226 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rapid City, Michigan provides a range of camping experiences along the shores of Lake Michigan and inland lakes. Torch Grove Campground, located directly in Rapid City, offers private camping facilities, while nearby options include Sand Lakes Quiet Area for backcountry tent camping. The region includes several established campgrounds with varying amenities, from primitive sites to full-hookup RV parks. Campground options within a short drive include Traverse City State Park, Whitewater Township Park, and Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, which offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many facilities operating from May through October. Winter camping options are limited, though some year-round facilities exist at Traverse City State Park and Timber Ridge Resort. Water access represents a significant draw for campers, with numerous sites providing proximity to Lake Michigan beaches or inland waterways. A visitor noted that "Barnes Park has some strong sites right on Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water." Reservations are recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary attraction in the region. Several campgrounds feature direct Lake Michigan frontage, offering swimming and paddling opportunities. As one camper described, "This is a cute little campground located in Central Lake. Many of the water sites are very close together, but it offers you access to the lake for fishing, paddling and more." Developed campgrounds in the area typically provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering electric hookups and shower facilities. More primitive camping experiences can be found at Sand Lakes Quiet Area, which provides free backcountry campsites accessible by hiking trails. The proximity to Traverse City and smaller communities offers convenient access to supplies and services while maintaining a natural setting.
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."
"There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability"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."
"great spots near lakeside hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone"
"It is situated on a small lake that is great for fishing, boating, or kayaking. There are also little cabins you can rent that are very cute."
"Slow, Grandparents at Play” are what the signs around the campground boast, which tells you a bit about their target audience at this lovely little RV only lakeside campground in the heart of Elk Rapids"
"Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure- packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation."
"Rooms: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Location: 5/5 Nearby activities Super close to torch lake and lots of great small towns."
from $29 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
"One is reservable and drive-in with access to the lake. We decided to backpack about 3 miles in and camp in the rustic hike in sites."
"Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded."
"1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas.
The campground needs some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance.""Nice beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level."
"Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
"They made us feel like family the minute we walked through the door. We would defiantly visit again!"
from $35 - $50 / night
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ScoutLove this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
ScoutNice camp on the Sturgeon. Also on Old 27 which is good if you like white noise, good for getting out. Best because with the bike trail following river you can spot yourself canoeing and save big bucks.
ScoutAwesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
TravelerWas able to find a nice clean area! Can walk to a small river about 200 yards away!
RangerWe really enjoyed our stay at Young State Park. Our site was just steps from the wooden walkway down to beautiful Lake Charlevoix, where we had amazing sunsets each night. The park is also a great base for exploring the area—we biked to Boyne Falls/Boyne Mountain and SkyBridge, rockhounded along Lake Michigan in Charlevoix, and canoed the beautiful Jordan River with nearby Jordan Valley Outfitters.
The sites are very close together. We stayed Sunday–Wednesday late in the summer season and had several open sites around us, which gave us plenty of breathing room. I’m not sure I’d love it during peak summer when the campground is full, as I imagine it could feel pretty crowded. The bathhouses and showers were very clean, and the water pressure and temperature were heavenly after a day outdoors.
Reserving online was easy, and the staff at check-in were friendly and helpful. Firewood at the campground was pricey, but we found a nearby home selling various-sized loads for much less. We’d definitely camp here again—especially outside the busiest part of the summer season.
ScoutWould definitely stay here again. Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake.
GuideThe campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
GuidePetoskey is for the camper that is good sharing their personal space. Packed in like sardines. As my husband said, ‘to peopley for me’. Otherwise the staff was very good and the facilities were very well maintained. We did, however, find a gem of a brewery right down the road. Petoskey Brewery…..nice!
