Top Free Dispersed Camping near Vanderbilt, MI

Camping near Vanderbilt, Michigan, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

• Explore the beaches: Many campgrounds, like Wilderness State Park Camping, have stunning beaches. One camper mentioned, “The beach was beautiful, the water clear, and just a short drive from Mackinaw city!”
• Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A visitor at Straits State Park Campground noted, “Great views of the mighty Mackinaw bridge! Nice grass sites close to the water for tents!”
• Fishing and boating: Many lakes are nearby, perfect for fishing or kayaking. A review from Fisherman's Island State Park Campground said, “Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan.”

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground remarked, “The bathrooms there were still nice! It has a good location in Traverse City.”
• Friendly atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the community vibe. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort shared, “The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike.”
• Beautiful scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. A review for Petoskey State Park Campground said, “The dunes are incredible to wander around and enjoy a beautiful sunset from.”

What you should know:

• Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground noted, “When the campground is full, you are quite close to your neighbors in typical state campground style.”
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground mentioned, “No electricity, so have solar ready.”
• Noise from roads: Some sites are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A review from Otsego Lake State Park Campground said, “A lot of the sites back up to the busy road and you can hear road traffic noise all day and night.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, “My son is having a blast making friends and playing at the pool.”
• Plan for beach days: Many campgrounds have great beach access. A visitor at Burt Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Has a beautiful sand beach with a shallower swim area for younger kids.”
• Pack outdoor games: Bring along games for family fun. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA noted, “They offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “The spots are very small and you have to park sideways.”
• Look for pull-through sites: These can make parking easier. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA shared, “We had Full hook-up with a gravel pull-through.”
• Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be level. A review from Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, “The lots were not very level so the setup was a bit more difficult.”

Camping near Vanderbilt, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.