Top Glamping near Traverse City, MI

In northern Michigan lies some of the best camping options in the state where you can stay by the lake or sheltered in the pine trees. Near Traverse City, MI, campers and RVers will find everything they need to make their camping trip a success. Campgrounds near the West Arm beaches give you a chance to relax and enjoy the water in the summer. You can walk, drive, or boat in to your campsite. Stay close to nature in a tent or rent a cozy cabin. Trails in the state forest are ideal for exploring on horseback or try one of the campsites at the fairgrounds where campers are close to the rides and the rest of the action.

Best Glamping Sites Near Traverse City, MI (36)

    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City State Park

    1. Traverse City State Park

    49 Reviews
    93 Photos
    214 Saves

    Traverse City State Park is a 47-acre state park set in a more urban setting and featuring .25 miles of beautiful beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The park is located only 3 miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the Michigan's most popular resort towns. The park was established in 1920 on about 16 acres of land after the logging industry began to wane. In 1921 and 1939, parcels were added to increase the park's land area. The original inhabitants of the land were the Ottawa branch of the Algonquin Indians.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    21 Reviews
    24 Photos
    87 Saves

    Big Rigs, RVs, Fifth Wheels, Pop-Up Trailers and Tents are welcomed to escape to Traverse City’s wooded retreat! With Cabin Rentals, wireless internet (please request this when making a reservation), spacious and shady sites, heated pool, a variety of activities, camp store and goodie shop, and clean bath houses, Timber Ridge has all of the bases covered.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park

    3. Leelanau state park

    35 Reviews
    134 Photos
    505 Saves

    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
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $14 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground

    4. Whitewater Township Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    21 Photos
    127 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Park Campground

    5. Holiday Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    27 Photos
    82 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    6. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    17 Reviews
    39 Photos
    113 Saves

    Northern Exposure Campground staff takes pride in our state-of-the-art RV campground. Our goal is to provide a memorable experience to campers of all ages. We are a nonprofit organization that's committed to providing our guests with clean, safe, and updated camping facilities, fun family entertainment, and a helpful and friendly staff ready to answer all your questions and assist you during your stay. Welcome to Northern Exposure Campground, thanks for staying and helping us be the best RV camping destination in Northern Michigan!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Traverse City KOA

    7. Traverse City KOA

    8 Reviews
    9 Photos
    24 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Lake Campground

    8. Turtle Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    4 Photos
    62 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Betsie River Campsite

    9. Betsie River Campsite

    17 Reviews
    22 Photos
    136 Saves

    Pop open your lawn chair and relax by the crackling fire. Most sites have room for 4 folks, a camper or tent, a boat, a dog or two and a few kiddos :D We have a tiny cafe, a small playground, a fish station, warm showers and bike/kayak rentals! Hop on the Betsie Valley trail for a 3 mile adventure to ice cream, beaches, shops...so much! We are not a big concrete pad RV park, we are a nice small family owned campsite. We try and keep it quiet and calm (but still fun!) If you are looking for the far North Electric Forest, this is not the place. What we are is a great base-camp for all your awesome Northern Michigan adventures!

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

    $33 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    10. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    4 Photos
    35 Saves

    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
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In Traverse City

288 Reviews of 36 Traverse City Campgrounds


  • Amy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Young State Park
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Young State Park

    Unique Trails

    The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.

  • L
    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.

  • 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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry RV Resort
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Wild Cherry RV Resort

    Quiet and peaceful

    This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.

    Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.

    Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks.

    Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.

    This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.

    Have fun!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

    close to travese city and interlockin

    Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartwick Pines State Park
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Hartwick Pines State Park

    Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    Very nice and well maintained campground. Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy. There are some activities in the area related to the park. All in all a very nice State Park campground.

  • Lydia T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Young State Park
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Young State Park

    Favorite state park

    I love this state park. It is located right on beautiful lake charlevoix. The campground doesn't have any road noise. The beach is long and sandy and there are lots of hiking and biking trails.

  • Lydia T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gaylord KOA
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Gaylord KOA

    KOA Campground right outside Gaylord

    This is so great koa with no road noise. The trees are mature and beautiful. This is a great laid back, family campground. The sites are bigger than other campgrounds in the area.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitewater Township Park Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Whitewater Township Park Campground

    Great Location with Potential but...

