160 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Wolverine, Michigan provides a range of camping options within Northern Michigan's forested landscape. Haakwood State Forest Campground offers rustic sites along the Sturgeon River just 2 miles off I-75, with tent and small RV camping available at reasonable rates. The area includes several developed campgrounds like Elkwood Campground with full hookups and cabin options, along with more basic state forest campgrounds such as Pickerel Lake. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with mixed-use facilities supporting tent camping, RV sites, and in some locations, cabin rentals.
Camping in this region benefits from easy access to lakes, rivers and trail systems. Many rustic sites lack electricity but provide basic amenities like pit toilets and hand-pumped water. "Sites all seemed private and comfortable. This would be a nice alternative to the busier campgrounds near Indian River, Burt Lake, etc.," noted one camper about Haakwood State Forest Campground. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward with paved or well-maintained dirt roads, though some primitive sites may require higher clearance vehicles. Weather conditions become an important consideration as temperatures can drop significantly in spring and fall, with campgrounds typically closing for winter by November. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near I-75 and diminished signals in more remote locations.
Several visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere and natural setting as key attractions. The Wolverine area serves as an excellent base for exploring Michigan's elk country, with opportunities for wildlife viewing nearby. Campsites at Haakwood State Forest Campground receive consistently positive reviews for their privacy and riverfront location. "Most sites are private. Some premium spots back up to river. Stars are amazing," shared one visitor. Weber Lake and Pickerel Lake State Forest Campgrounds feature swim-friendly waters and fishing opportunities. Campers report that weekdays offer greater solitude, while summer weekends often bring higher occupancy rates. The region's developed campgrounds provide convenient access to nearby attractions including the North Central State Trail, Burt Lake, and Mullet Lake, with many campgrounds positioned as ideal stopovers when exploring Northern Michigan.
"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."
"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."
"Right on the sturgeon river you get away from the main camps of Burt lake and mullet lake."
"Just two miles off I-75 at Wolverine."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The best place to camp in northern Michigan. Should be more well known."
"This park is operated by Emmet County and offers a very remote feel yet it is only 15-20 minutes from Petoskey, Michigan. "
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. "
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Right on Mullett Lake, close to town for easy access to food, but really enjoyed kayaking lake"
"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."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Close to stores, tubing, able to ride atv/utv in and out."
"Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc.. 55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don’t have to go all the way to front of campground for"
from $50 - $95 / night
Check Availability
Guide1st time I've seen Lake Huron and I picked a great spot for it. Last 100 yards was muddy and rutty, but my Pilot and Shasta did fine. Nobody else is here except for the skeeters, and there's plenty of them.
ScoutWe had to cancel last minute because our truck broke down. Don was so kind and helpful. He just canceled us without penalty. When I called back after truck was fixed, he remembered my name and said Hello, did you get your truck fixed? I was calling to see if I could rebook our time slot. I thought that incredible. We will be there June 14 th
GuideJust passing through on my way home from the upper peninsula and decided to camp rather than getting a hotel as I always have my camping gear in the back of my truck. Great campsites and most of them are separated very well. Hiking trails nearby and good fishing right on tomahawk lake. I was here on a Sunday and Monday and had the place to myself. Very peaceful
ScoutGreat sites right on the waterfront. This place definitely has the vibe. This is by far the best in the area. Sites are quite close so expect some noise some lack of privacy but otherwise great experience.
ScoutMe and the family camped at Tee Pee Campground last year during the weekend of the bridge walk. The camp ground and facilities were clean and the staff very friendly. I would definitely cajmp there agian.
GuideThis spot is an open pull-off in state forest land. Clean, safe and quiet - no road traffic at night and sparse during day.
Scoutfine if you just need a place to pitch a tent, ground is hit or miss and some spots are uneven. The river is the only real draw, bugs still come out and weekends get loud with rowdy groups. Bathrooms are meh
TravelerWe have stayed at Camp Petosega several times, the last was in October of 2025. Stayed in the Full hook up sites. very little traffic. Beautiful fall colors as we drove around the area. Clean bath house and nice walking areas, playground's and a beach with public park on Pickerel Lake.
LegendThis campground is my all time favorite. I don't think there is a bad site (51 sites plus 3 cabins). Very beautiful in the fall with outstanding forest hiking south of campground. I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch. Very short walk to Lake Michigan- you can even see if you have a clearing. Vault toilets so clean! Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly. Highly highly recommend!
Camping spots near Wolverine, Michigan span across Northern Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, known as the "Big Wild" with 105,000 acres of wilderness. The area sits at 900-1,200 feet elevation with cooler nights even in summer months, creating temperature swings that can reach 40°F between day and night in spring and fall. Most campgrounds maintain operation from late April through October, with some private facilities offering extended seasons.
Kayaking and canoeing on the Sturgeon River: Access points are available near Haakwood State Forest Campground, where you can enjoy paddling on one of Michigan's fastest-flowing rivers. "Right on the sturgeon river you get away from the main camps of Burt lake and mullet lake. An easy drive to wolverine and a couple hour float back to camp or drive to Indian River and go to the lakes," notes one visitor.
North Central State Trail biking: This paved trail runs through the area connecting Gaylord to Mackinaw City. "This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening," shares a camper about Haakwood.
Wildlife viewing in Pigeon River Country: The forest area is home to Michigan's elk herd, with early morning and evening being prime viewing times. "You're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk! We went and tried, but unfortunately didn't see any elk," reports a visitor at Haakwood State Forest Campground.
Private, secluded sites: Many state forest campgrounds offer significant space between sites. At Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground, "Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring," according to a camper.
Affordability of rustic camping: State forest campgrounds provide low-cost options. "It's hard to beat $15 a night at a campground as nice and well located as this," notes a visitor about Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.
Swimming in clear lakes: The region offers several swim-friendly lakes with good water quality. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, "The river is also great for fly fishing and floating down If you decide to bring a tube. The best place to camp is right on the river which is lovely to fall asleep to at night. Beware of the bugs!"
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service," advises a camper about Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Basic amenities at rustic sites: Most state forest campgrounds provide minimal facilities. "You can pick sites on the river or back by the woods. There are vault toilets and a well for water," explains a visitor at Pigeon River.
Distance to supplies: Stock up before arrival at more remote locations. "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away," warns a camper at Aloha State Park Campground.
Insects can be challenging: Prepare for seasonal bugs, especially in wooded areas. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there. Fishing was nice off the pier," notes one Aloha State Park visitor.
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Petoskey KOA, visitors find "a large playground, a large heated swimming pool, plus volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, basketball and pickleball courts."
Beach access for children: Look for campgrounds with swim-friendly shorelines. "The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim," says a visitor about Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground.
Holiday weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize special events during peak times. "We spent a 4th of July weekend up in Petosky with our family. It was a perfect mixture of rustic modern camping. The facilities are nice and clean and the campground is well kept," shares a camper at Petoskey Dunes.
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds can accommodate different RV sizes with varying levels of privacy. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to certain campgrounds. "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.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across campgrounds. "Pretty nice campground. The sites vary in 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," notes one camper about Burt Lake State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wolverine, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wolverine, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Wolverine, MI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wolverine, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wolverine, MI is Burt Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wolverine, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Wolverine, MI.
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