Best Tent Camping near White Cloud, MI

Tent campsites around White Cloud, Michigan offer a mix of established grounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the surrounding Manistee National Forest. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, located approximately 25 miles north of White Cloud, provides spacious tent sites overlooking both Big Leverentz and Little Leverentz lakes. Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed camping area offers a more primitive tent camping experience with free sites situated about 20 miles northwest of town.

Most tent camping areas near White Cloud feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Established campgrounds like Leverentz Lake provide picnic tables, fire rings, trash collection, and vault toilets, while dispersed sites typically lack facilities entirely. Tent campers should note that drinking water is available via hand pumps at some state forest campgrounds but absent at primitive sites. Seasonal availability varies, with Leverentz Lake operating from April through October, while dispersed areas in Manistee National Forest remain open year-round unless affected by weather conditions. Primitive tent sites generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and payment envelopes.

The tent camping experience near White Cloud offers solitude and natural surroundings. Many sites provide direct access to water features, with fishing opportunities and boat launches available at the larger established campgrounds. Sites at Leverentz Lake are spaced generously apart, providing privacy even when the campground is full. A camper noted, "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground." Walk-in tent sites at locations like Gleasons Landing offer riverside access with minimal development, providing a more immersive outdoor experience. During weekdays, particularly in spring and fall, backcountry tent campers can expect quiet surroundings with limited competition for preferred sites.

Best Tent Sites Near White Cloud, Michigan (38)

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Tent Camping Reviews near White Cloud, MI

827 Reviews of 38 White Cloud Campgrounds


  • J
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    Small campground, big ambiance

    This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious. Sites are divided by small stands of trees providing some privacy from neighboring sites. 4 of the sites are facing the lake. Fire ring, picnic table, vault toilets and hand pump water. Surprisingly good cell reception. There is a dirt boat ramp, but only for trolling motor, canoes and kayaks. Very quiet campground.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • Emily M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Mears State Park Campground

    Not worth it

    Go to the beach for the day, but don't camp here. The sites were on top of each other and there was no privacy. There was only one bathroom for the entire campground meaning that only 3 stalls were offered for all of the women. Because there is only one bathroom and it isn't in the middle of the campground, it is a long walk for most of the campers. The showers were nice, but the bathroom could use an upgrade.

    All of the sites were sandy with no shade. Traveling on bike meant having few comfort items. We really could have used a tree or some other shade after a long day of touring, but there was no shade at the site or anywhere nearby. Most folks had awnings on their campers. I could see how having a camper or RV (or even a car) would make the experience more enjoyable, but still I would not choose to return here.

    It is not a tent friendly site because the tent gets blown off the sand. Sandy sites make it difficult to stake down a tent. We went on a particularly windy day and the gear we had was not enough to hold down the tent. I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm just to keep the tent from blowing away. 

    There was wifi, but it hardly worked at the site. The beach was decent, but nothing any more impressive than anywhere else on the lake. If you have the opportunity to stay somewhere other than here, go there instead. I was shocked that so many people would pay so much for such a pathetic campground. If you are paying to stay at a Michigan State Park, find yourself a better one!

    I intended on taking pictures, but was so unimpressed I completely forgot.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Janessa L.
    Jun. 23, 2020

    River Country Campground and Livery

    Weekend Getaway

    A friend and I stayed two nights in a tent. The campground is on the smaller side. You mostly see campers and RVs, many who stay seasonally. It felt like a community where everyone knows each other well. The couple on the neighboring campsite were incredibly friendly, offering help with fire starters and a hammer to pound down the stakes on our tent.

    Our site had a fire pit, picnic table and electric hookup we used to charge cell phones. There wasn’t much shade but there are other shady sites in the campground.

    While the river site was scenic, mosquitoes were of course having a feast! There was a play area for the kids, volleyball net and horseshoe pit. The camp store had the basics with hard pack ice cream for sale. There’s also a game room off the camp store with pool, ping pong and laundry room for longer visits.

    You’re able to rent a tube, kayak or canoe to cruise down the Muskegon River. They were kind enough to shuttle us to the drop off point a couple of miles away.

    There is a restroom/shower building that’s kept quite clean. The ladies room had three separate showers and I never had to wait for a turn during my stay.

    It’s definitely a family campground so if you’re looking for a quiet camping trip, this place is perfect. It’s a bit far from the Detroit area for a weekend but I’d definitely return for a longer stay.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Spring Lake State Forest Campground

    Nice, very rustic, campground

    Nice park with dispersed sites. Hand pump for potable water and out houses for bathrooms. On a cute little lake ideal for kayaking or small boats. Not really set up for large TT, but people brought one in anyway. Close to US 131 and you can hear the traffic.

    Sites have fire rings and picnic tables.

