Top Tent Camping near Petoskey, MI

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Petoskey and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Petoskey. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Petoskey, MI (24)

Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Petoskey

721 Reviews of 24 Petoskey Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness State Park Camping
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Beautiful views, but goes down to a skeleton crew in the off season!

    We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note: 

    - The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready. 

    - Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation. 

    - Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us! 

    - You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.

    - Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.) 

    The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging. 

    I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw! 

    Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.) 

    We had no issues at all with wildlife. 

    There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system. 

    Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI. 

    We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly. 

    Happy camping!

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Great little spot

    Ended up with a flat tire from what we assume was leftover trash metal from the campsites but despite that it was beautiful and we got to see the northern lights 😍

  • Chad H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

    Awesome location

    We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.

  • David C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haakwood State Forest Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Haakwood State Forest Campground

    Easy access to north central bike path

    This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.

  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barnes County Park Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Barnes County Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Access

    This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.

  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Young State Park
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Young State Park

    Unique Trails

    The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Haakwood State Forest Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Haakwood State Forest Campground

    Rustic campground

    Stayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.

  • Teresa R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness State Park Camping
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Nice park, very big park but…..

    Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Stunning

    Absolutely stunning location! This dispersed campsite offers breathtaking views right on the shoreline. The serenity of the water and the peaceful surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. The terrain is slightly rocky, and there’s a constant wind—both to be expected—but it only adds to the rugged charm. Plus, the Verizon cell service was excellent—a cherry on top for staying connected while enjoying nature. Highly recommended!

  • Erica L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain-O-Lakes Campground
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Chain-O-Lakes Campground

    Will be back!

    Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.

    Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.

    We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.

  • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Search Bay Dispersed
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Your Amenities are Fresh air, Nature, beauty and peace.

    I rated it high because it was as promised. Someone who is looking for a campground with bathrooms and showers would be disappointed, but apparently did not read the description. 

    I had an 18' Thor Scope B class pulling a kayak trailer. I wouldn't try driving anything much bigger to this end of the trail. I did see a vehicle pull one of those boxy 20' camping trailers into a campsite up the road. I was pleased and surprised to find a site I could simply pull into, right on the lake looking out at a million-dollar view of a beautiful bay, with a deep cedar forest on the other side. The soothing sound of what seemed like an almost constant breeze through the cedars was wonderful.

    I don't know if it's just that I came at the right time but didn't see a single mosquito in three days, nor was I bothered by any other bug. 

    There was a 1-3 bar Verizon signal.

    Loved this campsite. My thanks to The Dyrt.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry RV Resort
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Wild Cherry RV Resort

    Quiet and peaceful

    This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.

    Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.

    Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks.

    Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.

    This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.

    Have fun!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground

    Rustic

    Amazing rustic campground. First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets. Walk along the Ocqueoc River to the falls, walk the path through the campground or park at the site and take a short trip to the falls. Large and small sites, friendly staff.

  • Gary P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whiting County Park Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Whiting County Park Campground

    Awesome Campground

    First timers. Very pleased with our stay. Reservation system is awesome, and easy to follow. Bathhouse was clean and fresh smelling. Even with all the rain we had during the stay, the bathhouse never got overly soiled. Water has a very heavy sulphor smell, but that's the way it goes with Michigan well water. Our Tear drop camper had fresh water on-board, so we were good to go. We've stayed at Young State Park across the way. Given what I know now, Whiting Park will be our"go to" park in the future. Again, Very Pleased.

  • Martha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheboygan State Park
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Cheboygan State Park

    Peaceful & plentiful

    Cheboygan State Park is a must do for all campers! This is a hidden gem. Many of the campsites walk out to Lake Huron and there’s a perfect breeze from the water to the campsite to keep all of the bugs away. Very peaceful and the campsites are very private and quiet. Happily surprised and will be back! Very dog friendly, great hiking trails, and the beach is very sandy!

  • Martha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnus Park Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Magnus Park Campground

    Magus Park Great location

    Great location, right on the lake and awesome views. Also very convenient to North country Trail to ride or run up and down the Lakeshore on a paved path! Very close to town to walk in and see the sites. Stayed by the water treatment plant and I wouldn’t recommend the West End as you could smell the treatments. Bathrooms were clean and convenient location. Spaces were extremely close together! Many people stayed for the whole summer. It seemed like.

  • Dan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground

    Great Gem, With Flowing Well

    Less than half full. Good non motorized boat launch. Nice forest, most sites well screened. 4 sites with great lake view, on little lake. kayaked around lake. No real navigable access to the larger Bevoort Lake or Lake Michigan. Quiet, no highway noise.

  • Dan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan At St. Ignace
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Lake Michigan At St. Ignace

    Great dune beach access

    Only 60 to 75 percent full midweek in July. Most sites are first come first served. Most sites are separated by natural forest. Beautiful dunes and beach. Traffic noise from highway is an issue.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartwick Pines State Park
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Hartwick Pines State Park

    Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    Very nice and well maintained campground. Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy. There are some activities in the area related to the park. All in all a very nice State Park campground.



Guide to Petoskey

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.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground remarked, "The bathroom and shower facilities were nice and clean!"
  • Secluded sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One happy camper at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Indigo Bluffs RV Park offer a range of activities for kids, with one reviewer stating, "Swimming pool very nice friendly staff."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or other noisy areas. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a walk over bridge, so you don’t have to cross the road! But the park is right next to a busy road and near an airport, so it was a little noisy."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms are horribly outdated," so be prepared for rustic conditions.
  • Booking in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at D.H. Day Group Campground advised, "Book early to get a campsite on the beach!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campers at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA enjoyed the "lots of activities for the kids."
  • Pack for the beach: Bring beach toys and towels for fun in the sun. A reviewer at Petoskey State Park Campground said, "The beach is awesome! Will be back to spend more than one night."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for quiet, nature, and easy access to swimming then it’s not my #1 choice," suggesting you might want to bring your own food.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park noted, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Indigo Bluffs RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor said, "This campground is absolutely beautiful! Tons of trees, large sites, well maintained."
  • Be prepared for weather: Some campgrounds are near water, which can lead to windy conditions. A camper at Straits State Park Campground warned, "If there is inclement weather, it will seem like you are in a hurricane due to the proximity to the water."

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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Petoskey, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Petoskey, MI is Traverse City State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 49 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Petoskey, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.