U
Ursula 
Ranger
RangerWilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful nature surrounding you
The campground is laid out well although to tightly spaced for my taste.
Tent Camping near Mackinac Island, MI
14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent campsites around Mackinac Island offer a mixture of secluded, rustic experiences in northern Michigan's forested areas. The region includes established tent camping options such as Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, located approximately 45 miles south of Mackinac Island, which provides walk-in tent sites along the Ocqueoc River. Other tent-focused options include Camp Darling and the wilderness campsites at Wilderness State Park, both of which cater specifically to tent campers seeking more remote experiences.
Tent campgrounds in this region typically feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Most sites include fire rings and access to vault toilets, while drinking water is available at select locations via hand pumps. The terrain at tent sites is generally natural forest floor with minimal grading. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, including Ocqueoc Falls, which charges around $20 per night on an honor system. Access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring boat access, such as Lime Island State Recreation Area, while others like Stoney Creek Trail Camp offer both drive-in and walk-in options for tent campers.
The tent camping experience near Mackinac Island provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and natural immersion. Many sites are positioned along rivers or lakes, offering both scenic views and recreational opportunities. At Ocqueoc Falls, tent campers can easily access hiking trails that circle approximately 7 miles through varied ecosystems along the river. Sites are typically well-spaced, providing reasonable privacy even during busier summer months. Fall brings particularly favorable conditions for tent campers with fewer crowds and brilliant foliage. A review mentioned, "Camped off of the dirt bike/hiking trail. Found access off end of Black Hwy," indicating the availability of more isolated tent sites for those willing to explore. Visitors to Beaver Island noted the campground offers "private, quiet, and easy access to the beach" though warned about windy conditions requiring appropriate gear.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Mackinac Island (14)
1. Camp Darling
from $40 - $50 / night
2. O’Neal Lake campsite - Wilderness State Park
from $15 / night
Check Availability3. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
"First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
"Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river. I could have used this as a base of operations for a week."
4. Pigeon Bay Campground
5. Stoney Creek Trail Camp
"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
6. Lime Island State Recreation Area Campground
"Lime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary’s River at the very east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground
"Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake."
8. Sturgeon Valley Campground
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
9. Munuscong River SF Campground
10. Pigeon River State Forest dispersed camping
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 29 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 31 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 41 min from Saginaw, MI
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mackinac Island, MI
6 Photos of 14 Mackinac Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Mackinac Island, MI
827 Reviews of 14 Mackinac Island Campgrounds
- ddeep W.
GuideAune-Osborn Campground
St Mary's riverfront city campground
This is a busy campground operated by the city of Sault St Marie. I made my reservation on the campground website. I arrived after the campground office had closed, so stopped at the site of the campground host. He checked me in and provided the codes to access the bathrooms, showers, and wifi password. He was friendly and efficient.
Besides the clean and well maintained bathrooms and showers, there are laundry facilities available, $1.50 to wash and $2 to dry.
The campsites are all close and quite open, but this campground is all about the location, right on the St. Mary's river and ship canal. The RV sites each have water spigots and 50/30 amp electrical pedestals.
I was surprised at the number of early risers at this campground. Lots of people up and about at first light in the morning. Several rigs were gone by 9am, so it appears that many people use this as a one night stop on a through trip.
Daniel M.
TravelerCastle Rock Ponds
Awesome location - Castle Rock Ponds
Beautiful location for dispersed camping right on the Castle Rock Ponds. Surrounded by lush trees and clean stocked ponds. Once you get onto the main road going in and out of the area it’s pretty straightforward - there are multiple sites where you can pull over and there’s a sort of peninsula that juts out where most people set up camp. Generally on the peninsula there’s about 4-5 spots unless you squeeze in but more can be accessed around the ponds. Expect people to be there if it’s the weekend.
- rrichard D.Guide
Brimley State Park Campground
Great view of ship traffic
Beautiful setting, although sites are a bit close together. We camped in site 55, which is open to the beach and sand. It provided good views and you can hear the waves. The path for other campers (not having direct beach access) borders this site, so if the park is busier there will be more people wandering near your campsite. Sites include a fire pit (no grate) and picnic table.
We tend to prefer spaced out sites with more privacy. But as it wasn’t a busy time, we didn’t have too much of a problem.
Bathroom and shower facilities seemed new and were clean. There was plenty of hot water in the showers.
- CCathryn S.
ScoutBig Knob State Forest Campground
Perfect for a first timer
Some of these sites are on Lake Michigan and it's beautiful with a few trails. Self serve, first come first served. I got a site at 7 pm on a beautiful Saturday night in September. Very lucky!
