239 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Roscommon, Michigan provides numerous camping options surrounded by lakes, forests, and rivers within the northern Lower Peninsula. Established campgrounds include North and South Higgins Lake State Parks, offering year-round access with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The area also features several rustic options like Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground along the Au Sable River and Houghton Lake State Forest Campground, where visitors can enjoy more primitive camping experiences. Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground and Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling accommodate family camping with amenities ranging from basic to full-service.
Road conditions throughout the region vary seasonally, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads though some forest service sites require navigating unpaved routes. Spring and fall typically bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer remains the peak season. "Firefly evening strolls on sandy trails through the woods. Dog friendly. Seasonal family gathering spot," noted one visitor describing their experience at a local campground. Recreation passports are required for entry at state parks and forest campgrounds, with most sites available for reservation through the Michigan DNR reservation system. Cell service varies by location, with better coverage near Roscommon and more limited connectivity in remote forest areas.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the region. Multiple campgrounds offer direct access to Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, and the Au Sable River system. A camper described one riverside experience as "We stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn't be happier. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen." The region's forested campsites typically provide ample shade and privacy between sites, with many offering fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, small mammals, and numerous bird species. Campers should note that many popular waterfront sites fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, particularly at the state parks, making advance reservations essential during peak periods.
"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"
from $36 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"
from $37 - $68 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A few trails walking distance from the campground. The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."
"Some full hookups, unusual for Michigan state parks that I’ve seen."
from $41 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This campground is beautifully located in the middle of Huron-Manistee national forest."
"Very nice campground on Kneff Lake in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The campground road is blacktop in great condition. There are 2 loops."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Access to the river was good and the sites were a decent size with privacy in between. We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails"
"The access to the river is fantastic, with multiple trails and access points easily accessible with a short walk. The facilities are well maintained and spaced out well throughout the camp."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"There are a few sites on the lake and a boat launch. Sites have tables, pits and trees. They are also well separated with trees. Pretty easy access to the campground and the place was clean."
"Nice rustic campground located just north of west branch. No showers, privy is is decent shape. Not the worst not the best. Several lake front sites to choose from with excellent views."
TravelerOverall, it’s a fine campground. Bathrooms were fairly clean and offered a coin operated shower in each bathroom. Bring some sandals if you use them. Nice fire rings and aluminum picnic tables. Water and electric sites available. It’s a bit loud due to the road nearby, music from Shorts Brewery, and other campers very near you. The sites are very small.
ScoutWe had to cancel last minute because our truck broke down. Don was so kind and helpful. He just canceled us without penalty. When I called back after truck was fixed, he remembered my name and said Hello, did you get your truck fixed? I was calling to see if I could rebook our time slot. I thought that incredible. We will be there June 14 th
RangerFairly easy to get to... last couple miles you'll want to pay attention to ruts and potholes. Tiny loop at the end, with room for 6-8 tent campers or 3-4 small travel trailers. Not big rig friendly. Little buggy, very muggy. Surprised to see other people here. 3 other parties and myself. Quiet, though. Okay place for a one nighter.
TravelerClean, quiet, great service. Bathrooms and showers were fine. They have firewood for $5/bundle on-site that they’ll deliver to your site. We would stay here again.
TravelerCampground is beautiful with access to the very clean lake and sandy beach, my pups loved going swimming. There is potable water via an old school hand pump and vault toilets and a dumpster. Sites have plenty of shade but Starlink is getting excellent reception anyways. Generators are permitted and it's about 20 min from Traverse City. There are signs that note you must register and pay online before setting up camp so this is technically not first come first serve. Excellent place to stay.
LegendHad a nice and peaceful 1-night stay while traveling through the area. 8 sites total, some sites with direct lake access, the others in the woods with space in-between. Only one other camper on a Sunday night stay. A dumpster near the entrance. Two clean pit toilets. Mosquitos like crazy right now. Good cell service.
GuideThis spot is an open pull-off in state forest land. Clean, safe and quiet - no road traffic at night and sparse during day.
GuideBeen here many times! Great place to stay, no hookups but has a pump well and vault bathrooms. Great for fishing kayaking. I’ve seen otters swimming and bald eagles flying around on a regular. I think I’ve been here every month out of the year over the past 25 years or so. Also T-Mobile service is decent.
Scoutfine if you just need a place to pitch a tent, ground is hit or miss and some spots are uneven. The river is the only real draw, bugs still come out and weekends get loud with rowdy groups. Bathrooms are meh
Roscommon, Michigan sits at the heart of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula at approximately 1,150 feet elevation. The area features sandy soil and mixed forest terrain with numerous lakes, including Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake—two of Michigan's largest inland bodies of water. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 0°F.
Water activities on Higgins Lake: Crystal clear waters at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground offer excellent swimming conditions with a shallow shoreline. "The 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," notes Stu E.
Hiking through old growth forest: The trails at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground showcase northern Michigan's historic timber landscape. "It features old growth forest on the hiking trails, multiple ranger programs each week, hosts that give you coffee or hot chocolate in the morning... plus side trails that are less traveled so you rarely see anyone else," writes Lisa B.
ORV trail riding: Access extensive off-road vehicle trails directly from Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground. "The trailhead is maybe 1/8th of a mile down the only road in and trails were fun on the bike. I've also woken up to families of deer feeding in the sites next to me more than once," shares Zack L.
Spacious, wooded sites: The camping spots near Roscommon, Michigan often feature good separation between neighbors. At Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, "Campsites were spacious and had nice stands of trees in between to provide privacy. Fire rings had a great design. Vault toilets were kept clean and stocked," according to Laurel K.
Family-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling offers structured entertainment beyond traditional camping. "Great for kids. Tons of activities all day long... The jumping pillow is another great feature. Grew up here in the summers as a kid, great memories," says Lexi G.
Lake access: Many campgrounds in the region provide direct water access. At Ambrose Lake, sites offer "excellent views. There is a public boat launch here. There is an ORV trailhead here as well so the majority of the campers here are off road enthusiasts," explains Corey O.
Busy holiday periods: The Roscommon area camping destinations can become crowded during peak times. "We spend several weekends at this campground and love it. On holiday weekends we camp further away from the boat launch, as it gets extremely busy!" advises Jessica about South Higgins Lake State Park.
Variable site quality: Not all sites offer equal privacy or features. At North Higgins Lake State Park Campground, "We were on sight 169 this whole side is next to a busy road cars and logging trucks all day and night way noisy," warns Brian H., while other sites receive better reviews.
Rustic camping options: Several state forest campgrounds provide minimal amenities. "Primative campground. Walk-up only. Find you site and register at the gate. Good sized sites with privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Roscommon, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Roscommon, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 239 campgrounds and RV parks near Roscommon, MI and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Roscommon, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Roscommon, MI is North Higgins Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roscommon, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Roscommon, MI.
Keep Exploring
