Best Tent Camping near Lake, MI

They have a really nice area whether it’s fishing or swimming, playground or just plain camping, etc. the only negative thing is the tent camping spots DO NOT have PLUGS which was really irritating because tent camping you’re definitely gonna need an outlet.

I tent camped there July 2023 and the site was $20.  The campground host was a very nice and helpful lady.  There are electric at the sites and there were water supply spigots throughout the park.  They do have free wifi, but it is very weak by the river sites.  It is strongest near where the camp host is since the antenna is behind her camper.  There was an old wifi access point plugged into my site's electrical outlet, but it was inoperative.  Cell signal is good there though so it wasn't a big deal to me.  Since I was tent camping I cannot attest to what size RVs and electrical amperage they have.  The showers and rest rooms are locked at night.  Just ask the campground host and she will lend you a key for the night.  In addition to the main camping loop, there are about 12 river RV sites near the fairgrounds.  It was fairly quiet being a week day.  Just leave your trash in a bag near the lane and she will pick it up when she makes her rounds in her golf cart.  A grocery store and a convenience store are across the road.    You can book a site online via the village's website at https://marionmichigan.org/campground/  According to a google search the phone number is  231-667-0100.  If that number is not valid the village office's phone number is 231-743-6801

My husband and I have been going to Newaygo State Park for over 20 years. We started out tent camping and now have a pop camper. The thing we love most about this campground is the spacious site and that it is truly rustic with vault toilets and hand pumped water. Our kids also love this campground. They get to explore by themselves and there is plenty for them to do and keep busy. There is a playground, hiking trails, swimming area, geocaching, fishing, kayaking but the best part is the disc golf course. We spend a lot of time playing on the disc golf course. Have fun and just enjoy the outdoors.

We came to this campground on a very busy weekend for camping and we made a reservation online just in case they were all full, but they do have a self-serve drop box if you don't have a reservation. The walk-in tent sites were gorgeous, very hidden away in the trees, and 2 sites are literally right next to the river. The drive-in sites are close together but surrounded by trees so it gives you some privacy. Host camp has flushing toilets next to it, ice/wood available, and can make change for you. Vault toilets are available every few sites. Over run with caterpillars, not sure what kind but they were everywhere. We went across the street to rent a Canoe and float the Pine River. Great location.

Stayed here before the 4th of July for the weekend and was really impressed with the facilities and size of spaces at the campground. For being such a busy campground (since there is a boat launch) the sites are still quite large! We were able to fit 2 large tents, a small tent, 2 cars, 1 boat trailer and a sun shade for our gear with plenty of room to spare.

The restrooms (which I am told were recently renovated) were very clean.

The beaches were well maintained and plenty of space to moor boats overnight.

In addition to the boat launch there is also a camp store down the road with tons of snacks, camping gear/utensils, and Higgins lake souvenirs.

I will definitely return again! Be sure to catch a sunset from the campground beaches, you won’t regret it!

If you aren't familiar with this lake it is extremely clear (see video) and very large, there are 2 sandbar areas which are very popular providing 3-4 feet water to hangout in.

The multi-level campsites are interesting and fun. You park above and set up the tent down a few stairs. It’s a nice way to use the hilly area. There is still room to set up a rv on some sites. The water source has its own building. The vault toilet has a ramp for accessibility. 

The entire campground was empty when we showed up on a Thursday afternoon. Some sites are right on the small lake while others are more wooded. Some of the sites are close together so choose the style you prefer. Along the road in are a variety of off-road trails to explore. 

This quiet lake is a perfect spot to getaway from crowds.

Ive been wanting to paddle Higgins lake for a long time but never did because I know I am not a huge fan of state parks.... especially the large, crowded ones like this. You know what though? This place wasn’t all that bad! It was busy, there was a TON of sites, and not much space between neighbors... but, the sites were heavily wooded, the boat launch/lake was beautiful, and our neighbors were very friendly. So honestly, it could have been much worse. I could see how this place would be ideal for large families and small children. Lots to do and plenty of other kids to play with. Also a great spot for people who use trailers, campers, and pop ups, rather than traditional tents.

Needed a tent sight for 3 pup tents motorcycle camping. Nice quiet secluded campground in the woods. Nice clean baths and showers. $25 for tent $35 RVs pull threw.

In the Huron-Manistee National Forest is this rustic campground. The sites are really big and spread out. They are split between 2 loops. The first loop was almost filled so we checked the second one and found a site away from others. It felt like we were alone until we took a walk around the campground. Picnic table, fire pit and lantern stand are standard. Paved spots for rv’s with plenty of room for tents. Vault toilets are spread throughout. There is even a parking area for visitors. 

We walked down the short trail to see the lake. The trail goes partially along the lake but it’s not very long. We saw 2 piers- one had a jet ski tied to it. Camp was quiet enough to hear the tree fall just outside our campsite. Would it still make a noise if we weren’t here? 

