Best Campgrounds near Indian River, MI
The Indian River area in northern Michigan provides a range of developed campgrounds and natural settings for outdoor recreation. Indian River RV Resort offers 150 sites with full hookups for RVs and cabins just minutes from town, while nearby Burt Lake State Park Campground features lakefront access with modern amenities including showers, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities. Several state forest campgrounds like Haakwood and Maple Bay provide more rustic experiences with pit toilets and drinking water but fewer amenities, appealing to tent campers seeking a more natural setting within the region's mixed-use campgrounds.
Camping season in northern Michigan typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and cool evenings, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Many campgrounds in the area connect to the region's extensive water system, including Burt Lake, Mullet Lake, and the Indian River waterway, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling. According to one visitor, "Haakwood State Forest Campground is right on the Sturgeon River, allowing an easy drive to Wolverine and a couple hour float back to camp or drive to Indian River and go to the lakes."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Indian River area. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake features lakeside sites with direct water access, though one camper noted these sites "are very uneven" for tent camping. The campground's boat launch provides convenient water access, allowing boaters to "anchor your boat in the water if you choose." Several visitors highlighted the interconnected waterways as a key attraction, with one mentioning, "If you have a boat you can access the Indian River which takes you to Mullett lake." For those seeking more amenities, Aloha State Park Campground near Cheboygan consistently receives high ratings, with one camper describing it as "Great Park, we always try to park in the boat basin. Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water."
