Best Tent Camping near Shelby, MI

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Shelby? Finding a place to camp in Michigan with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Shelby, MI (33)

    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Channel Campground

    1. South Channel Campground

    14 Reviews
    35 Photos
    107 Saves
    North Muskegon, Michigan

    If you're looking for campgrounds in Musekgon MI, South Channel Campground will not disappoint. Muskegon State Park is located four miles west of North Muskegon on the shore of Lake Michigan, and is one of the best Muskegon campgrounds in the area. There are over two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and over a mile on Muskegon Lake. The park is located near Duck Lake State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.

    A variety of local attractions make this park even more remarkable, including Michigan Adventure (amusement park), Gillette Nature Center at Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon County Museum, Muskegon Museum of Art and the U.S.S. Silversides (World War II submarine open for tours).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1

    2. White River Campsite #1

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    90 Saves
    Holton, Michigan

    The White River runs through this area and there are several campgrounds and boat launches associated with the river. The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area has several acres of habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more). As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    4. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    70 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Knoll Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whelan Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground

    7. Enchanted Pebawma Lake Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    17 Saves
    Hart, Michigan

    Our small rustic campground is like a little taste of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so if you're looking for that AND a nice peaceful place to relax, we are here for you! We are located in the Manistee National Forest, roughly 14 miles from Hart.

    ***Silver Lake (Mears) is only 35 minutes from us! ***

    We are a family campground on a small spring-fed, no-wake lake that is perfect for you to bring your kayaks or canoes! Our lake is perfect for swimming and fishing for blue gill, bass and pike. Here at Enchanted, you will find 40 sites with 30-amp electric, 10 sites non-electric, a playground, swimming beach, fresh water and a dumping station. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring as well! (Tents & RV's are welcome)

    $30 Site with Electric / $20 Site without Electric

    PETS WELCOME - Dogs must be leashed.

    Shower house COMING SOON.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing

    8. Gleasons Landing

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    62 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    Overview

    Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded spots, the campground is perfect for peaceful nature immersion. The Pere Marquette River was designated a National Scenic River in 1978, the first in Michigan, and it regularly attracts many canoeing, kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. The 66-mile stretch of river begins east of Baldwin and empties into Lake Michigan at Ludington.

    Recreation

    A major draw to the campground is world-class fishing. The free flowing river maintains large populations of resident brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Gleason Landing marks the start of a zone for fly fishing and catch and release only. Reel fishing is available upstream. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Canoeing and kayaking is very popular on the river, and boat rentals are available in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Trails along the river provide shore access for anglers and short, scenic nature walks for hikers.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the picturesque Pere Marquette River. It is surrounded by a mix of white pine and oak trees. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass a million acres throughout the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry.

    Nearby Attractions

    A trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail is a short drive away. The trail extends from New York to North Dakota, spanning 4,600 miles.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $90 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Campground

    9. Bowman Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    54 Saves
    Baldwin, Michigan

    This area not only has the Pere Marquette River running through it, but also contains a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. A total of 1,145 acres of NFS lands and 368 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the Bowman Lake area.The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Wildlife species that commonly inhabit this area include white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, red fox, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and various songbirds.Visitor recreation activities include camping, fishing, mushroom gathering, bird-watching, hunting, hiking and canoeing. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also common uses on the area trails. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.__The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation.This trail system can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. Four improved campsites are located on Bowman Lake. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area.

    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    10. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    13 Reviews
    19 Photos
    49 Saves
    Allendale, Michigan

    The Allendale/West Grand Rapids KOA is conveniently located between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, nestled deep in the countryside of Western Michigan. Our RV sites are large enough to handle most big rigs and offer serenity and a peaceful place to vacation. If tenting is your passion, we have great secluded sites within walking distance to the bathhouse and restroom facilities. Our deluxe cabins are complete with bathroom facilities and fully-equipped kitchens for that "home away from home feel."

    If you're traveling with your family, we have plenty of activities to entertain all ages." Water Wars," hit the bullseye & set off the depth charge to soak your opponent, or perhaps a refreshing swim in our pool. Two playgrounds accommodate our younger campers, while volleyball, basketball, horseshoes & more keep everyone busy. Weekend activities include our famous glow-ride hay-wagon ride.

