The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds in MichiganExplore the Map

Best Campgrounds in Michigan

6,717 Reviews

Michigan combines developed state parks with dispersed camping areas, offering year-round options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations. State parks like Wilderness State Park in Carp Lake and Tahquamenon Falls State Park feature modern amenities alongside rustic alternatives, while designated primitive areas provide more secluded experiences. The region's campgrounds typically accommodate multiple camping styles, with many offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities for both tent and RV campers.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across Michigan's camping areas, particularly in less developed regions. "This spot is wonderful, but boy howdy does it live up to its name. If you do not have AWD and good ground clearance, don't even try to get there," noted one visitor about Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping. Weather patterns influence camping experiences, with most state parks operational year-round but subject to seasonal conditions that can affect road access and site availability. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The Upper Peninsula experiences colder temperatures earlier in fall, while southern Michigan generally maintains milder conditions into late autumn.

Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitors to Michigan, with several state parks situated along Great Lakes shorelines or inland waterways. Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore maintains a 4.7/5 rating, reflecting its popularity among campers seeking water access. Proximity to natural attractions represents another significant draw, with campgrounds near Tahquamenon Falls and Sleeping Bear Dunes receiving consistently positive reviews. A camper noted, "We love this place! We've been back multiple times and always feel at home! The NCT is further from the river and a bit hilly, but the MRT sites are nicer." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some sites affected by nearby roads or airports while others provide peaceful forest settings. Mosquitoes and other insects present challenges in certain areas, particularly during summer months in densely wooded or wetland regions.

Best Camping Sites in Michigan (1,402)

    1. Straits State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $36 - $80 / night

    "We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"

    "The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."

    2. Wilderness State Park Camping

    78 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    $20 - $160 / night

    "Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."

    "You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."

    3. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    69 Reviews
    Beulah, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $22 - $50 / night

    "One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."

    "Stopped for a night on a road trip around Lake Michigan. Campgrounds was clean, and so were the toilets/showers. There were hiking trails close by, but wish they were clearly marked."

    4. Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    62 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $41 - $46 / night

    "Showers and a modern toilet are available in the modern portion of the campground which is a short walk through a playground and separating trees."

    "Portage is the most popular campground, due most likely to the closeness to the lower falls. We arrived on a Sunday in September and it was almost, if not entirely, full."

    5. Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park

    63 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    $45 - $80 / night

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    "I’m 36 now, so it’s safe to say that I pretty much know the park like the back of my hand, and it truly has become a home away from home. Actually I prefer being there over my main home."

    6. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    Copper Harbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 289-4215

    $35 - $120 / night

    "Things I love about this campground: sites with easy access to private lakeside swimming, clean restrooms with Wifi and laundry, the fort is an interesting piece of history to explore, and the conglomerate"

    "Situated on the very tip of Copper Country in Copper Harbor, Michigan and the beginning of U.S. HWY 41 that makes its way all the way to Florida!"

    7. Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Norton Shores, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 798-3711

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."

    "Great hiking trails, close to Lake Michigan"

    8. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    53 Reviews
    Glen Arbor, MI
    Website
    +1 (231) 326-4700

    $20 / night

    "Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."

    "DH Day campground is the perfect rustic camping spot in Northern Michigan. All campsites are within easy walking distance to a beautiful Lake Michigan beach."

    9. Munising Tourist Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Munising, MI
    Website
    +1 (906) 202-2694

    $29 - $45 / night

    "AMAZING views of Lake Superior just steps away from the camp site. Spots don't stay empty for long. The RV park stays full"

    "Spacious sites although could have been more level along the road side."

    10. Traverse City State Park Campground

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

    $45 - $100 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 1,402 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Michigan Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Michigan

2243 Photos of 1402 Michigan Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Michigan

6717 Reviews of 1402 Michigan Campgrounds

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 26, 2026

    Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

    Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

    There are a handful of drive-up sites in each of the campground’s three loops, with about two sites per loop offering the sought-after lakefront views. Even if you don’t manage to snag one of those sites, the remaining sites are tucked beneath nice, tall trees, and there’s a Day Use Area near the campground entrance that everyone can enjoy.

    The backcountry sites are also relatively easy to reach by foot or paddle. The portages are quite short, and most of the trails are two-track. Interestingly, the backcountry sites seem to be right along the trail and very close together, so they actually feel less private than the drive-up sites.

    The vault toilets in each loop, as well as those in the backcountry area, were clean and well-maintained. We also saw a DNR truck making the rounds during our stay.

    One thing I LOVE about this area is that it’s a designated Quiet Area--no ORVs and no motorized watercraft. It makes for a much more peaceful camping experience!

    Cell service was spotty without a booster. Sites are FCFS, and the current rate is $20/night.

  • BThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Search Bay Dispersed

    Search Bay Camping Area

    Beautiful area. Lots of exploring to do. No crowds at all. One wish. Don’t throw left overs out on the ground even if it’s back on n the bushes. Dogs find them and may have difficulty digesting whatever it is.

