean and well maintained," explains Ray & Terri F.
Themed weekend events: Families particularly enjoy the special programming at certain properties. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park noted, "I love going to the Halloween themed weekends with trick-or-treating at the campground. People decorate their sites, dress up, and hand out candy."
Lakefront cabin options: Otsego Lake County Park provides waterfront cabin rentals. "The park is beautiful with many sites having lake views. The campground has 4 cabins to rent right on the lake," reports Lydia T.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing matters: Cabin availability becomes extremely limited during peak seasons. At South Higgins Lake State Park Campground, "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult. You will want one of the sites closer to the lake. If you want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance," advises Stu E.
Varied cabin standards: Cabin amenities differ substantially between properties. Some feature only basic furnishings while others provide more comforts. "We actually stayed here in a cabin to celebrate our anniversary. I would recommend the single room cabins, they are affordable and have a cute front porch," shares Brittny B. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access can be spotty in cabins around Grayling. At North Higgins Lake State Park, one visitor reported, "Don't expect to make phone calls, the cell service (AT&T) was very spotty."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach access considerations: Families seeking cabin camping with swimming should check beach proximity. A visitor to Otsego Lake County Park noted, "The playground is the classic old playground with swings and slides and some big tires to climb on. The water was mostly sand with some rocks."
Children's programming: Organized activities keep young campers engaged at certain properties. At Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA, a visitor observed, "We have stayed twice at this campground. Both times it has clean, quiet and enjoyable! Sits on the shores of Big Bradford Lake which appears to be an all sports lake. The beach is very clean!"
Educational opportunities: History-focused cabin stays provide learning experiences. At Hartwick Pines, "The Chapel in the Woods is beautiful. The kids loved learning about the area and the wood mill camp," writes Valerie W.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns impact cabin availability and conditions. A Hartwick Pines visitor noted, "Best State Park I have ever stayed at! Large sites, private, sits way back in the woods/pines! Showers and bathrooms are clean!"
Bathroom facilities: Cabin campers often rely on communal facilities, which vary in quality. At Otsego Lake County Park, a visitor observed, "The bathrooms and showers are old and not the best. There is no place for washing dishes and the camp sites do not have water hook up."
Supply planning: Most cabins require visitors to bring specific items. As one visitor to Paddle Brave mentioned, "The gift shop was a nice bonus, offering fresh coffee for just $1 every morning and stocking plenty of essentials in case you forgot something at home."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin
campsite near Grayling, MI?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Grayling, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Grayling, MI is Hartwick Pines State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find
cabin camping near
Grayling, MI?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Grayling, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 cabin camping locations near Grayling, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring