Best Tent Camping near Kewadin, MI

Tent campsites near Kewadin, Michigan offer a mix of established campgrounds and backcountry options within the surrounding forests and lakeshores. Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides backcountry tent camping with walk-in access, while Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground offers more developed tent sites approximately 15 miles east of Kewadin. Power Island County Park features primitive tent-only sites accessible only by boat, providing a unique camping experience on Grand Traverse Bay.

Most tent campgrounds in the Kewadin area feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at established locations like Graves Crossing and Hopkins Creek State Forest Campgrounds. Sand Lakes Quiet Area does not require permits and offers free camping, though campers must pack in their own water as drinking water is not available. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring access may be limited by muddy conditions. Campers should note that while fires are permitted at most locations, firewood availability varies, and visitors should follow local regulations regarding fire safety.

The tent camping experience near Kewadin provides excellent access to northern Michigan's natural landscapes. Sites at Sand Lakes Quiet Area offer secluded tent camping with minimal crowds, even during peak summer months. Tent-only areas like Power Island provide shoreline camping with views across Grand Traverse Bay. Camp Stonewood Ranch and C3 Farm Trust offer small, intimate tent camping settings with just three sites each, ensuring a quiet experience. Pinney Bridge campground provides access to hiking trails and the Jordan River for fishing opportunities. Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences will find the walk-in sites at Sand Lakes particularly appealing, as they offer greater separation from other campers and deeper immersion in the forest setting.

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Best Tent Sites Near Kewadin, Michigan (41)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kewadin, MI

943 Reviews of 41 Kewadin Campgrounds


  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Bliss

    Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun. A short walk will get you to Lake Michigan and it’s sandy beach. Each site has a nice picnic table, a designated tent pad (if it’s a tent site) and a fire ring with a grill top. Firewood is available on site for $5/bundle, vault toilets are also available. No shower facilities. Lots and lots of poison ivy! Stay on the paths!! And tIcks! Stay in trails and out of tall grass or weeds. The tent pad is very compacted ground, definitely need a hammer or decent sized rock to pound in the tent stakes, and also definitely bring a sleeping pad or air mat. Tent sites are only $20/night, but you also need a National Park Pass, which is $20/1 week or $40/ 1 year, so be aware of that! Stayed at site 88, seemed to be a slightly more “roomy” site than others, as there were no neighbors behind us. PLUS thIs Is located very near to thw sleepIng bear dunes and natIonal lake shore!

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Perfect Proximity

    This campground is in this system ( the Dyrt) like 3 times under similar names, and I just want to be sure you all know how great it is! This is a first-come-first-served campground, so get there earlier in the day if you want a site, even on a weekday. There are rustic bathrooms, no flushing, no sink, nothing. No showers available here, either. However, it is so close to Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, Empire, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The location is truly fabulous. You are able to take a short walk down to Lake Michigan from your site. The sites are hard packed ground, dirt, rocks...so bring a mallet or hammer to pound in your tent stakes! I would also advise a sleeping pad or air mat for this same reason. The tent pads are nice and level though, which is awesome. It rained quite a bit over night when I stayed, so I’m thankful for the level ground. There is LOTS of poison ivy on location, so stay on the trails!!! Sites were only $20/night but you also need a National park pass which is $20/week or $40/year, so be mindful of that. This is also an “Active Black Bear Site,” so everything with a scent—clothes, candles, etc., must be stored in your vehicle. No, we did not see any bears while we were there. Everyone was very friendly, and the campground was so much more quiet than anticipated. It was very peaceful and serene. Firewood is available for purchase on site through a wood vending machine basically, so have $5 bills on hand. Stayed at site #88

  • Hilary S.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Walk-in sites practically on top of each other

    Pros: Designated dish-washing sink, as well as shower/bathroom building for walk-in sites specifically. Short 0.8 mile hike from camp to Lake Michigan. Bear boxes are shared between only two adjacent campsites, and are large. 

    Cons: Walk-in sites have essentially no privacy and are much less secluded than other walk-in sites where I have stayed at other parks. I was at site A003, which abutted adjacent A-loop sites as well as B-loop sites. The other sites were visible, and folks at a neighboring site were playing music late into the night.

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Peaceful spot, plenty of room

    Seems 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.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There 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.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Small Sites h

    DH Bear. Sept 2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 3.75 Price 2023: Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Most sites are not real great.
    Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Fine Road Noise: Bone Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No. Platt River CG has electricity. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Be careful. Some sites do not allow generators. The more private sites are in the No-generator loop . Bathroom: Yes Showers: No Setting: Forest Weather: Very nice Bugs: Not bad Solar: Most sites do not offer enough sunlight .

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • A
    Sep. 11, 2021

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Great spots, close to beach

    Great campsite with spacious sites not too close to each other. Sites are close to the beach (3-5 min walk). Vault toilets are to be expected. Quiet at night when I was there. Easy access to hiking trails and Glen Arbor. Would stay again! $20 for basic tent site (non-electric).


Guide to Kewadin

Tent camping near Kewadin, Michigan offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tips for tent camping near Kewadin

  • Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites provides a serene environment with no permit required, making it easy for spontaneous trips.
  • Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites allows for a unique boat-in experience, ideal for those who enjoy kayaking or canoeing to their campsite.
  • Pinney Bridge offers drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for families and groups.

Some prices for tent camping range from $25 to $45

  • C3 Farm Trust features a private camping experience with amenities like firewood and picnic tables, priced at $25 for county residents.
  • Camp Stonewood Ranch offers a rustic setting with a tipi option, available for $45 per site for non-residents.
  • Torch Grove Campground provides full hookups and a playground, making it a family-friendly choice at competitive rates.

Tent campers should check out the fishing opportunities

  • Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites is known for its breathtaking scenery and excellent fishing, perfect for anglers looking to catch bass.
  • Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites boasts crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground is surrounded by beautiful nature, providing ample opportunities for fishing and hiking in a tranquil setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kewadin, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kewadin, MI is Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kewadin, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Kewadin, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.