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Best Tent Camping near Shelby, MI

853 Reviews

Tent camping near Shelby, Michigan provides access to both lakeside and forested sites within Michigan's western shoreline region. White River Campsite #1 offers free primitive tent camping with fire rings and pet-friendly policies, though without drinking water or toilet facilities. Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground, located about 15 miles north of Shelby, features 50 tent sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Jackpine Hike-In Campground in Ludington State Park (approximately 30 miles north) provides secluded walk-in tent sites with vault toilets and access to Lake Michigan beaches.

Most tent campgrounds in the Shelby area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. Primitive tent camping at White River requires campers to pack in all water and supplies, while established campgrounds like Enchanted Pebawma Lake provide basic amenities including vault toilets and trash collection. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some sites requiring permits during dry periods. The sandy soil common to lakeside tent sites provides good drainage during rain but may require specialized tent stakes. Vault toilets are standard at most established tent campgrounds, though shower facilities are limited to larger state park operations.

Walk-in tent sites at Jackpine Hike-In Campground offer a more secluded camping experience with well-defined site boundaries. According to reviews, "Sites contain a fire ring and picnic table with plenty of trees in between. Lake Michigan is just up and over a sand dune." The one-mile flat trail to reach these tent-only sites is manageable for most hikers, with some campers using wagons to transport gear. Gleasons Landing provides another tent-only option with walk-in sites along the Pere Marquette River. One camper noted, "All sites are walk-in from the parking lot and overlook the river with a small sandy shore where you can cool off or fish." Wildlife encounters, particularly raccoons, are common at many of these tent campgrounds, so proper food storage is essential.

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Best Tent Sites Near Shelby, Michigan (32)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Shelby, MI

27 Photos of 32 Shelby Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shelby, MI

853 Reviews of 32 Shelby Campgrounds

  • Kate K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Kinda overcrowded these days

    2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”

  • 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.

  • Steph K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Quiet, off-grid, close to the dunes

    The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is dispersed camping, and nearby is Lake Michigan Campground with tent and dry rv camping. We stayed there and almost had the whole place to ourselves.

    Be warned- there is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead and let people know you won’t be reachable. And then enjoy being disconnected :)

    The campsites were big and beneath mature trees for max shade and privacy. There’s a small bath house with flushing toilets. No hook ups or electricity of any sort. Camp hosts sold ice and firewood and there was potable water.

    The dunes are a quick walk and well worth it. There is a trail from the campground right down to the beach. We hiked all day and lounged on the beach. Dogs are welcome on-leash.

  • Emily M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Mears State Park Campground

    Not worth it

    Go to the beach for the day, but don't camp here. The sites were on top of each other and there was no privacy. There was only one bathroom for the entire campground meaning that only 3 stalls were offered for all of the women. Because there is only one bathroom and it isn't in the middle of the campground, it is a long walk for most of the campers. The showers were nice, but the bathroom could use an upgrade.

    All of the sites were sandy with no shade. Traveling on bike meant having few comfort items. We really could have used a tree or some other shade after a long day of touring, but there was no shade at the site or anywhere nearby. Most folks had awnings on their campers. I could see how having a camper or RV (or even a car) would make the experience more enjoyable, but still I would not choose to return here.

    It is not a tent friendly site because the tent gets blown off the sand. Sandy sites make it difficult to stake down a tent. We went on a particularly windy day and the gear we had was not enough to hold down the tent. I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm just to keep the tent from blowing away. 

    There was wifi, but it hardly worked at the site. The beach was decent, but nothing any more impressive than anywhere else on the lake. If you have the opportunity to stay somewhere other than here, go there instead. I was shocked that so many people would pay so much for such a pathetic campground. If you are paying to stay at a Michigan State Park, find yourself a better one!

    I intended on taking pictures, but was so unimpressed I completely forgot.

  • Cody M.
    May. 13, 2022

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Quality Primitive Camping

    An easy walk from the designated parking spots by the maintenance area, but I chose to bike. The road was sandy in spots but manageable. Sites contain a fire ring and picnic table. Two clean vault toilets. Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent. Site F was good for hammocking. Walked to the lighthouse for sunset and was not disappointed. There’s a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Jeff B.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Jack Pine Had Everything

    Ludington State Park - Jack Pine camp had everything. A very pleasant drive into the state park - with many places to access the beach.

    Check-in and parking for camping was easy and the price was reasonable. Easy hike to Jack Pine and it was easy to find my campsite.

    Campsite has well designated corner marker boundaries with plenty of room to pitch a tent and several hammock options. Each site has a solid fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of tree cover for shade. Toilets are close and clean.

    The hike to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse was picturesque. Great access to the beach and again toilets were close and clean.

  • s
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Campground steps away from Lake Michigan

    Clean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. We stayed at site 50A right across from the steps down to the beach. There was no privacy, but it was a large corner lot with both water and trash steps away. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.

  • 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.

Guide to Shelby

Tent camping near Shelby, Michigan offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from rustic sites to more equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

  • Enjoy a free stay at White River Campsite #1, where you can pitch your tent in a serene forest setting without any amenities.
  • For a budget-friendly option, Timber Creek Campground offers tent sites for just $10 a night, complete with a beautiful view of the stars.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, Gleasons Landing provides a riverside camping experience with direct access to the water, all for free.

Tent campers should check out Whelan Lake Campground

  • Whelan Lake Campground features picnic tables and toilets, making it a well-reviewed choice for families and groups.
  • For a more rustic experience, Jackpine Hike-In Campground requires a short hike to reach your site, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
  • Bowman Lake Campground is another hike-in option, perfect for those who appreciate solitude and scenic trails.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shelby, MI is White River Campsite #1 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Shelby, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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