Petoskey is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Petoskey is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"If you have not been to Petoskey, Michigan you really should make a point to visit this area. "
"This campground is Pure Michigan. From enjoying beautiful sunsets, to Petoskey stone hunts, you’ll enjoy your stay."
$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."
"If you want to stay on the water (Lake Michigan), which is highly recommended, be sure to book early. The sights go fast!"
"The facilities were clean and the grounds themselves were a pleasure to walk around. The camp store was the best stocked one I’ve seen yet."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The campground is convenient to Petoskey, the Little Traverse Wheelway and the Northwestern State Trail. We enjoyed being able to access the bike trails from the campground."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"This very popular state park is a real winner due to its gorgeous remote location, sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters along the shores of Lake Michigan-- located just southwest of the iconic Mackinac"
"Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."
"Close to Petoskey"
"He told us everything is closed but to call in the am and he’ll move some things around and get us in."
"We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private. The park store was closed Labor Day weekend."
"The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"I stayed in the corner lot next to the playground. I spent a lot of time off the campsite during the day but at night the view was great. There was more than enough room for my tent."
TravelerWe came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!
TravelerNice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.
ScoutNice Camp sites, pretty beach. I was there in October, so I don’t know what it would be like in warmer weather. I had the place to myself on a Saturday.
ScoutHaven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.
ScoutWe drove a 24 ft RV at night to the site and the road is decent but has MANY deep potholes. So you need to watch for that ! No one else at the site! Just parked off to the side of the road near the boat launch and had a view of the water ! Very secluded feeling and peaceful !
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.
RangerThere’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day.
TravelerBeautiful large dispersed camping area on the shores of lake Huron. Note camping on the beach is not permitted, but there are plenty of beautiful campsites overlooking the lake. There were only four or five other overnight campers, although during the day several groups came to use the beach and to ride ATVs, but very quiet by late afternoon. Several campsites at the end of an excellent gravel road, more further down if you have four-wheel drive. Active logging in the area when we were there. No. T-Mobile, no bugs or mosquitoes when we were there.
Camping near Petoskey, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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 near Petoskey, Michigan, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping sites in Petoskey are best for RVs versus tent camping?
For RV camping, Petoskey RV Resort is designed specifically for motorhomes and travel trailers with full hookup sites. French Farm Lake Rd offers the opposite experience with six primitive sites that are perfect for tent campers seeking a more natural setting. Many tent campers also enjoy Fisherman's Island State Park for its more rustic, spacious sites. Magnus Park primarily caters to RVs with back-to-back pull-through sites, though tent camping is permitted. Note that at some Petoskey area campgrounds, tent campers pay the same rate as RV campers despite using fewer amenities.
Can you camp at Petoskey State Park, and what amenities are offered?
Yes, you can camp at Petoskey State Park Campground. The park offers spacious campsites, particularly on the Tannery Creek side. Amenities include newly renovated bathrooms and shower facilities, electrical hookups, and access to stunning Lake Michigan beaches perfect for hunting Petoskey stones and enjoying sunsets. The park is conveniently located between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, providing easy access to both towns. The campground is well-maintained by staff and designed to accommodate families. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months, as this Pure Michigan destination is quite popular.
What campgrounds are available near Petoskey, Michigan?
The Petoskey area offers several excellent camping options. Magnus Park Campground is located right in downtown Petoskey on Lake Michigan with 77 sites (36 full hookups). Camp Petosega provides a more remote experience on Pickerel Lake, just 15-20 minutes from town, with 90 sites offering electricity and water, including five pull-through sites with sewer hookups. Other nearby options include Fisherman's Island State Park, French Farm Lake Road for primitive camping, Wilderness State Park, Burt Lake State Park, and Whiting Park Campground. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from spring through fall.
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