    We have three ponds on the campground that will keep you busy catching & releasing fish all day long. If fishing or relaxing on the water is on your list of things to do, you'll find them all within a short distance of the campground.

    In the fall, come camp and enjoy the beautiful colors of the changing trees of Western Michigan.

    Whatever your camping needs may be, we have a site for you and look forward to meeting you!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Shelby

843 Reviews of 33 Shelby Campgrounds


  • Melissa C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fisherman's Landing & Campground
    Nov. 21, 2024

    Fisherman's Landing & Campground

    Rude treatment of a disabled vet

    We stayed there 3 years ago and I wish I had seen this site sooner. The morning of July 4th we were woke up by people yelling at 7:15 am. Them at 8:15 someone in a riding lawn mower came within 2 ft of out pop up and woke us up again. Then a sprinkler was started and it was getting our canvas wet, so I turned it down a little. The guy on the mower yelled at me to keep my hands off of the sprinkler! My family were staying one more night so I left them our easy up. Later that evening we came back to watch the fireworks. Afterwards my husband, who is a disabled vet, could not out to our car due to neuropathy in both legs. I decided to go in to pick him up. I waited until v the gate opened and drove in. The speed limit is 10 miles per hour, which I did follow. Then a man come flying up the road and started yelling at my family! I tried to explain that my husband was having a hard time walking out to the parking lot. He cursed at us and then said we would not be allowed back to this campground. This had been the 4 th year we had stayed there over the July 4th holiday. Sad that he treated not only a disabled vet but also a 90 year old woman. Would recommend.

  • Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Condon Lakes West
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Condon Lakes West

    Isolated and attractive to certain people

    Access road is an unmarked two track that is not suitable for all vehicles. Campground is free and only six sites. Free and no registration attracts lowlifes who appear to have been there a significant amount of time or the whole season. If you have a leaky trailer that needs a tarp over the top, love having your pitbulls run wild, and firing up your generator, this may be the perfect spot for you. Not sure how the folks dragged the trailers into camp. Turned around and went elsewhere. Could have been a nice spot but...

  • Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walkup Lake Campground
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Walkup Lake Campground

    Quaint and convenient

    Conveniently located but proximity to the road makes it noisy. Locals drag racing on the nearby road subsided around midnight. Campsites were clean and spacious. I stayed at one of the two sites down the road by the boat launch. I stopped here after my first campground stop was full. This site will definitely get the job done but don't make this a featured stop.

  • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    Busy but Beautiful

    After a decent ruck in, you have some immediate camped spots and can travel further for even more. Summer time is busy so get there early for a spot. Have been multiple times with bigger groups and have always found a spot for tents and hammocks. Enjoy hikes down the best for a distance view of the dunes and enjoy fires with lake views at night.

  • Julia A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Muskegon County Pioneer County Park
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Muskegon County Pioneer County Park

    Lost lake trail

    We had one of the sites closest to the beach access which was very nice for us, but since we were there Labor Day weekend(my mistake lol) we had a lot of traffic come through our campsite. We tend to enjoy more peaceful stays with less crowding. The beach had plenty of room for everyone to spread out and was not crowded at all which made up for it. Highly recommend watching the sunset from the beach. We also loved the lost lake trail. The group camping area is shut down.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michigan Recreation Area
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    Fantastic

    Great location away from everything. Spacious sites that are spread out. We stayed in the Oak Loop. Only 5 minute easy walk to beach. Quiet. Enough cell reception to send a text but that's it. Pit toilets only in Oak and Violet loops. Flush toilets in hemlock and orchid loop. No showers, but showers available at convenience store down the street during the summer.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

    I loved this place!

