Best Tent Camping near Mears, MI
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Mears? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Mears. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Michigan tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Mears, MI (32)
1. South Channel Campground
North Muskegon, Michigan14 Reviews•35 Photos•107 SavesIf you're looking for campgrounds in Musekgon MI, South Channel Campground will not disappoint. Muskegon State Park is located four miles west of North Muskegon on the shore of Lake Michigan, and is one of the best Muskegon campgrounds in the area. There are over two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and over a mile on Muskegon Lake. The park is located near Duck Lake State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.
A variety of local attractions make this park even more remarkable, including Michigan Adventure (amusement park), Gillette Nature Center at Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon County Museum, Muskegon Museum of Art and the U.S.S. Silversides (World War II submarine open for tours).
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$10 - $60 / night
2. Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
Ludington, Michigan7 Reviews•39 Photos•132 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
$25 / night
3. White River Campsite #1
Holton, Michigan2 Reviews•7 Photos•90 SavesThe White River runs through this area and there are several campgrounds and boat launches associated with the river. The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area has several acres of habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more). As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Alcohol
4. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
Baldwin, Michigan7 Reviews•15 Photos•70 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
5. Whelan Lake Campground
Custer, Michigan2 Reviews•8 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
6. Oak Knoll Family Campground
Twin Lake, Michigan1 Review•6 Photos•16 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
7. Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground
Hart, Michigan1 Review•2 Photos•17 SavesOur small rustic campground is like a little taste of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so if you're looking for that AND a nice peaceful place to relax, we are here for you! We are located in the Manistee National Forest, roughly 14 miles from Hart.
***Silver Lake (Mears) is only 35 minutes from us! ***
We are a family campground on a small spring-fed, no-wake lake that is perfect for you to bring your kayaks or canoes! Our lake is perfect for swimming and fishing for blue gill, bass and pike. Here at Enchanted, you will find 40 sites with 30-amp electric, 10 sites non-electric, a playground, swimming beach, fresh water and a dumping station. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring as well! (Tents & RV's are welcome)
$30 Site with Electric / $20 Site without Electric
PETS WELCOME - Dogs must be leashed.
Shower house COMING SOON.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
8. Gleasons Landing
Baldwin, Michigan3 Reviews•14 Photos•62 SavesOverview
Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded spots, the campground is perfect for peaceful nature immersion. The Pere Marquette River was designated a National Scenic River in 1978, the first in Michigan, and it regularly attracts many canoeing, kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The 66-mile stretch of river begins east of Baldwin and empties into Lake Michigan at Ludington.
Recreation
A major draw to the campground is world-class fishing. The free flowing river maintains large populations of resident brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Gleason Landing marks the start of a zone for fly fishing and catch and release only. Reel fishing is available upstream. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Canoeing and kayaking is very popular on the river, and boat rentals are available in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Trails along the river provide shore access for anglers and short, scenic nature walks for hikers.
Natural Features
The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Pere Marquette River. It is surrounded by a mix of white pine and oak trees. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass a million acres throughout the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry.
Nearby Attractions
A trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail is a short drive away. The trail extends from New York to North Dakota, spanning 4,600 miles.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$90 / night
9. Timber Creek Campground
Baldwin, Michigan3 Reviews•2 Photos•17 SavesTimber Creek Campground The campground is located near a small impoundment, however the impoundment is not a popular site for fishing. The busiest use is the North Country National Scenic Trail trailhead located in the campground. In the winter this site is plowed and provides access to the Ward Hills Snowmobile Trail. ORV use is prohibited in the campground.
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$10 / night
10. Bowman Lake Campground
Baldwin, Michigan2 Reviews•8 Photos•54 SavesThis area not only has the Pere Marquette River running through it, but also contains a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. A total of 1,145 acres of NFS lands and 368 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the Bowman Lake area.The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Wildlife species that commonly inhabit this area include white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, red fox, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and various songbirds.Visitor recreation activities include camping, fishing, mushroom gathering, bird-watching, hunting, hiking and canoeing. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also common uses on the area trails. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.__The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation.This trail system can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. Four improved campsites are located on Bowman Lake. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews in Mears
815 Reviews of 32 Mears Campgrounds
Melissa C.
