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Best Tent Camping near Petoskey, MI

881 Reviews

Tent campgrounds surround Petoskey in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, offering natural settings along rivers and in forested areas. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides tent-friendly sites near Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall, while Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground offers hike-in and walk-in tent camping in a more remote setting. Both campgrounds provide primitive tent sites with basic amenities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking woodland camping experiences.

Most tent sites in the region are rustic with limited facilities. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but running water is primarily available via hand pumps. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at state forest campgrounds like Ocqueoc Falls, though campers should bring their own firewood. Walk-in tent sites at Pinney Bridge require carrying gear approximately 700 yards from the parking area. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground." Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and payment envelopes.

The tent camping experience in the Petoskey area varies from riverside settings to wooded retreats. At Ocqueoc Falls, tent campers can secure sites directly along the Ocqueoc River with private water access. A visitor commented, "These are rural campsites so no facilities or park ranger on duty. Stayed at site 2 had our own private path to the river behind our tent." Many tent-only areas provide opportunities for hiking on nearby trail systems. The Ocqueoc Falls area features approximately 7 miles of hiking trails through varied terrain and ecosystems. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with fall offering colorful foliage and fewer crowds. Tent campers should note that cell service is limited at most primitive campgrounds in the region, adding to the disconnected wilderness experience many seek when choosing tent camping over other accommodation options.

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Best Tent Sites Near Petoskey, Michigan (22)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Petoskey, MI

14 Photos of 22 Petoskey Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Petoskey, MI

881 Reviews of 22 Petoskey 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.

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Peaceful spot, plenty of room

    Seems 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Jason H.
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Village Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Designated Campground on North Manitou

    This 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.

  • 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.

  • Moe R.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Lake Michigan At St. Ignace

    On the lake & right off the highway.

    This 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.

Guide to Petoskey

Petoskey, Michigan, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tips for tent camping near Petoskey

  • For a unique experience, consider staying at C3 Farm Trust, which provides a private setting perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • If you’re looking for a campground with easy access to water activities, Sturgeon Valley Campground is well-reviewed for its river access, ideal for kayaking and fishing.
  • Don’t forget to pack your hiking gear if you choose Pinney Bridge, as it’s a hike-in campground that offers a serene escape into nature.

Local attractions for tent campers

Activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • At Stoney Creek Trail Camp, you can take advantage of kayak rentals and enjoy a day on the water, making it a fun spot for water sports enthusiasts.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Pigeon Bay Campground is a great choice, providing access to local fishing spots.
  • Experience the thrill of hiking and exploring the trails around Pigeon River State Forest dispersed camping, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Michigan’s forests.

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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