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.
$25 - $35 / night
"Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
$15 / night
"This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking.
Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
"First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
"There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors. Additionally, you can hear road noise from M-68."
"Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
"Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."
$20 / night
ScoutNo 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.
LegendSeems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.
Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
We had a very pleasant stay.
Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerStayed 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.
RangerWe 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.
TravelerGot 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
RangerThis designated campgroundon North Manitou is a short walk from the village where you have access to potable water as well as vault toilets in better condition than the toilets in the campground itself.
The sites are isolated and well off the trail. There are community fire rings which led to a fun final night on the island passing some of my flasks around with fellow hikers.
ScoutThis campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.
While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!
We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.
Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.
Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.
*** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.
LegendRustic 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.
Petoskey, Michigan, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites in Petoskey, MI?
Petoskey offers excellent tent camping options within a short drive. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides spacious, semi-isolated sites with ample shade and easy access to Michigan's only accessible waterfall. For a more secluded experience, Pinney Bridge offers walk-in only sites, requiring a 700-yard hike from the parking area. This extra effort rewards campers with greater privacy and a more immersive natural experience. Both locations feature rustic amenities and serve as great bases for exploring the Petoskey region, with Ocqueoc Falls being particularly well-suited for families wanting easy access to swimming and hiking opportunities.
What amenities are available at Petoskey campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Petoskey typically offer rustic to basic amenities. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites provides spacious, secluded sites with access to excellent fishing lakes and hiking trails, though amenities are minimal. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground features clean outhouses, fire rings, a water pump, and easy beach access. Most state forest campgrounds in the area provide vault toilets or outhouses, potable water from pumps, designated fire rings, and picnic tables. Few sites offer electrical hookups or shower facilities, so campers should come prepared for a more rustic experience. Cell service varies throughout the region, and reservations may be required at some locations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
When is the best season for tent camping in Petoskey, Michigan?
The prime tent camping season in Petoskey runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures and most reliable weather. Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites is especially popular during summer months when kayaking to this island location is more manageable - early morning paddling is recommended for calmer waters. Fall camping at Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers spectacular foliage with fewer crowds, though prepare for cooler nights. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers but can be unpredictable with rain and temperature fluctuations. Regardless of season, pack layers as northern Michigan evenings cool significantly even during summer months.
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