Best Campgrounds in Michigan

When you think about camping in Michigan, it’s the water that draws most to the Great Lakes State. Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline, the second longest of any state, including 1,056 miles of island coast. Plus, you’re never more than six miles from a natural water source, or more than 85 miles away from a Great Lake.

There are plenty of opportunities for coastal and island camping in Michigan, but it’s more than just water. Michigan has the largest state park and state forest system of any state, with over 100 state parks, recreation areas, and state forests. There are also several national parks, forests, and lakeshores to pitch a tent or park the adventure rig. Needless to say, you have some options, so stick with The Dyrt to help you narrow it down. Consider these main Michigan attractions when deciding on where to go camping in Michigan.

For most campers, the epicenter of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in Michigan is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Mountainous dunes slope from high peaks and plateaus down to meet with the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. Hiking, biking, hang gliding, off-roading, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, or just simply sandy beach lounging can all be found in and around Sleeping Bear Dunes. Also, when you take a camping trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the nearby quaint towns and rolling inland hills speckled with fruit orchards provide the perfect bonus excursions.

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Michigan waterways have been essential to the growth of the nation, but they’ve also been treacherous for mariners for centuries, and continue to demand respect. When camping in Michigan, touring some of the iconic Michigan lighthouses can be a great way to learn about the history of the region, while also taking in stellar views of natural landscapes and architectural achievement. Check in with The Dyrt for information on camping near some great Michigan lighthouses.

Finally, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an entire playground of its own for outdoor recreation and exploration. Discover some of the many waterfalls like the impressive Tahquamenon Falls, or kayak on Lake Superior for a memorable view of the famous Pictured Rocks. The power of Lake Superior can be seen across the northern shore with unique rock formations, and remnants of the prominent mining and shipping industry still exist throughout. If you’re thinking about more remote or wild camping options in Michigan, the Upper Peninsula is for you. Whatever your camping style, stay tuned to The Dyrt for inside information on the best camping in Michigan.

Best Camping Sites in Michigan (1,344)

    1. Wilderness State Park Camping

    77 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."

    "I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October."

    2. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"

    "The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."

    3. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    61 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    "Stopped for a night on a road trip around Lake Michigan. Campgrounds was clean, and so were the toilets/showers. There were hiking trails close by, but wish they were clearly marked."

    4. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "I've visited many dune parks along Lake Michigan, but there is a grandness about these ones that I haven't found elsewhere."

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    5. Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    57 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $28 - $32 / night

    "Showers and a modern toilet are available in the modern portion of the campground which is a short walk through a playground and separating trees."

    "A must if you live in Michigan. Portage camp is a walk from the lower falls. Brand new and clean bathrooms. Sewage dump is a mile at hemlock camp. Get water there before you go to your site."

    6. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park — Fort Wilkins State Historic Park

    56 Reviews
    Copper Harbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 289-4215

    $30 / night

    "Things I love about this campground: sites with easy access to private lakeside swimming, clean restrooms with Wifi and laundry, the fort is an interesting piece of history to explore, and the conglomerate"

    "Situated on the very tip of Copper Country in Copper Harbor, Michigan and the beginning of U.S. HWY 41 that makes its way all the way to Florida!"

    7. Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Norton Shores, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 798-3711

    $38 - $42 / night

    "Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."

    "Nice shaded spot, 1/2 mile walk to the beach and Lake Michigan. Not ,much privacy between sites, but plenty of space. Close to showers which are clean and private. Rest rooms also clean."

    8. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    53 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."

    "Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun."

    9. Rivermouth Modern Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    50 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $20 - $23 / night

    "This has and will remain my favorite campground in Michigan."

    "Portage is the most popular campground, due most likely to the closeness to the lower falls. We arrived on a Sunday in September and it was almost, if not entirely, full."

    10. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Campground Review: This very popular campground is a few miles from downtown Traverse City, on the edge of Grand Traverse East Bay, Lake Michigan and fills up very quickly during the summer months."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

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Recent Reviews in Michigan

6271 Reviews of 1344 Michigan Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Superior Times

    Nice place and great location

    I stayed in one of the rustic tent sites, which sound really isolated on the site but really are not. That said, they were really nice campsites! I had an unfortunate RV couple watching tv and full on yelling at the game until 12:30am which sucked, but the owners took care of it. The location is fantastic - lots of kayaking nearby and hiking too. This area never disappoints.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Tee Pee Campground

    Fine for the area

    It’s a basic public campground in a busy town. Not much privacy and plenty of drunk RV’ers but I found a nice spot and had a good night. I found a nice long trail to hike that started in town.

  • Vee H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Bed bugs in cabins

    Avoid this KOA at all costs– bed bugs and dishonest management. Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews on here already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • Dan H.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    KOA Campground Emmett

    Avoid this KOA at all costs – bed bugs and dishonest management.

