Best Campgrounds near Kingsley, MI

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. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kingsley, Michigan (238)

    1. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "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."

    2. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "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."

    4. Traverse City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Buckley, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 269-4562

    "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."

    5. Holiday Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Grawn, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 943-4410

    "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)."

    6. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kingsley, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "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."

    7. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    9 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."

    8. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    9. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 857-8000

    $25 - $55 / night

    "There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs.

    I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"

    "This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."

    10. Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kingsley, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "It’s situated on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, MI (my hometown). It’s a calm lake with easy same-day registration for camping."

    "Campsites are clean, restrooms are within a few minute walk, and a water pump is available."

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Showing results 1-10 of 238 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Kingsley, MI

951 Reviews of 238 Kingsley Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

  • 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.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Betsie River Campsite

    Nice location

    This is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Little River Casino

    Very Nice Place

    This is a very nice campground, it's on Casino Property and they did an excellent job. All sites have Electric Water Sewer, and I believe cable. They also have a dump station. There are no site firepits, but they do have a place for fires. All sites have concrete pads and wide asphalt roads. Showers are in the clubhouse. The staff is friendly and also staff and grounds keepers are very helpful. The area close by within 3-4 miles has just about everything You may need. The only downfall is if there is one for everything You get is price. But again it's a very nice e place.


Guide to Kingsley

Camping near Kingsley, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Traverse City State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "As a tent camper, it’s nice to have well-maintained showers to feel fresh after."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. One reviewer said, "The campsites were big and beneath mature trees for max shade and privacy."
  • Friendly Staff: At Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park, visitors appreciate the helpful staff. A camper mentioned, "Tanya was kind enough to move us to Cedars."

What you should know

  • No Showers: Some campgrounds, like D.H. Day Group Campground, do not have showers. A camper pointed out, "The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near busy roads, like Traverse City State Park Campground, can be noisy. One visitor said, "It’s close to the airport and 4-lane road. There are cars passing by frequently."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, lack amenities like electric hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "No electricity, so have solar ready."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, which has spacious sites. A camper shared, "Our site faced east into the woods as we didn't have neighbors on that side."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family at Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park said, "The surrounding area is beautiful with hiking, biking, kayaking, etc."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy, especially for kids. A visitor at Platte River Campground noted, "Mice and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the campsite even if you’re careful about crumbs."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned that spots can be small. One camper said, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Book in Advance: Popular spots like D.H. Day Group Campground fill up quickly. A visitor noted, "Went at the end of August and lucked out to get one spot for a tent."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campers at Lake Michigan Recreation Area advised bringing enough supplies. One reviewer mentioned, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."

Camping near Kingsley, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kingsley, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kingsley, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near Kingsley, MI and 7 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 7 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.