Top Tent Camping near West Branch, MI
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near West Branch? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near West Branch with tent camping. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near West Branch, MI (42)
1. Spruce Campground
3 Reviews•19 Photos•10 SavesMichigan 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
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
2. Arrowhead Lake Camp
1 Review•12 Photos•16 SavesThis property is nestled between West Branch and East Tawas with a 90-acre private lake! There are multiple tent sites as well as renovated cabins situated on or off the lake. Several amenities are included such as firepits and BBQ grills. The main lodge has a men's and women's restroom with showers. There is also a commercial kitchen available to cook your favorite meals. There are two docks for fishing as well as kayaks, row boats and a peddle boat to enjoy the beautiful lake.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$50 - $300 / night
3. Sugar Springs Campground
1 Review•6 Photos•3 Saves- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$18 - $32 / night
4. White Pine Canoe SF Campground
4 Reviews•8 Photos•44 SavesWhite Pines Campground is a backcountry campground, with a restroom and a fire ring. This 60 acre greenspace is mostly undeveloped, offering only parking at the main entrance and a single trail through the forest. When the original 20 acres of the park were acquired in 1927, they contained one of the few remaining pure stands of white pines in the county. The park has since been managed with the goal of preserving this stand and enhancing it with plantings of new white pine seedlings.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. House Lake State Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•9 SavesMichigan 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
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$15 / night
6. Wakeley Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
2 Reviews•6 PhotosOverview
Wakeley Lake Campground is a part of the Wakeley Lake semi-primitive non-motorized area .__The campground is made up of 5 walk-in sites near the east shore of Wakeley Lake.__
Recreation
Trail System: The trail system within the Wakeley Lake semi-primitive non-motorized area is 8.5 miles in total. Several loops provide hikers the ability to take a hike that suits their skill level. Trails are also open to bicycles. In the winter, the Wakeley Lake area is groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoing. Water Activities: Non-motorized boating is allowed, however, visitors must hike in with their equiptment. Wakeley Lake is also a peaceful location for other water activites such as swimming and fishing.__
Facilities
Trail System: The trail system within the Wakeley Lake semi-primitive non-motorized area is 8.5 miles in total. Several loops provide hikers the ability to take a hike that suits their skill level. Trails are also open to bicycles. In the winter, the Wakeley Lake area is groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoing. Water Activities: Non-motorized boating is allowed, however, visitors must hike in with their equiptment. Wakeley Lake is also a peaceful location for other water activites such as swimming and fishing.__
Natural Features
Visitors to the area will be treated to a forested setting that varies from tag alder and conifer swamps to upland jack and white pine mixed with oak. Wakeley Lake Campground and the Lake itself are set relatively close to the parking location in the semi-primitive nonmotorized area. The lake tapers out into a swampy marsh area along the shoreline in some areas. The 2,100 acres area is habitat for loons and eagles and visitors may view loons nesting from March 1 to July 15. Please respect wildlife and view from a distance.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.
Charges & Cancellations
All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
$10 / night
7. Russell Canoe Livery & Campground
1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Market
- Trash
8. Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp
2 Reviews•3 Photos•38 SavesMichigan 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
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
9. Hoist/Reid Lake Areas
3 Reviews•10 Photos•29 SavesRecreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
10. Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp
1 Review•7 SavesMichigan 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
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 42 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In West Branch
405 Reviews of 42 West Branch Campgrounds
- D
Djakata S.
Guide
Jewell Lake Campground
Great place
Only stayed one night but it was a very nice stay. Private but not secluded. Encountered a bear in the night but it retreated back into the woods. Did have my dog with me. I would definitely go back.
- Chad H.
Traveler
Outdoor Adventures Saginaw Bay Resort
Common Camp Ground we go to all the time
Alright camp ground, it’s a members only. Few grouchy people that seem more miserable than into relaxing. It’s definitely an interesting atmosphere compared to other campgrounds. Staff are hit or miss, seems like the pleasant ones take layoff and move on. Small improvements are made year over year, which is nice.
Ralph E.Guide
Alcona Park
very nice campground
nice campground with plenty of woods and water. rustic sites could be a little more leveled off but not awfully bad. they have full, semi and rustic sites. camped here 4 times and enjoyed my time. PRO'S- great fishing, playgrounds for kids, great for riding bikes, sites are clean and many have good space for larger campers, staff is friendly and reliable. CONS- showers need more pressure, roads can get extremely dusty when it's dry, "beach" is small and rocky and on a slop which is difficult to walk on due to too many rocks in what little sand there is however the whole lakeshore is rocks so wear water shoes, while it didn't bother me, it can get a little loud at nite, after 10pm "quite time" but nothing really serious, some rustic sites could use some dirt to level them up but manageable, rustic sites, IMO, are a little expensive at $20 a night but I've camped at others that were $40! summing my review up, I enjoyed every time I camped here! caught lots of fish from walleye to crappie, even a 6.3lb small mouth bass!! very nice campground that I will continue to camp at and recommend!!
