30 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent campgrounds dot the rural areas near Lake, Michigan, offering primitive camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground features spacious tent sites divided between Big Leverentz and Little Leverentz lake units, while Haymarsh State Game Area provides lakeside tent camping with basic amenities. Other options include Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground and Deerfield Nature Park, which offers hike-in tent sites.
Most tent-only areas feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are common at established sites like Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground, but many primitive areas lack running water, requiring campers to use hand pumps or bring their own supply. Sites typically accommodate 1-2 tents on level, natural surfaces with varying amounts of tree coverage. The camping season generally runs April through October, with some locations charging $10-15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Several campgrounds like House Lake State Campground provide water access but no electricity, creating a true wilderness experience.
Areas farther from populated centers offer greater seclusion with minimal light pollution and lower noise levels. Many tent campsites provide direct access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water recreation. Tree coverage varies by location, with some sites offering dense forest shade while others feature more open, lakeside settings. The primitive setup attracts those seeking to disconnect from technology, as cell service is limited or nonexistent in many locations. A camper noted, "There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!" Sites at state forest campgrounds tend to be well-spaced, providing privacy even when campgrounds reach capacity during summer weekends.
"This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish. I will definitely be back!"
"Lots of nature, seen a lot of colorful fungas. we did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!"
from $15 / night
"We chose a site on the Big Lake. There are also a few sites on the Litte Lake. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites."
"the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutVery rustic and remote. Bring wood or a saw there are tons of down trees but not a whole lot of places to get wood. For pit toilets they where clean and well kept. If your in need of help it comes within 45 mins (bring solar chargers) out of the way enough to not have a good cell signal (what we where looking for) but enough signal to call for help...we killed our car battery charging phones.. must check out if your into remote areas
GuideNice small lake. Sites a little rough
TravelerThe 2 good things about this campground was the full hook up & the large site size. However, my site & a few surrounding sites smelled like sewage from the moment I stepped out of my truck. I couldn't sit outside to enjoy the "fresh" air or open my windows. The picnic table was backed against utility boxes, & the fire pit was within a few feet of the camper behind me. Supposedly there are 3 dog beaches. I found 1 that was a tiny spot with a little bit of sand. I walked over a mile to the park's edge following signs for another dog beach. It didn't exist. Dog beaches are not marked on the map.
GuideOnly 5 sites has a boat launch to a small lake
GuideOld Grade Campground awesome. Barred Owl and a pack of coyotes yipping in the middle of the nite very close. Nice site too on the water
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We stayed at Ivan’s Campground& Cabins in Baldwin over Labor Day weekend and had a wonderful experience. We were in Site 5 with 30-amp electric and water. The site was spacious, level, easy to get into, and had plenty of shade. The entire campground was very clean, quiet, and quaint. The bathrooms and showers were especially clean and well maintained. The campground also has a camp store, firewood available, picnic tables, and other conveniences that make your stay comfortable. What really stood out to us, though, were the owners, Melissa and CD Taylor. They are incredibly friendly and welcoming and were very present around the campground. We regularly saw them taking care of the property, picking things up, and making sure everything was in good shape. They were always willing to lend a hand or answer a question. They were also happy to share information about local fishing spots, ORV trails, and other things to do in the Baldwin area. The atmosphere is peaceful, laid-back, family-friendly, and very welcoming. If you're looking for a quiet campground where you can relax and where the owners genuinely care about their guests and their property, this is a great place to stay. We enjoyed our stay so much that we're already planning our next trip back! Highly recommend Ivan’s Campground& Cabins.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TravelerVehicle broke down in mr pleasant so we parked our RV here the quietest campground I’ve ever been to ever . I’ve been here about a week haven’t met any camp staff booked our site online very clean nice restrooms showers
GuideAwesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
TravelerVisiting relatives in St Louis. Church campground with almost level sites, grass. Friendly staff and helpful. Clean and well maintained. Water and electric, no full hookup, but have dump station.
Tent camping near Lake, Michigan provides rustic outdoor experiences with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddling in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Several campgrounds offer varied terrain from dense forest settings to waterfront sites near small inland lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with temperatures between 40-65°F, ideal for tent campers seeking fewer insects and crowds.
Paddling adventures: Muskegon River Canoe Camp offers direct river access for kayaking and canoeing. "A great place for dispersed camping. Don't forget the bug spray! Only 20 minutes from town if you did!" reports Just J.
Fishing opportunities: Haymarsh State Game Area provides lakeside fishing access with boat-friendly campsites. One camper noted, "Our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area, allowing for day hikes without driving. "Gorgeous and quiet. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground," shares a visitor about Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground.
Wildlife observation: The lakes and surrounding forests host diverse wildlife including turtles, chipmunks, and various bird species. "The tree coverage was nice, and they are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical!" writes a camper at House Lake State Campground.
Lake views: Many campsites offer direct views of the water. "Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake," notes a camper about Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, which features both Big and Little Leverentz lake units.
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in this region typically provide well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground," explains a reviewer at Leverentz Lake.
True disconnection: House Lake State Campground offers limited cell service and distance from amenities. A camper shares, "There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!"
Multiple water access points: Several campgrounds feature fishing piers, boat launches, and shoreline access. "The lake offers a fishing pier," notes a camper about Leverentz Lake, while another mentions "nice wooded campsites on the lake with a boat launch."
Water sources: Many rustic campgrounds have limited water access. "There's one hand pump water source at the entrance, no electric," explains a camper at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground.
Reservation policies: Most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. "The campsites cost $15 per night; they are not reservable. Also, there is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe," advises a camper.
Bathroom facilities: Expect vault toilets at most locations. Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground offers rustic facilities with "about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up."
Accessibility considerations: Some locations require hiking or boat access. "You can access by boat or it's a 1 mile hike. Very peaceful, there is only 10 site and pit toilets," notes a camper about Deerfield Nature Park, adding "I do recommend going by boat as the hike with gear will wear you out."
Beach options: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff!" shares a visitor.
Campsite selection: For families, certain sites offer advantages. At Haymarsh State Game Area, one camper specifically recommends, "Very quiet and secluded, nice get away, #11 is the best spot."
Bike-friendly locations: Several campgrounds feature flat terrain suitable for children's biking. A parent noted that Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground allows kids to "bike around all day and everyone drives slow."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy the abundant small wildlife. House Lake State Campground campers report frequent chipmunk sightings that create "adorably magical" experiences for young campers.
Site dimensions: While tent camping predominates, some locations accommodate small RVs. At Leverentz Lake, "All sites are good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents."
Utility planning: For those with small RVs at campgrounds with limited hookups, preparation is key. "Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites," advises a camper at Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground.
Access limitations: Many forest roads leading to the best tent camping near Lake, Michigan have size restrictions. "Tubbs island was gorgeous! There is Tubbs mainland and Tubbs island and both you're welcome to but I recommend staying on the island. It's more of a peninsula then an island but it's wonderfully cut off. You take a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge to a remote circle plot of campsites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake, MI is Haymarsh State Game Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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