    I was disappointed in the campground after having high expectations from previous reviews.  Sites were fine, good size and maybe could have been some planting between sites.  My concern was that there was only one bathroom, for the entire campground.  They were filthy, cleaned once daily which was considerably less than other campgrounds.  There was a sanitary pad discarded behind a toilet for over 24 hours. Possibly this is the norm, and guests were more disgusting than usual.  The scenic overlook deck was littered with toilet paper where someone had taken to using this area as their own restroom.  The grass and trails weren't mowed and the park attendant said they were changing mowing services, I understand that.  The water hose used to clean tanks had been cut off or fallen off, and when this was showed to a worker, they said they'd tell the manager.  What day, no one knows because he got in his car and left for the night.  The next day it was not fixed.

    Which brings me to the point that while there were three people in the guard house, no one was really doing much.  No one drove around checking on things, no one walked a common path to see discarded trash, etc.  The on duty person left at 8PM.  This is all a management issue, not the campground itself. 

    I have camped at local/municipally owned campgrounds in Michigan before and was very happy, and gladly went with this campground but was disappointed.

  • Lydia T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Otsego Lake County Park
    May. 31, 2024

    Otsego Lake County Park

    Great campground on Otsego Lake

    This is a great campground South of Gaylord on Otsego Lake. I believe all sites have electric. The park is beautiful with a many sites having lake views. The playground is the classic old playground with swings and slides and some big tires to climb on. The water was mostly sand with some rocks. The campground has 4 cabins to rent right on the lake.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Higgins Lake State Park
    Apr. 29, 2024

    North Higgins Lake State Park

    A little disappointed

    The campsites were nice and level and reasonably large. I chose a site near the bathrooms, which were quite annoyingly closed. The campground was located right next to a busy road. So, there was road noise through the night.

    I was happy I got to charge my batteries, though.

    I met a squirrel that was so spoiled by previous humans that when I accidentally dropped a bit of food on the ground, he ran right up, over my foot grabbed it and then ran about 10 feet away and ate it.

  • Eric W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Leelanau state park
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Leelanau state park

    Chillin by the lake

    What an awesome campground.. not a bad spot here.. next time we come,we will not get one on the lake,the ones on the other side of the road.provide trees for hammocks and trees for emergency tarping situations.. great place

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    Highly Rcommend

    We stayed here for the first time over Labor Day weekend. The campground great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike. We will definitely be going back, and would recommend this campground to anyone.

  • Rick G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Duck Lake Campground - Interlochen State Park
    Aug. 19, 2023

    Duck Lake Campground - Interlochen State Park

    Michigan’s Oldest State Park

    The park is beginning to look its age. Stayed 4 nights while visiting the Traverse City area. Crowded with families making use of the last couple weeks before schools return. Rained well one night and our grass less site turned nasty. Good Verizon signal and has water available at several stations around each camping loop. Great location, however, to visit Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from North Higgins Lake State Park
    Aug. 17, 2023

    North Higgins Lake State Park

    Beautiful Campground!

    Campground was beautiful and had many trails to walk & bike. We had a nice time walking down to the beach and walking the trails. Beach was very nice and had kayaks and paddle boards available to rent. Campground was pretty quiet at night (we did stay during the week though) & bathrooms were clean. The lake is amazing and would definitely go back!

  • Stephen K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thurston Park Campground
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Thurston Park Campground

    Beautiful little park on the lake front

    Cute little quiet rv park located in a cute little town. There's a party store and small grocery store within walking distance. There's a playground and a little public beach at the end of the property that seemed relatively quiet while we were here, There's also a boat launch and parking for your trailer if your camping right there at the park. Nice clean private restrooms with awesome showers that are good and hot!! About half the sites seem to be waterfront and are kind of close to one another but that didn't effect us much, the neighbors we had were nice, there are several up higher and I believe are the full hookup sites The host were very nice and accommodating! Definitely will be coming back here!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

    Incredible Experience - Especially for Family & Kids

    We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us. This did not prevent us from enjoying the lake, the park, the pool, bike riding, fly fishing, etc. It felt like endless things to do, whereas in most campgrounds the trouble is finding something to do. You can easily argue that the owners treat this as a true resort and the cleanliness, and friendliness clearly shows. Would 100% go back and probably will next year.

