Best Tent Camping near Ludington, MI

Tent campsites around Ludington, Michigan offer varied camping experiences from walk-in sites within Ludington State Park to more remote options in the Manistee National Forest. Jackpine Hike-In Campground provides tent-only sites accessible via a one-mile hike from the Pines Campground area. Whelan Lake Campground and Timber Creek Campground offer additional primitive tent camping options within a short drive of Lake Michigan.

Most tent sites include basic amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Jackpine sites feature well-defined boundaries with corner markers, fire rings, and nearby vault toilets that are regularly maintained. At Sulak Campground in Manistee National Forest, campers find first-come, first-served tent sites surrounded by trees with vault toilets across from the camping area. Water availability differs between locations—Jackpine has a water pump, though seasonal closures may occur, while more primitive forest sites like Timber Creek may require campers to bring their own water or use filtration systems for nearby water sources. A 14-day stay limit applies at many National Forest tent campgrounds.

Tent campers in the Ludington area benefit from proximity to natural features not accessible to larger camping setups. At Jackpine, a large dune approximately 50 feet from the campground leads to a relatively private Lake Michigan beach. The sites maintain good separation between neighbors, offering a more secluded feel than the densely packed modern campgrounds. A visitor noted, "The sites are wooded and private. It's a short walk to the lighthouse." Timber Creek provides excellent stargazing opportunities from tent sites, with minimal light pollution. For water-based recreation, several tent campgrounds offer access to rivers and lakes, including Elk Canoe Campground which provides riverside tent sites accessible only by boat. A camper reported that "Elk is a great place to spend the night after a day of paddling or fishing. There are four sites with decent space between them."

Best Tent Sites Near Ludington, Michigan (33)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ludington, MI

731 Reviews of 33 Ludington Campgrounds


  • Kate K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Kinda overcrowded these days

    2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”

  • Steph K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Quiet, off-grid, close to the dunes

    The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is dispersed camping, and nearby is Lake Michigan Campground with tent and dry rv camping. We stayed there and almost had the whole place to ourselves.

    Be warned- there is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead and let people know you won’t be reachable. And then enjoy being disconnected :)

    The campsites were big and beneath mature trees for max shade and privacy. There’s a small bath house with flushing toilets. No hook ups or electricity of any sort. Camp hosts sold ice and firewood and there was potable water.

    The dunes are a quick walk and well worth it. There is a trail from the campground right down to the beach. We hiked all day and lounged on the beach. Dogs are welcome on-leash.

  • Emily W.
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Lakeview Campsite

    Great place to camp!

    We camped here over Labor Day weekend 2020. Our site was big, there were multiple play areas for kids to play on. Bathhouse was clean and offered two showers plus there was an additional shower house. They offer kayaks and canoe rentals and have a boat dock right on the lake. Quiet hours start at 10pm and strict quiet house are at 11. I have to say that this was the quietest we have stayed.

    About 20 minutes from Ludington State Park/ Lake Michigan. We would camp here again.

  • Emily M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Mears State Park Campground

    Not worth it

    Go to the beach for the day, but don't camp here. The sites were on top of each other and there was no privacy. There was only one bathroom for the entire campground meaning that only 3 stalls were offered for all of the women. Because there is only one bathroom and it isn't in the middle of the campground, it is a long walk for most of the campers. The showers were nice, but the bathroom could use an upgrade.

    All of the sites were sandy with no shade. Traveling on bike meant having few comfort items. We really could have used a tree or some other shade after a long day of touring, but there was no shade at the site or anywhere nearby. Most folks had awnings on their campers. I could see how having a camper or RV (or even a car) would make the experience more enjoyable, but still I would not choose to return here.

    It is not a tent friendly site because the tent gets blown off the sand. Sandy sites make it difficult to stake down a tent. We went on a particularly windy day and the gear we had was not enough to hold down the tent. I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm just to keep the tent from blowing away. 

