Camping sites near Cedarville, Michigan offer diverse outdoor experiences within the eastern Upper Peninsula's mix of cedar forests and Lake Huron shoreline. The area sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 75°F during peak season. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though most campgrounds operate from May through October with reduced services during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Wilderness State Park Camping, the night sky views are exceptional. One camper noted, "Best star gazing in the LP," while another mentioned, "If you want to explore some gorgeous dark night skies in Northern Michigan, I suggest checking it out!"
Island exploration: From Tee Pee Campground, campers can access Mackinac Island via convenient shuttle service. "The shuttle for the island ferry picks you up right at the campground," explains one reviewer. This campground provides water views, with another camper mentioning, "Great beach with a view of the Mackinaw bridge!"
Beach activities: At DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest, swimming and beachcombing are popular. A visitor described, "A virtually private beach to Lake Huron was less than a 5 minute walk. As a mom, I was ecstatic to find a beautiful beach full of small dunes, cool rocks and beautiful geography with a shallow bay that my kids could explore pretty far away from the beach without going above their belly buttons."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow, where one reviewer shared, "We were the only campers this time of the year, so it was very peaceful and quiet. Barbara runs this campground out of her home on site. She is a wonderful lady." Another camper called it a "Sleepy Hidden Gem for sure."
Waterfront access: At Loons Point RV Park & Campground, the lakefront setting gets consistent praise. A camper described it as having a "Water view is incredible," while another noted, "Nice views, quiet. Well managed, clean rules enforced! Very refreshing to say the least."
Clean facilities: Straits State Park Campground maintains quality amenities despite high usage. "The campground is pretty cramped, but the sites are well maintained. Clean bathrooms. Great location," wrote one visitor. Another mentioned, "The showers were private, deadbolt locking individual showers with hot water. They automatically go off every five minutes and you press a button to get another 5 minutes."
What you should know
Road conditions: The road into Search Bay Dispersed varies by season. "There's a good road that leads to the shore road that isn't terrible. My 2wd Tacoma had no issue," reports one camper. However, conditions change seasonally, as noted by another: "Several campsites at the end of an excellent gravel road, more further down if you have four-wheel drive."
Seasonal pest considerations: Insect activity varies significantly by location and month. One camper at Search Bay warned, "If you go there it's mostly cedar and the swarms of skeeters are pretty bad," while another had a completely different experience: "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."
Beach camping restrictions: Management policies have changed at some dispersed sites. A visitor noted, "The USFS is not allowing beach camping anymore. On our second day, we were asked to move. We switched to one of the spots in the woods right before the welcoming sign."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA offers various children's activities. "Friendly staff very accommodating. Pet friendly has small dog enclosure at front as well as mini golf and playgrounds. Lots of trees and wooded areas to feel more remote without the driving," shares one family.
Swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer designated swimming zones with varying water conditions. At Wilderness State Park, a visitor observed, "It was a short walk from my campsite to the beach. During a nice bike ride, I saw the boat launch and picnic area. I was solo, but most were family campers."
Educational opportunities: Family-friendly historical sites surround camping areas. "We stayed here while visiting Mackinac Island. The campground is pretty cramped, but the sites are well maintained," noted a visitor to Straits State Park, adding that it was a "Great location" for island access.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variety: RV sites vary considerably in service levels. At Tee Pee Campground, "The campsites are close to each other so I would recommend one of the outer campsites that backs up to the woods." The campground offers electric and water but limited full-service options.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require blocks for proper leveling. At Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow, one RVer advised, "Our site, F, is right on the beach. Wonderful experience watching the sunrise and storm roll in," though they noted it's a more primitive experience with "no electric at site, no water at site but pit toilets and a well to fill receptacles."
Navigating campground roads: Access roads vary significantly between established and dispersed camping areas. One visitor to DeTour noted, "The road going back in, while well maintained, can be narrow at spots allowing only a one car passage. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, and places to pull over if need be. Have seen folks with 5th wheels and trailers back in there, but not motorhomes."
