Best Tent Camping near Midland, MI

Tent campsites near Midland, Michigan offer a range of options from hike-in forest experiences to waterfront camping opportunities. Deerfield Nature Park provides primitive tent sites accessible by a one-mile hiking trail or by boat, creating a more secluded camping experience. House Lake State Campground in Gladwin offers spacious, wooded tent sites with basic amenities for campers seeking a rustic experience approximately 45 minutes north of Midland.

Many tent-focused campgrounds in the Midland region feature rustic amenities with varying levels of service. Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground provides first-come, first-served tent sites on a peninsula accessed by a narrow dirt road, with vault toilets and drinking water available but no showers or electrical hookups. Tent campers should check seasonal availability, as some campgrounds like Genesee Otter Lake operate only from April to November. Most primitive tent sites include fire pits and picnic tables, though cell service can be limited or nonexistent at more remote locations like House Lake State Campground, where service is unavailable within 20 minutes of the area.

Tent camping experiences in the Midland region often feature natural attractions and wildlife viewing opportunities. At Deerfield Nature Park, tent campers appreciate the peaceful setting with only ten sites available, offering excellent access for kayaking trips. The walk-in tent sites provide a more immersive nature experience, with campers reporting colorful fungi and even bioluminescent species visible at night. Tubbs Lake offers a particularly secluded backcountry tent camping experience, with approximately 20 rustic sites situated on what one camper described as "more of a peninsula than an island, but wonderfully cut off." House Lake State Campground features notable wildlife, with a camper noting the area is "overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical."

Best Tent Sites Near Midland, Michigan (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Midland, MI

4 Photos of 15 Midland Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Midland, MI

231 Reviews of 15 Midland Campgrounds


  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    Small campground, big ambiance

    This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    Nice, very rustic, campground

    Nice park with dispersed sites. Hand pump for potable water and out houses for bathrooms. On a cute little lake ideal for kayaking or small boats. Not really set up for large TT, but people brought one in anyway. Close to US 131 and you can hear the traffic.

    Sites have fire rings and picnic tables.

  • Natalie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    Okay campsite

    My husband and I stayed here for what should have been the whole weekend. We ended up cutting our trip short.

    The campground itself seemed quite nice. Large, clean vault toilets. A water pump. No electric. Some of the sites seem more isolated than others. The sites were nice and big. The campground is right by the trailhead for some longer trails. There is a nice kayak/fishing lake surrounding the campground. We first set up camp at site #1, which is at the very beginning of the campground, and very close to the highway. It is separated from all the other camp sites, but next to the parking lot leading to the trailhead. We ended up moving to site #31, which was down a hill at the back of the campground. It is in front of a swamp that opens to the lake. This is a nice flat lot, with a lot of space. Quieter than the front of the park. Overall, the campground itself is pretty nice.

    The downsides: it's right next to the highway, so you hear traffic until around 1 or 2 am. There seemed to be some long-term residents who had a LOT of late night visitors who stayed for only 10 minutes or so. The last visitor came at 3 am. Seemed super sketchy. We did not stay the additional night due to the odd activity taking place at the other site near ours. I don't think I would stay here again, but this would be an enjoyable campground if the weird activity wasn't taking place.

  • Jamie H.
    May. 12, 2019

    Holiday Shores RV Park

    Disclosure: This review is from a newbie RVer's perspective with a 32ft. Travel Trailer!

    Holiday Shores has a good website that gives great info, however there is no booking online so you have to call. Which was super easy! The lady on the phone was very nice and completely understanding of our total lack of experience. We planned to golf during our stay so she thoughtfully put us in lot 511 which is relatively close to the pro shop!

    This place is conveniently located off M13 in Durand. The roads are in good condition which made for smooth travel... this is Michigan! We arrived after the office was closed but our paperwork was waiting for us just as promised. The park itself has nice roads as well. Making for easy navigation and maneuvering. Our lot had a cement pad which required no leveling. The electrical, water and sewer connections were all easy to access and each lot had a picnic table and fire ring!

