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Best Tent Camping near Shelby, MI

865 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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 (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Shelby, MI

27 Photos of 33 Shelby Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shelby, MI

865 Reviews of 33 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Shelby

Tent camping near Shelby, Michigan provides access to diverse ecosystems spanning the Manistee National Forest and Lake Michigan shoreline. Sandy soil conditions throughout the region create excellent drainage during rainfall but often require specialized tent stakes or sand anchors for secure pitching. Winter camping is limited with most sites closing by mid-October, though White River and scattered national forest sites remain open year-round with no services.

What to do

Dune hiking access: At Jackpine Hike-In Campground, tent campers can easily reach Lake Michigan via a short trail. According to a visitor, "There's a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan" and "The hike to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse was picturesque."

River recreation: The Pere Marquette River near Gleasons Landing offers fishing and swimming opportunities directly from camp. A camper notes, "Overlooks the Pere Marquette river and has a small sandy shore where you can get into the water to cool off or do some fishing."

Wildlife observation: Tent campers at White River Campsite #1 should prepare for wildlife encounters. The densely forested area requires navigation skills as one camper advises, "It's in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking."

What campers like

Privacy at rustic sites: White River Campsite #1 offers genuine dispersed camping with minimal development. A reviewer explains, "This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers."

Accessibility to beaches: Muskegon State Park provides easy beach access from tent sites. A camper reports, "It's very well maintained, fire pit rings, bath house, electric hookups, dump station, paved spots. It was close to the beach to Lake Michigan and the beautiful sand dunes right on the beach."

River views: Whelan Lake Campground sites feature scenic river valley overlooks. One camper shared, "I was able to snag the last established spot before the ascent up to the clear cut. The spot was big and beautiful overlooking the river valley."

What you should know

Site access challenges: Many campgrounds near Shelby require walking or hiking to reach sites. At Jackpine, "The road was sandy in spots but manageable" and "We brought a wagon to pull additional stuff and pulling just one bundle of wood was a little challenge."

Limited services: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At Oak Knoll Family Campground, "Bathrooms are close and include showers - clean but worn/outdated showers."

Raccoon presence: Wildlife management is essential at several campgrounds. One Jackpine camper warns, "Lots of raccoons!" while another notes proper food storage is necessary to prevent encounters.

Tips for camping with families

Short hiking options: For families with young children, consider Muskegon State Park's accessible trails. A camper notes, "Miles of trails through the dunes and woods. A few lookout points scattered throughout."

Beach proximity: Campgrounds with direct beach access provide built-in activities. A visitor to Muskegon State Park shares, "This is a wonderful park for families! We have stayed several times and it gets better each visit!"

Campground amenities: At Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground, families appreciate the balance of rustic experience with basic comforts. A camper mentions, "Water view with a small beach. Only 35 mins from Silver Lake Sand Dunes."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: Muskegon State Park Channel offers RV sites but with limited privacy. One RVer cautions, "The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate."

Access road conditions: Some forest service roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. Regarding White River Campsite #1, a visitor advises, "Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles."

Electric options: Most rustic tent sites lack hookups, but Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground provides electrical options. A camper confirms, "There is power available at sites, no shower and rustic restaurants."

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 33 tent camping locations near Shelby, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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