Best Tent Camping near Indian River, MI

Searching for a tent campsite near Indian River? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Indian River, Michigan's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Indian River, MI (19)

Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Indian River

802 Reviews of 19 Indian River Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Straits State Park Campground
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Straits State Park Campground

    Bridge views

    amazing views of the straits of Mackinac and the mighty Mac bridge! Absolutely loved camping here despite the nearly hurricane like wind and rain experienced overnight that ended up soaking all of my bedding. Bathroom and shower facility was nice and clean.

    But seriously, the best thing this campground has to offer are the amazing views of the bridge from many of the campsites. I had a waterfront tent site with the best view and it was so inexpensive.

  • Chad Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoeft State Park Campground
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Hoeft State Park Campground

    Great park with subpar site.

    Visit Hoeft every year for group camping weekend. Perfect weather, nice spacing of sites, great access to the beach. Site 33 is not a favorite. Quite small, backed up to poison ivy and quite close to a neighbor site.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from French Farm Lake Rd
    Oct. 31, 2024

    French Farm Lake Rd

    Nice, but ....

    stayed at campsite #2 twice in October. Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while. On the second visit to the same site, I found two 5-gallon pails off to the left in the brush, more trash, and a bottle with liquid in it. Also, the stump that someone left to be used as an additional table was missing. I usually pick up trash and leave the site better than I found it, but I did not dare touch the buckets or the bottle with the suspicious liquid in it. French Farm Lake Road is a beautiful area with the North Country Trail running through it but it seems some folks don't appreciate it. The other sites might be better "kept" (site #3 is sandy and looks like an RV was dragged out). Might go again because it is a nice secluded area.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness State Park Camping
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Beautiful views, but goes down to a skeleton crew in the off season!

    We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note: 

    - The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready. 

    - Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation. 

    - Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us! 

    - You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.

    - Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.) 

    The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging. 

    I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw! 

    Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.) 

    We had no issues at all with wildlife. 

    There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system. 

    Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI. 

    We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly. 

    Happy camping!

  • Alex M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Straits State Park Campground
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Straits State Park Campground

    Amazing views of Mackinac bridge

    Most sites are all grass, but well maintained. Brand new, clean bathrooms and showers. Views of the lake and bridge can't get any better.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Great little spot

    Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Straits State Park Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Straits State Park Campground

    great view of bridge, but small campsites close together

    This campground was OK.  Just on the north side of the bridge.  The site we had was really small and close to others.  It was a short walk down to the lake and a great view of the bridge.  It was pretty expensive, we paid $39 + $11 for a Michigan park pass.  The place was clean and the restrooms and showers were nice.

    I don't think I'd go back.  There are better places to camp in the upper peninsula.

    Lots of bugs.

  • Nicole V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Emerick Park Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Emerick Park Campground

    Quaint and Close to town

    Small campground with boat launch, shower house, and bathrooms. Connect’s to a park with playground and pickleball court. Easy to walk or ride your bicycle into town for ice cream. No swim beach but good fishing opportunities on the thunder river.

  • Chad H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

    Awesome location

    We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.

  • David C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haakwood State Forest Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Haakwood State Forest Campground

    Easy access to north central bike path

    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. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.

  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnes County Park Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Barnes County Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Access

    This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.

  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Young State Park Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Young State Park Campground

    Unique Trails

    The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haakwood State Forest Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Haakwood State Forest Campground

    Rustic campground

    Stayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.

  • Ron M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Loons Point RV Park & Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Loons Point RV Park & Campground

    Great place to stay and relax

    Waterfront campsite are very nice... Some are a bit small but overall very comfortable... Awesome friendly people run the place!

    This is our 3rd time staying here and will be back.

  • Teresa R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness State Park Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Nice park, very big park but…..

    Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Stunning

    Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

  • Erica L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain-O-Lakes Campground
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    Will be back!

    Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.

    Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.

    We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.

  • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

    I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

    I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.

    I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

    There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

    Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoeft State Park Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Hoeft State Park Campground

    Great overnight on Lake Huron

    I enjoyed this campsite. Maybe it was because of it being a Sunday night, but it didn’t feel very crowded and was fairly quiet. It’s close to the water (just a short walk over the dunes so you can’t actually see the lake from your site.) I had electric and the bathrooms had showers, though they definitely could use an update. The only thing that could have made this place better was if they allowed dogs on the beach! I was traveling alone and would have loved to have walked the beach with my pup.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground

    Rustic

    Amazing rustic campground. First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets. Walk along the Ocqueoc River to the falls, walk the path through the campground or park at the site and take a short trip to the falls. Large and small sites, friendly staff.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Indian River, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Indian River, MI is Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Indian River, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Indian River, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.