Tent campsites near Northport, Michigan offer diverse backcountry camping options within the dense forests and along the shores of Lake Michigan. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer averages hover around 75°F, with most tent camping areas accessible only from May through October. Northern Michigan's sandy soil conditions make for well-draining tent sites, but campers should prepare for sudden weather changes common to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
What to do
Lighthouse tours: 1.5-mile hike from Weather Station Campground to explore South Manitou Island's historic lighthouse. According to one camper, "The lighthouse and giant cedars are all within easy walking distance" from Bay Campground.
Fishing in inland lakes: Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides excellent fishing opportunities in crystal clear waters. A recent visitor reports, "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Well gave up counting. Like every other cast."
Historical exploration: Discover abandoned structures throughout North Manitou Island's forests. One camper explains, "You can expect your stay here to include exploring historical ruins, marveling at beaches strewn with Petosky stones & reminding yourself that you're in Manitou, not Martinique" at North Manitou Island Backcountry Campsites.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer the best chance to spot native deer and other wildlife. "At night your possibilities of hearing coyotes in the distance are good. By day you can see animals ranging from chipmunks to one of the many whitetail deer that roam the island."
What campers like
Isolation from crowds: Most tent sites provide significant separation from other campers. A visitor to Popple Campground noted, "This place wasn't very busy because it was a bit isolated from other campgrounds. This campground is the furthest from the dock area, so less people travel to here."
Pristine water access: The clear waters surrounding the islands provide excellent swimming and water views. According to one camper at Weather Station Campground, "The campground is located on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and the mainland with picturesque places to enjoy your morning coffee."
Night sky viewing: Without light pollution, stargazing opportunities abound. "No motor vehicles, or other loud machinery makes for a secluded escape into the northern Michigan nighttime sky's."
Community fire rings: Some campgrounds feature shared fire areas that foster connection with fellow campers. One visitor mentioned, "There are community fire rings which led to a fun final night on the island passing some of my flasks around with fellow hikers" at Village Campground.
What you should know
Water filtration required: Most campsites lack potable water sources. "There is no access to clean drinking water at the campground, so plan on filtering water from Lake Michigan, or walking approximately 1.5 miles to the dock area to collect water there."
Weather delays possible: Ferry transportation can be impacted by lake conditions. "The ferry to the island can be delayed so may sure to pack extra food in case they aren't able to sail. I'm told in spring and fall this is more likely."
Wildlife food concerns: Small animals frequently target improperly stored food. "There are no food storage lockers, so food must be properly hung from a tree or stored in a bear canister to avoid being stolen by the microbears (aka chipmunks)!"
Remote emergency planning: Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most tent campsites. A visitor to Sand Lakes Quiet Area mentioned, "There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate islands: South Manitou Island offers shorter hiking distances for children. "My four year old son and I took the ferry to South Manitou Island and had planned to stay for a few days. We had numerous people gift us food they had packed over to the island and did not want to pack out."
Extra provisions essential: Pack additional food in case of extended stays. "Bring plenty of food and weather gear as you never know what Northern Michigan can bring as far as storms. The ferry doesn't run if the weather is to grieve for safety so you never know if you could be on the island for a few days."
Child-friendly exploration: Several islands feature abandoned structures that fascinate young explorers. "My 7 year old son and I hiked the island and loved the adventurous feeling of the unknown."
Shorter camping options: For families testing tent camping, Power Island County Park offers a more accessible experience. "One site beach level - 4 sites up a staircase. No docks for power boats."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most Northport area tent camping is inaccessible to RVs, with few exceptions like Torch Grove Campground which has "some rustic sites" among "most sites were full hook up" according to a recent visitor.
Day trips required: RVers should establish base camps at mainland campgrounds and plan day excursions to the islands. "You park in this small lot with a yellow gate that is in-front of the trail and then walk down for about 10 min until you see a smaller trail to left follow that down and you will see the campsites!"
Storage considerations: If visiting the islands, secure arrangements for RV parking on the mainland are necessary as no vehicle access exists on the islands themselves.