Scout
Fisherman's Landing & Campground
Rude treatment of a disabled vet
We stayed there 3 years ago and I wish I had seen this site sooner. The morning of July 4th we were woke up by people yelling at 7:15 am. Them at 8:15 someone in a riding lawn mower came within 2 ft of out pop up and woke us up again. Then a sprinkler was started and it was getting our canvas wet, so I turned it down a little. The guy on the mower yelled at me to keep my hands off of the sprinkler! My family were staying one more night so I left them our easy up. Later that evening we came back to watch the fireworks. Afterwards my husband, who is a disabled vet, could not out to our car due to neuropathy in both legs. I decided to go in to pick him up. I waited until v the gate opened and drove in. The speed limit is 10 miles per hour, which I did follow. Then a man come flying up the road and started yelling at my family! I tried to explain that my husband was having a hard time walking out to the parking lot. He cursed at us and then said we would not be allowed back to this campground. This had been the 4 th year we had stayed there over the July 4th holiday. Sad that he treated not only a disabled vet but also a 90 year old woman. Would recommend.
Mario F.
Traveler
Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground
Be simple
Was a quiet. Simple.. Just with nature...Site was clean, across street you can buy firewood ...Was a pleasant 2 night's....From site to the nearest store 15-20 min away..If needed...Had no issues...Be back Thanksgiving 2024..
Tom W.Traveler
Condon Lakes West
Isolated and attractive to certain people
Access road is an unmarked two track that is not suitable for all vehicles. Campground is free and only six sites. Free and no registration attracts lowlifes who appear to have been there a significant amount of time or the whole season. If you have a leaky trailer that needs a tarp over the top, love having your pitbulls run wild, and firing up your generator, this may be the perfect spot for you. Not sure how the folks dragged the trailers into camp. Turned around and went elsewhere. Could have been a nice spot but...
- Tom W.Traveler
Walkup Lake Campground
Quaint and convenient
Conveniently located but proximity to the road makes it noisy. Locals drag racing on the nearby road subsided around midnight. Campsites were clean and spacious. I stayed at one of the two sites down the road by the boat launch. I stopped here after my first campground stop was full. This site will definitely get the job done but don't make this a featured stop.
Jeffrey P.
Guide
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
Busy but Beautiful
After a decent ruck in, you have some immediate camped spots and can travel further for even more. Summer time is busy so get there early for a spot. Have been multiple times with bigger groups and have always found a spot for tents and hammocks. Enjoy hikes down the best for a distance view of the dunes and enjoy fires with lake views at night.
- Julia A.Guide
Pines Campground — Ludington State Park
Ludington
Beach was big and beautiful but you had to drive to get to it unless you love walking with a bunch of beach stuff in a bathing suit. Hamlin lake is close by and is a good spot for fishing.
- Julia A.Guide
Muskegon County Pioneer County Park
Lost lake trail
We had one of the sites closest to the beach access which was very nice for us, but since we were there Labor Day weekend(my mistake lol) we had a lot of traffic come through our campsite. We tend to enjoy more peaceful stays with less crowding. The beach had plenty of room for everyone to spread out and was not crowded at all which made up for it. Highly recommend watching the sunset from the beach. We also loved the lost lake trail. The group camping area is shut down.
ViTraveler
Sandy Shores Campground
Nice Owners
Very cheap and exactly what we needed for a last minute campsite with a great view.
- FFern B.Guide
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Fantastic
Great location away from everything. Spacious sites that are spread out. We stayed in the Oak Loop. Only 5 minute easy walk to beach. Quiet. Enough cell reception to send a text but that's it. Pit toilets only in Oak and Violet loops. Flush toilets in hemlock and orchid loop. No showers, but showers available at convenience store down the street during the summer.
- CC P.Traveler
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
I loved this place!
A small gem of a place. Park and pay to be in the National Forest...or disperse camping on Green Rd. We parked and hiked the mile and a half in to the Dunes. Take all your gear that you need if you don't want to trek back. Can not ride bike in or have anything with wheels on the trail. At the end of the Beautiful hike you come to the Dunes. Go to the right and you will see some spots to put a tent up(do not camp on Dunes or beach). To the right is easy walk and find. If you head to the left you will have to walk over some Dunes for a bit but this is where we went and found a perfect spot right where the forest and Dunes meet. Very short walk to the beach and it's AMAZING! We had it all to ourselves for hours. It's like looking at the ocean. Beautiful views, sunsets, night sky's. The water was warm and you could walk out a ways before it got deep. Great for swimming. It was perfect. One of my favorite spots away from the busy crowds. So worth the hike. Make sure you get wood and might have to hike it in. There is little to NO wood out there laying around. If you are willing to put the work in to hike out there then I promise it's worth it.
- Chris S.Traveler
Dune Town Camp Resort
Had a great time .
Peggy are host was awesome . It's really clean and a beautiful place and close to the Dunes .
- KKris D.Guide
Mears State Park Campground
First time staying
It’s a little cramped making it a bit overwhelming but the sites are nice and kept.
William A.Traveler
Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF
Great place
Super close to manistee beach, came in on the weekend mid September, almost all the camp spots were taken. Forest was super eerie but beautiful.
