145 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Indian River, MI spans from full-hookup RV parks to primitive tent sites, covering developed campgrounds and natural waterfront settings across northern Michigan. 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."
"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."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water."
"Right on Mullett Lake, close to town for easy access to food, but really enjoyed kayaking lake"
from $36 - $56 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"Close to stores, tubing, able to ride atv/utv in and out."
"Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc.. 55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don’t have to go all the way to front of campground for"
from $50 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Then, for $15 a night, we found this beauty along the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the larger inland lakes in northern Michigan. "
"Lots of sites to choose from ranging from wood to lake view."
"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."
from $20 - $160 / night
Check Availability"Right on the sturgeon river you get away from the main camps of Burt lake and mullet lake."
"This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $80 / night
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ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
ScoutNice 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.
TravelerGreat view and secluded enough
TravelerGorgeous! Easy to get to, didn’t need 4 wheel drive and potholes weren’t too awful. Definitely love it here and only downside will be leaving!
TravelerOnly stayed a night. Kinda of close together campsites. Seems like the majority have water and electric hook ups.
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.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights to visit Mackinac Island. The staff was very friendly & helpful. The facilities were kept clean, but could use a little updating.
GuideThe campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
GuidePetoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
The Indian River camping area provides access to Michigan's extensive inland waterway system with connections between Burt Lake, Mullett Lake and several rivers. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from late April through mid-October, with rustic sites generally priced between $15-25 per night and full-service sites ranging from $30-50. Weather conditions include frequent summer thunderstorms that can arise quickly on the large inland lakes, requiring campers to monitor forecasts daily.
Boat navigation between lakes: Campers staying at Aloha State Park Campground can explore multiple connected waterways. "There'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," notes a visitor.
Bike trail access: The North Central State Trail provides paved riding opportunities. According to one camper at Haakwood State Forest Campground, "This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to see native Michigan wildlife. A Haakwood State Forest Campground visitor explains, "You're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk! We went and tried, but unfortunately didn't see any elk. I think it was mostly due to my 7 and 10 year old talking too much."
Large, private sites: Many campgrounds feature spacious, well-separated camping areas. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," shares one camper. Another adds, "Easy to find. Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Walkable swimming access: Proximity to clean, swimmable water ranks highly in camper reviews. A Wilderness State Park visitor reports, "I enjoyed my stay in the Lakeshore section. I had electric only. It was a short walk from my campsite to the beach."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers enhance the camping experience. "The bathroom and shower facilities were great. The park is very quiet at night. Good trails to walk," reports a visitor to Camp Petosega.
Waterfront site considerations: Lakeside sites often require advanced planning. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "There are approximately 32-38 campsites on a first come first serve basis. You can moor your boat right at the campground. The public launch was redone a few years ago and its a great one. The view from the front sites overlooking Maple Bay are some of the best I've seen."
Seasonal pest issues: Insects can be problematic during certain times. A camper at Maple Bay notes, "Had a great time, except the mosquitos were horrible," while another at Burt Lake states, "The lake is beautiful! If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location. Park store is nice, or grocery store is 1 mile away. Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing."
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. "Staff was helpful, neighbors were friendly, bathrooms were clean, and it's right on the lake! Very pet-friendly, very busy. Reserve in advance," advises a Burt Lake visitor.
Beach safety considerations: Shallow water entry areas provide safer swimming for children. At Burt Lake, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Playground options: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. At Petoskey KOA, "The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. There are amenities that would be good for a family and also big enough for a peaceful weekend for couples."
Educational opportunities: Natural features provide learning experiences. A Camp Petosega visitor reported, "We stayed in the newer section of the park. The bathroom and shower facilities were great. The park is very quiet at night. Good trails to walk."
Site layout considerations: Many campgrounds feature varying site designs for different equipment. At Indian River RV Resort, "Nice campground with even better service. Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc.. 55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don't have to go all the way to front of campground for dumpsters and they collect regularly."
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer connections differ between campgrounds. "Excellent campground with even better service. Staff escorts you to your site and lines you up with water/sewer," notes another Indian River RV Resort visitor.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Haakwood, one visitor noted it was "Just two miles off I-75 at Wolverine," making it convenient for overnight stops, while another camper at Maple Bay warned of uneven sites and advised bringing leveling equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Indian River, Michigan?
The Indian River area boasts several exceptional campgrounds. French Farm Lake Rd offers primitive camping with just six sites featuring fire pits - perfect for those seeking solitude. For those who prefer camping by the water, Thurston Park Campground provides lakeside sites with fishing and paddling opportunities, though sites can be close together. Burt Lake State Park is another excellent option with modern facilities and beach access. These campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities and natural settings, with the forest campgrounds typically providing more privacy and the state parks offering more facilities.
What camping options are available in Indian River, Michigan?
Indian River offers diverse camping experiences ranging from state parks to rustic forest campgrounds. Aloha State Park Campground provides developed camping with easy water access for boating enthusiasts. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Haakwood State Forest Campground offers peaceful sites along the Sturgeon River with clean pit toilets and ample space between sites. The area also features private options like Indian River RV Resort for those wanting more amenities. Most campgrounds in the region provide good access to local waterways including Burt Lake and Mullet Lake, making them ideal for water recreation activities.
How far is Indian River camping from popular Michigan attractions?
Camping around Indian River provides convenient access to numerous northern Michigan attractions. Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake is centrally located for exploring the region. From most Indian River campgrounds, you're within a 30-minute drive to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island ferries. Cheboygan State Park Campground is just outside Cheboygan, providing easy access to Lake Huron and excellent hiking trails. The campgrounds also offer convenient proximity to the Inland Waterway, Petoskey (about 35 minutes), Cross Village, and the North Central State Trail for cycling enthusiasts.
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