Best Campgrounds near Mackinac Island, MI

Located along the straits connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan, campgrounds near Mackinac Island provide strategic access to both the island and northern Michigan attractions. Straits State Park Campground offers views of the Mackinac Bridge with established campsites for tents and RVs, while Wilderness State Park includes cabins alongside traditional camping options. KOA locations in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City feature glamping and cabin accommodations. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating everything from tents to large RVs, with Tee Pee Campground and Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping providing waterfront options for those seeking lake views.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with the majority open from May through October. Winter conditions and bridge access can impact camping availability during colder months. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when ferry service to Mackinac Island experiences peak demand. Developed campgrounds like Straits State Park provide electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities, while Search Bay offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive experiences. Campground selection often depends on preferred ferry access points, as both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City serve as departure points for Mackinac Island. As one camper noted, "Perfect place from which to drive to the Mackinac Island ferry boats just a couple of miles away."

The proximity to Mackinac Island represents the primary draw for many campgrounds in the region. Campers consistently mention the convenience of campgrounds serving as base camps for island exploration. Several visitors highlighted the Mackinac Bridge views as a significant amenity, particularly from waterfront sites at Straits State Park. A reviewer described their experience: "We had some great views of the mighty mack bridge and even saw the northern lights one night!" Campgrounds with ferry shuttle services receive positive feedback, with multiple KOA guests appreciating this convenience. While campground density varies, many developed sites throughout the region offer full or partial hookups, making them suitable for extended stays while exploring the island and surrounding attractions. Traffic noise from the Mackinac Bridge appears in some reviews of waterfront locations, suggesting inland sites may offer quieter experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Mackinac Island, Michigan (111)

    1. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "This is a big state park with easy access to town. My campsite was right on the water. In fact two women kayaked up from Ludington, MI, and camped right next to me."

    "As with Wilderness, this park has two sections of campgrounds- a higher loop in the woods and a lower loop along the shore of Lake Michigan.  Both are desirable and have decent sized sites. "

    2. Wilderness State Park Camping

    77 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "This camp ground is located right on Lake Michigan, and close to the bridge, and the dark sky park. We camped here for a night since camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island."

    "It has wonderful trails around it, good sized sites, an active ranger program for kids."

    3. Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA

    24 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5643

    "Close to Leggs restaurant. Mackinac Island. Tunnel of Trees. Upper peninsula Michigan. All this and a great campground."

    "This campground was easy to drive our camper through and easy to find. It’s in a great location and there is a shuttle that will pick you up if you want to go to Mackinac Island."

    4. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    20 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-9303

    "Spent four nights here while we explored the surrounding area. Took two trips out to Mackinac Island - the ferry sompanies have free pick up at the KOA."

    "Super close to the docks for a trip to Mackinac Island which was great."

    5. Tee Pee Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5391

    $34 - $52 / night

    "Nice family owned campground on Lake Huron. Very nice view of the Mackinac Bridge, very clean bathrooms and showers, perfect for families."

    "This is a great location to camp if you are looking for proximity to Mackinac Island. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They have electric and water but no sewer."

    6. Tiki RV Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-7808

    $28 - $42 / night

    "It met our needs for a day trip to Mackinac Island. It’s within biking distance to the Shepler’s Ferry dock which is super nice of you’re planning to take bikes along."

    "Located up on a hill and there are some spots that overlook the lake and Mackinaw Island. Close to town. Very clean and friendly staff."

    7. Search Bay Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Cedarville, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience."

    "Great spot on the lake. A lot of people are set up. Otherwise great location"

    8. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

    9 Reviews
    Mackinaw City, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5584

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Our site was just steps away from Lake Huron, so we got to enjoy swimming right from camp, which was such a bonus."

    "We traveled with two other families and chose to stay on the Lake View (Mackinaw Bridge not visible). For our families these were the best sites because they are on the water with beach sand."

    9. Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow

    10 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    12 miles

    "Got here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place."

    "Barbara is amazing as is her 50 some spots on private camping land on the lake! Electric hookups, water well, and honestly my favorite camping site so far! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

    10. Lakeshore Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-9522

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Offers some sites close to the lakeshore and others a little farther back. Nice facilities and location. Picnic table provided at each site."

    "Right on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Great little beach for enjoying the lake. Campground is quiet and well maintained."

