Lake City is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$37 - $999 / night
"Great little campground just on the outskirts of Cadillac. Great rates especially for full hookups."
"Trails for walks with the dogs out away from the camp."
"The sites themselves are small, ours had massive roots that made walking and setting up outside a challenge. We saw a couple of people actually moving their campers to different sites."
"Very kind operators when we were in a pickle with an RV we rented and was very flexible with our situation. Clean areas and convenient to Manton area."
"the road grated, this year there in the process of getting better internet out there which will be great for the whole camp ground and they leveled the camp sites out the best they could , the city of lake"
"By definition, Michigan will come up! By location, Goose Creek SFC."
"Nice little lake with a boat launch."
"Another Great Michigan State Park. This State Park is located in Cadillac MI. I love it It is located between 2 lakes, Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. "
"Love taking the boat and enjoying both lakes with the kiddos. Careful of Lake Cadillac and the rocks in the water."
"This campground is the perfect spot if you want to still have a camping experience and get away from RV parks. The terrain there makes for a beautiful view."
"This campground is a small gem close to Cadillac, MI. The owners are friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Showers were hot and bathrooms were clean."
"I love going around September so quiet a few people there loads of trails to walk on and people are very respectful I keep going every year"
"The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."
"Long Lake Wexford was a great little spot. The first come - first serve sites are large an spacious. Some are tree covered and more forested while others are open, grassy and lakeside."
"The campground had a boat launch and provides easy close access to ORV trails."
ScoutThis is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!
GuideAbsolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.
This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.
From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.
I’d love to come again.
GuideAccess to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.
GuideNice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful
ScoutThe campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.
TravelerWe stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic.
The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and had excellent communication both during the reservation process and throughout our stay. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.
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. Downtown Roscommon is only about 6 minutes away, making it easy to pop into town.
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.
TravelerThis place is magical! There is lake access along with dispersed and established sites. Some sites are right on the lake. Wind picks up mid day so I went out on the lake with my kayak early. The road in rocky, steep and narrow. Ideally a high clearance vehicle but an suv will probably make it
GuideThe campground is rustic with sites 1 - 30 being well spaced with vegetation between most sites and quite spacious. Sites above 30 are on another loop and are much closer together with less privacy between sites. There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped. Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table. See photo.
Site 30 is close to the restroom and showers (although we didn't use them). Also, the trash gondolas.
There is little internet access with Verizon service.
You could buy wood and ice from the campground host.
Our neighbor in site 29 had put his generator under the trailer and locked it with a steel cable. It was visible from the road. At some point during the day someone cut the cable and stole the generator.
GuideWater and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.
Camping near Lake City, Michigan, offers a great mix of natural beauty and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Lake City, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Lake City, Michigan?
Lake City offers excellent camping options within driving distance. Maple Grove Campground is conveniently located near Lake City with drive-in access and full amenities. For a more rustic experience, Mud Lake State Forest Campground provides a tranquil setting with only 8 non-reservable sites that offer decent spacing and privacy. Many sites feature lake views, and some have direct access to the water via small paths. The campground balances wooded seclusion with waterfront accessibility, making it ideal for those seeking a more natural camping experience while still being accessible to Lake City and surrounding attractions.
How much does camping cost in Lake City, MI?
Camping costs around Lake City vary by campground type and amenities offered. State forest campgrounds like Old US-131 State Forest Campground typically offer the most budget-friendly options, with rustic sites ranging from $15-20 per night. Private campgrounds provide more amenities at higher rates, with Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds charging around $35 per night with the seventh night free for extended stays. Water hookups are available at many sites. Full-service private RV parks may charge $40-60 per night depending on hookups and seasonal rates. Most campgrounds offer both nightly and weekly rates, with discounts often available for longer stays, especially during off-peak seasons.
What amenities are available at Lake City, MI campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Lake City offer varied amenities to suit different camping preferences. Crooked Lake Park Campground provides water and toilet facilities with the flexibility of boat-in, drive-in, or walk-in access. For those seeking more developed facilities, Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers comprehensive amenities alongside recreational opportunities including hiking trails, horseback riding, boating, and fishing. Many campgrounds in the region maintain restroom facilities throughout the camping areas, with state park options typically offering modern bathhouses. Rustic campgrounds generally provide basic amenities like pit toilets and potable water, while private RV parks often include full hookups, showers, and Wi-Fi.
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