1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campgrounds in the Mount Pleasant, Michigan area range from secluded walk-in sites to established lakeside grounds. Deerfield Nature Park offers a unique primitive camping experience where sites are accessible only via a one-mile hike or by boat, providing a truly immersive forest setting. Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground presents another option for tent campers seeking rustic experiences, with sites located on what is essentially a peninsula accessible by a narrow dirt road.
Most tent sites near Mount Pleasant feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Vault toilets are common at established grounds like Haymarsh State Game Area, though shower facilities are generally absent. Campers should prepare for variable conditions, especially at walk-in sites that may have uneven terrain. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds—Deerfield Nature Park requires campers to bring their own water supplies, while House Lake State Campground provides communal water spigots. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most sites, though firewood availability differs by location.
The tent camping experience around Mount Pleasant offers notably more seclusion than many Michigan camping destinations. Haymarsh State Game Area provides lakeside tent sites where campers can pull boats directly up to their camping area, creating convenient access for fishing and water activities. The remote nature of many sites creates opportunities for wildlife viewing, with one camper at Deerfield noting the abundance of chipmunks as "adorably magical." Cell service is extremely limited at more remote locations like House Lake State Campground, where "there is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground," making these backcountry tent camping areas ideal for truly disconnecting. Morning fog rising off nearby lakes enhances the wilderness feel at many primitive tent campsites throughout the region.
"Lots of nature, seen a lot of colorful fungas. we did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites."
Available next weekend
from $25 / night
"This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish. I will definitely be back!"
"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!"
from $15 / night
from $18 - $32 / night
TravelerVehicle broke down in mr pleasant so we parked our RV here the quietest campground I’ve ever been to ever . I’ve been here about a week haven’t met any camp staff booked our site online very clean nice restrooms showers
TravelerVisiting relatives in St Louis. Church campground with almost level sites, grass. Friendly staff and helpful. Clean and well maintained. Water and electric, no full hookup, but have dump station.
ScoutWe have camped here many times over the years and have always enjoyed our visits. The campground has made some great investments and improvements, which are appreciated. However, the overall maintenance has unfortunately declined. It is noticeable in the condition of the shower houses, tree trimming, staining, painting, and other general upkeep. A little more attention to these details would make a big difference, especially in the restroom facilities. This is a great campground for children and families, with plenty to enjoy. One area that could use improvement is consistency in how campground rules are enforced. During our stay, we observed several occasions where some seasonal campers—and even some weekend campers—were allowed to get away with things that others were not. We personally did not have any issues, but it did seem as though certain campers were singled out while others were overlooked, even when there was no obvious reason. Overall, this is still a good place to camp, and we will likely return. With a stronger focus on maintenance and more consistent rule enforcement, it could easily become an excellent campground.
GuideThis was our overall third visit in the last 4 years to this campground. The last visit was 2 years ago and we had friends visit and do the 6hr tubing ride with us and that ultimately got them into camping and willing to spend the weekend with us at this campground.
We've always been in the "rustic" area more towards the "adult/party" side of the campground, but not to scare anyone there was NOT an over abundance of loud music, or shenanigans. Everyone was pretty calmed down by 11-12.
Some of the upgrades from years past included shelving, hooks, small benches in the public shower areas (don't have to pay for shower access) water was always warm and the showers were always clean.
The store contained anything you'd need if you forget something at home, including water shoes for tubing, firewood, ice, etc.
We did the 6hr tubing trip, left at 11am and got back to the campground around 4:30. Theres more than enough locations along the tubing trip to stop and eat off to the side. The river is very shallow at some points, id say ankle deep and deep at some points, maybe 8+ ft in spots, but most of the time it was knee deep.
The staff is great, they drive around periodically and pick up trash if you leave it in bags along the driving paths, theres a security team at all hours, etc.
Cell service isn't the best, however they do offer wifi ($20 for multiple devices/week). The wifi would go in/out at times though
Overall this is one of my favorite campsites and will return next year.
TravelerThis was our first camping trip as a family and our son choked made it a memorable one. He choked on a breadstick, threw it up and had piece stuck in his throat. The park ranger ( female, maybe 5'5 light brown hair, white. Because I cant remember her name) was amazing. She was calm, asked my son questions to help distract him and her overall kindness in her all was great. The rest of the team in there was amazing as well. Next day she stopped by to see how he was doing! I loved that. The camp ground itself it very nice, the bathrooms and showers were really clean. For sure worth the stay!