- LLISA R.Traveler
Arrowhead Lake Camp
Amazing place
This place was fantastic. We stayed in the Lakeside cabins. Amazing views! We went kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. The wildlife is plentiful and the lake is full of fish. The staff are fantastic. If we needed anything, they were there in minutes. Always courteous and friendly. Will definitely be back
Jacqueline A.Traveler
Bay City State Park
Great Park on Lake Huron
Beach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road. Newer bathhouse. Shady sandy campsite. Be sure and visit downtown Bay City, lots of great restaurants, a Riverwalk on both sides of the river, concerts in the park. Great atmosphere.
Gary G.GuideBay City State Park
Good park
Most sites are good, though some have slopes to them. Choose carefully. Great newer playscape and splash pad (!) for the kids, across State Park Rd from the main campground. Nice newly opened visitor/nature center. Campground usually clean and patrolled. Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day. Friendly staff.
Some of the best campground hosts are here.
Groceries, restaurants & laundromats are a short drive away.
TV reception was ok, and T-Mobile worked well enough.
Just J.
Scout
Muskegon River Canoe Camp
A quiet spot on the Muskegon River
A great place for dispersed camping. Don't forget the bug spray! Only 20 minutes from town if you did! Great two weeks here!
Sara Y.ScoutTawas River RV Park
Trailer Park
This campground was disappointing to say the least. Bathrooms were nasty with fruit flies no toilet paper either. The dump station was in poor condition. The non potable water didn’t even work. Our electric box didn’t work we had to use the box next to us. The bugs were awful! There was raw sewage there as well. It smelled so bad. You’re also in a trailer park with condemned trailers! The park was in bad shape as well. The site we reserved wasn’t even vacant!
- Gary G.Guide
Tawas Point State Park
Nice location
Nice park. Can feel a little tight on some spaces, especially if your neighbor sprawls over the lines. Restrooms could use a little improvement (like replacing the crappy doors leading into the building) and some maintenance, but are clean. Being on a point between Lake Huron & Tawas Bay, there's almost always some breeze. There's beaches on both sides of the point. Staff friendly. Like most MI State Park sites, it's electric only. Tawas has no (as of this review) FHU sites. There's the Tawas Point Lighthouse here, which you can climb for a few bucks. Nice little gift shop next to it. It can get really packed here on weekends, and the day use gets closed because of being too full.
Big rigs, note that the roads can be tight, especially when inconsiderate campers crowd the road, cause you know... It's all about them.
All in all, it's one of our favorite state parks.
Hit Klenow's Market in town. They do great sandwiches!
Rebekah J.Guide
Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp
Quite, Spacious sites
Most campgrounds we have been to had lots of road noise but not this one! We stayed for 2 nights/3days and this campground was quite.
The vault toilets were well stocked with toilet paper, although one had a hornets nest inside and the other was extremely smelly.
Access to the river was good and the sites were a decent size with privacy in between.
We enjoyed walking some of the nearby trails
- DDavid C.Scout
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.
Nicole V.Guide
Avery Lake State Forest Campground
No lake sites
Good campground on a nice fishing lake. Large wooded sites but none that have lake access unfortunately
- Nicole V.Guide
Big Bear Point State Forest Campground
Too close for comfort
This area is separate from the big bear lake campground and is busier due to the boat launch. Sites are close together without much privacy
- CCamper2022 L.Scout
Maple Grove Campground
Will return in the future
Ted and Jen have been doing improvements to maple grove camp ground, they have gotten new fire rings last year and got the road grated, this year there in the process of getting better internet out there which will be great for the whole camp ground and they leveled the camp sites out the best they could , the city of lake is always on top of mowing the field and play area, they always try to help their campers as much as they can. very quiet camp ground will always come back they are doing a better job then Ron and Deb ever did!
- Lydia T.
Legend
Wilson State Park
Great State Park Campground
The ONLY issue I had with this campground was that it's on a busy road. The campground is beautiful and very clean with a great swim area, cute playground, and newer shower houses.
- John H.Scout
Pine River Campground
Great campground
Great Campground. Great sites where you don’t feel like you are on top of other campers.
Dean H.Scout
Gabions Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
Gabion's Peace
Nice sites. Though a few have the Shore to Shore trail going right through them. But there is access to the river. While I was there, it was peaceful, clean and easily accessible.
- JJ L.Guide
South Higgins Lake State Park
Great campground but you cant reserve a spot
Well, the campground is old. Everything works very well. The sites are decent size. They’re plenty of small playgrounds throughout the campground. The beach is amazing the views awesome however when it comes to booking, it’s impossible to get a spot somehow they’re already booked before they even allowed to be booked and it’s every good spot
Angela B.Traveler
Rifle River Campground
Awesome campgrounds @ Rifle River
The only complaint about the week I spent was they didn’t cut the grass, other than that I had an amazing birthday week at Rifle River Campground, we found amazing flowers blooming like yellow and pink lady slippers I even found Agates, fossils if you’re a rock hunter and when you climb up the tower there’s a extremely large eagles nest.
The fishing wasn’t very successful I only caught a small one but the water was warm and clear you could see the sand doons.
