246 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Kingsley, Michigan provide a mix of rustic and developed camping experiences within reach of Lake Michigan and the Traverse City area. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers 366 sites with options for tent camping, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. The region includes several state forest campgrounds like Arbutus Lake and Scheck's Place, which provide more primitive camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the area support multiple accommodation types, with several offering cabin options for those seeking shelter-based camping experiences without bringing their own equipment.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with many sites operating from late spring through mid-fall. Traverse City KOA operates from late May through mid-October, while Holiday Park Campground runs from late April to late October. State forest campgrounds like Scheck's Place typically open May 1 and close by mid-October. Winter camping options are limited but available at select year-round facilities including Traverse City State Park Campground. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, though forest campgrounds may have rougher access roads. "The campground is clean, quiet, and campsites are private with room and trees between. There are small trails leading to Lake Michigan and beautiful beaches," noted one visitor describing the camping experience.
Several visitors highlight proximity to Lake Michigan as a significant advantage when camping in the region. Campgrounds with beach access or water views tend to receive higher ratings, with many campers specifically seeking sites that offer convenient lake access. The area's campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities, from rustic sites with vault toilets to fully-developed RV resorts with full hookups, showers, and recreational facilities. The Kingsley area campgrounds are strategically positioned to give campers easy access to both the natural beauty of Michigan's forests and the recreational opportunities of Lake Michigan. Campers frequently mention the region's natural beauty, particularly the wooded settings and lake views. A camper described one state park as having "sites spaced decently far apart" with some "so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds offering multiple accommodation options.
"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"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / 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"This place is the perfect spot to camp to get away yet stay close to Home (if you live nearby!). Its great for a traveler as well."
"This KOA is just south of Traverse City and very centrally located to all that makes this area so awesome! Wineries, Sleep Bear Dunes, golf courses, and of course downtown Traverse City."
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Was able to check in early...because campers had checked out early and they had time to check the site...very clean...close to all the great sites around Traverse City...the only thing was where our site"
"It has everything; off of Silver Lake to swim, fish or rent a boat. Their is no reason to leave this paradise (except for groceries/drinks)."
"It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"It’s situated on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, MI (my hometown). It’s a calm lake with easy same-day registration for camping."
"Campground is beautiful with access to the very clean lake and sandy beach, my pups loved going swimming. There is potable water via an old school hand pump and vault toilets and a dumpster."
from $20 / 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"
"Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right?"
"You have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
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ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
TravelerIt’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
ScoutAwesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
TravelerWas able to find a nice clean area! Can walk to a small river about 200 yards away!
ScoutWould definitely stay here again. Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake.
GuideThe campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
ScoutIt is a pretty nice camp ground. The spaces are small and neighbors are really close. But we are close to water spirt rentals. Nice beach on beautiful Lake Charlevoix. Playground is big and fun for kiddos. The shower rooms are dated and old, but seem clean. We will be back for sure. The pros outweigh the cons
ScoutThe host is very friendly very easy to deal with a wonderful setting very private. We love it.
GuideCute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
Campgrounds near Kingsley, Michigan offer versatile outdoor accommodations for weekend adventures within easy reach of Grand Traverse Bay. The region sits at a modest 980-foot elevation with sandy, well-draining soil that creates drier camping conditions than other parts of northern Michigan. Most campsites in this area provide access to surrounding state forests and lakes while maintaining proximity to Traverse City's urban amenities.
Trail riding access: At Manton Trails RV Park, riders can access ORV trails directly from their campsites without needing to trailer to trailheads. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," notes Jen L.
River adventures: Old US-131 State Forest Campground serves as an excellent base for kayaking and fishing on the Manistee River. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one," shares Tee Jay M.
North Country Trail hiking: Several campgrounds connect directly to major trail systems. "The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing," reports Matt T. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Lake activities: The multiple lakes near Kingsley offer fishing, swimming, and paddling opportunities. Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground provides direct access to a unique five-lobed lake system. "Great lake for fishing and paddling. Lake is made of 5 lobes, high speed boating is restricted on some of them," explains John.
Privacy and space: Many campers appreciate the generous site spacing at less-developed campgrounds. "Our site was spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall. There aren't very many sites and they are spaced out well. Only two other sites occupied all weekend," reports Harry B. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Urban accessibility: Traverse City State Park Campground offers exceptional city access. "One of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths so we can bike to downtown area while staying on bike trails! Campground is busy and small sites but our favorite place to camp is along the back fence with great hammock trees," writes Cassondra P.
Lakefront camping: Select sites at area campgrounds offer direct water views or access. "If you get lucky you'll get a site right on green lake," notes Syed M. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites as worth the extra planning.
Clean facilities: Higher-end campgrounds maintain modern bathhouses. "Bath house was very nice with plenty of hot showers with great water pressure. That's a number one seller for me, that and if they are clean, which they were," says Joyce S. about Manton Trails RV Park.
Site reservations: The best sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. For Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, "No reservations — FCFS" according to Jay F., meaning you'll need to arrive early for prime spots.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience road or airport noise due to their location. "There is traffic and plane noise," reports Colleen S. about Traverse City State Park Campground, while another camper mentions "the busy highway 31 in front and the airport and railroad behind."
Seasonal operation: Most state forest campgrounds close by mid-October. Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Arbutus Lake operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while some private campgrounds like Timber Ridge RV Resort remain open year-round.
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the season. "Swimmers itch in the lake," warns Sherrie P. about Interlochen State Park, a common mid-summer issue in Michigan lakes.
Activity-focused resorts: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation options. "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," says Allison H.
Music opportunities: Unique to this region are campgrounds near music venues. At Interlochen State Park, campers enjoy "being next to a band camp too so it's fun enjoying the music in the distance while camping or around the fire," according to Jason C.
Weekend considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds become busier and louder on weekends. "Very lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet. If noise isn't an issue, this campground is clean, fun, and cozy," advises Aakifah A. about Traverse City State Park.
Shoulder season camping: For quieter family experiences, consider camping before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. "Great place to camp before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Otherwise busy," suggests John about Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground.
Pull-through convenience: Holiday Park Campground offers well-designed sites for larger rigs. "Plenty of pull-through sites and lots of grass," notes Richard, making it easier to set up without complicated backing maneuvers.
Site selection strategies: At busier campgrounds, strategic site selection enhances privacy. "Our favorite place to camp is along the back fence with great hammock trees and the fire pit behind our trailer. It makes it feel like your not in a big busy packed campground," advises Cassondra P.
Electrical considerations: While many sites offer electrical hookups, not all provide the same capacity. Some campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger rigs while others only provide 30-amp connections, important for air conditioning needs during summer months.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We first passed by this campground on a canoe trip along the manistee river, and flagged it to return to stay another time," shares Harry B., highlighting how scouting locations in advance helps identify level sites suitable for RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kingsley, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kingsley, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Kingsley, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kingsley, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kingsley, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kingsley, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Kingsley, MI.
What parks are near Kingsley, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Kingsley, MI that allow camping, notably Huron-Manistee National Forests and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
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