Best Tent Camping near Remus, MI

State forest campgrounds and nature parks surrounding Remus, Michigan provide several tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground in nearby Mecosta offers approximately 20 rustic tent sites on a peninsula accessed by a narrow dirt road. Deerfield Nature Park in Mount Pleasant features walk-in tent sites accessible via a one-mile hike or by boat, with only 10 sites available. Haymarsh State Game Area, located about 20 miles northwest of Remus, provides lakeside tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in access options.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical fees ranging from $10-15 per night. Sites generally include basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at most locations. Water access varies significantly, with some campgrounds offering hand pumps while others require campers to bring their own water supply. Tent campers should note that many sites have a 14-day maximum stay limit. The camping season typically runs from April through October, though specific opening and closing dates may vary based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.

Tent-only camping experiences in this region often feature good separation between sites and proximity to water bodies. According to reviews, Tubbs Lake sites fill up quickly on weekends, with one visitor noting that "there are about 20 rustic sites on the island, all first come first serve, so plan to get there early." At Deerfield Nature Park, campers reported peaceful surroundings despite the required one-mile hike to reach the tent sites. One camper mentioned that "the hike with gear will wear you out," recommending boat access instead. Fall camping is particularly appealing in these areas, with fewer crowds and scenic views. Most backcountry tent camping locations offer good fishing opportunities and access to hiking trails.

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Best Tent Sites Near Remus, Michigan (30)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Remus, MI

374 Reviews of 30 Remus Campgrounds


  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    Small campground, big ambiance

    This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • Janessa L.
    Jun. 23, 2020

    River Country Campground and Livery

    Weekend Getaway

    A friend and I stayed two nights in a tent. The campground is on the smaller side. You mostly see campers and RVs, many who stay seasonally. It felt like a community where everyone knows each other well. The couple on the neighboring campsite were incredibly friendly, offering help with fire starters and a hammer to pound down the stakes on our tent.

    Our site had a fire pit, picnic table and electric hookup we used to charge cell phones. There wasn’t much shade but there are other shady sites in the campground.

    While the river site was scenic, mosquitoes were of course having a feast! There was a play area for the kids, volleyball net and horseshoe pit. The camp store had the basics with hard pack ice cream for sale. There’s also a game room off the camp store with pool, ping pong and laundry room for longer visits.

    You’re able to rent a tube, kayak or canoe to cruise down the Muskegon River. They were kind enough to shuttle us to the drop off point a couple of miles away.

    There is a restroom/shower building that’s kept quite clean. The ladies room had three separate showers and I never had to wait for a turn during my stay.

    It’s definitely a family campground so if you’re looking for a quiet camping trip, this place is perfect. It’s a bit far from the Detroit area for a weekend but I’d definitely return for a longer stay.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    Nice, very rustic, campground

    Nice park with dispersed sites. Hand pump for potable water and out houses for bathrooms. On a cute little lake ideal for kayaking or small boats. Not really set up for large TT, but people brought one in anyway. Close to US 131 and you can hear the traffic.

    Sites have fire rings and picnic tables.

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    Nice views, somewhat rustic sites

    We live in Kalamazoo and wanted a quick trip out in the tent for a long weekend. We chose the park for it's proximity to home and because of nearby kayak/canoe launches. We enjoy rustic camping and were a little let down with the lack of seclusion on each site (that's to be expected when car camping but the photos and website left us hopeful for more space than was offered). The sites are deep but many are close together. Ours had a little extra room but was next to the vault toilet. There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice. The staff at the time wasn't very helpful when we asked for nearby hikes. They only knew of a paved trail but on our way out of town we met a couple who told us of many river trails and other hikes nearby. Overall it's a decent place to stay. Personally, I don't find it worth it to have vault toilets and no shower if I'm still going to be in a fairly cramped campground. I'd prefer that they have hike-in sites or offer the amenities of car camping.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    Very nice campground with a small hiking trail from the sites

    I stayed here for two nights recently.  The campground is not too large with 18 or 19 sites if I remember correctly.  Most of the sites are pretty private and a few are along the river that runs along the campground.  The water is very peaceful to listen to while falling asleep.

    There are ample vault toilets and enough parking for one or two vehicles on most sites.  The sites are not that large, so large RVs will not fit.

    Plenty of space for a tent or two per site.  Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.  Finding firewood in the campground is near impossible, so plan to bring some or buy some before you arrive.

  • Renae J.
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Timber Creek Campground

    Oh My Stars!

    Timber Creek is a lovely campground within Manistee National Forest. The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended). It’s also spacious enough for your doggos to run around to their hearts content!

    Pricing is $10/night and $5/day pass, with a 14(?) day limit on your campsite stay.

    Vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it (along with hand sanitizer!).

    Water pump is available, though I can’t speak to the quality as we didn’t end up having to use it.

    Honestly, my only real gripe is the fire pits. I fully assume the design is meant to prevent forest fires so it’s for the best, but the fire pits have a higher wall around them with a grill on top you cannot remove. Great for cooking food, but if you’re looking to sit by the fire to warm up, you’d probably be better off with a portable heater. It’s also worth noting that I’ve noticed this type of fire pit at every campsite in Manistee so far, so don’t put too much effort into venturing out to find a better one.

    All in all we really loved our stay here and we can’t wait to stay here again!

  • Natalie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    Okay campsite

    My husband and I stayed here for what should have been the whole weekend. We ended up cutting our trip short.

    The campground itself seemed quite nice. Large, clean vault toilets. A water pump. No electric. Some of the sites seem more isolated than others. The sites were nice and big. The campground is right by the trailhead for some longer trails. There is a nice kayak/fishing lake surrounding the campground. We first set up camp at site #1, which is at the very beginning of the campground, and very close to the highway. It is separated from all the other camp sites, but next to the parking lot leading to the trailhead. We ended up moving to site #31, which was down a hill at the back of the campground. It is in front of a swamp that opens to the lake. This is a nice flat lot, with a lot of space. Quieter than the front of the park. Overall, the campground itself is pretty nice.

    The downsides: it's right next to the highway, so you hear traffic until around 1 or 2 am. There seemed to be some long-term residents who had a LOT of late night visitors who stayed for only 10 minutes or so. The last visitor came at 3 am. Seemed super sketchy. We did not stay the additional night due to the odd activity taking place at the other site near ours. I don't think I would stay here again, but this would be an enjoyable campground if the weird activity wasn't taking place.

  • Jeff F.
    May. 19, 2021

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Great peaceful spot.

    Nice campground, Paved pads, showers and flush toilets

    No hookups. Getaway. Some spots have openings good for solar

    Half are frist come frist server. Others are reservations

    Campground manger on site. , Sell ice and wood at campground

    Picnic table and lantern postcard each site

    No dump station nearest one 10 miles away


Guide to Remus

Tent camping near Remus, Michigan offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed spots nearby, campers can find the perfect setting for their outdoor adventures.

Tent campers should check out Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground

  • This campground features electric hookups and allows pets, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • Enjoy the clean facilities and friendly staff, perfect for a relaxing stay.
  • With two beaches nearby, it's an ideal spot for kids to bike and play while parents unwind.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Remus, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Remus, MI is Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Remus, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Remus, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.