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.
"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 provides vault toilets and a hand pump for water along with campfire rings. The campground had a boat launch and provides easy close access to ORV trails."
$15 / night
"Follow the winding road all the way until it ends. It is way back in but you'll be so impressed by the beauty and secluded serene area, that you won't want to leave."
"Drive into this, you'll love it forever!"
$20 - $40 / night
"We want to welcome this partner to our platform. Situated on 40 acres, your tipi site is in the center of it all."
"Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody."
"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."
"Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."
"Did a 1 night backpacking trip on the MRT/NCT loop and we loved the spot we had. All spots are very spread out so you get privacy at night. Spots for a fire and very peaceful!"
"Firefly evening strolls on sandy trails through the woods. Dog friendly. Seasonal family gathering spot. Helpful camp hosts give a friendly wave several times daily."
$30 - $50 / night
LegendSeems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.
Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
We had a very pleasant stay.
Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
TravelerThis campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
GuideA friend and I stayed two nights in a tent. The campground is on the smaller side. You mostly see campers and RVs, many who stay seasonally. It felt like a community where everyone knows each other well. The couple on the neighboring campsite were incredibly friendly, offering help with fire starters and a hammer to pound down the stakes on our tent.
Our site had a fire pit, picnic table and electric hookup we used to charge cell phones. There wasn’t much shade but there are other shady sites in the campground.
While the river site was scenic, mosquitoes were of course having a feast! There was a play area for the kids, volleyball net and horseshoe pit. The camp store had the basics with hard pack ice cream for sale. There’s also a game room off the camp store with pool, ping pong and laundry room for longer visits.
You’re able to rent a tube, kayak or canoe to cruise down the Muskegon River. They were kind enough to shuttle us to the drop off point a couple of miles away.
There is a restroom/shower building that’s kept quite clean. The ladies room had three separate showers and I never had to wait for a turn during my stay.
It’s definitely a family campground so if you’re looking for a quiet camping trip, this place is perfect. It’s a bit far from the Detroit area for a weekend but I’d definitely return for a longer stay.
GuideNice park with dispersed sites. Hand pump for potable water and out houses for bathrooms. On a cute little lake ideal for kayaking or small boats. Not really set up for large TT, but people brought one in anyway. Close to US 131 and you can hear the traffic.
Sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
RangerI stayed here for two nights recently. The campground is not too large with 18 or 19 sites if I remember correctly. Most of the sites are pretty private and a few are along the river that runs along the campground. The water is very peaceful to listen to while falling asleep.
There are ample vault toilets and enough parking for one or two vehicles on most sites. The sites are not that large, so large RVs will not fit.
Plenty of space for a tent or two per site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Finding firewood in the campground is near impossible, so plan to bring some or buy some before you arrive.
GuideWe came to this campground on a very busy weekend for camping and we made a reservation online just in case they were all full, but they do have a self-serve drop box if you don't have a reservation. The walk-in tent sites were gorgeous, very hidden away in the trees, and 2 sites are literally right next to the river. The drive-in sites are close together but surrounded by trees so it gives you some privacy. Host camp has flushing toilets next to it, ice/wood available, and can make change for you. Vault toilets are available every few sites. Over run with caterpillars, not sure what kind but they were everywhere. We went across the street to rent a Canoe and float the Pine River. Great location.
TravelerTimber Creek is a lovely campground within Manistee National Forest. The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended). It’s also spacious enough for your doggos to run around to their hearts content!
Pricing is $10/night and $5/day pass, with a 14(?) day limit on your campsite stay.
Vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it (along with hand sanitizer!).
Water pump is available, though I can’t speak to the quality as we didn’t end up having to use it.
Honestly, my only real gripe is the fire pits. I fully assume the design is meant to prevent forest fires so it’s for the best, but the fire pits have a higher wall around them with a grill on top you cannot remove. Great for cooking food, but if you’re looking to sit by the fire to warm up, you’d probably be better off with a portable heater. It’s also worth noting that I’ve noticed this type of fire pit at every campsite in Manistee so far, so don’t put too much effort into venturing out to find a better one.
All in all we really loved our stay here and we can’t wait to stay here again!
Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Lake City offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a serene escape. With beautiful landscapes and well-maintained facilities, these campgrounds provide the perfect backdrop for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake City, MI is Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake City, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Lake City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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