14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Northern Michigan's Mancelona area serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences within the Chain O'Lakes region. Starlight Campground and RV Park offers 136 sites with full hookups just minutes from downtown Mancelona, while Antrim Meadows Campground provides a mix of tent and RV sites operating from mid-April through mid-October. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground near Kalkaska for more rustic experiences, or Otsego Lake State Park for year-round camping with modern amenities. The region sits at the crossroads of several recreational corridors, with campgrounds typically nestled among northern hardwood forests and near both inland lakes and streams.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from May through September. As one camper noted at Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "It was just before Labor Day and we tried a couple of state parks, but everything was already full." Reservations are essential during summer weekends, particularly for lakeside sites. Spring camping brings variable conditions with potential for muddy access roads and cooler temperatures. Many campgrounds in the region feature pit toilets and seasonal water spigots rather than full shower facilities. Cell service can be spotty in more remote forest campgrounds, while private RV parks typically offer WiFi connectivity. Bug spray is considered essential equipment by most reviewers, especially for early summer camping.
Lake access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mancelona region. Sites near water bodies tend to fill quickly, with one visitor to Barnes County Park noting, "Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a distance." Campgrounds with boat launches provide convenient water access for fishing and paddling. Mosquitoes can be problematic in wooded sites, particularly after rainfall. Campers frequently mention the region's extensive trail networks, including the Little Traverse Wheelway and Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which connect campgrounds to nearby towns and attractions. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with state forest campgrounds generally offering more seclusion than private RV parks. Proximity to small towns like Bellaire, Central Lake, and Charlevoix provides convenient access to supplies and dining options.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $80 / night
"Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
"They made us feel like family the minute we walked through the door. We would defiantly visit again!"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."
"Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 5/5 Nearby activities Super close to torch lake and lots of great small towns."
from $29 - $44 / night
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $100 / night
"the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"
"We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."
from $15 - $20 / night
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
"Traveling along the western border Michigan on our motorcycle over the 4th of July, we were in in the Traverse City area and finding a hard time finding an open campsite."
from $25 / night
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
"This campground is located on a small lake with beautiful scenery and is located across the road from an ATV trail. The North County Hiking Trail also runs through this camp."
"Lake with boat ramp, fishing areas off the beach, lots of wildlife, north country trail and campground trail to hike on, and ORV trail across the road"
from $13 - $15 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $100 / night
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
ScoutGreat campsite. Nice spot with solid fire ring. There was also connection so we could watch football
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
TravelerFirst come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
GuideYa got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
TravelerBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI 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
ScoutWe 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!
LegendMy all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
Camping near Mancelona, Michigan centers around the region's pine forests and glacial lakes situated at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer day temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter dropping below freezing from December through March. Northern Michigan's continental climate brings higher precipitation in late summer, affecting trail conditions at many rustic campgrounds in the region.
Fishing from shore or dock: Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground provides easy lake access with a maintained boat dock and concrete launch. "Fishing was just ok. Although rumor has it the lake is stocked with Walleye, my take was limited to abundant Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, and Largemouth bass, many of which were on the larger size," notes one camper.
Hiking trail connections: The Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground connects directly to the North Country Trail system. "The scenery was beautiful in the fall. The leaves really give it a gorgeous picturesque appeal. This trail/campground is very versatile. You are able to kayak to campsite directly on the river but also do through hikes or backpack, and camp in different atmospheres," reports one visitor.
Off-road vehicle trails: Many campgrounds connect to Michigan's extensive ORV network. "This campground is located on a small lake with beautiful scenery and is located across the road from an ATV trail. The North County Hiking Trail also runs through this camp. Noisy and quite busy on weekends with all the off road vehicles coming in," notes a reviewer at Pickerel Lake.
Proximity to small towns: Whitewater Township Park Campground offers convenient access to shopping and dining. "The location is amazing, right on Elk lake and 20min from Torch lake, 5min from the bay, and 30min to WINERIES (which we visited on a rainy day when we couldn't swim)," one camper shares.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Many campers specifically note bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. "Showers were amazing. Staff was fantastic!" reports a visitor to Starlight Campground and RV Park. Another camper at Whitewater Township Park notes, "They keep it very well cleaned and updated bathrooms."
Recreation programming: Campgrounds in the area increasingly offer structured activities. "They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time," reports a Starlight Campground visitor.
Seasonal limitations: Water systems at many rustic campgrounds operate only during warmer months. "The hand pumped water well takes a bit of priming to get going, but don't give up. You will get water," advises one camper at Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds border major roads. "Campground is right off of the road, so you will hear any traffic, which isn't too terrible if you happen to land a lakeside site, otherwise, you're literally next to the road with little barrier," warns one visitor to Pickerel Lake.
Reservation timing: Otsego Lake State Park Campground requires advance planning during peak season. "During the summer months it is very busy (especially on weekends) and difficult to get a site unless you reserve well in advance," advises one regular visitor.
Bike-friendly options: Look for campgrounds with paved paths for younger riders. "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 visitor to Otsego Lake State Park.
Beach access quality: Barnes County Park Campground offers prime Lake Michigan shoreline. "Just steps to the lake from any campsite, this campground is wonderful! Best of all the beach area. The views are stunning," reports one camper.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer extensive recreational facilities. "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers," notes a Starlight Campground visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Check site descriptions carefully before booking. "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie," warns one Otsego Lake State Park visitor.
Full hookup availability: Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers complete RV services with reasonable amenities. "Our time at this campground has been exceptional. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level," reports one RVer.
Sand management: Many sites in the region have sandy soil that can cause problems. "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," notes an Otsego Lake camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Mancelona, Michigan?
Mancelona offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Antrim Meadows Campground is located directly in Mancelona with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, and toilets. For those willing to venture slightly outside town, Starlight Campground and RV Park provides another nearby option with similar amenities and big-rig friendly sites. The region around Mancelona is rich with outdoor opportunities, with additional camping available at nearby state forests and parks within a 30-minute drive, making it an excellent base for exploring Northern Michigan's natural beauty.
Are there private campgrounds near Mancelona for a more exclusive camping experience?
For a more exclusive camping experience near Mancelona, Chain-O-Lakes Campground in nearby Bellaire offers a private setting with drive-in access, water, toilets, and big-rig friendly accommodations. About 30 minutes away, Lake Leelanau RV Park provides a premium private camping experience with well-maintained facilities. These private campgrounds typically offer more amenities than public options, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, and organized activities. Many private campgrounds in the area also feature more spacious sites and quieter atmospheres, perfect for those seeking a more secluded getaway in Northern Michigan.
What amenities does Antrim Meadows Campground offer near Mancelona?
Antrim Meadows Campground near Mancelona offers a range of convenient amenities for campers. The campground features reservable sites with drive-in access, making it easy to plan your stay in advance. Basic facilities include water access points and toilet facilities. The campground is designed to accommodate various camping styles, with sites that can handle both tent camping and RVs. Unlike more rustic options in state forests, Antrim Meadows provides the essential comforts while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors. Its location offers a good base for exploring nearby attractions including lakes, hiking trails, and the charming small towns of Northern Michigan.
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