Best Tent Camping near Pellston, MI

Tent campsites around Pellston, Michigan offer a mix of rustic state forest facilities and primitive backcountry options. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides tent camping with riverside sites along the Ocqueoc River, while the Pigeon River State Forest allows dispersed tent camping in designated areas. Other notable tent-friendly options include Stoney Creek Trail Camp near Onaway and the walk-in sites at C3 Farm Trust.

Tent campgrounds in this region typically feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Most state forest campgrounds provide vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though drinking water is limited to hand pumps at established sites. Access varies significantly, with some locations requiring walk-in or hike-in approaches. At Ocqueoc Falls, campsites are first-come, first-served for $20 per night on an honor system basis. One camper noted that "sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy," highlighting the natural separation between camping areas. The dispersed camping zones in Pigeon River State Forest require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles and position tents at least 200 feet from water sources.

Northern Michigan tent camping experiences change dramatically with the seasons. Summer brings warmer temperatures suitable for comfortable tent setups, while fall camping offers colorful foliage and fewer mosquitoes. Many tent campsites provide access to hiking trails and water recreation opportunities. At Ocqueoc Falls, tent campers can easily access the falls area across the road, which features Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "the trail system is not a difficult trail, and circles altogether about 7 miles or so with various loops for shorter hikes." Sturgeon Valley Campground offers tent sites with river access, making it popular among paddlers. Most tent camping areas around Pellston maintain a quieter atmosphere due to their rustic nature and lack of RV hookups, appealing to those seeking a more primitive outdoor experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Pellston, Michigan (19)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pellston, MI

7 Photos of 19 Pellston Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Pellston, MI

825 Reviews of 19 Pellston Campgrounds


  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • Kendra H.
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground

    Small rustic campground with boat launch

    Stayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.

  • Macy M.
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Hoeft State Park Campground

    Nice SP on Northern Lake Huron

    We stayed 8-3 to 8-7, only issue was the weather. Didn’t rain, but was hit with a cold front 😳. This was a great SP, no issues fitting our 36’ TT with 2 slides in our pull through site. We were nestled in the back of the park. Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP). No water hookups but we try to reserve next to a water spigot. Lots of trails all around the park for walking and bike riding. To get to the beach you had to take one of the beach trails which is roughly 50-75 yards off the campground road. We went nearing dusk and it was so beautiful. Since we were in the back of the park we decided to leave the park the following day about half mile to the East to a roadside pull off to watch the sunset (I wasn’t about to lug 4 large camping chairs across the campground, lol). This was unknown to us at the time but we ended up seeing a blood moon rise and on such a clear night that you can see all the stars and constellations. I would seriously recommend this campground to everyone (just pack warm clothes). There are some other great attractions in roger city like the quary, 40 mile lighthouse, and a small waterfall just outside of town. We will definitely be back.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Straits State Park Campground

    Unique View from camp

    We camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.

  • Bev B.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow

    Really perfect in off season

    Got here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical

  • Tanner G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    Camping with a view

    Second time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.

  • Lydia T.
    May. 13, 2024

    Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    Rustic state forest campground

    Rustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.

  • Nicole D.
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Maple Bay State Forest Campground

    Smallish sites, great location

    Pros: Location! 25 minutes from Mackinaw City, 10 Minutes from Pellston for supplies. Right on Burt Lake. Clean pit toilets. Generally not too crowded.

    Cons: Small sites, especially for a Statr Forrest Campground. Can be pretty loud.


Guide to Pellston

Explore the beauty of tent camping near Pellston, Michigan, where nature meets adventure in a serene setting.

Tips for tent camping near Pellston

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Stoney Creek Trail Camp features modern bathrooms and a snack shop, perfect for those who enjoy convenience while camping.
  • At Pigeon Bay Campground, you’ll find big rig-friendly sites and 30-amp hookups, catering to a variety of camping setups.
  • C3 Farm Trust offers a unique private camping experience with firewood available and a market for essentials, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Local activities for tent campers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pellston, MI is Stoney Creek Trail Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Pellston, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.