    Our stay at the Emmett KOA was a nightmare. The cabin we rented was infested with bed bugs. When we brought it up, the owner flat-out lied and told us they hadn’t had bed bugs in“over 13 years.” That was absolutely false. There are multiple reviews already citing bed bug issues, and staff members themselves admitted to us that it has been an ongoing problem. Even the pest control company they claimed to use confirmed they’ve been battling bed bugs here. Instead of taking responsibility, management hid behind their ridiculous 14-day cancellation policy and refused to refund our second night(which we didn’t stay for obvious reasons). Their“solution” was insulting: a 20% discount for a future stay(as if anyone would want to come back!) and a handful of quarters so we could attempt to kill the bugs in our belongings using their dryer. The dishonesty from Toni and her father is appalling. Any business that knowingly lies to its customers about a health and cleanliness issue this serious has no integrity. Bed bugs are not a minor inconvenience– they spread, they infest, and they follow you home. We left disgusted and disappointed, and I strongly recommend avoiding this campground if you value your health, honesty, or basic respect as a paying customer.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Waterways Campground

    Very nice campground

    Check in was great and the host was very friendly and helped me with all my questions. The site is very well maintained and the bathrooms were super clean. Close to great biking trails and other amenities in Cheboygan. The wireless and cell coverage was great. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and would recommend this RV park.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Baraga State Park Campground

    Noisy spot

    Decided to drive north to stay on Keweenaw Bay. The only thing you couldn't tell is that the State Park was right on the road. Literally. No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night. Park was curiously mostly full with families and ither campers set up fir the weekend?. Clearly a popular spot. Very clean bathrooms and showers a lovely Park Ranger.


Guide to Michigan

Camping in Michigan offers a fantastic way to connect with nature, explore beautiful landscapes, and enjoy outdoor activities. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, there's something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: Campgrounds like Wilderness State Park Camping have stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, “The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw City!”
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many parks, such as Leelanau State Park Campground, offer great hiking opportunities. A visitor shared, “Very quiet campground on the shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: Campers at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground enjoy fishing and swimming. One review noted, “Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms there were still nice! It has a good location in Traverse City.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds foster a welcoming vibe. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, “The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike.”
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers love the natural beauty of Michigan. A review from Petoskey State Park Campground highlighted, “The dunes are incredible to wander around and enjoy a beautiful sunset from.”

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some parks can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground noted, “When the campground is full, you are quite close to your neighbors in typical state campground style.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground mentioned, “No electricity, so have solar ready.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can be noisy. A review from Traverse City State Park Campground stated, “It’s close to the airport and 4 lane road. There are cars passing by frequently.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, “My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool.”
  • Plan for Beach Days: Many campgrounds have great beach access. A visitor at Burt Lake State Park Campground shared, “Has a beautiful sand beach with a shallower swim area for younger kids.”
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games for downtime. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, “They have a playground. They also offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole.”

Tips from RVers

Camping in Michigan is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but knowing what to expect can make your trip even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Michigan for families?

Michigan offers several excellent family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for kids. Muskegon County Pioneer County Park is a great family campground located close to Lake Michigan with pine tree settings and proximity to nearby towns. Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park provides a convenient location with walking paths to Lake Michigan and is close to downtown Holland, offering clean bathrooms and showers. Other family-friendly options include Camp Agawam in Orion Township, which features playground facilities, and Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, which offers beach access and an ice cream stand within walking distance. The best family campgrounds typically provide a combination of recreational opportunities, clean facilities, and easy water access.

Where can I find the top tent camping sites in Michigan?

Michigan's best tent camping experiences can be found in several picturesque locations. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers stunning proximity to Lake Superior, making it perfect for tent campers who want waterfront views. French Farm Lake Rd provides a more primitive experience with just six basic sites with fire pits—ideal for those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Other excellent tent camping options include Fisherman's Island State Park with its sites just yards from Lake Michigan, and Warren Dunes State Park which features hike-in tent sites. For those seeking solitude, wilderness tent camping in the Upper Peninsula offers more secluded experiences with fewer crowds and more spacious sites.

When is the best season for camping in Michigan?

The prime camping season in Michigan runs from late May through early October, with each period offering unique advantages. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water activities, especially at lakeside spots like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground. Fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage and fewer crowds at places like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, though nights get cooler. May and September are excellent for avoiding peak crowds while still enjoying moderate temperatures. Winter camping is available at select parks for those prepared for cold weather. Spring can be muddy with unpredictable weather. Most campgrounds show signs of limited use early in the season, with peak activity occurring during summer months when water activities are most enjoyable.