A
Ann K.
Scout
ScoutJones Lake State Forest Campground
Peaceful
Beautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
Camping near Lewiston, MI
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Camping near Lewiston, Michigan ranges from tent and RV sites at state forest campgrounds to rustic lakefront sites in the heart of northern Michigan. Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground offers tent and RV sites within walking distance of lake access, while Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground features similar accommodations with a season running from April to October. Several state forest campgrounds in the region maintain rustic sites with basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water, situated among lakes and woodland trails characteristic of Michigan's northern lower peninsula.
Road access to most campgrounds involves paved highways with short stretches of well-maintained gravel roads leading to the camping areas. Winter camping is limited as many state forest campgrounds close after November. "This is a cute little campground located in Central Lake. Many of the water sites are very close together, but it offers you access to the lake for fishing, paddling and more," noted one visitor. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region, with better service closer to Gaylord and spotty coverage in more remote forest areas. Most campgrounds require a Michigan Recreation Passport for entry, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis at many locations.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Lewiston area. Campers particularly value the combination of wooded privacy and lake access available at several state forest campgrounds. A camper mentioned that "it was just before Labor Day and we had hoped to make it up to the Upper Peninsula before nightfall. This didn't happen, so we tried a couple of state parks, but everything was already full." The proximity to both Gaylord and Atlanta provides convenient access to supplies while maintaining a sense of woodland seclusion. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in early summer and beautiful fall colors in September and October. Many campers report the best experience in late summer when water temperatures are warmer for swimming and fishing while bugs have typically diminished. Those seeking top-rated campgrounds near Lewiston will find the late-summer window ideal for combining waterfront camping with cooler evenings and quieter sites after the peak holiday crowds.
Best Campgrounds near Lewiston (218)
1. Otsego Lake State Park Campground
"A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"
"Otsego Lake provides a needed escape from the city while still being close enough to a happening town that one can camp and get into town for a nice dinner. The lake and campsite are clean."
from $41 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Avery Lake State Forest Campground
"It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available."
"The lake is amazing with several islands to explore and one of the islands has a campsite. No busy roads near by so you really feel like you’re deep in the woods."
from $15 / night
Check Availability3. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
"A few trails walking distance from the campground. The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."
"Some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I’ve seen."
from $41 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
"Bait and convenience store across from entrance. Good hub for local hiking and activities around the area."
"Ramps to walk down to water. Amazing sunsets"
5. Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground
"Bathrooms are pretty far away from the camp spots in the front, fire pits are a little on the small end, and picnic tables HAVE to have a covered(plants growing out of them and very old)."
"Each site is large and separated by trees and green space…pit toilets are clean and well equipped with tp… lake access fir fishing & swimming"
6. Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground
"I stayed here and rode dirt bikes from jere and swam in the lake afterwards. It was refreshing and there is a small sandy area to swim out of. The lake is very peaceful and quiet."
"Lake is cute and ORV trails were great."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Au Sable River Primitive Camping
"The absolute BEST campsite I have ever camped at in Michigan! The perfect morning and evening view of the river. Directly across from the best fishing spot and shoreline to soak up the summer sun."
"You are surrounded by forest and dunes and the sites themselves provide ample space for a group of 5 or more."
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. Gaylord KOA
"While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."
"The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."
from $61 - $95 / night
Check Availability9. Shupac Lake State Forest Campground
"There’s 30+ spacious campsites all lake side! Multiple bathrooms along the way. Beach is clean and Sandy! And has tons of places to hike and explore."
"All sites are along the lake, most (all?) are on a small bluff above the lake with stairs or trail down to the shore. Arrived on a Saturday in July to find 75% full, but was able to get in."
10. Clear Lake State Park Campground
"Had a site next to the woods. Nice walking paths. Lots of orv's in other sites."
"The Guest Host is a character and extremely friendly and will be happy you chose Clear Lake State Park. He has plenty of games from cornhole to frisbee to playing cards, etc..."
from $27 - $120 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 43 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 46 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 53 min from Saginaw, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Lewiston, MI
247 Photos of 218 Lewiston Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground
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Gaylord KOA
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Otsego Lake State Park Campground
Lake Marjory State Forest Campground
Luzerne Express Campground & RV
Round Lake State Forest Campground
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Recent Reviews near Lewiston, MI
713 Reviews of 218 Lewiston Campgrounds
Robert M.
GuideWooden Shoe Campground
Wooden Shoe Campground, Nice campground on a bluff above Lake Ellsworth.
I was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
- Gordie H.Scout
Beaver Creek Resort
Perfect Get away!
We went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
Dana
TravelerSouth Higgins Lake State Park Campground
Disappointing
The 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.
Meghan B.
