Best Campgrounds near Luther, MI

The Luther, Michigan area encompasses several established campgrounds within the Manistee National Forest, offering a mix of state forest and private camping facilities. Silver Creek State Forest Campground and Carrieville State Forest Campground provide rustic camping experiences directly in Luther, while nearby options like Coolwater on the Pine River Campground and Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins offer more amenities. The region supports various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with most campgrounds situated near rivers or lakes. Campgrounds like Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground and Sand Lake Campground provide water access for fishing and boating activities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Luther area, with most state forest campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping options are limited, though Silver Creek State Forest Campground remains open year-round. Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds like Sulak requiring higher clearance vehicles on forest roads. Cellular coverage can be inconsistent in more remote areas, though service is generally available at developed campgrounds. Water sources at state forest campgrounds typically include hand pumps or wells, while private campgrounds offer more extensive hookups. A visitor noted that "this campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nesseled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle."

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those along the Pine River which offers recreational opportunities. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables and fire rings, with most state forest sites providing vault toilets rather than shower facilities. Private campgrounds like Coolwater and Twin Oaks offer more amenities including showers, electric hookups, and camp stores. The proximity to rivers creates popular fishing and paddling opportunities, with the Pine River being a notable attraction. Visitors appreciate the balance of natural settings with reasonable access to amenities. The mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups, making the Luther area suitable for different outdoor preferences and experience levels.

Best Camping Sites Near Luther, Michigan (300)

    1. Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Luther, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-9465

    "The 8 mile hiking loop follows the river and intersects with some off road trails."

    "It's a lovely, quiet, private, in-the-middle-of-nowhere-in-the-middle-of-Michigan place on the beautiful Pine River. We listened to it burble past us all night long and it was heavenly."

    2. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground

    9 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3481

    "Absolutely gorgeous surroundings. Great hiking. One family had over 70 pumpkins carved and set up a trail. Impressive night walk. New owners. Like 8 days. Very accommodating."

    "A few trails to walk around the property, and not far to Manistee (bakery downtown is the best in the state).

    Will definitely be coming back here."

    3. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Baldwin, MI
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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"

    "On the lake with a boat launch. One hand pump water source at the entrance, no electric."

    4. Carrieville State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Luther, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "This campground is connected to a main ORV trail head."

    5. Peterson Bridge

    7 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 - $35 / night

    "This campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nesseled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle. Therr is a restroom every 4 campsites."

    "The walk-in tent sites were gorgeous, very hidden away in the trees, and 2 sites are literally right next to the river."

    6. Kestelwoods Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3476

    "This campground caters to trail bikers, kayakers & other groups."

    "In the Manistee National Forest, close to major trailheads, and right between two prime access points to the Pine river for canoeing and kayaking. Less than a mile to river trip rental locations also."

    7. Sulak Campground

    11 Reviews
    Baldwin, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    "Great campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!"

    "Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon. Just be careful walking on the road, locals fly down it."

    8. Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 723-0141

    $40 - $105 / night

    "Sand Lake is a really nice, well kept campground. Beautiful area, nice beach on a clean lake, and spacious campsites."

    "Sand Lake is a quiet wooded campground. Most of the sites have a good amount of trees between them, but there is a loop with fewer trees that is ideal for a group/family camp trip."

    9. Old Grade Campground

    2 Reviews
    Luther, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    "Also hiking trails! I would definitely come back"

    10. Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 848-4124

    $11 - $90 / night

    "Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."

    "And while I will say it's not very hidden away from the other sites it was still plenty relaxing and served the purpose of somewhere to hang my hat at the end of the day."

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Recent Reviews near Luther, MI

1056 Reviews of 300 Luther Campgrounds


  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    good spot

    we went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night. we took the 3rd open space i think. it was close to others but not too close. it is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Mears State Park Campground

    Best little campground at the lake

    Beautiful small state park campground. Very well maintained, clean facilities, beautiful beach. Easy walk into town to shops and restaurants.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • 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.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Small and quiet

    Not a lot of privacy between sites, but they are very large so you don’t feel on top of another and having the lake right there was nice

  • Ileene R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site, toilet is nice. Lake has boat access. There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    Good night’s sleep

    Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    White River RV Park & Campground

    A camp that does everything right!