GuideStayed a few nights here. Great site right in the river. Rented tubes and floated the river down to our campsite. All of the amenities. Definitely a busy place on weekends but a little calmer through the week.
ScoutNice campground pretty quiet very well shaded lots. Some lots would be a bit difficult to get a camper in due to the amount of trees but nice for tent camping. Bathrooms are a bit dated is only downfall. Could use some maintance and upgrades
GuideThe only difference between this campground and a resort is the space between sites. The pool is enormous and sparkling, free mini-golf, illegal court and tons of kids activities. Great place and we were 1 of 2 day campers for 20 spots.
TravelerWoohoo! What a campground! I’m currently camping here attempting to stay long term. It’s a bit packed of long term-ers but there are a few openings. As far as the daily hookup sites/regular tent sites are absolutely darling. Plenty of space for whatever you need plus a vehicle! There’s a huge pond in the center of the campground with an inflatable slide that the kids absolutely love. The pond gets fairly deep which makes it perfect for all ages. Including the little beach front it has making it perfect for the lounging parents or the toddlers to play in puddles of water. I brought my own electric scooters to ride around site but the campground is walkable! The store up front has almost everything you’d need in an emergency or an “oops I forgot XYZ” situation. There is a small cafe as well on site which is awesome for a quick bite! Laundry on site has 2 washers and 2 dryers.. which I think is fair! The bathrooms/showers are clean and plentiful. Staff is fairly friendly as well. I do feel the employees need proper training based on the campground itself (like the price of propane or the ability to book sites without management assistance) which are all an easy fix for such an awesome place.
Tent campsites near Mount Pleasant, Michigan cluster around small inland lakes and wooded state lands within a 30-mile radius of the city. The terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwood forests with rolling hills and wetland areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping brings moderate daytime temperatures and cooler nights that often dip into the 40s.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing. At Haymarsh State Game Area, campers can pull boats right up to their sites, with one visitor noting it was "so fun to fish" with "plenty of private space" near the water.
Kayaking expeditions: Several waterways connect to campsites for paddling options. A camper at Deerfield Nature Park mentioned completing "2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites," making it convenient for water-based activities during their stay.
Wildlife observation: The remote setting creates abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Sites in the region feature diverse forest ecosystems, with one camper at Deerfield Nature Park reporting seeing "a lot of colorful fungas" including a "bioluminescent fungas" that created a blue glow at night from fallen logs.
Secluded atmosphere: Many tent campers appreciate the remote feeling at these sites. According to a visitor at House Lake State Campground, "the camp sites were somewhat far apart, the tree coverage was nice" providing privacy between camping areas.
Escape from connectivity: The area offers genuine disconnection from technology. House Lake State Campground provides a complete digital detox, as one camper notes restaurants are "30 minutes away" and you need to be prepared for true seclusion.
Community experiences: Despite the remote setting, some campgrounds foster social interaction. A Deerfield Nature Park visitor reported "other campers mingled with us as a great time was had by all" and they enjoyed the experience enough to make it "a yearly trip."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. Deerfield Nature Park sites "can access by boat or its a 1 mile hike," with one camper recommending "going by boat as the hike with gear will wear you out."
Limited services: Many sites require self-sufficiency. At Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground, campers stay on what a visitor described as "more of a peninsula than an island" that's "wonderfully cut off" via "a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge."
Reservation systems: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. Tubbs Lake has "about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up," according to one camper's experience.
Beach access: Some campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for children. At Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground, families enjoy "2 beaches" with one visitor calling it a "great spot for the family" where "kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow."
Wildlife encounters: Small animals provide entertainment for children. House Lake State Campground campsites are "overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical" according to one family's experience.
Bathroom facilities: Comfort facilities vary widely between locations. Merrill-Gorrel features "clean bathrooms" and "friendly staff" according to visitor reports, making it more suitable for families with younger children than more primitive sites.
Hookup logistics: RVers should prepare for limited or distant utility connections. At Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground, one RVer advises to "bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."
Access road conditions: Large rigs face challenges on narrow forest roads. Many campgrounds have limited turning radius and low-hanging branches, with primitive access routes like the "narrow dirt road" described at Tubbs Lake creating difficult navigation for larger vehicles.
Site selection strategy: Early arrival significantly impacts RV camping options. At popular locations like Tubbs Lake, arriving early secures better sites, as one visitor noted the campground "fills up" quickly during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Pleasant, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Pleasant, MI is Deerfield Nature Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Pleasant, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Mount Pleasant, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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