Looking for the best campgrounds near Harbor Springs, MI? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Harbor Springs, reviewed by campers like you.
"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. "
"Lake Michigan beach, bith stones and sand, hiking trails from easy to medium hard. On bike trail that extends north to Harbor Springs and south to Charleviox - scenic and paved."
"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."
"Open to a magnificent view of the sapphire and aqua blue water of Little Traverse Bay, this park is tucked away below US-31."
"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"It is also close to Petoskey State Park and the [Oden State Fish Hatchery](http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10369_46675_58961---,00.html"
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
$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."
"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"
"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."
"The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."
"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"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"
$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."
ScoutNice 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.
ScoutNice 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.
ScoutHaven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.
ScoutWe 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 !
ScoutI 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.
RangerThere’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.
TravelerBeautiful 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.
GuidePretty 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.
ScoutFall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!
Camping near Harbor Springs, 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 explore.
Camping near Harbor Springs, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Harbor Springs?
For budget-friendly camping near Harbor Springs, French Farm Lake Rd offers primitive camping with basic fire pits and no service fees. There are six rustic sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. While amenities are minimal with no water or trash services, the location provides a peaceful, economical base for exploring the area. Another affordable option is Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, which features reasonably priced sites just yards from Lake Michigan. State parks in the region typically require the Michigan Recreation Passport ($12 annually for Michigan residents, $9 daily for non-residents), but offer excellent value compared to private campgrounds in the area.
What amenities are available at Harbor Springs camping areas?
Camping areas near Harbor Springs offer varying levels of amenities. Petoskey State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities with both shady and sunny sites. The park features handicap-accessible sites, modern restrooms, a beautiful Lake Michigan beach with stones and sand, and hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. For those seeking more luxurious options, Petoskey KOA offers extensive amenities including full hookups, family-friendly facilities, and recreational activities. The campground is particularly well-suited for RVers and families looking for a resort-style camping experience with modern conveniences.
Where are the best campgrounds near Harbor Springs, MI?
The best campgrounds near Harbor Springs include Magnus Park Campground, a well-maintained city-run facility overlooking Little Traverse Bay with magnificent water views. Located in downtown Petoskey on 21 acres, it offers a convenient base for exploring the Harbor Springs area. Another excellent option is Wilderness State Park Camping, which provides a more natural setting with both drive-in and walk-in sites. For lakeside camping, Thurston Park Campground in nearby Central Lake offers water access for fishing and paddling, along with a playground for children, though waterfront sites are quite close together.
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