Best Campgrounds near South Boardman, MI

Several campgrounds are available in the South Boardman, Michigan area, offering a mix of primitive and developed camping experiences. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area provides backcountry tent camping with access to multiple lakes, while more developed options include Kalkaska RV Park & Campground with full hookup sites for RVs and cabin rentals. State forest campgrounds like Guernsey Lake and Spring Lake offer rustic camping with basic amenities such as vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and modern facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many state forest campgrounds remaining open year-round while private RV parks typically operate from April through October. "The lake was gorgeous!! Great sites," noted one camper about Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground, highlighting the appeal of waterfront camping in the area. Road access varies among campgrounds, with some requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach backcountry sites. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the Sand Lakes Quiet Area. Many first-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, especially those with water access.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers secluded sites near clear lakes with excellent fishing opportunities. One visitor reported: "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count." Campers should note that some locations can be challenging to find without clear directions, as several reviews mention difficulty locating sites in Sand Lakes Quiet Area. The North Country Trail runs through Spring Lake State Forest Campground, making it an excellent base for hikers. Most state forest campgrounds maintain a rustic feel with reasonable privacy between sites, though some developed campgrounds may place sites closer together. Traffic noise can be an issue at campgrounds located near highways, such as Spring Lake along M-66.

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Best Camping Sites Near South Boardman, Michigan (247)

    1. Traverse City State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5270

    "Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."

    "Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."

    2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    Traverse City, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 947-2770

    $60 - $260 / night

    "We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."

    "There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."

    3. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We didn't know too much about Sands Lake when we arrived, so we just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it."

    4. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Williamsburg, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 413-1160

    $45 - $60 / night

    "This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."

    "The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."

    5. Kalkaska RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kalkaska, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 258-9863

    "1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas.
    The campground needs some attention which will be addressed by the new owners. Very dusty, loose sand uneven entrance."

    "Nice beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level."

    6. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Kingsley, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 922-5280

    "It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."

    "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."

    7. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park

    34 Reviews
    Interlochen, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 276-9511

    $20 / night

    "Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."

    "Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."

    8. Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    South Boardman, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-6371

    "One is reservable and drive-in with access to the lake. We decided to backpack about 3 miles in and camp in the rustic hike in sites."

    "All the usual stuff, vault toilet, hand pump and a fire ring BUT, the lake is completely uninhibited and great for kayaking and fishing."

    9. Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    "I love going around September so quiet a few people there loads of trails to walk on and people are very respectful I keep going every year"

    "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."

    10. Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fife Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-7911

    $20 / night

    "Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."

    "However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."

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Recent Reviews near South Boardman, MI

993 Reviews of 247 South Boardman Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Awesome facility. Shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient.

  • 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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Lime Lake

    Great Campsite

    The campsite was very large with lots of spots to camp. Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Betsie River Campsite

    Nice location

    This is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded. The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  • Kristin Z.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Paddle Brave Canoe Livery & Campground

    Clean, Friendly, and Perfect River Tubing Trip

    We stayed at PaddleBrave this past weekend and couldn’t be happier with our experience. We rented Cabin 1 and the campsite directly across from it, and from start to finish, everything was fantastic.

    The owner and staff were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and had excellent communication both during the reservation process and throughout our stay. The sites and camp bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.

    The gift shop was a nice bonus, offering fresh coffee for just $1 every morning and stocking plenty of essentials in case you forgot something at home. Downtown Roscommon is only about 6 minutes away, making it easy to pop into town.

    We also did the 4-hour tubing trip and rented tubes from Paddlebrave—it couldn’t have gone better. The river was beautiful and the whole experience was smooth and well-organized.

  • D
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest

    Enjoyable Stay

    The campground is rustic with sites 1 - 30 being well spaced with vegetation between most sites and quite spacious.   Sites above 30 are on another loop and are much closer together with less privacy between sites.  There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped.  Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table.  See photo.  

    Site 30 is close to the restroom and showers (although we didn't use them).  Also, the trash gondolas.

    There is little internet access with Verizon service.

    You could buy wood and ice from the campground host.  

    Our neighbor in site 29 had put his generator under the trailer and locked it with a steel cable.   It was visible from the road.   At some point during the day someone cut the cable and stole the generator.


Guide to South Boardman

Camping near South Boardman, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re into tent camping or RVing, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer from Platte River Campground mentioning, "Amazing rangers with tons of info! Also worth checking out the fish hatchery on the Platte."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers nearby are great for fishing. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, "Nice trails down to the beach, found Petoskey stones there."
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at various campgrounds. One camper at D.H. Day Group Campground noted, "Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Traverse City State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms there were still nice! It has a good location in Traverse City."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer from Leelanau State Park Campground said, "Beautiful location and beautiful views."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can be noisy. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground warned, "There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms are horribly outdated."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at D.H. Day Group Campground mentioned, "You’ll likely have to book in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park said, "Swimming pool very nice friendly staff."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for the kids. A visitor at Green Lake Rustic South shared, "The campground has a lot to offer...lots of trees to make you feel like you're in the wild."
  • Plan Meals Ahead: Having meals prepped can save time and stress. A family at Orchard Beach State Park Campground found, "The campground is quiet, clean, and right on the water with fabulous sunsets."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park noted, "We had a lovely, shaded, level, spacious site."
  • Plan for Power Needs: Bring extra cords if sharing power outlets. A visitor at Otsego Lake State Park Campground said, "Most of the electrical outlets are shared between 2 or 3 sites."

Camping near South Boardman, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near South Boardman, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Boardman, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 247 campgrounds and RV parks near South Boardman, MI and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near South Boardman, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Boardman, MI is Traverse City State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Boardman, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near South Boardman, MI.

What parks are near South Boardman, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near South Boardman, MI that allow camping, notably Huron-Manistee National Forests and Sleeping Bear Dunes.