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Best Tent Camping near Wolverine, MI

878 Reviews

Tent campsites around Wolverine, Michigan offer access to northern Michigan forests and waterways with options ranging from established campgrounds to more remote dispersed tent areas. Sturgeon Valley Campground provides riverside tent camping with river access for kayaking, while tent campers can also explore the primitive sites at Pigeon River State Forest for a more secluded experience approximately 7 miles southwest of Wolverine.

Tent-only sites at Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground feature dirt pads situated along the Ocqueoc River, with vault toilets and hand pump water available. Walk-in tent sites are common in this region, with many requiring campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their campsite. The Michigan Recreation Passport is required for camping at most state forest campgrounds. A camper noted that at Pinney Bridge, "The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground," highlighting the true walk-in nature of some sites. Most primitive tent areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during the peak season from April through October.

Areas farther from the main roads provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. Tent campsites in the Pigeon River State Forest offer more isolation than established campgrounds, with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options available. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the Ocqueoc Falls area provides "lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river." Many backcountry tent sites near Wolverine have tree cover providing natural shade and wind protection. The proximity to rivers makes these tent campsites popular for fishing and paddling activities, with several locations offering direct water access. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing with fewer crowds at primitive tent campgrounds throughout the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Wolverine, Michigan (30)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wolverine, MI

5 Photos of 30 Wolverine Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wolverine, MI

878 Reviews of 30 Wolverine Campgrounds

  • Ash S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Leelanau State Park Campground

    Very peaceful lakeside campground

    No hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Peaceful spot, plenty of room

    Seems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.

    Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

    We had a very pleasant stay.

    Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.

  • Emily V.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

    Great getaway and lots of space!

    Great state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. 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. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.

  • Lexi G.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    4-Mile Trail Camp DNR

    Cheap horse camp

    It’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.

  • Macy M.
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Hoeft State Park Campground

    Nice SP on Northern Lake Huron

    We stayed 8-3 to 8-7, only issue was the weather. Didn’t rain, but was hit with a cold front 😳. This was a great SP, no issues fitting our 36’ TT with 2 slides in our pull through site. We were nestled in the back of the park. Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP). No water hookups but we try to reserve next to a water spigot. Lots of trails all around the park for walking and bike riding. To get to the beach you had to take one of the beach trails which is roughly 50-75 yards off the campground road. We went nearing dusk and it was so beautiful. Since we were in the back of the park we decided to leave the park the following day about half mile to the East to a roadside pull off to watch the sunset (I wasn’t about to lug 4 large camping chairs across the campground, lol). This was unknown to us at the time but we ended up seeing a blood moon rise and on such a clear night that you can see all the stars and constellations. I would seriously recommend this campground to everyone (just pack warm clothes). There are some other great attractions in roger city like the quary, 40 mile lighthouse, and a small waterfall just outside of town. We will definitely be back.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Straits State Park Campground

    Unique View from camp

    We camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.

  • Kate K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Avery Lake State Forest Campground

    Little Rustic Campground

    This place was really nice and not very busy. It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available. There is a nice boat launch located within the campground as well.

  • Lydia T.
    May. 13, 2024

    Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

    Rustic state forest campground

    Rustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.

  • Chris H.
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Nice park if you get away from the crowds

    I can only speak to the one campsite I had at this park, which was supposedly a "rustic", walk-in, tent only site. However, the "walk" in from the truck was less than 20 feet, and we were within clear view of the ranger's check-in station, restrooms, and RV camping section. Certainly not rustic or secluded by any means. At the height of the summer camping season, we were at the apex of traffic and noise. Still a lovely park with great views of the lake, and I'm sure the backcountry is much better than the developed campground. If you are like me and want to avoid crowds while camping, do your research and find out where to go. I'll be doing much more of that next time!

Guide to Wolverine

Wolverine, Michigan, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and picnic tables at Sturgeon Valley Campground, making it a comfortable spot for families.
  • Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground features rustic charm with clean vault toilets and a hand pump for water, perfect for those seeking a back-to-nature experience.
  • At Pinney Bridge, campers can enjoy a peaceful setting with picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a tidy camping experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • Pigeon Bay Campground is big rig friendly and offers thirty amp hookups, catering to those who might want to combine tent camping with RV amenities.
  • Campers at Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp can enjoy a more rustic experience with no reservable sites, allowing for spontaneity in their camping adventures.
  • Deer Brooke Woodland Forest allows campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping options at Wolverine Lake?

For tent camping near Wolverine Lake, Pinney Bridge offers a secluded experience with walk-in only access. Sites are approximately 700 yards from parking, providing a true nature immersion. Another excellent option is White Pine Canoe SF Campground, which features backpacking-accessible tent sites in a forested setting. This campground requires a backcountry permit and offers a more primitive camping experience with secluded sites. Both locations provide the peaceful atmosphere tent campers seek while offering different levels of accessibility and amenities.

When is the best time of year for tent camping at Wolverine Lake?

The prime tent camping season at Wolverine Lake runs from late spring through early fall (May-September), with summer offering the most reliable weather. Parmalee Bridge State Forest Campground & Canoe Camp is particularly popular during summer months when the weather is ideal for kayaking and water activities. For those seeking more solitude, Luzerne Trail Camp can be visited into November, though prepare for cooler temperatures and potential water access challenges in the off-season. Spring camping offers emerging greenery but can be wet, while fall provides beautiful colors with fewer crowds but cooler nights.

What amenities are available at Wolverine Lake tent sites?

Tent sites around Wolverine Lake typically offer rustic amenities. 4-Mile Trail Camp DNR provides basic facilities including water pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Similarly, Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground features clean vault toilets and hand pumps for water access. Most sites maintain adequate spacing between campsites for privacy, with ample shade trees. Fire rings are standard at established campgrounds, though firewood availability varies by location. Some campgrounds offer proximity to waterways for recreation, but expect rustic facilities rather than modern conveniences.

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