    The Boardman river is only 10 minutes away and support incredible fly fishing.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Jul. 22, 2023

    Orchard Beach State Park

    Good stay!

    Our family and I stayed in campsite B at Orchard Beach, it is a new rustic campsite and it is on top of a hill. It was clean and spacious. The bathroom is a pretty distant walk so prepare for that. But the bathrooms and showers are clean. You will need some good tent stakes as the ground is hard clay. We would absolutely stay again.

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gaylord KOA
    Jul. 14, 2023

    Gaylord KOA

    Nice, quiet, well maintained, friendly, wooded CG with a walking trail

    We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 107 for 3 days in mid July. This is a relatively large CG, just under 100 wooded sites, which are reasonably spaced for a private CG. The CG is very clean and well maintained, but rather on the pricy side, even with all of the amenities. The roads and sites are gravel. Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they’d look into it. During the week, the CG was only about 1/3 full, but completely filled up on the weekend.  AT&T coverage fair, with 2 Bars of service that fluctuated between 5G and LTE, with speeds up to 4.3 MB/s. The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location. We had marginal views of the southern and northern skies, but we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site and Starlink was able to get speeds up to 6.5 MB/s. Unfortunately, the CG WiFi wasn’t very usable, less than 1 MB/s, even before the CG filled up.

  • Hike O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Orchard Beach State Park
    Jul. 10, 2023

    Orchard Beach State Park

    Forget beach access, this is a great campground

    People are complaining that there is no beach access anymore at this campground. That's correct. Because of erosion you can no longer access the beach from the campground. But a short drive up the road leads to a wonderful local beach. A short drive south gets you into Manistee with a great river walk and restaurants and brew pubs. The best part about about this campground is the availability of sites because people no longer come because they can't waddle 100 yards and put their feet in the sand. The campground is quiet, clean, and right on the water with fabulous sunsets. If you love to camp, and aren't looking for a beach vacation, you will love this park!

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

    First time in our camper

    We thought this would be a good place for our first trip in our new to us 5th wheel! We have a 28.6ft 5th wheel and had not problem getting in and parked! Management did an awesome job of spreading out guests until they were full! Lots of things for the kids, basketball, volly ball, a beach area, pond with fishing….. so much more. Very clean, very kind and helpful staff!



Guide to Traverse City

Camping near Traverse City, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a family-friendly spot, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: This stunning national lakeshore is a must-see. One camper mentioned, “The only thing I don't like are the pit toilets, but it's the tradeoff for no electricity or running water,” highlighting the natural beauty despite some rustic amenities.
  • Visit local beaches: Many campgrounds, like D.H. Day Group Campground, offer easy access to quiet beaches. A reviewer said, “Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views,” making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. One camper at Platte River Campground noted, “There's also a trail that connects the campground to Lake Michigan,” making it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “It’s nice to have well-maintained showers to feel fresh after.”
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews mention helpful campground staff. One camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park said, “Clean restroom and showers. Swimming pool very nice friendly staff.”
  • Scenic views: Campgrounds like Leelanau State Park Campground offer beautiful lakeside spots. A reviewer shared, “Our site was perfect with gorgeous views of the sunrise/set over the water.”

What you should know:

  • Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Barnes County Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are pretty close together in some locations.”
  • Rustic amenities: Many campgrounds, like Northern Exposure Campground, have limited amenities. One visitor noted, “The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean and were cleaned daily,” but be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Noise levels can vary: Campgrounds near busy roads or airports may have some noise. A camper at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park said, “There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offer plenty of activities for kids. One parent shared, “My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool.”
  • Choose sites with space: Some campgrounds have larger sites that allow for more privacy. A camper at Betsie River Campsite mentioned, “There are no activities, pools, etc! But there is a DELICIOUS little café serving up inexpensive, filling breakfasts each morning.”
  • Plan for meals: Many campgrounds have stores nearby. A visitor at Northern Exposure Campground said, “Anything you could want you would find in their store.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may be small for larger RVs. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground noted, “The spots are very small and you have to park sideways.”
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, make sure to choose a campground that offers electric hookups. A reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park appreciated the “FHU, level, absolutely would stay here again!”
  • Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, “The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult.”

Camping near Traverse City, Michigan, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Traverse City, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Traverse City, MI is Traverse City State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 49 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Traverse City, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 36 glamping camping locations near Traverse City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.