Best Campgrounds near Vanderbilt, MI

Campgrounds throughout the Vanderbilt area accommodate a variety of camping preferences, from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations. Pigeon River State Forest Campground, located directly in Vanderbilt, provides primitive tent and RV sites in a forested setting with access to trails and fishing opportunities. The area also includes several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, such as Haakwood State Forest Campground in Wolverine and Otsego Lake State Park Campground in Gaylord. Many locations feature cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas, particularly at developed sites like Gaylord KOA and Sturgeon Valley Campground, which maintain year-round operations.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in northern Michigan. Most state forest campgrounds operate from April through October, with facilities closing during winter months. Several campers note the tranquility of off-season visits. One visitor to Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground remarked, "Friday night in the middle of August isn't always the best time to approach a campground without a reservation, unless you know where to look. Pigeon Bridge was off the beaten track enough that there was only one other camper in the park." Water access varies between locations, with some sites offering hand pumps for drinking water while others provide full shower facilities. Cell service can be limited in more remote forest campgrounds, and mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a consideration during summer months.

Water features represent major draws for camping in the region. Several state forest campgrounds provide direct access to lakes and rivers, with fishing being particularly popular at Pickerel Lake and Pigeon River locations. Hiking and biking trails connect many camping areas, with notable trail systems including the Shingle Mill Pathway and High Country Pathway. Campers consistently praise the quiet, secluded nature of state forest campgrounds compared to more developed options. A camper described Pigeon River State Forest Campground as "so quiet, you can hear pine needles drop." While primitive sites offer fewer amenities, they typically provide more spacious and private camping areas. More developed campgrounds like Elkwood and Sturgeon Valley offer electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites for those preferring additional comforts while still maintaining access to northern Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Vanderbilt, Michigan (181)

    1. Otsego Lake State Park Campground

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

    "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"

    "Otsego Lake provides a needed escape from the city while still being close enough to a happening town that one can camp and get into town for a nice dinner. The lake and campsite are clean."

    2. Burt Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Indian River, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 238-9392

    "We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private.  The park store was closed Labor Day weekend."

    "The area we swam in was very shallow quite a ways into the lake. The showers and bathrooms are pretty close to the campsites."

    3. Petoskey State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Conway, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 347-2311

    "We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "

    "There were a number of hiking trails that take you into the woods and up the dunes. Some are more difficult than others, but nothing miserable."

    4. Haakwood State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-3541

    $15 - $20 / night

    "This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access."

    "You can’t beat $15 a night, each rustic site is fairly secluded with privacy, and you’re right by Michigan’s only area to view free roaming wild elk!"

    5. Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vanderbilt, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The campground is right on a small but very pretty lake in the middle of Michigan’s elk country."

    "The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim."

    6. Gaylord KOA

    10 Reviews
    Gaylord, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 939-8723

    $61 - $95 / night

    "While it was pricey at $65 night, we had a very spacious full hookup site within easy walking distance of pool. Shower house was very nice and modern, with 4 shower stalls."

    "The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location."

    7. Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 983-4101

    "The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn’t recommend for 6 and under."

    "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days."

    8. Young State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Boyne City, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 582-7523

    "Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."

    "very nice lake and beach

    bathrooms and amenities are excellent

    sites are close to each other, you can hear the other campers talking next to you

    overall really enjoyed our stay"

    9. Elkwood Campground

    3 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 445-0801

    $40 - $50 / night

    10. Sturgeon Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Wolverine, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 525-8301

    "Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"

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Recent Reviews near Vanderbilt, MI

926 Reviews of 181 Vanderbilt Campgrounds


  • Evgeniy D.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Clean, rustic, beautiful

    The staff member at check-in was very pleasant even though it was past her shift time. Stayed at walk-in site 113. It was clean and had sufficient privacy especially with site 114 being vacant. Vault toilet was clean and not far.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    French Farm Lake Rd

    Close to Mackinaw City

    Nice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.

  • Kurt and Mary Ann C.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA

    KOA

    Haven’t been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees. Staying tonight and one more.