- ZZara W.Traveler
Mud Lake State Forest Campground
It was nice but lots of ticks
The place was beautiful for Memorial Day weekend. The neighbors in the campers were loud they were playing loud. I did notice lots of ticks. Our dogs all had at least one on them and all of us campers had a few. It’s expected being in the backs wood like that I just didn’t realize how bad. We did some hiking while there and the trails were nice for the most part all the storms definitely did a number on the trees back there lots down in the trails. Overall it was a great weekend
Sara C.Traveler
Wakeley Lake Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
Beautiful!
We only stayed one night but it was very nice, right by the water. One other camper nearby but completely out of earshot.
Dj W.GuideOld Log Resort and Campground
Clean, older, super friendly, with kyak rentals
Excellent owners! Super friendly that work hard to keep the place really clean. Its been in business since 1941 I believe.
They have 20 sites. The ones by the river are where we stayed. (sites 4&5). They also have some little cabins. They also do kyak rentals, with drop off and you boat back to their own landing. Super convenient.
We stayed the weekend and fully enjoyed it. We stayed in site 5 and had the river as our front yard. Electric is provided at each site, and they do have a dump station.
The ONLY downside I had, and I knew full well going into this and it didn't bother me, it is on M115, a fairly busy road. I know that might be a deal breaker for some, but was easily overlooked for the view we had, the kindness of the owners, and the cleanliness of the facilities and grounds. Most folks wont care, but some purists (Just know that I'm usually a boondock, REAL desolate camping kind of guy), wont like the traffic aspect. I didn't let it bother me.
I give 5 stars because they cant do anything a bout the location, obviously, so I rated on our experience. We had an excellent time, and will come back again.
Emily G.ScoutJewell Lake NF Campground
Jewell Lake
I think jewel lake is pretty good because they have good campsites. I like the dog, they have an island, you can go on can't sleep on there, but you can go on it. They have a beach, they have a bridge, so you can fish on good water to go swimming, you can drive a boat, you can go on a kayaking on a jet ski, any type of water boats the camp site it's pet friendly perfect for campers or pull behinds tense, they're ok, for motorhome\ RV's but it's pretty good.
- Lydia T.Legend
Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground
Beautiful state forest campground
This has been one of my favorite rustic state forest spots. Most sites have an amazing view. The campground is so pretty with huge Pines and hills overlooking the lake. You can swim right at most of the sites.
- Lydia T.Legend
Whispering Pines Resort
Rustic state forest campground
Rustic state forest campground located near trails. Each site has its own firepit and picnic table.
- Lydia T.Legend
Upper Manistee River
Rustic state forest campground
This is a rustic state forest campground located on the manistee river. The canoe livery was right across the river and the town is there too. Each site had a fire pit and picnic table.
John M.TravelerUpper Manistee River
Great remote camping!
Beautiful campsite overlooking the Tippy Dam reservoir. Free sites that are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and are mostly FCFS. However, some sites require a reservation between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some sites have water access. Only amenity is a fire ring.
Guide to West Branch
Camping near West Branch, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore the Trails: Many campgrounds, like Harrisville State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "Not a huge park, but complete with bike and walk/jog trails, access to Harrisville, which is quite lovely."
- Enjoy Water Activities: At Otsego Lake State Park Campground, you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard. A camper noted, "The beach area is sandy, and the playground needs some updating, but the swimming area is great!"
- Visit Local Attractions: Check out the nearby towns for local shops and restaurants. One reviewer from Bay City State Park Campground said, "Be sure and visit downtown Bay City, lots of great restaurants, a Riverwalk on both sides of the river."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Restrooms could use a little improvement, but are clean."
- Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Port Crescent State Park Campground said, "The staff was friendly and made our stay enjoyable."
- Scenic Views: Campgrounds like North Higgins Lake State Park Campground offer beautiful lake views. A reviewer noted, "The campground was beautiful and had many trails to walk & bike."
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was wall to wall vehicles, and the sites are packed close together."
- Booking Challenges: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Albert E. Sleeper State Park Campground said, "I can't imagine how ugly it would get during rainstorms with the mud."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or markets nearby. A reviewer at Bay City State Park Campground noted, "Campground usually clean and patrolled, but no water hookups."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Harrisville State Park Campground mentioned, "Most spots are fairly private with amazing sites right on the lake."
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Otsego Lake State Park Campground enjoyed the "great facilities and most spots are fairly private."
- Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for playgrounds and swimming areas. A visitor at Tawas Point State Park Campground said, "Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful."
Tips from RVers:
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and tight spots. A reviewer at South Higgins Lake State Park Campground noted, "The roads can be tight, especially when inconsiderate campers crowd the road."
- Bring Extra Cords: Some sites may require long extension cords for electric hookups. A camper at Bay City State Park Campground mentioned, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
- Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, so plan ahead. A visitor at North Higgins Lake State Park Campground said, "You will want one of the sites closer to the lake. If you want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance."
Camping near West Branch, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Branch, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Branch, MI is Spruce Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Branch, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near West Branch, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.