  • s
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Campground steps away from Lake Michigan

    Clean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. We stayed at site 50A right across from the steps down to the beach. There was no privacy, but it was a large corner lot with both water and trash steps away. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    Nice views, somewhat rustic sites

    We live in Kalamazoo and wanted a quick trip out in the tent for a long weekend. We chose the park for it's proximity to home and because of nearby kayak/canoe launches. We enjoy rustic camping and were a little let down with the lack of seclusion on each site (that's to be expected when car camping but the photos and website left us hopeful for more space than was offered). The sites are deep but many are close together. Ours had a little extra room but was next to the vault toilet. There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice. The staff at the time wasn't very helpful when we asked for nearby hikes. They only knew of a paved trail but on our way out of town we met a couple who told us of many river trails and other hikes nearby. Overall it's a decent place to stay. Personally, I don't find it worth it to have vault toilets and no shower if I'm still going to be in a fairly cramped campground. I'd prefer that they have hike-in sites or offer the amenities of car camping.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    Very nice campground with a small hiking trail from the sites

    I stayed here for two nights recently.  The campground is not too large with 18 or 19 sites if I remember correctly.  Most of the sites are pretty private and a few are along the river that runs along the campground.  The water is very peaceful to listen to while falling asleep.

    There are ample vault toilets and enough parking for one or two vehicles on most sites.  The sites are not that large, so large RVs will not fit.

    Plenty of space for a tent or two per site.  Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.  Finding firewood in the campground is near impossible, so plan to bring some or buy some before you arrive.


Guide to White Cloud

Tent camping near White Cloud, Michigan offers both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The Pere Marquette River runs through the region, providing water recreation opportunities alongside diverse forest terrain. White Cloud sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season and cooler nights that dip into the 50s.

What to do

Riverside fishing access: Gleasons Landing provides direct river access for anglers targeting steelhead and brown trout in the Pere Marquette River. "Most sites have direct river access. All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area," notes Benjamin A., who camped there recently.

Hiking forest trails: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground connects to several trail systems through the surrounding forest. "Nearby trails to walk and access to drinking water," reports R.B., highlighting the opportunities beyond the campground itself.

Kayaking opportunities: White River Campsite #1 serves as both a camping destination and river access point. "There are dispersed options as well as docked site. It's in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking," advises camper Vegan T.

Lake swimming: Woods and Water RV Resort offers a swimming area with additional amenities. "Wonderful little swim area with water slide. Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities," reports Amie R., highlighting the resort's recreational facilities.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The spacious layout at many area campgrounds provides solitude even during busy periods. "The sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites," explains Benjamin A. about Gleasons Landing's riverside camping area.

Multiple lake options: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground provides access to both Big and Little Leverentz lakes. "The big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. The little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses," notes R.B., comparing the two sections.

Affordable camping: State forest campgrounds offer economical options with basic amenities. "This is a nice campground. Its $15 per night, and out of state is another $9 per vehicle, in state is $17 per vehicle. Nice wooded campsites. On the lake with a boat launch," reports Chels about Leverentz Lake.

Uncrowded wilderness: First-come, first-served sites often remain available even during peak season. "First come first serve in the fall- we were basically the only ones there. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground. Gorgeous and quiet," shares John N. about his experience at Leverentz Lake.

What you should know

Access road challenges: Some dispersed sites require careful navigation. "Access road is an unmarked two track that is not suitable for all vehicles," warns Tom W. about Condon Lakes West, suggesting higher clearance vehicles for certain areas.

Limited facilities: Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed offers true primitive camping with minimal development. "Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek," reports Linda C. about this free camping option.

Seasonal considerations: Water access points change with seasonal water levels, particularly in spring and fall. "Clean out houses, very large and private lots with nice pits, and tables. No swimming area, but lots of fishing spots and docks," explains Nicole C. about facilities at Leverentz Lake.

Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds allow advance booking, others operate on first-come terms. "Hard to get a reservation on the weekends. Campground is at the end of a canoe/kayak company's trip. Can get loud during the day when the trips come in," advises Jessica V. about Gleasons Landing.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: Families appreciate campgrounds with swimming areas during summer months. "Great staff! Sites are spacious. Easy to back into. Very quiet! Wonderful little swim area with water slide," shares Amie R. about Woods and Water RV Resort.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Leverentz Lake provides chances to observe forest and aquatic species. "Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc," explains a recent visitor.

Public lands exploration: White River Campsite #1 serves as a base for exploring the broader Manistee National Forest. "This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers," advises Kendra H.

Shaded sites available: Several campgrounds offer tree cover for hot summer days. "Very small, somewhat remote campground. I was there during the week of 4th of July and there were only a few spots occupied. All sites are 'walk to' from the parking lot," reports Amy R. about Gleasons Landing.

Tips from RVers

Site size limitations: Many forest campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "Scenic and rustic. Has everything you need for the night. Bring a water filter. May need a taller vehicle to access some sights," notes Anjel W. about Condon Lake.

Hookup availability: Woods and Water RV Resort provides full services for larger rigs. "Sites are spacious. Easy to back into. Very quiet!" reports a camper who stayed with their RV.

Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal, as many forest campgrounds lack these facilities. "This is actually one state forest campground split into two units, each on a lake: Big Leverentz and Little Leverentz. All sites are in good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents," explains a visitor to Leverentz Lake.

Generator policies: Confirm rules before arrival as they vary by campground. "Tent camping only. Four family sites and two group sites. Hard to get a reservation on the weekends," notes Jessica V. about Gleasons Landing, which does not permit generators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near White Cloud, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near White Cloud, MI is Woods and Water RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near White Cloud, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near White Cloud, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.