    There’s a great variety of campsites available with a north woods bent!Management does a fine job of cleanliness, neatness and extreme attention to detail. Two facts summarize our satisfaction with this operation: cleaning people are seen making the rounds of each and every restroom and shower house TWICE daily. The management keeps a dedicated maintenance man available and on 24 hour call! He will aid and assist everything from lock outs to rookie campers doing their first sanitation drain, to motor vehicle issues. We are on our second annual visit.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Manistee National Forest dispersed campsite

    This is such a beautiful site, we stayed here a few days two years ago. Green road off of West Forest trail road south of Manistee Michigan. A wilderness area boundaries the campsite to the west, a short hike to the Nordhouse sand dunes. Many sites were available to us, we chose to utilize our favorite site.


Guide to Luther

Camping near Luther, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there's something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The area is surrounded by stunning nature. Many campers enjoy hiking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The location is beautiful," highlighting the scenic views available at Sulak Campground.
  • Visit local beaches: While some campgrounds like Orchard Beach State Park Campground no longer have direct beach access, nearby beaches are just a short drive away. A camper noted, "A short drive up the road leads to a wonderful local beach."
  • Enjoy water activities: Many campgrounds, such as Brower Park Campground, offer boating and fishing opportunities. One visitor said, "Ample boating, fishing swimming," making it a great spot for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Quiet and peaceful atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility of places like Sherman City Acres. A reviewer shared, "If you enjoy camping without the crowd, this is an ideal location."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, including Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming nature of campground hosts. At Poncho's Pond RV Park, a visitor said, "People were very friendly from the get-go willing to help you if you needed any help."

What you should know:

  • Limited beach access: Some campgrounds, like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, have lost beach access due to erosion. A camper warned, "This park does not have a beach anymore and will probably never have one."
  • Cell service can be spotty: Many areas, including Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, have limited cell service. One reviewer mentioned, "Verizon service was fair," so plan accordingly.
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds, like Silver Creek State Forest Campground, do not provide firewood. A camper noted, "Finding firewood in the campground is near impossible."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Traverse City KOA offer playgrounds and pools. A visitor said, "Lots of kids though as they have a massive kids playground."
  • Choose spacious sites: Many campgrounds have large sites that can accommodate families. One camper at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground mentioned, "We were at one of the big group sites overlooking the pond."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours, so be mindful of noise. A reviewer at Traverse City KOA noted, "They have what they call a strict 10pm-8am quiet hours."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A camper at Sulak Campground mentioned, "Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds, like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, have rough access roads. A reviewer advised, "4WD is recommended if you want to go deep."
  • Bring extra supplies: Campgrounds like Brower Park Campground may have additional fees for amenities. One camper noted, "Be prepared for extra fees for your cars and boats."

Camping near Luther, Michigan, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Luther, Michigan?

Luther, Michigan offers diverse camping experiences in the heart of Manistee National Forest. Carrieville State Forest Campground provides a rustic experience with basic amenities including water and toilets, and is suitable for larger RVs. Silver Creek State Forest Campground offers a more secluded option with water access. The area also features numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout the national forest. Nearby, you'll find additional options in neighboring towns like Baldwin and Wellston, all within a short drive of Luther's scenic forests and rivers.

Is Loggers Landing in Luther open year-round?

Loggers Landing in Luther does not appear to be open year-round. Like many campgrounds in northern Michigan, it likely operates seasonally due to harsh winter conditions. For year-round camping alternatives in the region, consider Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, which offers dispersed camping throughout the year for those prepared for winter conditions. Another option is Peterson Bridge, which while primarily a warm-weather destination, may accommodate off-season camping with proper preparation. Always call ahead to confirm availability during off-season months.

What are the fees for camping at Luther Campground?

Camping fees at Luther area campgrounds typically range from $15-20 per night for rustic sites. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground near Wellston charges moderate fees for their amenity-rich sites, while Kestelwoods Campground offers various pricing tiers depending on hookup needs and season. State Forest Campgrounds in the area generally cost around $15 per night plus the Recreation Passport for Michigan residents or a daily fee for non-residents. Rates may increase on holidays and weekends during peak season (May-September). Most campgrounds accept cash and credit cards, though some remote sites are self-registration with exact cash only.