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Best Campgrounds near Grayling, MI

673 Reviews

Campgrounds near Grayling, Michigan range from developed state parks to rustic forest sites, primarily situated along the AuSable River and Lake Margrethe. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground features cabins and full hookup sites among its old-growth forest, while Upper Manistee River and Lake Margrethe State Forest Campgrounds provide more rustic experiences. The region includes a mix of year-round and seasonal camping areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to campgrounds with modern facilities. Several campgrounds offer access to popular water recreation areas, including fishing spots and beaches.

Road access varies throughout the region, with some state forest campgrounds accessible via maintained gravel roads while others require careful navigation during wet seasons. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. The military training facility at Camp Grayling can occasionally affect the camping experience with artillery noise at certain times. Rustic state forest campgrounds typically provide vault toilets and drinking water but lack shower facilities. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. A camper noted: "Maintained gravel road. Variety of trees. Walking path to AuSable River. Canoe launch at end main road past campground."

Waterfront sites at Lake Margrethe and along the AuSable River consistently receive positive reviews for their scenic views and recreation opportunities. Several campers mention the excellent swimming at Lake Margrethe, with one describing it as having "a killer beach for swimming and wading." The old-growth forest at Hartwick Pines is frequently cited as a highlight, offering educational opportunities about Michigan's logging history alongside hiking trails. Many sites provide good privacy thanks to mature tree cover, though campgrounds closer to water tend to be busier, especially during summer months. According to one visitor, Hartwick Pines features "large sites and most with plenty of trees surrounding the sites." Some campgrounds in the area balance wilderness experiences with proximity to town amenities, making them popular bases for fishing, canoeing, or exploring the region's extensive trail systems.

Map showing campgrounds near Grayling, MichiganExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Wakeley Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

Wakeley Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

9 min away

Manistee River Bridge Campground

Manistee River Bridge Campground

9 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Grayling, Michigan (231)

    1. Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-7068

    "There are many walking trails and bike trails too. So much history to be shared and learned about through this area."

    "A few trails walking distance from the campground.

    The old growth trail is beautiful and really well maintained. The trees are crazy TALL."

    2. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6125

    "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"

    3. Upper Manistee River

    11 Reviews
    Frederic, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    $15 - $20 / night

    "We love Michigan outdoors! We chose paddling and camping the Big Manistee River. As is the expectation when we camp…there will be rain…and this outing was no different."

    "the sites are sandy and surrounded by tall pines and ferns. some biting flies, especially near river (late june). multiple vault toilets and one water pump. sites are spacious enough for small campers"

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling

    7 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    6 miles
    Website

    $37 - $68 / night

    "Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities!"

    5. Kneff Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    6 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    6 miles
    +1 (989) 826-3252

    $15 / night

    "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."

    6. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-5485

    "Most of the sites overlook the lake. It appears the park is upgrading its restrooms with one new, one relatively new and one older one. We enjoy the central location to places we like to visit."

    "A great campground about 20 min south of gaylord, on otsego lake, as with most michigan state parks they have nicely taken care of campsites and easy access to bathrooms, the beach from our site was a"

    7. South Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Roscommon, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6374

    "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."

    8. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grayling, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    "Being right on the lake was wonderful."

    "The campground is conveniently located but this means it’s a very busy place."

    9. Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp

    6 Reviews
    Luzerne, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 275-4622

    $15 / night

    "This campground is rustic and mid way between Grayling and Lucerne. The campground is generally quiet and practically deserted during the week. "

    "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"

    10. Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA

    5 Reviews
    Roscommon, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 275-8151

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Grayling, MI

292 Photos of 231 Grayling Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grayling, MI

673 Reviews of 231 Grayling Campgrounds

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Au Sable Loop #3

    We were passing through and didn't have time to explore campground arriving around 7p & road tired.
    Site # 3 was without metal fire ring as shown to have in reservation picture. In its place was a hole and pile of ash with a hardened ash plug as if it was dug out of ground and thrown near bushes, strange. We were only campers there but heard faint voices outdoors after turning in to sleep, kinda creepy.

    Pictures taken just before leaving early morning. Heard there might be poison ivy around camp so only took basic photos but stayed clear of foliage around site.

  • Byron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Grayling Trailer Park

    Great RV park

    This is a military base and need proper identification to enter. The sites are well maintained (sand pads). The beach area is well maintained and relaxing. The wireless internet is GREAT! Also have cell coverage. Clean and quite for only $20 per night (cash or check only). The camp site manager (Tim) was fantastic!

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    Quiet is right!

    Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness.

    This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park. They were out of camping registration cards. I think this park is being impacted by the recent cuts to forest service. Anyway, I went ahead and stayed. I was the only one here. The nature - forest, lake, and wildlife had me in tears.

    From the trail head/parking it’s about 1/2 mile or less to bathrooms and lake camping. There was spotty service for T-mobile but I managed to get some texts + calls through.

    I’d love to come again.

  • Jonathan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Au Sable River Primitive Camping

    Primitive camping, but too close to the road/airport

    The site was truly rustic. About 1/4 mile to the next site. Nice clearing with multiple spots you could maneuver a small camper back into if you are a good enough driver. If not, there is a nice clearing by the road that also works. Had a fire ring with a flip over grill. Trails run back into woods to potential cat hole locations. For water, you can head up the road a few miles to the lumberman monument park, and they have a fauset by the parking lot. Also, about 1/8 mile down the road is an established path down to the Au Sable River to get water to extinguish your campfire but not for drinking (this stretch of the river is not safe to drink). During the day and sometimes at night you can hear a lot of road traffic and also jet engine noise from the local airport. Good openings for solar if you are using movable panels or can get your camper back far enough, but not so good in the default parking spot. Verizon = 3-4 bars 5G.

