Gordie H.
Scout
ScoutBeaver Creek Resort
Perfect Get away!
We went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
Camping near Roscommon, MI
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Roscommon (243)
1. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground
"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 Availability2. South Higgins Lake State Park Campground
"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 Availability3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling
"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 Availability4. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground
"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 Availability5. Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA
"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."
6. Kneff Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
"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 Availability7. Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp
"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 Availability8. Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground
"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."
9. Houghton Lake State Forest Campground
from $25 / night
Check Availability10. Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground
"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."
from $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 9 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 14 min from Saginaw, MI
- 1 hr 15 min from Midland, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Roscommon, MI
261 Photos of 243 Roscommon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Northern Nights Campground
Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOAb
South Higgins Lake State Park CampgroundE
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling
North Higgins Lake State Park CampgroundC
Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp
Kneff Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National ForestsS
Wakeley Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
Houghton Lake State Forest CampgroundL
Meadows ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National ForestsZ
Lake Margrethe State Forest Campgroundd
Beaver Trail CampgroundC
Recent Reviews near Roscommon, MI
631 Reviews of 243 Roscommon Campgrounds
Dana
TravelerSouth Higgins Lake State Park Campground
Disappointing
The 2 good things about this campground was the full hook up & the large site size. However, my site & a few surrounding sites smelled like sewage from the moment I stepped out of my truck. I couldn't sit outside to enjoy the "fresh" air or open my windows. The picnic table was backed against utility boxes, & the fire pit was within a few feet of the camper behind me. Supposedly there are 3 dog beaches. I found 1 that was a tiny spot with a little bit of sand. I walked over a mile to the park's edge following signs for another dog beach. It didn't exist. Dog beaches are not marked on the map.
- T
Terry A.TravelerGoose Lake State Forest Campground
Lakeviews most sites
Awesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
David L.
GuideHartwick Pines State Park Campground
Nice state park
The campground was very well maintained in the restrooms were large and spotless! The logging museum & old forest trail were beautiful. We loved it!
Ken R.ScoutCamp Chill AF!
A perfect place to camp
The host is very friendly very easy to deal with a wonderful setting very private. We love it.
- LLaura H.Scout
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Great Place to Relax
I had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
Steve L.TravelerHartwick Pines State Park Campground
Quiet and shady
We love this campground. Many of the sites are somewhat secluded from each other by trees, its shady and clean. The restroom building is very nice, but can be a pretty good hike from many of the outer sites. Nice breeze, and no bugs in August!
- KKathleen S.Traveler
Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA
Nice, quiet, close to the highway
We stopped here on the way back from the UP. It had after hours check in plus the owners still answered the phone after hours. Site 16 had beautiful views of the lake where I did see the loon diving for a bit in the am. My daughter enjoyed the beach/playground. Was too chilly to swim but the water was clear to the sandy bottom in the swim area Bathrooms were clean! Definitely would return
Janel G.GuideKneff Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
Kneff Lake Campground
We found the campground well maintained with only vault toilets. The upper sites are paved and take bigger rigs. Lower sites are gravel and for tents. The 140 stairs down to the lake are rustic but doable and only accessible from the lower sites. The lake is beautiful and nice sandy bottom. The night skies were outstanding!
Guide to Roscommon
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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?
What camping is available near Roscommon, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Roscommon, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 243 campgrounds and RV parks near Roscommon, MI and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Roscommon, MI?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roscommon, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Roscommon, MI.
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