Join the fun near Northport. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Northport, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$20 / night
"Close to Northport with cute shops. A great way to experience Lake Michigan."
"There are very few places where you can stay right on Lake Michigan, and the views can't beat. We love Northport and the surrounding areas, and hope this place stays kept secret as long as possible."
$20 / night
"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
$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."
"Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake. "
"This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City."
"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."
$103 - $130 / night
"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."
"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)"
$36 - $109 / night
"It is beautiful, peaceful campground on Lake Leelanau which is located on the Leelanau peninsula in between West Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan in close proximity to the little town of Lake Leelanau, Suttons"
"It's right on Lake Leelanau, and they even rent boat slips. There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids."
$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."
"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!"
ScoutStaff 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.
ScoutI have camped at St James on Beaver Island numerous times, typically for 5-8 days. Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I’ve seen the aurora multiple times. My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book.
GuideAbsolutely 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.
ScoutAwesome 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.
GuideRight 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
GuideNice 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
ScoutThe 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.
RangerThis is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
ScoutThis campground lacks full hookup. We like it fine it is just the inconvenience of only a dump station. It is a small city owned campground. Sites are gravel. Has a shower house. Most sites have a great Michigan views. Only 30 amp and water hookup.
Camping near Northport, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping in Northport, MI, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for camping in Northport, Michigan?
September is widely considered an ideal time for camping in Northport, offering picture-perfect conditions with fewer crowds than peak summer. Fisherman's Island State Park Campground and other area campgrounds are less crowded in early fall while still providing comfortable temperatures. Summer (June-August) brings the warmest weather but also the highest visitor numbers. For those seeking quiet and solitude, late spring (May) can be pleasant, though some campgrounds may show signs of limited use early in the season. Fall brings beautiful colors to the Leelanau Peninsula, making September and early October particularly scenic for camping experiences.
What campgrounds are available in or near Northport, Michigan?
Several excellent campgrounds are available in and around Northport. Leelanau State Park Campground sits at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, just 15 minutes from Northport village, offering sites directly on Lake Michigan with beautiful views. For a private option, Leelanau Pines Campground provides full hookup sites on the lake with amenities including a playground, swimming area, and laundry facilities. Other nearby options include Barnes County Park Campground with waterfront sites, and campgrounds within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore slightly further south, offering a range of camping experiences from rustic to modern.
Is camping available at Leelanau State Park near Northport?
Yes, camping is available at Leelanau State Park Campground near Northport. This rustic campground offers a unique experience with sites positioned right on Lake Michigan, allowing campers to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves. The campground features both shoreline sites and others nestled in the trees. While facilities are rustic with vault toilets rather than modern restrooms, the spectacular waterfront location more than compensates. The park is centered around historic lighthouse grounds and includes hiking trails and beach access. For those seeking alternatives with more amenities, Thurston Park Campground offers water access with a playground nearby.
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