  • C
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Elkwood Campground

    Amazing!

    Fall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!

  • K
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Au Sable Loop Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

    Spacious Private Sites

    We camped on the ausable river camping on alcona pond. The sites are very secluded from one another, no bathrooms, no water available, but its quiet, private, and had access right to the river. Lots of poison ivy in July, so be aware. Lots of campers across the river that you can see, but nothing overly noisy or distracting. Our site had room for 3 families with tents. Some walking paths, but we didn’t wander too far. Short drives to beautiful overlooks, or the dam for fishing. We wanted 006 site originally. its level with the river and right on a winding bend! Sites seem to reserve fast, so be ready!

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    East Jordan Tourist Park

    Small town campground

    Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    Jackson Lake

    20 bucks a night very clean toilets, fire pits picnic tables plus $11 for out of state registered vehicle plate so nowhere near free camping but a nice stay over spot

Guide to Grayling

Camping near Grayling, Michigan provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in the northern Lower Peninsula. The region sits at approximately 1,150 feet elevation with sandy soil conditions typical of the Au Sable River Valley. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during daytime with considerably cooler nights even in July and August, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.

What to do

Fishing access points: Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground offers direct lake fishing where the water is clear and suitable for wading. According to a camper, "Most sites have an amazing view. The campground is so pretty with huge Pines and hills overlooking the lake. You can swim right at most of the sites."

Kayaking routes: Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground connects to the South Branch of the Au Sable River with multiple access points. One visitor noted, "The access to the river is fantastic, with multiple trails and access points easily accessible with a short walk." This campground serves as an excellent base for paddling excursions with manageable river entry points.

Winter usage: Hartwick Pines State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter activities. A camper mentioned it's "Open all year, nice park, big rig friendly, has full hookups. We enjoy hiking here. The old logging museum is interesting to walk around & check out." The park maintains plowed access roads during winter months.

What campers like

Clean facilities: North Higgins Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. A visitor reported, "The park and bathrooms were always clean, showers were clean and had good water pressure. They did lose power in the whole park for about 3 hours due to a squirrel chewing through a wire somewhere."

Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming beaches, but Kneff Lake Campground offers a quieter alternative. A camper described it: "The day access lake area has 2 put toilets with stairs and a ramp leading down to the beach. The beach is all sand, no seaweed in the water. It's a perfect swimming area."

Forested sites: Otsego Lake State Park Campground provides larger, more established sites. A reviewer noted, "Without a doubt this is one of our favorite campgrounds. It's a bit older, so the campsites are quite large compared to modern campgrounds. There are huge trees throughout, easily navigable roads, etc."

What you should know

Artillery noise: Camp Grayling military training facility produces periodic artillery noise that affects nearby campgrounds. A camper at Lake Margrethe described: "On top of that, nearby Camp Grayling provided almost constant noise from machine gun fire...It was hilarious, guys, thanks. To be fair, the artillery sounds ended around 8 PM and started up again at 9 AM (on a Saturday morning)."

Road access: Several state forest campgrounds require navigation on rough forest roads. At Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, a visitor warned: "The dirt road from the hwy to the campground is really-really rough... drive slow." This road condition is particularly challenging during spring thaw or after heavy rains.

Cell service: Cell phone coverage varies widely across the region with many campgrounds having limited or no service. At North Higgins Lake, a camper reported: "Don't expect to make phone calls, the cell service (AT&T) was very spotty." Those requiring connectivity should plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Grayling, Michigan?

Grayling offers excellent campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Keystone Landing State Forest Campground provides secluded, shaded sites along the river while remaining close to town. It's perfect for trout fishing with three river access points. Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with direct water access, making it ideal for paddling and fishing. Other notable options include Hartwick Pines State Park with its historic logging exhibits and hiking trails, and River Park Campground with its family-friendly atmosphere and clean facilities. The area's campgrounds provide excellent access to the AuSable River, perfect for canoeing and fishing adventures.

How much does camping cost in Grayling, MI?

Camping costs in Grayling vary by campground type and amenities. River Park Campground, a family-owned facility with shower facilities and spacious sites, charges moderate rates for daily lots that accommodate tents or travel trailers. State forest campgrounds like Upper Manistee River typically charge $13-20 per night, with an additional Recreation Passport required for Michigan residents ($12-17 annually). These rustic sites usually offer vault toilets and water pumps but no hookups. Private campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort have higher rates ($35-75+) but provide additional amenities including water, electrical hookups, and family activities. Most campgrounds accept credit cards, but state forest locations may require cash or check payment.

What camping options are available near Grayling for different seasons?

Grayling offers year-round camping options with seasonal advantages. Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground is particularly peaceful during weekdays and serves as an excellent base for fishing trips on the AuSable's South Branch. Spring visitors should be cautious of ticks. Summer is prime time for water activities at Hartwick Pines State Park Campground, which offers educational programs about logging history alongside numerous hiking and biking trails. Fall brings spectacular colors to the Upper Manistee River area, perfect for paddling. Winter camping is available for hardy souls at several state forest campgrounds, though amenities are limited. Many campgrounds reduce services during shoulder seasons, so check availability before planning off-season trips.

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