    Holiday Shores has several ponds both large and small, which might make for good fishing but we never gave it a try. There is a swim beach and it's available after Memorial Day! You will also find several nicely paved paths up to 3 miles long. These were walking only which was sort of disappointing because we brought our bikes, however they were very nice to walk or go for a run! The attached 9 hole golf course was well maintained and had some tricky holes. There were changes in elevation and multiple water hazards... we may have lost some balls. The only negative is they currently do not have their liquor license but the new owners are working on it. Overall it was a fun, mostly challenging round of golf that is worth checking out!

    Breaking camp and checkout were easy as pie! The bottom line we can't wait to go back it was great time, with better people. We made new friends the first night there that truly made our stay memorable. Thank you again for all the hospitality!!!

  • Nathan V.
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    Beautiful Park

    Rangers working the area are very friendly. Many options to choose from in terms of camping, from rustic, tent to fully functional cabin lodging. The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach. Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table. In the north campsites there is a lot of tree covering, and there are a lot of walnut trees that were shedding a lot this time of the year. Bathrooms are well spaced between the campsites you, and have showers along with some vending machines outside of them. Spigots are scattered throughout and are very accessible. Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas. Overall very pleasant campground.

  • J
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Frankenmuth Jellystone Park

    Fun RV park and very close to downtown

    Our site was averaged out to $82.71 a night with the weekly rate discount.

    We were in Site# 306 (a deluxe plus RV site - be aware that some of these are back-ins and not clearly labeled on the site map - we had to change sites to a pull-thru). We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
    The site was easy to level.

    Our site was not shaded with zero trees. We weren’t able to sit outside because of the direct sun until after 8:30pm.
    This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

    The deluxe plus lot comes without a concrete patio but with a picnic table and fire ring. They do sell firewood and will deliver to your site.

    There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are quite a few channel options.

    There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent pedal bikes. They do not provide golf cart rentals.

    They do have a heated indoor and heated outdoor Swimming pool and one hot tub.

    There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball, basketball sport court, and volleyball courts. There is a Game room for kids. They have a Putt putt course and Jumping pad.

    They have a great general store. There is a separate Activity Center for kids.
    There are tons of scheduled activities for kids like wagon rides, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, etc. Activities are scheduled all day from 9am to 8pm.

    There is a snack bar on site from 4pm-9:30pm where you can get hot dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, ice cream, etc.

    The streets are mostly paved and good for riding bikes.

    This is an RV park with cabins to rent also. Tent camping is also allowed.

    They have two shower houses. The shower house has the typical stalls. There is a great area to hang clothes and store your toiletries in the shower stall. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility. It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine in the arcade room. There are approximately 4washers and 4 dryers. It is approximately $2.75 to wash and $0.75 to dry a load.

    They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs though.

    Flies were an issue and bug spray was needed.

    There were no trails to hike off of the campground.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are Frankenmuth FunShips (chocolate & wine tasting), the Golden Ticket Trolley, the Bavarian Belle (popcorn & sodas) River Place Shops, wineries, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store. This RV park is less than a mile to downtown/River Place Shops where there is tons of shopping.

  • Mary T.
    Jun. 26, 2019

    Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground

    I know another great Michigan State Park

    What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks.  I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do.  I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance.  We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more.  When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay,  20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.

    It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station.  Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring.  Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart.  they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop.  The restrooms are very clean and kept up.  I love the showers  hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day.  Sure beats our shower in the RV.

    The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.

    They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.  

    You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards.  They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.

  • Kitty B.
    Aug. 7, 2019

    House Lake State Campground

    Secluded Get-Away

    There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location! The camp sites were somewhat far apart, the tree coverage was nice, and they are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical! They have vault toilets available, a water spigot, and a self serve firewood station as well as a picnic table and fire pit at every site. All in all a very nice campground!

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Rustic State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground has huge sites with shade and sun; clean vault toilets with hand sanitizer; creek views and is very quiet despite a little road noise.  Definitely recommend for someone looking for a mid-Michigan get-away.  

