Best Campgrounds near Prescott, MI

Camping opportunities around Prescott, Michigan include several developed campgrounds along the Rifle River that provide a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The Rifle River Recreation Area features multiple campgrounds including Devoe Lake Rustic Campground and Spruce Rustic Campground, which offer primitive to semi-developed sites. River View Campground and Canoe Livery in Sterling provides water access with camping options ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region maintain close proximity to water features, with many offering direct river or lake access.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from May through October. The Rifle River Recreation Area features rustic campgrounds with vault toilets and limited amenities, while private campgrounds like Northern Bear Paw RV Park offer full hookups, showers, and other conveniences. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas of the region, especially at rustic forest campgrounds. A camper noted, "This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to."

Many campgrounds in the area receive high ratings for their waterfront locations and natural settings. Sites along the Rifle River are particularly popular for paddlers, with some campgrounds offering canoe and kayak rentals or livery services. Northern Bear Paw RV Park maintains year-round operations for those seeking winter camping opportunities. Forest-based sites typically provide more seclusion and shade, while riverside locations offer more open areas with water access. According to one review of Spruce Rustic Campground, "It was super clean and the spots were large...with access to trials and the river." Public campgrounds tend to have simpler facilities but often provide direct access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other recreational opportunities, making them ideal bases for exploring the region's natural attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Prescott, Michigan (159)

    1. Rifle River Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2556

    "There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites. The campground itself is large and has a couple lakes to go fishing in."

    "Lots of hiking trails, bike trails. Lots of lakes, great beach areas!"

    2. Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to."

    "Rifle River Recreation Area is located directly east of Houghton Lake within the AuSable State Forest, near the city of Lupton.

    The RRRA offers several camping areas within its borders."

    3. River View Campground & Canoe Livery

    5 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2447

    "It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground. 

    The campground is huge and offers so much!"

    4. Northern Bear Paw RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sand Lake, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +989362800009

    $40 - $50 / night

    "With a soothing creek whispering in the background of our campsite, we set our camper up for a two week adventure in this northwestern part of Michigan."

    "It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting."

    5. Crystal Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Standish, MI
    8 miles
    Website

    "The camping is dispersed with walk in sites or drive in. There is a variety of pit toilets with trash pick up."

    6. Tawas Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tawas City, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 362-5041

    $20 - $50 / night

    "There's some walking trails here, the lighthouse is a close walk/bike from anywhere in the park. Getting to town is a few minute drive, or a very long bike ride on the road."

    "Always packed, very little cover, but surrounded by memorable beaches, walking trails, and not far from town (if you feel the need to be a tourist)."

    7. Arrowhead Lake Camp

    1 Review
    Lupton, MI
    10 miles
    +1 (313) 510-4399

    $50 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in the Lakeside cabins. Amazing views! We went kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. The wildlife is plentiful and the lake is full of fish. The staff are fantastic."

    8. Big Bend Campground

    2 Reviews
    Au Gres, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 653-2267

    "I was so scared of loud noises at night waking her, but after quiet time I couldn't hear another person around at a single site and it was a no vacancy weekend. So I was very glad."

    9. Russell Canoe Livery & Campground

    1 Review
    Standish, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 653-2200

    10. Spruce Rustic Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."

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Recent Reviews near Prescott, MI

448 Reviews of 159 Prescott Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Jonathan  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Beautiful views

    Beautiful, newly renovated park with a great beach and beach access.

    Be advised that the sites closer to the beach are very sandy. Larger campers may get stuck, especially after a rainstorm.

  • Edward C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Tawas Point State Park Campground

    Terrific location

    This is a beautiful and picturesque park. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

    Sites are large in general with plenty of room for activities.

    The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and let's them be active.

    The access roads on the loop are narrow, so you may need to take some care of if you have a large vehicle.

    There's also a kids playground and volleyball court.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • Ethan R.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Port Crescent State Park Campground

    Great lakeside campground

    Very nice campground. Great sandy beach. Nice bathrooms and showers. Has geodomes and mini cabins for rent.


Guide to Prescott

Camping near Prescott, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Enjoy the scenic trails at Bay City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The Tobico Marsh trails and observation towers were great for watching birds."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground are perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "Caught lots of fish from walleye to crappie, even a 6.3lb small mouth bass!!"
  • Beach Access: Campers at Old Orchard Park Campground enjoy the beautiful views of the AuSable River. One reviewer said, "The views and access to the River are spectacular."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground noted, "It is very nice and extremely clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Rifle River Campground said, "The staff was very friendly upon check-in."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground. A guest mentioned, "The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A camper at Tawas Point State Park Campground warned, "It can get really packed here on weekends."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Au Sable River Primitive Camping, are more rustic and lack amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor noted, "They only have a fire ring, no picnic tables or bathrooms."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground mentioned, "The raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Pinconning County Park said, "It has a nice beach and playground area."
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially in the summer. A camper at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground noted, "The campground is very buggy."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned that some campers didn’t follow the rules.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Rifle River Campground advised, "If you book at the right time, you can get a spot right by the river."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Some sites may require longer electric cords. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground suggested, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug-in can be far."
  • Dump Station Wait Times: Be prepared for long lines at dump stations, especially on Sundays. A camper at Old Orchard Park Campground mentioned, "Super long lines for the dump station on a Sunday."

Camping around Prescott, MI, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Hardwood Lake Campgrounds in Prescott?

While specific information about Hardwood Lake Campgrounds in Prescott is limited in our database, nearby Michigan campgrounds offer a good indication of typical amenities in the region. Harrisville State Park Campground provides electric hookups, clean facilities including new bathhouses with spacious showers, fire rings positioned away from camping areas, and beach access. Most campgrounds in the Prescott area typically offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water. For a more rustic experience similar to what you might find at Hardwood Lake, Devoe Lake Rustic Campground offers clean facilities with easy access to trails, lakes and rivers, making it ideal for outdoor recreation.

Are there photos available of Hardwood Lake Campgrounds in Prescott?

Photos of Hardwood Lake Campgrounds in Prescott may be available through various camping platforms and review sites, though our database doesn't currently contain specific photo collections for this campground. For visual references of similar camping experiences in the region, you can view photos of Port Crescent State Park Campground, which features spacious wooded sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Another visual reference point is Tawas Point State Park Campground, which offers electric hookups and is near walking trails and a lighthouse. These photos can provide insight into the typical camping experience in Michigan's Prescott region.

What camping is available near Prescott, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Prescott, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Prescott, MI and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Prescott, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prescott, MI is Rifle River Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Prescott, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Prescott, MI.