- BBrooke J.Scout
Search Bay Dispersed
Search Bay Camping Area
Beautiful area. Lots of exploring to do. No crowds at all. One wish. Don’t throw left overs out on the ground even if it’s back on n the bushes. Dogs find them and may have difficulty digesting whatever it is.
- JJonathan B.Guide
Castle Rock Ponds
Ok but bumpy
Bumpy road but our 20 ft trailer made it ok. Some previous campers left trash but that is normal for dispersed camping as many campers don’t respect the land. Ponds were clear water. Some OHVs near by during the day enjoying the trails but very quiet at night. Other campers around at other spots. Overall we would come back
Kevin H.GuideStraits State Park Campground
First Visit to the UP
We were on our way to a camp out in Wisconsin and decided to make a loop up around the lake and stop to visit Mackinac Island on our way. We chose Straits State Park due to the close proximity to the island. The campground is well maintained with lots of sites that are very close together. Not many campers this time of year. The campground is very quiet other than the noise from the bridge which is just on the other side of the trees. New clean bath houses with warm running water.
- 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.
Guide to Mackinac Island
Tent campsites near Mackinac Island, Michigan are typically open from April through October when temperatures average 45-75°F during camping season. The northern Michigan landscape features a mix of hardwood forest, coastal shoreline, and inland water systems. River-based camping options predominate in the region, with many sites offering water access for recreation but requiring additional planning for drinking water.
What to do
Swimming in falls areas: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground lets visitors enjoy Michigan's only handicap accessible waterfall. "Large and small sites, friendly staff. Walk along the Ocqueoc River to the falls, walk the path through the campground or park at the site and take a short trip to the falls," notes Laura in her review of this popular swimming spot.
Paddling opportunities: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides river access for kayakers. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," says Sue R. about this site that serves as a launching point for water recreation.
Wildlife watching: The trail systems around camping areas offer chances to spot local wildlife. "With so little human activity you never know what you'll find," mentions Ari A. about Lime Island State Recreation Area, where approximately 7 miles of hiking trails traverse the island.
What campers like
Lake views: Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground offers waterfront tent sites. "Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump," reports a camper, though they warn about preparing for windy conditions with appropriate gear.
River sites: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along waterways. "What's not to love? Only a few sites, but this campground has it all. Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river," says Sarah B. about camping at Ocqueoc Falls.
Freighter watching: For unique entertainment, Lime Island offers an unusual camping experience. "One of the favorite pastimes of guests is sitting and watching the large Great Lakes freighters pass by at all hours of the day. They pass so close to the island you feel you could almost touch them," mentions a visitor.
What you should know
Access limitations: Some tent sites require boat transportation. Lime Island "sits in the middle of the river with Canada on one side and Michigan on the other... The only way to reach the park is by boat but there are no designated ferries," explains a reviewer, noting that "non-motorized boats are not recommended due to the many freighters and choppy water conditions."
Basic amenities only: Garnet Lake State Forest Campground typifies the rustic experience in the region. "No hookups but there are widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake. It was a pleasant place to spend a night for $10," notes Eddie N., highlighting the value and simplicity.
Weather considerations: Tent camping in the region requires weather preparedness. "Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear," warns a camper about Beaver Island, a consideration for coastal sites throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Some campsites offer direct water recreation for children. "Nice sandy beaches," mentions Christopher P. about Stoney Creek Trail Camp, adding that the park "offers kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Also paddle boards."
Plant awareness: Watch for problem vegetation around campsites. "Some poison ivy near our site a few years ago, watch your kids," warns a camper about Ocqueoc Falls, indicating families should do site checks upon arrival.
Recreational options: For families needing structured activities, some campgrounds offer more developed options. "Disc golf and regular golf available," notes a reviewer about Stoney Creek Trail Camp, providing alternatives to water-based activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most rustic sites require some adjustment for comfort. "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot. The lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere - a certain plus," shares Joshua M. about camping at Ocqueoc Falls.
Site selection: RVers should consider proximity to amenities and noise. "The camp is semi-isolated. There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors. Additionally, you can hear road noise from M-68," cautions a reviewer.
Seasonal accessibility: Most tent campsites and primitive RV areas in the region close seasonally. "This small campground on Garnet lake was a nice surprise... It was a pleasant place to spend a night for $10," mentions a camper who visited during the April-October operating season.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mackinac Island, MI is Camp Darling with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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