254 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near South Boardman, Michigan ranges from backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. 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.
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability"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."
"great spots near lakeside hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone"
"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."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beautiful and quiet stay at the intersection of the NCT and Shore to shore trail. Miles of hiking trails, easy access to the lake for fishing and kayaking. Be aware the tick population has exploded."
"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It’s situated on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, MI (my hometown). It’s a calm lake with easy same-day registration for camping."
"Campground is beautiful with access to the very clean lake and sandy beach, my pups loved going swimming. There is potable water via an old school hand pump and vault toilets and a dumpster."
from $20 / night
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ScoutIf you're looking for a family oriented campground, look no further. From the park to play in for the kids and the heated pool, to the large fields and trails, you'll find entertainment to fill your days. Visit the wishing tree or porcupine tree. Swing on your trail adventure. The owners are delightful.
ScoutI have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
ScoutWe looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
ScoutTons of fishing spots and trails around to ride. We come every summer with kids and they love to fish and head into town and find things to do. Its a rustic campground so no hookup. You do have to scan a code when arriving or call the state park office to get a permit before you set up! This was new to us this year but wasnt too hard to get done! We have a 30 ft 5th wheel and we fit beautifully on site 29. Most sites seem to have a small fishing access along the water and some sort of view of the water.
TravelerOur site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!
LegendJuly 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
GuideI camped here on my motorcycle in a tent. NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!It is quiet after dark, river sites all over, walkin sites at the entrance. Its $20 a night. Its a nice scenery the bugs are a little rough but there is fire wood close by for $5 a bundle. All in all a good experience except... The damn racoons!! It was like the movie the great outdoors and they come in packs!!! I had to hide everything and they stole my ketchup 😂
TravelerThis campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
LegendJuly 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
Camping areas near South Boardman, Michigan provide access to several lakes and forest settings within 30 miles of Traverse City. The region sits in the northwest Lower Peninsula where dense pine forests surround small inland lakes at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights around 55-65°F.
Hiking trails access: The North Country Trail runs through Spring Lake State Forest Campground, connecting to the 10-mile Fife Lake Loop. "The north country trail runs right through the campground and you can also hike the fife lake loop here," notes a camper who visited in June 2025.
Fishing opportunities: Bass fishing is productive at Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites where clear, undeveloped lakes provide ideal conditions. A 2023 visitor shared: "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Like every other cast."
Water recreation: Multiple lakes offer kayaking access including Elk Lake at Whitewater Township Park Campground. "Set on Elk Lake with a boat launch and pavilion. The camp sites are surrounded by pine trees," explains a camper. The location provides direct water access: "Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake."
Lake proximity: Campers appreciate waterfront sites at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground where the shoreline remains undeveloped. A recent visitor noted the "gorgeous" lake and mentioned they "backpacked about 3 miles in and camp in the rustic hike in sites. Well worth the hike as we got a waterfront site on a smaller lake."
Privacy between sites: At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, tree coverage creates natural separation between campsites. "The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," reports one camper, while another noted: "our campsite (although surrounded by RVs) was perfect size and spot for 4 of us camping with 2 tents."
Convenient locations: Traverse City State Park Campground offers easy city access via public transportation. "Can catch bus for ride into town where there are lots of shops, breweries, etc - very nice town," explains a visitor. Another camper added: "We love Traverse City and being able to camp somewhat near downtown. One of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths."
Water conditions: Some lakes in the region develop swimmers' itch during summer months. At Green Lake Rustic South, a camper reported: "Swimmers itch in the lake. Easy check in. Nice bathrooms and showers. But sometimes the water pressure is not too good."
Campsite availability: Many rustic campsites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. At Old US-131 State Forest Campground, a visitor found "it was super quiet when we were there" but also warned about access: "Do not recommend coming in with a long trailer as it was tight driving through."
Noise factors: Campgrounds near highways experience road noise. Spring Lake State Forest Campground sits "right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic," according to a recent review. Similarly, Traverse City State Park experiences "traffic and plane noise" due to its location near major transportation routes.
Resort amenities: Kalkaska RV Park & Campground provides family-focused facilities including a heated pool. "Very family friendly with lots of children. Campground is clean and well maintained," reports one visitor. Another camper noted they "sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance."
Activity options: Families find entertainment at Timber Ridge where organized activities run throughout the week. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here," writes one family. Another visitor adds: "Kids loved the activities they had scheduled."
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer lake swimming, though conditions vary. Whitewater Township Park provides lake access via "a big dropoff hill" with "clear blue water," according to a visitor, who added it "made it perfect for hammock camping!"
Site leveling: RVers should come prepared for uneven grounds at some campgrounds. At Kalkaska RV Park, a visitor in a 40-foot motorcoach noted their "site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in the region. Kalkaska RV Park "only have 15 full hookup sites" according to a reviewer, but they "have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time" for those without sewer connections.
Size restrictions: State forest campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. Old US-131 State Forest Campground has tight driving paths: "Do not recommend coming in with a long trailer as it was tight driving through. We had our pick-up and 22-foot trailer."
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 254 campgrounds and RV parks near South Boardman, MI and 7 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 7 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.
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