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Best Campgrounds near Lake City, MI

779 Reviews

Lake City, Michigan hosts several established campgrounds supporting tent and RV camping, with options for cabin stays at select locations. Maple Grove Campground within Lake City proper provides seasonal camping from May to November, while Goose Lake State Forest Campground offers a more rustic experience with vault toilets and hand-pumped water. Crooked Lake Park Campground provides a third option within city limits, with modest amenities and lakeside camping. The surrounding region includes additional campgrounds like Long Lake State Forest Campground and Camp Cadillac, offering a mix of primitive to full-service sites across northern Michigan.

Most campgrounds in the Lake City area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. State forest campgrounds remain open year-round but with limited amenities during winter months. "Look up beauty. By definition, Michigan will come up! By location, Goose Creek SFC," noted one visitor, highlighting the natural appeal of the area. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering boat launches while others provide swimming areas. Road conditions to rustic sites may require careful navigation, especially after rain. Reservations are essential for private campgrounds and more developed state facilities, while some forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most locations provide fire rings and basic toilets, with electric hookups available at developed sites.

Lakefront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Crooked Lake Park receives particular mention for its waterfront sites and boat launch capabilities. A visitor described it as having "nice size sites, relatively private. Rustic grounds so hand pump and outhouse. Nice little lake with a boat launch." Many campgrounds feature wooded settings that provide natural shade and privacy between sites. Families appreciate the recreation options, particularly swimming areas and fishing opportunities in the numerous lakes. The region balances accessibility with a genuine outdoor experience, allowing campers to enjoy natural surroundings while remaining within reasonable distance of town amenities. Seasonal campers establish a community atmosphere at several locations, particularly the private campgrounds with full hookups.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake City, Michigan (274)

    1. Rvino - Camp Cadillac, LLC

    3 Reviews
    Cadillac, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9724

    $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."

    2. Lake Billings RV Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lake City, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 824-6454

    "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."

    3. Maple Grove Campground

    1 Review
    Lake City, MI
    0 miles
    +1 (231) 839-4561

    "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"

    4. Goose Lake State Forest Campground

    1 Review
    Lake City, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "By definition, Michigan will come up! By location, Goose Creek SFC."

    5. Crooked Lake Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake City, MI
    4 miles
    +1 (231) 839-4945

    "Nice little lake with a boat launch."

    6. Mitchell State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cadillac, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-7911

    "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."

    7. The Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake City, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 824-9111

    8. Cadillac Woods Campground

    4 Reviews
    Cadillac, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 825-2012

    "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."

    9. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "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."

    10. Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cadillac, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake City, MI

349 Photos of 274 Lake City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake City, MI

779 Reviews of 274 Lake City Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This 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!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely 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.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    Good night’s sleep

    Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice 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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The 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.

  • Kristin Z.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground

    Clean, Friendly, and Perfect River Tubing Trip

    We 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Bowman Lake Campground

    Nice campground on the lake

    This 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

  • D
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest

    Enjoyable Stay

    The 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.

Guide to Lake City

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.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Orchard Beach State Park Campground. A family said, "The bathrooms and showers are clean."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park. One camper mentioned, "We apparently had the best site in the entire campground. Site 53 was clean and beautiful for viewing the sunset and privacy."
  • Friendly Staff: Visitors at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort often mention the helpful staff. A reviewer stated, "The campground was large and well-maintained, and the friendly office staff made our stay even better."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Newaygo State Park Campground noted, "Two nights of brain-damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Otsego Lake State Park Campground may have outdated facilities. One camper said, "The bathrooms are horribly outdated. This park needs a facelift ASAP."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, "You’ll likely have to book in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. One family at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The showers are nice, and it’s great to have well-maintained facilities."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime. A visitor at Newaygo State Park Campground noted, "The noise levels really dropped off in the evening."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be small. A reviewer at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park said, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Be prepared for limited access to stores. A camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area advised, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."
  • Leveling Blocks: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."

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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