    The Chippewa Nature Center is about 10 miles away and has great trails; excellent visitor center and reconstructed 19th century homestead.


Guide to Midland

Tent campsites near Midland, Michigan range from state forest grounds to private campgrounds within a 45-mile radius. The region features mixed deciduous forest with primarily oak, maple and pine trees. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with peak camping season from May through September, when campgrounds experience their highest occupancy rates.

What to do

Water activities on Pine River: Russell Canoe Livery & Campground provides tent campers with direct river access. "Great place to pull off the river and camp. Everything you need for your river adventure. Rent or bring your own watercraft," notes camper H E., who recommends visiting "later in the season" when the river is less crowded.

Beach access for swimming: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground features multiple swimming areas. "Great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow!" reports Angel. The campground maintains clean facilities and offers shaded tent sites within walking distance of the water.

Sunrise viewing: Browns Landing RV Park accommodates tent camping with exceptional morning views. "The sun rises here are my favorite," writes Tammy. "There is a bike path that goes all the way into Tawas. About 9 miles. It goes thru the woods and is just lovely with jasmine and lilac bushes and views of Lake Huron."

What campers like

Wildlife encounters: House Lake State Campground offers spacious, tree-covered tent sites with resident wildlife. "The camp sites were somewhat far apart, the tree coverage was nice, and they are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical!" reports Kitty B. The campground provides vault toilets, water spigots, and self-serve firewood.

Peninsula camping: Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground features unique tent sites on a narrow peninsula. Michael W. describes it as "gorgeous" and recommends staying on the island portion: "It's more of a peninsula then an island but it's wonderfully cut off. You take a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge to a remote circle plot of campsites."

Family activities: Genesee Otter Lake Campground includes structured recreation options. "Plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly," notes Tammy P., who appreciates that the campground offers tent sites along with rental cottages.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Tent campers should prepare for limited connectivity at more remote locations. House Lake State Campground has "no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!" according to Kitty B.

Site availability challenges: Tubbs Lake Island requires early arrival. "There are about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up," advises Michael W.

Water and power access: At some campgrounds, utilities may be distant from tent sites. Brad F. suggests Merrill-Gorrel campers "Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."

Tips for camping with families

Clean facilities: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground maintains child-friendly amenities. "Clean bathrooms, easy access to lake, nice beach," reports Brad F. Angel adds that it's "Great with kids" and appreciates that "everyone drives slow" making it safe for children to ride bikes.

On-site conveniences: When tent camping with families, select locations with stores for forgotten essentials. Tammy P. notes that at Genesee Otter Lake, "Forget to pack something?! No Worries...they have you covered at their general store anywhere from a toothbrush, table cloth, soda, Lg homemade Pizzas, Subs and the best Ice Cream ever in their homemade waffle cones!"

Spacious sites: Sugar Springs Campground provides room for family tents. Michelle S. reports, "The sites are spacious and clean" and equipped with "a picnic table and large fire-pit. Most sites are wooded & grass covered." However, families should note her caution that sites can be "horrifically not leveled."

Tips from RVers

Terrain considerations: Tent campers at Sugar Springs Campground benefit from RVers' observations about ground conditions. "Downside: horrifically not leveled," warns Michelle S., suggesting tent campers should bring leveling equipment or carefully select their site.

Booking guidance: At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, Tara W. advises: "Don't Book Lakefront, It's a Trap!" explaining, "We rented for 120 a night a lake front campsite with a boat. We were given a rock and dirt pad that over looked a swamp area." For tent campers, requesting site photos before booking can prevent disappointment.

Season planning: Some campgrounds operate seasonally. Browns Landing RV Park welcomes tent campers from "May 1 to Oct 31," while Genesee Otter Lake Campground runs from April to November, requiring campers to plan visits accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Midland, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Midland, MI is Shardi's Hide-Away with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Midland, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Midland, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.