Cathy E.Traveler
Hoffmaster State Park Campground
Clean facilities & breathtaking nature
The park is beautiful. Lovely nature trails and the Lake was incredible to see. Facilities are clean and the campground was quiet.
- LLindsey C.Guide
Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
Great nature - noisy neighbors
Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.
Benjamin A.Traveler
Gleasons Landing
Beautiful riverside campground
Most sites have direct river access. All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area. There are two pit toilets for six sites and both were clean. They sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites.
- Benjamin A.Traveler
Elk Canoe Campground
Basic canoe camping
Elk is a great place to spend the night after a day of paddling or fishing. There are four sites with decent space between them. The pit toilet was decently clean and well away from the sites, so no smell. The only downside is that access is tricky. The landing is a steep bank with large rocks on the river bank.
- CCharles E.Traveler
Newaygo State Park Campground
It was ok.
Stayed here to get off the road on the cheap after a long drive. It was Friday but it was quiet nothing out of the ordinary. The girls at the registration helped me find a quiet spot.
Skip C.Traveler
Whispering Oaks Campground
Nice location
Small campsites, but nice bathrooms and showers, close to Baldwin
- Skip C.Traveler
Riverside Park Campground
Nice park
Went there to use dump station after camping at the local veterans retreat, nice facilities and staff. 15$ fee to use dump station
Jim P.ScoutVal Du Lakes Resort
What a great place.
I can't say enough about this place. They where so nice, polite and friendly. We had some R.V. Issues and they where there to help. The camp site was very nice. There bathroom and shower were so clean. We will stay there again.
Jennifer S.ScoutHighway to Haven Family Campground
Interesting experience
The staff checking us in was amazing, but that’s where it stops. Lots of highway noise. Tiny spots. And worst of all the owner is terrible, argumentative, rude and disrespectful. We were traveling with a group, my husband was moving grills and wood from our site to theirs(we were not as close to our group as we thought) and was parked literally for less than 10 mins to the side of the road…the owners site was right across- he came out without a hello or welcome but right away jumped in“You can’t park there” as we were very clearly unloading… from that point it went downhill- never told us who he was; asked if we wanted to be kicked out and quite frankly was a straight up jerk. It wasn’t until later that night that other campers told us who he was and that’s normal behavior. If that is how the owner treats his customers you can rest assured we will never be back.
H. S.Traveler
Bear Track Campground
Rustic seclusion.
No running water.
No electricity.No flush toilets.
No internet.
No phone signal.Pure heaven.
Rustic campsites. 50-100 yards from the river. Great water from the pump. Nice clean vault toilet. Very quiet at night. Peaceful and beautiful. We've gone ever year for the last 5 years. Going again next year.
Highly recommend a satellite-based GPS unit like Garmin or TomTom in your car. I was serious when I said no phone signal so Google Maps ain't gonna' get you there.
Wendy F.GuideMuskegon County Pioneer County Park
Beautiful park
We loved this park and the atmosphere. So much room for all size campers, bathrooms and showers were clean and spacious. Beach access super close and plenty of roaming for our dog. Fire rings were the nicest we've seen and the park was kept clean and today, the rangers were on top of everything.
- VVirginia B.Scout
Muskegon River Campground
Quiet and Personable
Very small campground with a quiet time at 10:00 am. The host and staff were beyond helpful and friendly. Only complaint - bathrooms were a good hike away from the tent/RV spots
J B.TravelerTippy Dam State Recreation Area
Great time
The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam
- MMarie S.Traveler
Newaygo State Park Campground
Nice rustic getaway
I’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway. Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing). And shopping and nice brewery in Newaygo. Most sites are large and separated from the next. The noise levels really dropped off in the evening. Will be back!!
Guide to Mears
Tent camping near Mears, Michigan, offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from rustic sites to more equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- White River Campsite #1: This site allows campfires and welcomes pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a cozy evening outdoors.
- Whelan Lake Campground: Features picnic tables and toilets, providing essential comforts while still maintaining a natural feel.
- Jackpine Hike-In Campground: Offers well-defined campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of structure in their camping experience.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10
- Timber Creek Campground: Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at just $10 per night, with access to hiking trails and stunning night skies.
- Gleasons Landing: This spot is free and offers direct river access, making it an attractive option for those looking to save while enjoying nature.
- Condon Lake: A scenic and rustic site where you can camp for free, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
Tent campers should check out local activities
- Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground: Located near Silver Lake Sand Dunes, this campground is ideal for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming.
- Elk Canoe Campground: Perfect for paddlers, this site offers a peaceful retreat after a day of canoeing or fishing on the river.
- Bowman Lake Campground: Known for its hiking trails and fishing opportunities, this campground is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and outdoor fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mears, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mears, MI is South Channel Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mears, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Mears, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.