Best Tent Camping near Roscommon, MI

Tent campgrounds near Roscommon, Michigan range from developed sites to walk-in wilderness areas across the Huron-Manistee National Forests region. Notable options include Wakeley Lake Campground, which offers hike-in tent sites on the shores of a secluded lake, and Great Circle Campground in Roscommon proper, which provides tent sites with more amenities including electric hookups and shower facilities. Several state forest campgrounds like Keystone Landing and Rainbow Bend offer primitive tent camping with river access along the AuSable River.

Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Wakeley Lake require carrying gear approximately half a mile to reach the camping area, while state forest campgrounds typically offer drive-in access to tent campsites. Many locations provide vault toilets, but running water is limited primarily to the more developed campgrounds. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages several primitive tent camping areas that operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with most closing during winter months. A visitor noted that "we hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites" at Wakeley Lake.

The region's tent camping areas are particularly well-suited for paddlers, with multiple canoe camps established along the AuSable River system. White Pine Canoe Camp and Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground provide tent campsites accessible by boat, creating opportunities for multi-day paddling trips. According to one camper, "If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place." Most tent-only areas offer significant privacy between sites, with shaded spots under hardwood forest canopy. Summer brings increased mosquito activity, so tent campers should prepare with appropriate insect protection. Fall camping provides cooler temperatures and reduced crowds at most backcountry tent sites, making it an ideal season for experienced campers seeking solitude.

Best Tent Sites Near Roscommon, Michigan (49)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Roscommon, MI

567 Reviews of 49 Roscommon Campgrounds


  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Peaceful spot, plenty of room

    Seems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.

    Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

    We had a very pleasant stay.

    Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.

  • Gemma G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

    There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

    The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

    The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

    There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

    The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

    There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

  • 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.

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • Lexi G.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    4-Mile Trail Camp DNR

    Cheap horse camp

    It’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.

  • Kate K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Avery Lake State Forest Campground

    Little Rustic Campground

    This place was really nice and not very busy. It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available. There is a nice boat launch located within the campground as well.

  • Lydia T.
    May. 13, 2024

    Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    Rustic state forest campground

    Rustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.

  • Chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

    Ok for a mid week getaway

    I scouted this campground over a holiday weekend and found all the sites that could accomodate RVs were occupied, while all the tent sites were available.  Returning on the Monday after the holiday with my tent, I was the only camper on site for all three nights I was there.  

    I camped in Site 2, as it was close to the lake and fishing was my purpose in being there.  The campground is small (15 sites) and the cost is $20/night.  The vault toilets (2) were clean and well supplied with toilet paper.  The hand pump well takes a bit of priming to get going, but don't give up.  You will get water.  There is a small beach area next to a well maintained boat dock and concrete boat launch.  Everything at my site, fire ring and picnic table was in good condition.  As others have mentioned, this campground is right on a paved road.  For some reason, this road is popular with noisy motorcycles and pickup trucks.  Fortunately, the traffic almost completely stops by 9PM.  

    The fishing was just ok.  Although rumor has it the lake is stocked with Walleye, my take was limited to abundant Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, and Largemouth bass, many of which were on the larger size.  Waterskiing and jetskiing is prohibited on the lake before 11AM, but they come out in numbers after that time.  

    All in all, being the sole camper at the site made for a pleasant stay.  I would not venture to stay there on a weekend or holiday.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Nice sites but not too close to the lake

    Nice large state forest campground with plenty of space and sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Shared rustic toilets and hand pump for water are also available. The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim.


Guide to Roscommon

Tent camping near Roscommon, Michigan centers around the headwaters of the AuSable River system, where northern hardwood forests transition to pine plains. This region sits at approximately 1,150 feet elevation, characterized by sandy soils and significant temperature variations, with summer nights often dropping into the 50s even after warm days. Most campgrounds remain snow-covered until mid-April, with peak camping season running May through September.

What to do

Fishing access points: Keystone Landing State Forest Campground provides multiple river entry options for anglers. "Perfect for trout fishing as there are three access spots to the river. Watch out for ticks in the spring," notes Walt S. at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground.

Paddling trips: The AuSable River offers multi-day kayak and canoe options between established campsites. "This was our 2nd campsite on a 3 day kayak camping trip. The site was clean and well maintained. It had a canoe only and a traditional campground area," explains Sean G. about his experience at Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to spot local wildlife, particularly at more remote sites. "Loved watching the loons on the lake," shares john H. from his camping experience at Wakeley Lake Campground.

What campers like

Secluded water access: Many tent campsites offer direct water access without crowds. "We only stayed one night but it was very nice, right by the water. One other camper nearby but completely out of earshot," reports Sara C. at Wakeley Lake Campground.

Close to town convenience: Some campgrounds balance nature with proximity to supplies. "You get the best of both worlds here, camping on the river but close to Grayling. The campsites are fairly secluded and shaded," explains Walt S. about Keystone Landing.

Hybrid accessibility: Several locations allow drive-in access while maintaining a rustic feel. "If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place. Get back to nature here with no running water or electric. There is a clean outhouse and a well with a pump that has fresh cold water," describes Heidi S. at Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground.

What you should know

Limited firewood availability: Some river locations have restricted natural wood sources. "There was very limited access to dry wood or dead trees," reports Sean G. about White Pine Canoe Camp, noting they relied on pre-packed supplies.

Water source reliability: Pump conditions vary by season and maintenance schedules. "The water pump was out of commission... fortunately we brought enough water," warns Sean G. about White Pine Canoe Camp.

Seasonal maintenance: State forest campgrounds typically open by mid-April and close after October. "Spent a week here with only two other campers. Rustic. Maintained Gravel Road," describes Susan F. regarding Keystone Landing's shoulder season.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: Some sites offer easier access while maintaining a wilderness feel. "Great, quiet, cozy place to take kids or anyone for that matter. Right on the river and clean, flat lots," recommends tiffany M. at Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground.

Supply planning: Limited services mean bringing appropriate provisions. "There's a party store about a quarter mile down the road that sells firewood if you have difficulty scavenging dead trees," notes Sean G. about the area near Parmalee Bridge.

Equipment transport solutions: Wheel-equipped carriers help move gear to walk-in sites. John H. shares his solution at Wakeley Lake: "We hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites."

Tips from RVers

Horse-friendly sites: Some locations accommodate equestrian campers with specialized facilities. "It's never busy here. I don't have horses but I've seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it," reports Lexi G. about 4-Mile Trail Camp.

RV size limitations: Most tent-focused sites near Roscommon have limited space for larger vehicles. Susan F. noted about Keystone Landing: "Maintained Gravel Road. Variety of trees," indicating access may be challenging for larger rigs.

Group camping considerations: Several locations offer separated group areas. "There is group camping right on the river as well which makes it a great place to stop and stay a night as you go down the river," mentions Heidi S. about Rainbow Bend's layout accommodating multiple camping styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Roscommon, MI is Great Circle Campground with a 1.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Roscommon, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.