ScoutIt is a pretty nice camp ground. The spaces are small and neighbors are really close. But we are close to water spirt rentals. Nice beach on beautiful Lake Charlevoix. Playground is big and fun for kiddos. The shower rooms are dated and old, but seem clean. We will be back for sure. The pros outweigh the cons
Rapid City, Michigan sits in the forested hills of Antrim County, approximately 15 miles northeast of Traverse City. The area features numerous inland lakes connected by rivers and streams that eventually flow into Lake Michigan. Most campgrounds in the region operate at elevations between 600-800 feet above sea level, contributing to cooler summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
Hiking trails: Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers multiple backcountry hiking trails with lake access. "We found a quaint opening with gorgeous water where the colors complimented each other. A beautiful spot for a quick lunch and as long as no one is across the way, good for a nice dip," notes one camper about this backcountry site.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide lake access for fishing. At Log Lake Campground, there's a "clear beach" that's "good for kayaking" with fishing opportunities in the small lake. Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground offers a more secluded experience where "the lake is completely uninhibited and great for kayaking and fishing."
Downtown exploration: Campers staying at Traverse City State Park Campground can access urban amenities. "You can catch bus for ride into town where there are lots of shops, breweries, etc - very nice town," explains one visitor. Another camper highlights that "one of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths so we can bike to downtown area while staying on bike trails!"
Access to multiple lakes: The region's interconnected waterways allow campers to enjoy different water experiences. At Whitewater Township Park Campground, "Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used," according to one reviewer.
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural settings. "Sites are nice and large" at Whitewater Township Park, while at Timber Ridge, one visitor noted it's "not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods" but "there are trails if you want to get away from all the action."
Beach access: Barnes County Park Campground offers direct Lake Michigan shoreline. "Just steps to the lake from any campsite, this campground is wonderful!" writes one camper. Another notes the "private beach" with "multiple trails" leading to the waterfront.
Reservation timing: For popular campgrounds near Rapid City, early booking is essential. At Whitewater Township Park, "Reservations are first come first serve and aren't taken until early April. So book early."
Varied bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality differs significantly across the area. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, facilities are well-maintained: "The bathrooms were well kept and showers were clean, although we had a hard time keeping hot water." However, at Log Lake Campground, "The bathrooms were dirty and left with no soap."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds near Traverse City can be busy and noisy. One camper described Traverse City State Park as a "Super lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. At Timber Ridge, there's "no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Playground options: Chain-O-Lakes Campground provides numerous recreational options. "Chain O'Lakes Park has it all: trails to hike, horses to ride, boats to row, and fish to catch! After an adventure-packed day, you can return to your nearby campsite for some rest and relaxation," reports one visitor.
Swimming considerations: Water access varies by location. At Whitewater Township Park, one camper liked "the clear blue water down the big dropoff hill," while at Log Lake Campground, the swimming area has "a sign posted in front stating the water is not checked (for bacteria) so swim at your risk."
Site leveling: Come prepared for varied site conditions. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, "Site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions."
Full hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist in the region. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, "They only have 15 full hookup sites and none were available for our time frame. They have several long term tenants. Roads are narrow but most sites are ample. They have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time."
Pull-through access: Some RV parks offer easier access for larger rigs. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prices for cabins at Rapid River Campground near Rapid City?
Based on current information, cabin prices at campgrounds in the Rapid City area vary by season and amenities. At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, cabin prices typically range from $85-150 per night depending on size and amenities. For more rustic options, Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers cabins at lower rates. It's best to call directly for current pricing as rates change seasonally and may include additional fees for extra occupants or pets. Most campgrounds in the region require a 2-night minimum stay for cabin rentals, especially during peak summer months.
What amenities are available at Rapid River Campground in Rapid City, Michigan?
Campgrounds in the Rapid City area offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Torch Grove Campground provides basic facilities as a privately owned campground. For more amenities, Petoskey State Park Campground features modern restrooms, shower facilities, picnic areas, and beach access to Lake Michigan. Most campgrounds in this region offer fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and waste disposal. Some provide electrical hookups, while others maintain a more rustic experience. Check with specific campgrounds before your trip as amenities may vary by season.
What camping is available near Rapid City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rapid City, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 226 campgrounds and RV parks near Rapid City, MI and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rapid City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rapid City, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rapid City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Rapid City, MI.
What parks are near Rapid City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Rapid City, MI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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