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Recent Reviews near Mackinac Island, MI

794 Reviews of 111 Mackinac Island Campgrounds


  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Petoskey KOA

    Beautiful setting in woods

    This campground was close to the town of Petoskey, had clean showers and bathrooms, which were toasty in the cool October night we stayed! Kudos! Our site was level, shaded, and close to the facilities, as we are van campers this was nice.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    Nice big campground with a couple loop right on the lake. Woodsy and decent space between sites. Just us and one other van on a weekday in October. Road noise not an issue during our stay. Great AT&T cell service. $20/night camping fee plus recreation fee if you don't already have it.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Castle Rock Ponds

    Good Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice bare bones dispersed camping spot. Decent gravel road leading to it, and easy to navigate to the different spots along the pond (we were in a 26’ Winnebago View). A few other campers out there, a couple looked like some more permanent fixtures of the camping area. Good fishing in pond, caught a trout. We stayed for two nights and both days/nights there were people doing target shooting in the area so there was some pretty loud gunshots, if that’s a deal breaker for you, I wouldn’t recommend this spot.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Young State Park Campground

    Nice Lakeside Campground

    Lovely campground right on the water and sandy beach. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers, sites had electric hookups, camp area had potable water and black water dump. We came at the very end of the season (October 4-5) and from what I could tell, the campsite was shutting down, so I’m unsure of the availability going forward until next season. Overall a beautiful spot!

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Right on the shore of Lake superior. Lakefront was just a few steps from our campsite. Sunset. Friendly. Clean facilities.

  • Joe C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Brimley State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park

    Very few campers at this time of year. Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in. Very nice park and we would come back again.

  • Dan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Big Knob State Forest Campground

    Nice away from it all

    Great, site 5 does not have a picnic table. Sites are large, varied, some not too level, $20, envelope system.

  • J
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Tee Pee Campground

    Fine for the area

    It’s a basic public campground in a busy town. Not much privacy and plenty of drunk RV’ers but I found a nice spot and had a good night. I found a nice long trail to hike that started in town.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Waterways Campground

    Very nice campground

    Check in was great and the host was very friendly and helped me with all my questions. The site is very well maintained and the bathrooms were super clean. Close to great biking trails and other amenities in Cheboygan. The wireless and cell coverage was great. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and would recommend this RV park.


Guide to Mackinac Island

Camping sites near Mackinac Island, Michigan offer various options for overnight stays along the shoreline of Lakes Huron and Michigan. The region experiences average summer temperatures of 70-80°F with frequent lake breezes, while seasonal operation typically runs May through October with limited winter availability. Camping permits aren't required for established campgrounds, though dispersed camping follows standard Forest Service regulations.

What to do

Visit Headlands Dark Sky Park: Located just 10 minutes from Mackinaw City, this designated dark sky area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. As one camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA noted, "recommend visiting the Headlands Dark Sky Park about 10 mins away, awesome views of the stars over Lake Michigan."

Beach access: Many camping areas provide direct lake access for swimming and water activities. At Tee Pee Campground, campers enjoy "a nice beach with a view of the Mackinac Bridge" according to reviews. Most waterfront sites have designated swimming areas that are typically uncrowded during weekdays.

Biking trails: The North Western State Trail connects to several campgrounds in the region. A visitor to Mackinaw City KOA mentioned, "From the campground, there is a nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the North Western State Trail." This paved path provides miles of riding opportunities with lake views.

Northern Lights viewing: The region's northern location makes it possible to see the aurora borealis during active periods. A camper at Wilderness State Park Camping shared, "I made a spontaneous trip up towards Mackinac to catch a view of the northern lights. Wilderness State Park has fantastic beach sites all along the water that offer great views."

What campers like

Campground shuttle services: Several campgrounds offer free transportation to Mackinac Island ferries. A St. Ignace KOA camper explained, "The shuttle they have to the island ferry's is great. They even haul your bikes there for you." These services typically run hourly during peak season.

Community fire pits: Waterfront fire rings at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping create social gathering spots. "There is a beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening. Very cool and communal in a good way," wrote one reviewer.

