Best Campgrounds near Midland, MI

Several campgrounds near Midland, Michigan give campers good options within a short drive. Bay City State Park Campground has larger sites and puts you close to Lake Huron's beaches for swimming. Campers looking for trails will find plenty at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, which has routes for both walking and biking. Rifle River Campground sits along the water, making it a good choice if you want to fish during your stay. The campgrounds vary in how much space and tree cover they provide between sites. You'll likely see deer and raccoons around camp, so keep your food secured at night. Summer temperatures make swimming and paddling comfortable, while many people visit in fall to see the changing leaves. Many places shut down in winter when snow hits, and spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds. Double-check opening dates before you plan, especially early or late in the camping season. You can reach all the main camping areas on regular roads without needing a special vehicle. Both tent and RV campers will find spots that work for their setup in the Midland area.

Best Camping Sites Near Midland, Michigan (114)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Midland, MI

242 Reviews of 114 Midland Campgrounds


  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.

  • AmcPhotography
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Chesaning Showboat Camping

    Camping

    it's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Arthur Latham Park

    No campground

    Called the office and was told that there is no longer a campground here. Used to be but not anymore

  • A
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Otter Lake Park Campground

    Beautiful views & so much to do!

    We tent camped in site #56. I will say the sites are on the smaller side, but you can make do. The lake is soooo beautiful and you can rent kayaks $7/hour or a 2 person small boat for $10/hour. Laundry facility is nice and cheap, with a great sink to wash dishes. Bathrooms are poorly vented and gets so hot & humid, but I will say the showers are in-home quality for a campground! The owners are so nice and friendly. ORV trail butts up to the campground so bring your dirt bikes! We had a small trailer and they had no issue with us at all. Very good swimming beach with tons of places to take in the peaceful views. Playground is large and nice with a new basketball court and Gaga ball. Bring your bug spray and get ready to enjoy serene nature. Oh and I love how affordable it is :)

  • K
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Pine Ridge RV Campground

    We've chosen not to return

    We’ve camped at Pine Ridge Campground for the past five years. Over that time, we’ve chosen to overlook some ongoing issues — including a strong and persistent natural gas smell, ant infestations, loud music from a nearby bar, and no real amenities for families. The playground is extremely outdated and rarely used — it’s telling that you almost never see kids riding bikes or playing in the park. Still, we returned each year, hoping for a peaceful stay.

    Unfortunately, this year changed everything.

    Managers Joe and Susan falsely accused us of having our dog off-leash (which he never was). We always keep him leashed and use an e-collar to help manage barking. Joe even admitted that no other campers had complained, and we’ve never had any dog-related issues at any other campground. Despite this, they continued circling our site in their golf cart, closely watching us, and bullying to the point of telling us we were no longer welcome—threatening to call the police for no valid reason. Joe even made a comment about noticing my dog was standing on our dinette table - so he was peering outside our window??? No wonder my dog barked at him. We closed all our shades the remainder of the weekend to avoid feeling like we were living in a fishbowl.

    This kind of targeting isn’t new — last year, Joe also rushed over in his golf cart to confront us about a visitor pass we had already paid for, showing a lack of trust and an overly aggressive approach. So yet another instance of over-the-top behavior that seems to define their management style.

    Additionally, communication at this campground is poor — it’s often hard to reach someone to even make a reservation, there’s no automation and poor responsiveness.

    On what should have been a bustling, beautiful summer weekend, the park was nearly empty, which speaks volumes.

    After years of being respectful, loyal guests, we’ve decided it’s time to move on. If you’re looking for a welcoming, dog- or family-friendly campground with basic hospitality and amenities, we suggest looking elsewhere.

  • Deb H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Church Grove Park

    Very nice

    Very nice little campground. Run by the Lutheran church. Gary is very welcoming and friendly. No reservations, first come only. Very clean. The only thing I didn't like was shower house and bathrooms are in separate buildings. Very nice prayer trail.


Guide to Midland

Camping near Midland, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "I took a day hike back about a mile to site 'F'. It was pretty private with water access."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Bay City State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer said, "The Tobico Marsh trails and observation towers were great for watching birds."
  • Beach Activities: Tawas Point State Park Campground has beautiful beaches. One camper noted, "There are two swimming beaches and a dog beach."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Very nice and quiet if you like that. Good spacious spots."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers enjoy the cleanliness of the facilities at Bay City State Park Campground. One review stated, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Walnut Hills Family Campground is a highlight. A camper mentioned, "The staff fell all over themselves to make sure we were comfortable."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Walnut Hills Family Campground, which offers swimming and a playground. One parent said, "The kids really loved the dance party on Saturday and Sunday night."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, such as Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Many sites are wide so they lend themselves to good group camping."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at busy campgrounds like Tawas Point State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "People didn’t listen to rules such as quiet hour."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: When booking, make sure to check the size of the sites at places like Wolverine Campground. A reviewer advised, "The camping spaces are VERY close together."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Many RV sites, including those at Bay City State Park Campground, may require long extension cords for power. One camper noted, "The power is quite a ways away."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like South Higgins Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The campground was wall to wall vehicles."

Camping around Midland, Michigan, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's plenty to explore and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do campgrounds near Midland, Michigan offer?

Campgrounds near Midland offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Herrick Recreation Area provides spacious, wooded campsites with electrical hookups and shared water access. The recreation area features a lake for swimming, fishing opportunities, and kayak launching points. At Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground, you'll find clean bathrooms, easy lake access, and a nice beach area. Be prepared with extra hose and extension cord as utilities can be some distance from certain sites. Many area campgrounds offer vault toilets, water pumps, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some facilities include shower houses, while others maintain a more rustic experience with basic amenities. The level of services varies from primitive sites to fully-developed campgrounds with modern facilities.

Is tent camping available near Midland, Michigan?

Yes, tent camping is widely available near Midland. Spring Lake State Forest Campground offers primitive tent camping with large, spacious sites. The campground features clean vault toilets and a water pump but no electricity. For a unique experience, Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground provides tent sites with access to a large lake (Lake Ovid) for fishing. The park is easily accessible and relatively close to shopping centers. Most state forest campgrounds in the area cater well to tent campers with rustic sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Many of these campgrounds are situated in wooded settings providing natural shade and privacy, making them ideal for traditional tent camping experiences.

Are there RV camping facilities around Midland, MI?

Holiday Shores RV Park offers dedicated RV facilities with helpful staff who are understanding of novice campers. Their informative website provides great details, though reservations must be made by phone. Pine Ridge RV Campground features nice pull-through sites that accommodate RVs of various sizes. While some sites may be tight, all are manageable with friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist. For those seeking more options, Outdoor Adventures Mount Pleasant Resort near Mount Pleasant provides full-service RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Wilson State Park Campground also accommodates RVs, though note it's located near busy roads. Most RV parks in the area offer clean facilities, with many providing full hookups and big-rig friendly sites.

What are the best campgrounds in Midland, MI?

Black Creek State Forest Campground stands out with its huge, shaded sites offering a mix of sun and shade. This quiet campground features clean vault toilets, creek views, and is located about 10 miles from the Chippewa Nature Center. Another excellent option is Bay City State Park Campground, a large park with extensive biking opportunities. For a more intimate setting, consider the rustic Mud Lake State Forest Campground with only eight non-reservable sites spaced well apart. Several sites offer lake views or direct lake access via small paths. For RV enthusiasts, Pine Ridge RV Campground provides pull-through sites with knowledgeable staff and clean facilities.