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Best Campgrounds near Maple City, MI

801 Reviews

Camping near Maple City, Michigan is centered around the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with a mix of rustic and modern camping facilities throughout the Leelanau Peninsula. The area features several established campgrounds including D.H. Day Campground and Platte River Campground, both within the national lakeshore boundaries. These campgrounds provide access to Lake Michigan's shoreline, with many sites situated within walking distance of beaches and dunes. Visitors can choose between tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations at various locations. As one camper noted, "D.H. Day campground is the perfect rustic camping spot in Northern Michigan. All campsites are within easy walking distance to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach."

Most campgrounds in the Maple City area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. D.H. Day Campground is open from the first Friday in April until the last Sunday in November, while Platte River Campground operates year-round. Summer reservations fill quickly, particularly for waterfront sites, so advance booking is essential. Insect repellent is necessary during summer months, as multiple reviewers mention mosquitoes and ticks as common concerns. Poison ivy is prevalent around D.H. Day Campground, particularly along trails and site perimeters. National Park entrance fees apply in addition to camping fees within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Rustic sites at D.H. Day offer vault toilets and drinking water but no showers, while Platte River provides more amenities including shower facilities. Private campgrounds like Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Leelanau Pines Campground offer additional conveniences such as Wi-Fi and full hookups. Campers seeking supplies should note that some campgrounds are relatively isolated from stores and services. The nearby towns of Glen Arbor, Empire, and Traverse City provide shopping opportunities, with Glen Arbor just five minutes from D.H. Day. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail connects many camping areas, making bicycle exploration a popular activity for visitors staying within the national lakeshore.

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Best Camping Sites Near Maple City, Michigan (167)

    1. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    53 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."

    "DH Day campground is the perfect rustic camping spot in Northern Michigan. All campsites are within easy walking distance to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach."

    2. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    "Lots of campsites 30 to 50 feet away from the roadway offering appropriate privacy. Woods and bushes separating campsites. Shower houses in excellent condition and clean. Pads for tents in place."

    3. Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5050

    "It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."

    "This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it’s located in our favorite vacation destination!"

    4. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "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."

    5. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    6. Leelanau Pines Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cedar, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 228-5742

    $103 - $130 / night

    "Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit)"

    "The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."

    7. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp

    9 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."

    "Off the beaten path but has great rustic campsites with firepits and there are restrooms and fresh water close by in each circle we will be back"

    8. Empire Township Campground

    6 Reviews
    Empire, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-5285

    "Located just a short drive away from many attractions."

    "The campground is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes (15 mins) and Traverse City (30 mins). We enjoyed traveling to the city for Cherry Festival and returning to a quiet campground."

    9. Rustic Retreat

    4 Reviews
    Lake Ann, MI
    6 miles
    +1 (231) 649-1445

    $55 - $75 / night

    "I let Jamie know and without asking or expecting, she refunded me and wished me luck with our situation. The cabin was cute and cozy, I slept like a baby, definitely going to come here again."

    "Easy to get to, you can drive right up to the cabin and load in. But also, you're straight up in the middle of the woods. One of my favorite places to stay for sure!"

    10. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

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Recent Camping Photos near Maple City, MI

367 Photos of 167 Maple City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maple City, MI

801 Reviews of 167 Maple City Campgrounds

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

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.

  • Craig S.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Horrible RV Park - Beware!

    Recently visited as we were competitors in Empire Hill Climb. Had an issue w our group this weekend that I’ve never experienced in 40 yrs of camping. Stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately, after an incident one of the families we were with was kicked out. Never heard of being kicked out of a campground before without any prior warning. I will admit we had issue w one of our 5yr olds. The family I mentioned was camping in a pop up. They utilize a 5 gallon bucket to urinate in. Well, on the first full morning apparently the 5yr old dumped the bucket on the ground outside the camper. Others saw this and reported it. Again, we know we/he was in the wrong. However, clearly the 5 yr old thought they were helping and didn’t know the magnitude of their actions. With that said, he is 5 and made a mistake. Steve, the manager showed up after the report and kicked them out without a conversation had. His exact words were“ you have an hour to leave or I’m calling the sheriff.” Mind you this is a family w 3 little ones. Was sooo taken back by this comment. Been visiting Glen Arbor for 40 yrs and will never be back to Indigo Bluffs. If you don’t have money, 100k camper, and/or retired stay away at all cost, all they care about. 2.5 miles down Street is lovely brand new RV campground, Lively Acres Campground. Stay there if you want to your family treated right.

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Friendly Staff

    Staff was super helpful (loaned me a bear box) and friendly. Checkout was flexible. Lots of sites close together but each had plenty of space and flat ground. Ground soft enough for tent pegs. Each site has picnic table and fire pit. Bathroom and water fountain within easy walking distance. Fairly full on crappy weather Friday in early September. Very windy.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.

Guide to Maple City

Camping near Maple City, Michigan, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more modern setup, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: This stunning national lakeshore is just a short drive away. Campers love the breathtaking views and hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, “The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water” at D.H. Day Group Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: The Betsie River Campsite is popular for fishing and has easy access to the river. A camper shared, “This tiny little family-owned campground is one of our favorites... There are many places to put into the river.”
  • Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Platte River Campground, have trails that lead to beautiful spots. One reviewer noted, “There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan, about a 1.2-mile hike which was a nice little hike even in the rain.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “It’s nice to have well-maintained showers to feel fresh after.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. One camper at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park mentioned, “Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Leelanau State Park Campground highlighted, “Beautiful location and beautiful views.”

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at D.H. Day Group Campground noted, “Most sites do not have lateral privacy.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups or showers. A camper at Platte River Campground mentioned, “There are some large rigs, but some sites were nice and secluded from others.”
  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially in summer. One camper at Betsie River Campsite advised, “I would advise to book a spot early because the bad spots are all in a line on an open lot.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, “My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool.”
  • Plan for Nature: Bring bug spray and sunscreen. A camper at Leelanau State Park Campground warned, “Be warned, sites along the beach side get quite windy and there are lots of fearless small critters.”
  • Group Camping: Consider reserving multiple sites if camping with a large group. A visitor at Indigo Bluffs RV Park mentioned, “We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, “The spots are very small and you have to park sideways.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort appreciated the “cleanliness, and friendliness” of the facilities.
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports. A visitor at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park mentioned, “There is a walk-over bridge, so you don’t have to cross the road! But the park is right next to a busy road and near an airport, so it was a little noisy.”

Camping near Maple City, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maple City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maple City, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 167 campgrounds and RV parks near Maple City, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maple City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maple City, MI is D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with a 4.6-star rating from 53 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maple City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Maple City, MI.

What parks are near Maple City, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Maple City, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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