LegendOssineke State Forest Campground
Ossineke State Forest Campground
Stayed for one night on a Saturday in mid-September and managed to snag one of the very few lake-view sites in the North Unit section of the campground. We stayed in Site 15, which has the added distinction of being next to a memorial and grave dating back to the late 1800s--an unexpected bit of history right at the campsite. There are only a handful of sites that offer a true view of the lake, with a few additional sites that may have lake access. The sites in the North Unit are fairly close together and very open, with little to no privacy between most sites. The South Unit is much more wooded and swampy, and while I’m not sure if any of those sites have lake access, they do offer more privacy between campsites. Mosquitoes were still buzzing around in mid-September, so I’d imagine they’re even more prevalent in the South Unit. The vault toilets are definitely old, but they were very clean and clearly well maintained by the camp host. Overall, a nice campground if you can snag one of the coveted lake-view sites!
- TTerry A.Guide
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Haakwood Campground Rustic
Nice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
- Mary H.
RangerYoung State Park Campground
Great location; nice amenities
We really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
David L.GuideHartwick Pines State Park Campground
Nice state park
The campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
Janel G.GuidePetoskey State Park Campground
Petoskey State Park
Petoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
Guide to Lewiston
Camping sites near Lewiston, Michigan offer rustic experiences across several state forest campgrounds situated in Michigan's northern lower peninsula. The terrain features sandy loam soil with predominantly pine and oak tree cover, creating filtered shade throughout most sites. Summer temperatures typically range 70-85°F during day and 50-60°F at night, with higher humidity in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Shupac Lake State Forest Campground provides access to a spring-fed lake with clear waters. "There's 30+ spacious campsites all lake side! Beach is clean and Sandy! And has tons of places to hike and explore," notes a camper. The lake supports bass and panfish populations.
ORV trail access: Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground connects directly to regional ORV trails. "This rustic campground is right on the ORV route. This means you can camp here and even ride in your Jeep or side by side right from camp," explains one visitor. Trail maps are available at the campground entrance.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several small lakes within 15 miles of Lewiston offer paddling opportunities with minimal motorboat traffic. "The lake is very peaceful and quiet. Great for kayaking or canoeing! There are no houses on the small lake and it is typically calm water," notes a Muskrat Lake camper.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Avery Lake State Forest Campground receives consistent praise for site size. "This place was really nice and not very busy. It's on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access," reports one camper. Sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs with room for vehicle parking.
Lower crowds: Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground typically remains less crowded than other area campgrounds. "Empty & Amazing... We were basically the only ones there other than a family all the way at the end. We had a giant site that had lake view and very clear access," writes one visitor. Most weekdays offer good site availability without reservations.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities around area lakes. "The morning on the water was amazing. Steamy sunlight kissed the morning while the loons sang their beautiful song," describes one camper at Little Wolf Lake. Common sightings include loons, deer, and various waterfowl.
What you should know
Variable cell coverage: Service varies widely based on exact location and provider. "I had 3 bars of service here," notes an Avery Lake camper, though coverage decreases in more remote sections of the forest.
Water availability: All state forest campgrounds in the region provide water via hand pumps. Water is potable but may have mineral taste. No direct hookups available at rustic campgrounds.
Site leveling considerations: Many sites have natural slopes. "Sites are good size. Reservation side has sites up to split rail fence. Ramps to walk down to water," notes a Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground visitor. Bringing leveling blocks for RVs and campers is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "The lake was absolutely beautiful and super blue and clear. The beach at the state park was nice but not really a natural beach but the lake itself is naturally sandy," reports a visitor to Clear Lake State Park Campground.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Some locations offer better biking terrain for children. "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," notes a camper at Otsego Lake State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Bring water toys and beach equipment during summer months. "Great bike riding park for little ones," mentions an Otsego Lake visitor. Several lakes feature gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most state forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs but have limitations. "Rustic and quiet. Lake is cute and ORV trails were great," notes a Muskrat Lake camper. RVs under 30 feet typically fit best at most area campgrounds.
Campsite drainage: Be aware of site drainage after rain. "During the downside is the sites are all sand. This is a problem when it rains. No matter how hard you try to clean your shoes, you end up tracking in wet, dirty sand," shares an Otsego Lake State Park Campground visitor. Choose elevated sites when possible.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist in the region. "The sites have been enlarged with plenty of space per site. Most of the sites overlook the lake," notes another Otsego Lake visitor. Make reservations 3-6 months in advance for electric sites during peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lewiston, MI?
What camping is available near Lewiston, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lewiston, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Lewiston, MI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lewiston, MI?
Which is the most popular campground near Lewiston, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewiston, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lewiston, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lewiston, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Lewiston, MI.
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