136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Northport, Michigan span rustic lakefront sites to wooded county parks along the shores of Lake Michigan and throughout the Leelanau Peninsula. Leelanau State Park Campground features rustic sites situated directly on Lake Michigan's shoreline, with options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping. The region includes additional options like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground and Barnes County Park Campground, providing varied waterfront and wooded settings across different price points and amenity levels.
Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, with most open from May through October due to northern Michigan's cold winters. Road conditions generally allow standard vehicle access to established campgrounds, though some lakefront sites may experience strong winds. "This rustic campground is small but very cute. We went to the lighthouse museum and hiked to the manitou overlook. Very pretty scenery everywhere you go—but that is as expected in northern Michigan," noted one visitor about Leelanau State Park. Campsite reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront locations fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though electricity and modern facilities vary by location.
Campers consistently praise the lakefront settings available at several campgrounds in the Northport area. The proximity to Lake Michigan creates distinctive camping experiences with wave sounds and water views as primary attractions. According to one visitor, "Our campsite was feet away from Lake Michigan—practically on the shoreline! Going to bed and waking up to the lapping of the waves is something you can't miss here." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate different camping styles, with tent and RV sites often separated to maintain appropriate noise levels. Wildlife encounters, particularly with small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels, are frequently mentioned in reviews of wooded sites. The area's relative seclusion from major tourist centers creates quieter camping experiences while still providing access to attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City, and the charming small towns of Leelanau Peninsula.
"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."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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. **"
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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)"
from $103 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $109 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
LegendJuly 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
TravelerThis campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
LegendJuly 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
TravelerSix or so full hook up sites in the campground (several are seasonal/permanent sites). The sites are spacious, woodsy, shaded with nice grass for the kiddos to play in. The owners, Rocky and Richard were friendly and available if needed. They even filled our campfire ring with wood before we arrived. There is a porta potty on site, but otherwise expect to use your camper for bathing needs. The 25 min drive into traverse city felt easy even with toddlers in toe. The town of Cedar is small but quaint.
TravelerNice clean campground with modern bathrooms and showers. Plenty of shade and great views of Otsego Lake. Beach access and boat launch right in the park.
LegendJuly 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites. No electric, hand pump for water and pit toilets spread throughout the area.
T-Mobile had 1bar LTE but I could get 5G at Interlochen CG.
Picnic tables and steel/concrete fire pit. Showers available at Interlochen CG, short drive or walk a mile through the woods and cross the main road near the entrance to the boat launch.
Bugs were not bad, trash dumpster near the entrance and some road noise since the CG runs parallel to the main road.
LegendJuly 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites. No electric, hand pump for water and pit toilets spread throughout the area.
T-Mobile had 1bar LTE but I could get 5G at Interlochen CG.
Picnic tables and steel/concrete fire pit. Showers available at Interlochen CG, short drive or walk a mile through the woods and cross the main road near the entrance to the boat launch.
Bugs were not bad, trash dumpster near the entrance and some road noise since the CG runs parallel to the main road.
ScoutYou have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!
GuideThis campground offers 80 sites only 14 sit on lake michigan. We weren't able to get one of those although the day of checkout we scoped the new empty ones they looked less spacious than the one we stayed at in the woods. But the view and lake access would have been worth the loss of space. Lots of bugs in the wooded area sites. They offer many vault toilets and some water pumps but the faults were some of the worst I've seen in awhile. All in all we would definitely stay again but only on a water site. You also can't beat the price at $20 a night.
The Northport area of Michigan features numerous camping locations along the 45th parallel with shoreline elevation ranging from 577 to 620 feet above sea level. Camping sites near Northport, Michigan typically experience warm summers with average July temperatures of 80°F and cooler nights around 55-60°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, generally closing from late October through early May due to northern Michigan's harsh winters.
Kayaking on Lake Leelanau: Visitors staying at Leelanau Pines Campground can easily access water activities. "We launched the kayak & could keep it there on the grass at the lake. We kayaked the lake Leelanau then went up into Victoria Creek it was so cool. There was a duck blind in there and shore birds," reports one camper.
Lighthouse exploration: The historic lighthouse at Leelanau State Park Campground provides educational opportunities. "Awesome campground with lots to do. Can check out the lighthouse. Close to Northport with cute shops. A great way to experience Lake Michigan," notes Jami M.
Wine tasting tours: The Leelanau Peninsula features numerous wineries within short driving distance. "We went to several wineries. Loved Chateau De Leelanau good wine & hard cider. Next door to there was another winery Fires it was good more expensive though," shares a Leelanau Pines visitor.
Petoskey stone hunting: The shoreline provides opportunities for finding these unique fossilized corals. "If you can, get a campsite right on the water, you won't be disappointed and be sure to look out for Petoskey Stones as your walk the shoreline, there are tons!" advises an enthusiast at Fisherman's Island State Park.
Waterfront sites: Fisherman's Island State Park Campground offers premium shoreline camping. "There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! It gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between," explains Magy C.
Night sky viewing: The relative seclusion from major urban centers creates excellent stargazing opportunities. "We got there late, put tents up in the dark, ate dinner late from a local watering hole. But once we got situated, we went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," shares a D.H. Day Campground visitor.
Well-spaced campsites: Multiple campgrounds maintain good site separation. "The sites are spaced decently far apart. Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water!" notes Kelly Z. about Barnes County Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Morning visits from local wildlife add to the camping experience. "Daily visits by the local duck families were entertaining," mentions a Leelanau Pines camper, while another notes the "hilariously aggressive squirrels" at Leelanau State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most popular waterfront sites fill months in advance. "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" advises a camper at Platte River Campground.
Weather preparation: Late season camping requires proper gear. "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent," reports a D.H. Day Campground visitor.
Beach conditions vary: Not all waterfronts are suited for swimming. "There is no beach, you have water front which is beautiful but no beach. The water front is very rocky, and full off a brown sticky film that smelled bad," warns a Leelanau State Park visitor.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities. "Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door," notes a Fisherman's Island visitor, while another mentions "the cement factory, accompanied with its sounds, polluting the shoreline to the right."
Kid-friendly beaches: Barnes County Park Campground offers gradual water access. "Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a distance. Ring road through the park is quiet enough to bike around, and they are many hiking paths to choose from," explains Rachel M.
Educational programs: Some campgrounds feature ranger-led activities. "The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," notes Jeffrey R. about D.H. Day Campground.
Playground access: Campground playgrounds provide entertainment options. "The new playground was a hit for the kids, one of the best playgrounds we have experienced at a state park," shares a Leelanau State Park visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe local animals safely. "Loved this campground. The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites but also close enough for larger groups to spread out and still feel like they are camping in a group," reports a Platte River Campground camper.
Hookup variations: D.H. Day Campground offers limited services for RVs. "Great rustic campground with a short boardwalk to the beach," notes Jeffrey R., highlighting that facilities are more basic.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional effort to position RVs properly. "Site 69 was large enough for our class C 31ft motorhome, didn't take much to level. It did rain pretty hard plus wind and with lots of trees many branches and such on top of our rig afterwards," explains a Barnes Park camper.
RV size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "The roads are very wide and there are not too many trees so maneuvering big-rigs is not a problem," notes a visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort, while others mention limited space at some parks.
Water and waste disposal: Limited hookups require planning. "Potable water from hand pump and was unable (water bandit didn't fit) to fill camper water tank which was my only complaint," shares a Fisherman's Island State Park RVer.
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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