238 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kalkaska, Michigan serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in northern Michigan's forested landscapes. Within the town limits, Kalkaska RV Park & Campground offers full-service sites with hookups, while nearby Log Lake Campground provides a more traditional camping experience with both tent and RV options. Just west of town, Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground maintains rustic sites in a wooded setting with vault toilets and drinking water but no electrical hookups. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area, approximately 15 miles west of Kalkaska, features backcountry tent sites for those seeking a more secluded experience. Rapid River Campground, situated north of town along US-131, rounds out the local options with cabin rentals alongside traditional camping sites.
Most campgrounds in the Kalkaska area operate seasonally from April through October, with state forest campgrounds like Guernsey Lake remaining open year-round for winter camping enthusiasts. Summer brings warm days with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F, while evenings cool considerably, often requiring extra layers. Mosquitoes and ticks are common from late spring through summer, with campers frequently mentioning the need for insect protection. As one visitor to a nearby campground noted, "Make sure you have bug spray. Stay on the paths! And watch for ticks! Stay on trails and out of tall grass or weeds." Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer weekends and around holidays, though some state forest sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several campgrounds offer proximity to lakes and rivers for fishing, paddling, and swimming opportunities. The wooded settings provide natural privacy between many sites, though privacy levels vary considerably between developed RV parks and more rustic options. Campers frequently mention the region's trail systems as highlights, with opportunities for hiking and mountain biking directly from campgrounds. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, add to the camping experience. Visitors should note that cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, and grocery options are limited outside of Kalkaska proper, making advance planning important for extended stays.
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."
"There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability"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."
"great spots near lakeside hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone"
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas.
The campground needs some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance.""Nice beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level."
"One is reservable and drive-in with access to the lake. We decided to backpack about 3 miles in and camp in the rustic hike in sites."
"Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded."
"the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"
"We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Has a clear beach.Good Kayking lake. Has a nice bathroom and shower. If u are there just to swim they have port-a-potty to use on the beach. Town not even a mile."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Minus one star because despite the name, there is no access to any river. We stayed here not wanting to be in the tourist trappy areas nearby and it worked out great."
ScoutI have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
ScoutWe looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
ScoutTons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
TravelerOur site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!
LegendJuly 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
GuideI camped here on my motorcycle in a tent. NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!It is quiet after dark, river sites all over, walkin sites at the entrance. Its $20 a night. Its a nice scenery the bugs are a little rough but there is fire wood close by for $5 a bundle. All in all a good experience except... The damn racoons!! It was like the movie the great outdoors and they come in packs!!! I had to hide everything and they stole my ketchup 😂
TravelerThis campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
LegendJuly 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
TravelerSix or so full hook up sites in the campground (several are seasonal/permanent sites). The sites are spacious, woodsy, shaded with nice grass for the kiddos to play in. The owners, Rocky and Richard were friendly and available if needed. They even filled our campfire ring with wood before we arrived. There is a porta potty on site, but otherwise expect to use your camper for bathing needs. The 25 min drive into traverse city felt easy even with toddlers in toe. The town of Cedar is small but quaint.
Campsites near Kalkaska, Michigan range from lakeside retreats to forested hideaways across elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet. The area receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually, with significant snowfall during winter months. Most forest campgrounds remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature fluctuations, while private campgrounds typically operate from April through October.
Paddle the waterways: The Manistee River offers excellent kayaking opportunities near Kalkaska. At Upper Manistee River, campers appreciate the river access. "We contacted Chippewa Landing...and they met us at our put in (Grayling area)...and drove our vehicle to their livery for our take out," notes Dave V., who adds that "its a beautiful river...and on a early week paddle...we had the river to ourselves."
Explore hiking trails: The Sand Lakes Quiet Area contains multiple interconnected trails through diverse forest terrain. "There are hiking trails nearby and the campground is about 15 minutes away from the quaint town of Elk Rapids and a very touristy Traverse City," explains Ann D., who stayed at Whitewater Township Park Campground. The park offers "a small playground; boat launch; hiking trails and fire rings and picnic tables at every site."
Fishing opportunities: Local lakes provide productive fishing spots throughout the camping season. "The lake was gorgeous!! Great sites," writes Nikki about Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground. Another visitor, Tom B., mentions that "the lake is completely uninhibited and great for kayaking and fishing. The NCT 4600mi hiking trail runs through and the cross state horse trail skirts it and bikes are allowed on all trails."
Rustic camping experience: Many campgrounds near Kalkaska maintain a natural, undeveloped feel. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites, Maddy T. found exactly that: "Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness... The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears." For those seeking backcountry options, these sites require "a 1/2 mile or less" hike from the parking area.
Waterfront access: Lakefront camping spots rank highly among visitor preferences. "We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend," says Sarah S. about Whitewater Township Park. "The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake." Another camper, Kelsey P., notes, "I loved the clear blue water down the big dropoff hill and how heavily wooded this entire park was. Made it perfect for hammock camping!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent positive mentions. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, camper Mike C. "enjoyed our tent camping 4-day experience at this wonderful, clean, & friendly place." Another guest, Tammey B., reports that "facilities were very very clean and well kept. The owners are awesome and very friendly and super willing to help if you need assistance."
Site conditions vary widely: Campground terrain ranges from sandy to gravel surfaces. Macy M. reports that at Log Lake Campground, "Site 25 was a large site that fit my 36' TT and my brother-in-laws very large tent on with plenty of room (very deep site)." However, they also noted that "upon arriving to my site, site was dirty, trash all over site and trash dumped in fire pit."
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent, particularly in wooded areas. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, the staff addresses this directly. Tammey B. notes they "sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance," while another camper, Michelle S., appreciates how "the trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. Angela P. notes that Upper Manistee River campground is "first come, first serve - never full. Quite on the river and convenient to kayaking and canoeing locations." For popular locations like Timber Ridge, camper Holly Jo J. recommends planning ahead: "We were searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked."
Recreation options: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and structured activities. Chris M. shares that Timber Ridge has a "great mix of activities for the kids. Big park but felt small, no problems with traffic and golf carts like we have experienced at other 'resort' style campgrounds." Another visitor, Allison H., elaborates: "There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Swimming areas: Beach access varies by location, with some offering designated swimming zones. Robinson Campground gets high marks from Copper P., who says "the sites were kept very well. Lots of wildlife scurrying about. The water was clean and a gorgeous sunset." At Whitewater Township Park, Sarah S. mentions that the campground is "positioned on a hillside next to a lake" with "a small playground; boat launch; hiking trails."
Campsite spacing: Site proximity affects noise levels and privacy. Jennifer G. describes Rapid River Campground as having "spots were not huge and also not very grassy" but appreciates that it's "not far from Torch Lake and Petoskey to look for stones." For families seeking more space, Cassondra P. recommends Timber Ridge for its "well stocked camp store" and because "we really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited at most campgrounds. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, Hope C. notes: "They only have 15 full hookup sites and none were available for our time frame. They have several long term tenants. Roads are narrow but most sites are ample. They have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites have uneven terrain. "We camped in a 40' motor coach for a week. Site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling," explains Hope C. about Kalkaska RV Park.
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow roads. BC-G shares that Kalkaska RV Park needs "some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance." However, Robert O. had a better experience, finding a "pull through full hook up, everything worked great. Nice level gravel spot."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kalkaska, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kalkaska, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near Kalkaska, MI and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kalkaska, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kalkaska, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kalkaska, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Kalkaska, MI.
What parks are near Kalkaska, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Kalkaska, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Huron-Manistee National Forests.
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