  • 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.

  • Deb M.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Aloha State Park Campground

    Big. Beautiful lake. Nice open sites.

    There’s LOTS of sites at this state park. There’s 3 different sections, the first 2 being older with mostly “no camping pad” electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Burt Lake State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Pretty nice campground.   The sites vary is size - some are close together.  We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private.  The park store was closed Labor Day weekend. There is a vending machine for firewood at the entrance. One bundle is $10 which is expensive. The campground is close to I-75 but we couldn't hear any traffic noise.

  • 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.


Guide to Vanderbilt

Dispersed camping options near Vanderbilt, Michigan provide access to Michigan's elk country while offering quieter alternatives to developed campgrounds. The area sits within the Pigeon River Country State Forest at elevations between 900-1,300 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter camping opportunities exist at select locations, though access roads may require four-wheel drive from November through April.

What to do

Elk viewing opportunities: The Pigeon River State Forest area hosts Michigan's only free-roaming elk herd. "This was a really awesome campground we found kind of last minute when things didn't work out at the other place we were trying to camp... You're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk!" shares a camper at Haakwood State Forest Campground.

Kayaking and river access: The Sturgeon River provides excellent paddling opportunities. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," notes a visitor to Sturgeon Valley Campground. Many sites allow direct water access for easy launching.

Mountain biking and hiking trails: Several trail systems connect through the forest. "The Shingle Mill Pathway (a roughly 10 mile loop trail) runs through the campgrounds which is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking," explains a camper at Pigeon River State Forest Campground.

What campers like

Secluded river sites: Camping alongside flowing water ranks highly among visitor preferences. "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones," cautions a visitor to Pigeon River State Forest Campground.

Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Fall camping here is the best. So quiet, and so dark you can see all the stars! Elk were bugling and it was wild!!!" enthuses a visitor to Elkwood Campground.

Lake access for swimming: Clear lakes provide refreshing swimming options. "Great state forest campground. $15 per night can't be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity... Lake is perfect for swimming," notes a camper at Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Most forest campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity. "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is no cell service," advises a Pigeon River State Forest camper.

Poison ivy awareness: Some campgrounds have problematic vegetation. "Beware of poison ivy- it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site— but our site was fantastic," reports a visitor to Petoskey State Park Campground.

Road noise concerns: Locations near major roads may experience traffic sounds. "It is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight," explains a Haakwood State Forest camper.

Ticks during summer months: Hikers should take precautions. "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days. The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks," warns a backpacker.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with bike paths: Paved trails provide safe cycling options. "Nice paved path through the campground, great for kids riding bikes around camp. They also have a playground with a cool old fashion slide," mentions a visitor to Otsego Lake State Park Campground.

Check water depth for swimming: Lake conditions vary substantially. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too," suggests a camper at Burt Lake State Park.

Consider campground noise levels: Some locations are quieter than others. "We love this park, great lake, small comfortable park and safe! Great bike riding park for little ones," shares an Otsego Lake visitor.

Watch for wildlife viewing times: Early morning and dusk offer best opportunities. "We went and tried, but unfortunately didn't see any elk. I think it was mostly due to my 7 and 10 year old talking too much, and being too loud," notes a Haakwood camper.

Tips from RVers

Uneven sites require leveling: Many campgrounds have significant slopes. "Site 52 and sites in immediate area was over 12" out of level from front to back. Looked like our camper was doing a wheelie," warns an Otsego Lake State Park visitor.

Limited hookup options: Most forest campgrounds lack electrical connections. "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods. There are vault toilets and a well for water... I've seen people tenting and I've seen people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large RVs," explains a Pigeon River camper.

Extension cords may be necessary: Power connections aren't always conveniently located. "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises a Burt Lake State Park visitor.

Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have tight entrances. "Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept," notes a Pickerel Lake camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Vanderbilt, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Vanderbilt, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Vanderbilt, MI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Vanderbilt, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vanderbilt, MI is Otsego Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vanderbilt, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Vanderbilt, MI.