Economical dispersed camping options: For those seeking budget-friendly alternatives, Search Bay Dispersed offers free lakeside camping. "Great sites here (so many to choose from all across the water). Each have their own fire pits," noted one camper. The area requires no reservations and typically has availability even during peak periods.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. A Straits State Park camper mentioned, "The showers were private, deadbolt locking individual showers with hot water. They automatically go off every five minutes and you press a button to get another 5 minutes."

What you should know

Seasonal insect patterns: Bug activity varies significantly by location and timing. At Wilderness State Park, campers advise, "Very buggy in June, come prepared." Another camper at Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow warned about "mosquitoes. Absolute war zone. Bring your best armor. (Hopefully it was just the time of year.)" August typically sees reduced mosquito pressure.

Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary widely in the region. At Mackinaw Mill Creek, a reviewer advised, "Definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you're planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they'll put you in a good spot."

Reservation documentation: Carry printed confirmations of your bookings. One camper at Wilderness State Park simply stated, "Lost our reservation. Bring paperwork." Many campgrounds have limited internet service for verifying digital confirmations.

Water levels and conditions: Lakeside sites can be affected by water conditions. A Tee Pee Campground visitor observed, "Lots were of decent size. The beach front has a good view of the bridge." However, at Wilderness, another noted "millions of dead fish flies in the water and shore line, but obviously that was out of our control."

Tips for camping with families

Halloween events: Some campgrounds host special seasonal activities. A Wilderness State Park camper shared, "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun." These themed weekends typically occur in late September and early October.

Family-friendly amenities: Various recreation options keep children entertained at campgrounds. At St. Ignace KOA, a camper noted, "As with most KOA's there are games and things to do for the kids. Mini golf, carpet ball, volleyball, etc." Some facilities include dedicated playgrounds with climbing structures.

Beach safety considerations: Lake conditions can change quickly. At Mill Creek Camping, a visitor explained, "We were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. It was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there." Families should check water conditions daily as winds affect swimming safety.

Tips from RVers

Electrical service variability: Different sites offer different amperage options. A reviewer at Tiki RV Park stated, "We reserved 50 amp full hook up. We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome." Always confirm specific hookup details when booking.

Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. At Straits State Park, a camper mentioned, "Only downsides are some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding and bathrooms are not throughout." Bring extra leveling blocks for waterfront locations where terrain tends to slope toward the water.

Shuttle logistics: For Mackinac Island visitors, timing matters. "They offer a free shuttle to mackinaw ferry. That was really helpful," noted a Mackinaw City KOA visitor. Most shuttle services require sign-up at least 30 minutes before departure times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks near Mackinac Island?

Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Mackinac Island. Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA offers full hookup sites and is conveniently located for ferry access to the island. Tee Pee Campground provides electric and water hookups (no sewer) with a dump station available. The campground offers views of the Mackinac Bridge and is family-friendly with clean facilities, though some spots may be tight for larger rigs. Most RV parks in the area are open seasonally and provide easy access to ferries serving Mackinac Island.

Can you camp on Mackinac Island?

No, camping is not permitted on Mackinac Island. The island has no designated campgrounds or areas where camping is allowed. Visitors who wish to stay overnight must choose from the island's hotels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals. For those wanting to camp while visiting the island, the best options are on the mainland near the ferry docks. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA on the Upper Peninsula side or mainland campgrounds in Mackinaw City provide convenient bases for day trips to the island. Ferry services run regularly during the season, making it easy to visit while camping nearby.

What camping options are available near Mackinac Bridge?

The Mackinac Bridge area offers diverse camping experiences on both peninsulas. Magnus Park Campground provides full hookups at reasonable rates with excellent access to the Little Traverse Wheelway and Lake Michigan views. For those seeking a more natural setting, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers spacious sites with bridge views. Both sides of the bridge feature campgrounds with varying amenities from rustic to full-service. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October, with peak season being June through August when reservations are strongly recommended.

Where are the best campgrounds near Mackinac Island?

While you can't camp directly on Mackinac Island, several excellent options are available nearby. Straits State Park Campground in St. Ignace offers stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and is conveniently located near the ferry docks. The park features both wooded sites and lakefront camping with clean facilities including modern bathhouses. Another great option is Wilderness State Park Camping, located on Lake Michigan with beautiful shoreline access. These campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, so reservations are highly recommended, especially if you're planning to visit Mackinac Island.