Best Campgrounds near Prudenville, MI

Prudenville, Michigan provides access to several established campgrounds concentrated around the region's lakes and forests. South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park offer full-service camping with sites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins. Houghton Lake State Forest Campground provides a more rustic experience with fewer amenities while still maintaining proximity to water recreation. Private options like Wooded Acres Campground and Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA feature additional amenities such as swimming pools and offer cabin rentals for those seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping.

Camping is available year-round at several locations, though some campgrounds like Houghton Lake State Forest operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-September. Full-hookup sites with electricity, water, and sewer connections can be found at the larger established campgrounds, while state forest campgrounds typically offer more primitive experiences with vault toilets and drinking water but no electrical connections. "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult. You will want one of the sites closer to the lake. If you want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance," noted one visitor about South Higgins Lake State Park. Winter camping is available at select locations, though amenities may be reduced during colder months.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Prudenville area, with Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Several visitors mentioned the exceptional water clarity at Higgins Lake, with one camper describing it as "beautiful" with water that is "less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep." Campgrounds vary in density and atmosphere, with some reviewers noting that South Higgins Lake State Park can feel crowded during peak season while forest campgrounds offer more seclusion. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide scenic camping backdrops, with some reviewers mentioning the beauty of firefly displays in the evening. Most campgrounds welcome pets, though rules vary by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Prudenville, Michigan (222)

    1. South Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Roscommon, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6374

    "One of my favorite parks in Michigan. Beautiful beaches and always a fun week during Harvest Fest!"

    "Higgins lake is beautiful. The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep. The water color is amazing when the sun is out."

    2. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6125

    "It is in a nice location with lakeside swimming and picnic tables while having the camping site close by. Campers are respectful and it is nice and quiet at night. Terrific park!"

    "Sites are ok sized, bathroom was clean, biggest issue was right next to a main road so expect alot of highway noise if you're on the outermost part of the circle"

    3. Wooded Acres Campground

    3 Reviews
    Prudenville, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 422-3413

    "There are MANY tall, tall trees (which worried me with storms all around) but nothing fell on my RV and I was able to pull into and out of my site without issue."

    4. Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 275-4622

    "I love the campsite and the access to the dam! Great time with the dogs! Can’t wait for the construction to be completed in the fall..."

    "Space between sites was aplenty and there were plenty of trees around most sites to make hamocking easy. I found a beautiful site, lots of room, with a great view of the water."

    5. Houghton Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6125

    6. Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA

    5 Reviews
    Roscommon, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 275-8151

    "It is a smaller KOA surrounded by dense woods. Some trails and very close to Higginss Lake state parjs."

    "Some family activities and trails. Surrounded by nice mature trees. Site 61 did take some time to get all leveled out almost didn't have enough blocks.

    But very nice once set up."

    7. Trout Lake

    3 Reviews
    Gladwin, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 426-9205

    $15 / night

    "Pure Michigan"

    "We were there in the late fall, so I imagine it most likely gets busy in the summer seeing as half the sights have lake access."

    8. Great Circle Campground

    1 Review
    Higgins Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-9486

    "Firefly evening strolls on sandy trails through the woods. Dog friendly. Seasonal family gathering spot. Helpful camp hosts give a friendly wave several times daily."

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Recent Reviews near Prudenville, MI

517 Reviews of 222 Prudenville 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.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • Kristin Z.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground

    Clean, Friendly, and Perfect River Tubing Trip

    We stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic.

    The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and had excellent communication both during the reservation process and throughout our stay. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

    The gift shop was a nice bonus, offering fresh coffee for just $1 every morning and stocking plenty of essentials in case you forgot something at home. Downtown Roscommon is only about 6 minutes away, making it easy to pop into town.

    We also did the 4-hour tubing trip and rented tubes from Paddlebrave—it couldn’t have gone better. The river was beautiful and the whole experience was smooth and well-organized.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.


Guide to Prudenville

Camping near Prudenville, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet 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. One camper at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers were clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "The owners treat this as a true resort and the cleanliness, and friendliness clearly shows."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park shared, "I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it!"

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can be noisy. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is right next to a busy road and near an airport, so it was a little noisy."
  • Site sizes: Campsites can vary in size, and some may feel cramped. A reviewer at Tawas Point State Park Campground noted, "Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or markets nearby. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground pointed out, "As this is less than an hour from home, this will become a regular just get away for a weekend campground for us."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground mentioned, "Great newer playscape and splash pad for the kids."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort enjoyed, "Kids have fun. Large campground."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. A camper at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park appreciated the nearby hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "Most of the electrical outlets are shared between 2 or 3 sites."
  • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, "The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult."
  • Plan for limited cell service: Some areas may have poor reception. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park noted, "The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily."

Camping near Prudenville, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cabin rental options are available in Prudenville, Michigan?

Prudenville offers several cabin rental options in the surrounding area. Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA provides comfortable cabin accommodations with amenities like water and toilets, perfect for those seeking a balance between rustic and comfortable. For a more rustic experience, Houghton Lake State Forest Campground has basic cabin options near the water. Many campgrounds in the region offer varied cabin styles from basic one-room structures to more deluxe options with electricity and some amenities, though most require you to bring your own bedding and supplies.

What recreational activities can you do near cabins in Prudenville?

Prudenville's surrounding areas offer abundant recreational opportunities for cabin guests. Water activities dominate, with Mitchell State Park Campground providing access to both Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell through a canal, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground, especially the beautiful old growth trail with its impressive trees. The region also offers excellent wildlife viewing, photography, biking, and during winter months, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing on the nearby lakes.

What are the best seasons to rent a cabin in Prudenville?

Summer (June-August) is prime cabin rental season in Prudenville, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water activities at places like North Higgins Lake State Park Campground, which offers lakeside access and beautiful surroundings. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds at locations like Otsego Lake State Park Campground. Spring offers emerging wildlife and wildflowers but can be muddy and buggy. Winter cabins are available for those interested in snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing, though availability is more limited and road access may be challenging.