    A small gem of a place. Park and pay to be in the National Forest...or disperse camping on Green Rd. We parked and hiked the mile and a half in to the Dunes. Take all your gear that you need if you don't want to trek back. Can not ride bike in or have anything with wheels on the trail. At the end of the Beautiful hike you come to the Dunes. Go to the right and you will see some spots to put a tent up(do not camp on Dunes or beach). To the right is easy walk and find. If you head to the left you will have to walk over some Dunes for a bit but this is where we went and found a perfect spot right where the forest and Dunes meet. Very short walk to the beach and it's AMAZING! We had it all to ourselves for hours. It's like looking at the ocean. Beautiful views, sunsets, night sky's. The water was warm and you could walk out a ways before it got deep. Great for swimming. It was perfect. One of my favorite spots away from the busy crowds. So worth the hike. Make sure you get wood and might have to hike it in. There is little to NO wood out there laying around. If you are willing to put the work in to hike out there then I promise it's worth it.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great nature - noisy neighbors

    Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night. Several new campers rolled in at 10pm and proceeded to throw an absolute rager of a party until 4am - on Labor Day weekend. So overall a great campground but I wish there had been enforcement of quiet time or some kind of consequence for such horrible camping manners.

  • Benjamin A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gleasons Landing
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Gleasons Landing

    Beautiful riverside campground

    Most sites have direct river access.  All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area.  There are two pit toilets for six sites and both were clean.  They sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites.

  • Benjamin A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Canoe Campground
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Elk Canoe Campground

    Basic canoe camping

    Elk is a great place to spend the night after a day of paddling or fishing.  There are four sites with decent space between them.  The pit toilet was decently clean and well away from the sites, so no smell.  The only downside is that access is tricky.  The landing is a steep bank with large rocks on the river bank.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    It was ok.

    Stayed here to get off the road on the cheap after a long drive. It was Friday but it was quiet nothing out of the ordinary. The girls at the registration helped me find a quiet spot.

  • Jim P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Val Du Lakes Resort
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Val Du Lakes Resort

    What a great place.

    I can't say enough about this place.  They where  so nice, polite and friendly.  We had some R.V. Issues and they where there to help.  The camp site was very nice.  There bathroom and shower were so clean. We will stay there again.

  • Jennifer S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Highway to Haven Family Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Highway to Haven Family Campground

    Interesting experience

    The staff checking us in was amazing, but that’s where it stops. Lots of highway noise. Tiny spots. And worst of all the owner is terrible, argumentative, rude and disrespectful. We were traveling with a group, my husband was moving grills and wood from our site to theirs(we were not as close to our group as we thought) and was parked literally for less than 10 mins to the side of the road…the owners site was right across- he came out without a hello or welcome but right away jumped in“You can’t park there” as we were very clearly unloading… from that point it went downhill- never told us who he was; asked if we wanted to be kicked out and quite frankly was a straight up jerk. It wasn’t until later that night that other campers told us who he was and that’s normal behavior. If that is how the owner treats his customers you can rest assured we will never be back.

  • H. S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Track Campground
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Bear Track Campground

    Rustic seclusion.

    No running water.
    No electricity.

    No flush toilets.

    No internet.
    No phone signal.

    Pure heaven.

    Rustic campsites. 50-100 yards from the river. Great water from the pump. Nice clean vault toilet. Very quiet at night. Peaceful and beautiful. We've gone ever year for the last 5 years. Going again next year.

    Highly recommend a satellite-based GPS unit like Garmin or TomTom in your car. I was serious when I said no phone signal so Google Maps ain't gonna' get you there.

  • Wendy F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Muskegon County Pioneer County Park
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Muskegon County Pioneer County Park

    Beautiful park

    We loved this park and the atmosphere. So much room for all size campers, bathrooms and showers were clean and spacious. Beach access super close and plenty of roaming for our dog. Fire rings were the nicest we've seen and the park was kept clean and today, the rangers were on top of everything.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Muskegon River Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Muskegon River Campground

    Quiet and Personable

    Very small campground with a quiet time at 10:00 am. The host and staff were beyond helpful and friendly. Only complaint - bathrooms were a good hike away from the tent/RV spots

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    Great time

    The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There’s also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park Campground
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    Nice rustic getaway

    I’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway. Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing). And shopping and nice brewery in Newaygo. Most sites are large and separated from the next. The noise levels really dropped off in the evening. Will be back!!


Drive Time


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.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

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 South Channel Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 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.