This is a peaceful discovery that is perfect for a getaway.

This is actually one state forest campground split into two units, each on a lake: Big Leverentz and Little Leverentz.

There are about 20 campsites here with approximately 3/4 of them on the Big Leverentz side.

All sites are in good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents.

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. Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake.

Little Leverentz lake is quite small and while it has a canoe and kayak launch, it was in a state of disrepair in July 2020. The lake is small enough that you would really just do a lot of floating around anyway.

Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc. It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier.

Amenities include newer vault toilets, a hand pump for water, and a dumpster for trash.

Decent cell service for Verizon and Google Fi. 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.

Spent a few nights here with some friends over the weekend, but the funny thing is we ended up here on accident.  Got in late around 9:30 at night, but was able to find the last camp site.  The sites are small but are all equipped with several spots for tents.  It also includes a parking spot (obviously), a fire pit and a few stairs to either your parking spot or the road that connects all the sites.  There is a bathroom on site, but it was definitely stinkier than some of the other spots I've been to.  Water spigot available.  A great lake view for most of the sites; ours we could see through the trees from afar.  

Pretty easy access to and from the site.  City of Baldwin is close by and they have several places to shop for souvenirs, groceries, alcohol, firewood, flowers, jewelry, meats, fish, etc - Baldwin even has a cannabis dispensary - The Green Door.

One of the campsites close to the lake was flooded as the lake must have risen over the past several months.  

Fee is now $20 a night, not $18 like some websites might suggest.  

I will absolutely return again soon.

Full transparency—we did not stay at this campground but only drove through it as research for future trips. What we saw on a sunny Saturday in July did not tempt us to return. This is a large state park on a beautiful inland lake. There are several camping areas within the campground, and they are large and wooded. However, sites are packed close together and the campground was wall to wall vehicles. Perhaps this was because it is a popular boating area, and extra vehicles are needed to pull the boats. They are parked in a side parking lot within the campground area. Many RV owners don’t mind being surrounded by other RVs, but if you are a tent camper or drive a small Class B, this might not be for you, at least at the height of the summer season.

My 1st experience with Tentrr convinced me that this is the way to have my own private oasis! Upon arrival at Pine Meadows, we followed the short red bark path through the trees to our cabin tent, which was next to a lovely meadow and near a small pond. Heidi, the property owner briefly stopped by to welcome us and assure us that she was available by text for any needs we might have- yet, Heidi said the property was ours for the duration, and we wouldn’t see her unless necessary. Wow! This was such a cool experience! We felt like we had our own personal pond, meadow, and cabin tent! The cabin tent comfortably sleeps three in regular mattresses. I believe there is a cot available. Nearby is a large tent that will sleep four more people. A picnic table and Adirondack chairs are next to the firepit. Heidi has many yard games available, such as cornhole and badminton, making this a great location for families. There is a spot among the pine trees with a large fairy display and little hide-aways for kids. Honesty, I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren to this! The nearby town, Interlochen, is minutes away and has a grocery store, a few restaurants, and a nationally famous music camp. Within driving distance is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which National Geographic rated as one of the best 21 beaches in the world. My hubby and I camp a lot, and in addition to the positives mentioned above, we truly LOVED NOT HAVING AN OVERLOADED CAR! We didn’t need to pack a tent, bedding(we paid the extra$10 for their bedding- totally worth it!); nor did we need a tent and chairs! We actually had room in the car this trip! Yes, Tentrr costs more than a regular campsite; however, you get the privacy and convenience of Glamping! Totally, worth it!

My family and I ended up at Sunrise Lake after searching for a campground. This is a State Forest site so no reservations are available. First come, first served.

The sites were all very big! We have a very large tent and it easily fit on the site along with our vehicle. All the sites are very well shaded. The vault toilets were clean and the water was very good with no odd smells or tastes.

It's a little strange because Sunrise Lake is across the street, so it is a short walk down to the beach. Speaking of the beach, there isn't much of one but what was there was nice. It sloped gently out into the lake and my kids felt comfortable swimming there. We fished a little from shore. If you're just going for panfish, it's not bad. Just don't expect to catch dinner.

A few bad things. First, the campground and half the sites back up against a road. You will hear every car or truck that drives by at night. We went in the summer with full foliage. The leaves and trees did nothing to absorb the sound. Second, being a small campground, you hear everyone who decides to party late into the night. No ranger means no enforcement of quiet hours. Third, it was hard finding firewood. The closest gas station sold pieces of lumber cut into 1"x1"x15" pieces. Because it was lumber and not logs, they burned so fast.

Overall, it was nice for a weekend getaway, but this isn't a place I would choose to go back to. We will look for something else next time.