Campgrounds near Petoskey offer varied terrain on northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, where elevation ranges between 600-900 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically between 65-80°F. Winter camping remains available at select sites with temperatures often falling below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Sunset viewing at Fisherman's Island State Park: Several waterfront sites provide unobstructed Lake Michigan sunset views. "Absolutely one of my favorites! I have been here often and always camp at the sites facing the water. However, the back camping is also nice," reports one regular visitor. The park spans six miles of shoreline with fifteen sites directly on the water.
Beach swimming at Young State Park: The park features a large beach area with concession stand and amenities for day use. "The park has a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them," notes a camper who appreciated not having to pack everything.
Hunt for Petoskey stones: These fossilized coral fragments are found along shorelines throughout the region. "The beach was so much fun. Crystal clear water, sugar sand, and tons of Petoskey stones if you know where to look," writes one visitor to Petoskey State Park Campground. Another adds: "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection!"
Stargazing at Wilderness State Park: The park offers exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "Absolute beautiful views. Campground very clean, good sized sites. Quiet at night. And the view of the night sky is beautiful!" shares one camper. Another notes it's the "Best star gazing in the LP [Lower Peninsula]," making it ideal for meteor shower watching.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at several campgrounds. At Camp Petosega, one visitor noted: "The shower building in Loop E is new and one of the best showers I've had well camping, all concrete, nice vent fans, heater to keep you warm, detachable shower head and overhead one." Another adds: "The bathroom and shower facilities were great. The park is very quiet at night."
Spacious waterfront sites: Lake-facing campsites receive high praise for their views and privacy. "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," writes a camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground.
Bicycle access: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects multiple campgrounds with nearby towns. At Magnus Park Campground, a visitor notes: "The town has a great bikeway path for pedaling to Charlevoix in one direction and Harbor Springs to the other direction." Another calls it a "Nice walk/bike trail along the bay. Great area to relax and explore."
Convenient town access: Campers appreciate proximity to local communities. "You are really close by way of a walking trail to town and the marina for boating or just to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the historical town," comments a visitor to Petoskey State Park.
What you should know
Site reservations fill quickly: Most campgrounds require advance planning, especially for summer weekends. At Young State Park Campground, visitors note it "books up fast" and waterfront sites are particularly difficult to secure. "Terrace is the best but hard to get. Lake side sites," explains one camper.
Seasonal variations: Facilities and availability change significantly throughout the year. "We visited Young State Park in the summer but in talking to locals this place is wonderful in the winter and great for cross-country skiing with trails that wind through wooded areas," shares a visitor. Some parks close entirely in winter while others maintain limited access.
Poison ivy awareness: Several campgrounds have poison ivy present in wooded areas. "Beware of poison ivy - it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site— but our site was fantastic," warns a camper at Petoskey State Park. Another similarly noted "Poison Ivy everywhere" at the Dunes Campground area.
Water conditions vary: Lake Michigan water levels and conditions change seasonally. "The water front is very rocky, and full of a brown sticky film that smelled bad," reported one camper during a particularly bad algae bloom year. Water quality is typically highest in early summer before warming temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature upgraded play areas for children. At Leelanau State Park, a visitor observed: "The new playground was a hit for the kids, one of the best playgrounds we have experienced at a state park." Wilderness State Park also receives praise for its family-friendly amenities including a basketball court and playgrounds.
Halloween camping events: Fall themed weekends provide special activities for families. At Wilderness State Park Camping, a visitor shares: "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun." Similarly, Petoskey KOA offers seasonal programming: "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest."
Campsite privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "Sites are close together. Very kid friendly, not a ton of hiking trails right off campground but clean restrooms and beautiful area to stay," notes a Wilderness State Park visitor. For maximum privacy, request wooded sites rather than open field locations.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Petoskey: Most parks welcome pets with standard regulations. At Petoskey KOA, visitors note the campground is "very dog friendly" with "grassy areas maintained for animal relief and exercise." Burt Lake State Park similarly receives praise: "Pet friendly park and beach area" with a designated dog beach section separate from the main swimming area.
Tips from RVers
RV pads and hookup variations: Surface types and utility access differs significantly between campgrounds. "Cement pads at each site" at Petoskey RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort provide stable, level parking while Magnus Park offers "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping."
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookup placement varies by site. At Burt Lake State Park, an RVer advises: "The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service." Standard 25-foot electrical cords may not reach outlets at some sites.
Tree clearance challenges: Low-hanging branches create hazards for larger rigs. Several campers note challenges with overhead clearance in wooded sections of parks. "Roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam," warns a visitor to Young State Park.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer onsite dump facilities. "There is no water or sewer hook up" at Burt Lake State Park despite accommodating RVs. Wilderness State Park provides a sanitary dump but it can experience long wait times during peak checkout periods on Sunday mornings.