  • Virginia C.
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Kamp 42 Degrees Campground

    Not open

    Was only aloud 5 people on entire camp ground. We had 4 in our group it looked run down and no bath house. We had to find another camp site last min.

  • Diane R.
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA

    Home State Kudos

    I came, desperate and exhausted...I saw, an opportunity for an extended stay...I conquered, my inexperience was met with warmth and accommodating camp attendants and camp neighbors. And God was with me the entire journey from Virginia to this Blessed Ground in Michigan. Seems forever had I longed for so much Peace and Quiet. Forever grateful am I. 😇🥰

  • Robert M.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Wooden Shoe Campground

    Wooden Shoe Campground, Nice campground on a bluff above Lake Ellsworth.

    I was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival.  My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.

    Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.

    From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch. 

     My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.

    Camp host was a friendly lady.

    For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com

  • rThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Trails End Campground

    Large primitive campground near copper harbor

    The a large primitive campground located very near copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Although it is very close to Lake superior, you cannot see it from anywhere in the campground. There is a large man-made pond at the center of the campground. The best part of this campground is its location. With easy access to High Rock Bay and Brockway Mountain overlook, and lots of places to go trail riding with your 4x4.

    We were there for KOAR 2026 sponsored by Northology. It was a blast and the campground worked very well for that purpose.

    The grounds are kept in good condition and the pit toilets were clean. It looks like they are installing another pit toilet now.

    I have included some pictures from the general area around Copper Harbor that we visited.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 23, 2026

    Muskallonge Lake State Park Campground

    Muskallonge Lake State Park Modern Campground

    After a week exploring the western half of the UP, we made our way back to Muskallonge Lake State Park Campground for a night to freshen up, plug in, and recharge before continuing with more activities in the area. As I mentioned in my previous review for this location, the campground has three loops. This time, we stayed in Loop 3--the more wooded loop, with plenty of trees and more privacy between the sites. We chose a “lakefront” site, which also cost $43 for the night (including the $8 online reservation fee). I was able to book it online just two days before our arrival. Loop 3 has its own restroom facility, which was convenient. And just like our site in the more open Loop 2, we had one bar of cell service. It was slow, but still usable, even with all the trees surrounding the site.

Guide to Michigan

Camping in Michigan offers a fantastic way to connect with nature, explore beautiful landscapes, and enjoy outdoor activities. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, there's something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

What to do

  • Explore the Beaches: 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 Nature Trails: Many parks, such as Leelanau State Park Campground, offer great hiking opportunities. A visitor shared, “Very quiet campground on the shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: Campers at Fisherman's Island State Park Campground enjoy fishing and swimming. One review noted, “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 bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Traverse City State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms there were still nice! It has a good location in Traverse City.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds foster a welcoming vibe. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort mentioned, “The campground is great with a lot of amenities for young and old alike.”
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers love the natural beauty of Michigan. A review from Petoskey State Park Campground highlighted, “The dunes are incredible to wander around and enjoy a beautiful sunset from.”

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some parks 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 Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports, which can be noisy. A review from Traverse City State Park Campground stated, “It’s close to the airport and 4 lane road. There are cars passing by frequently.”

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 shared, “Has a beautiful sand beach with a shallower swim area for younger kids.”
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games for downtime. A camper at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA mentioned, “They have a playground. They also offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole.”

Tips from RVers

Camping in Michigan is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but knowing what to expect can make your trip even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Michigan for families?

Michigan offers several excellent family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for kids. Muskegon County Pioneer County Park is a great family campground located close to Lake Michigan with pine tree settings and proximity to nearby towns. Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park provides a convenient location with walking paths to Lake Michigan and is close to downtown Holland, offering clean bathrooms and showers. Other family-friendly options include Camp Agawam in Orion Township, which features playground facilities, and Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, which offers beach access and an ice cream stand within walking distance. The best family campgrounds typically provide a combination of recreational opportunities, clean facilities, and easy water access.

Where can I find the top tent camping sites in Michigan?

Michigan's best tent camping experiences can be found in several picturesque locations. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers stunning proximity to Lake Superior, making it perfect for tent campers who want waterfront views. French Farm Lake Rd provides a more primitive experience with just six basic sites with fire pits—ideal for those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Other excellent tent camping options include Fisherman's Island State Park with its sites just yards from Lake Michigan, and Warren Dunes State Park which features hike-in tent sites. For those seeking solitude, wilderness tent camping in the Upper Peninsula offers more secluded experiences with fewer crowds and more spacious sites.

When is the best season for camping in Michigan?

The prime camping season in Michigan runs from late May through early October, with each period offering unique advantages. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water activities, especially at lakeside spots like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground. Fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage and fewer crowds at places like Orchard Beach State Park Campground, though nights get cooler. May and September are excellent for avoiding peak crowds while still enjoying moderate temperatures. Winter camping is available at select parks for those prepared for cold weather. Spring can be muddy with unpredictable weather. Most campgrounds show signs of limited use early in the season, with peak activity occurring during summer months when water activities are most enjoyable.

Keep Exploring

  5. View all Michigan cities for camping