    There was wifi, but it hardly worked at the site. The beach was decent, but nothing any more impressive than anywhere else on the lake. If you have the opportunity to stay somewhere other than here, go there instead. I was shocked that so many people would pay so much for such a pathetic campground. If you are paying to stay at a Michigan State Park, find yourself a better one!

    I intended on taking pictures, but was so unimpressed I completely forgot.

  • Jeff B.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Jack Pine Had Everything

    Ludington State Park - Jack Pine camp had everything. A very pleasant drive into the state park - with many places to access the beach.

    Check-in and parking for camping was easy and the price was reasonable. Easy hike to Jack Pine and it was easy to find my campsite.

    Campsite has well designated corner marker boundaries with plenty of room to pitch a tent and several hammock options. Each site has a solid fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of tree cover for shade. Toilets are close and clean.

    The hike to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse was picturesque. Great access to the beach and again toilets were close and clean.

  • Cody M.
    May. 13, 2022

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Quality Primitive Camping

    An easy walk from the designated parking spots by the maintenance area, but I chose to bike. The road was sandy in spots but manageable. Sites contain a fire ring and picnic table. Two clean vault toilets. Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent. Site F was good for hammocking. Walked to the lighthouse for sunset and was not disappointed. There’s a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan.

  • Jess O.
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park

    Spacious and Private Hike-In Sites

    Ludington offers both modern campsites and backcountry hike-in sites. We opt for the hike-in sites because they're very spacious and private, with easy access to Lake Michigan. There are 10 backcountry sites, which share two pit toilets and a water pump. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, and the park offers firewood delivery daily so you don't have to hike with it. If you need showers or flush toilets they are a 1 mile hike away in the main campground. The hike to the sites is very easy as it's also the sand path to the Big Sable Lighthouse. Crossing the path and going over a small sand dune will land you right on the beach. These sites are very popular because they're so great, so I would highly recommend reserving 6 months in advance for any summer weekends.

  • Jennifer T.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park

    Love Love Love this state park!

    Ludington State Park is comprised of 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, sandy beaches, the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands and forests. It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes. A one-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs through the park and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling and tubing. The park has more than 21 miles of marked hiking trails through dunes, forests and wetlands. For the more adventurous paddlers, the park’s 4-mile canoe trail through Hamlin Lake and its bordering marshlands, provides a challenging trip. A boat launch is available for access to the 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake.

    The park is home to three modern campgrounds, including Pines, Cedar and Beechwood, with a combined total of 360 campsites and three mini cabins. The Cedar Campground includes eight tent-only sites that are located on a separate loop. These tent sites do not have electricity, but are within walking distance of the restrooms and showers.

    The iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse is open for tours May through October and is maintained by the non-profit Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. In addition, volunteer lighthouse keepers come to stay for two weeks and help staff the visitor center and gift shop. A fee is required to climb to the top of the lighthouse.

  • s
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Campground steps away from Lake Michigan

    Clean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. We stayed at site 50A right across from the steps down to the beach. There was no privacy, but it was a large corner lot with both water and trash steps away. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.


Guide to Ludington

Ludington, Michigan, offers a fantastic selection of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Jackpine Hike-In Campground features well-defined campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the trees.
  • Timber Creek Campground provides spacious sites and easy access to hiking trails, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.
  • Whelan Lake Campground offers a serene environment with picnic tables and vault toilets, making it a great spot for a peaceful retreat.

Tips for tent camping near Ludington

  • At Insta-Launch Campground & Marina, be sure to bring your fishing gear, as the campground is right by the river, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
  • When visiting Elk Canoe Campground, prepare for a bit of a trek to access the sites, but enjoy the tranquility that comes with being away from the crowds.
  • For a more rustic experience, Manistee National Forest Sulak Campground offers a first-come, first-served setup with plenty of trees for shade and privacy.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ludington, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ludington, MI is Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ludington, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Ludington, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.