The best camping near Mitchell State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mitchell adventure.

Discover Mitchell State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

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Community favorites near Mitchell State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Mitchell State Park

Mitchell Campground

223 sites · RVs, Tents In Mitchell State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mitchell State Park

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Camp Moonshadow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI

Our property was originally the only homestead on this road. WE offer 4 Walk in Tent sites and a RV site for small campers up 20 ft. WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nitely up to 3 nites The big barn was built over 100 years ago and is still standing. The farm house was built in 1907. It has been remodeled with a second story added. Pine trees were planted to prevent erosion in the 1960's. The national park began buying land near us in the 1970's and the boundary line to the park is a half-mile from Moonshadow Camp. The area is surrounded by state forests and many hiking and biking trails. Our valley is known for incredible stargazing. Amenities include full access to the Camp kitchen and dining area. You will also have access to a Portable restroom and hand washing station which is located by our BIG BARN. Hot Showers, no problem, you can enjoy a secluded private shower in our shower house which has indoor and outdoor showers. Nearby is Lake Michigan and Esch Rd beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore is nearby and The National Park is famous for attractions , trails, and hiking. Electricity and water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen

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Sportsman's Port

49 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Wellston, MI

Gearing up for our 5th season as the new owners of The Sportsman's Port. We have made many updates and will continue to do so. We take pride in a clean bath house, and want everyone to have a great time at our campground. Sometimes it's crazy booked up and other times it may just be you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will answer them as soon as we can. We look forward to meeting lots of new faces and hopefully starting family traditions for you and yours. We have spacious sites that are all different shapes and sizes. Depending on the site it may have 20/30/50 amp service depending on the site. There are currently only three that have 50 amp service. Also some sites have a septic hookup. Water fill station is located near the bathhouse. There is a private dump station also available for use just ask.

Booked 1 time

Camp Cadillac

93 sites · Lodging, RVs25 acres · Cadillac, MI

Camp Cadillac RV Park in Cadillac, MI offers classic, clean, family-friendly, well-equipped sites with lots of options in the most beautiful spot we could find, snuggled up next to the winding Clam River. Thanks to the stunning lakes, the wonder of the forest, the warm hospitality that is Camp Cadillac and the magic that is Michigan, we expect we’ll see you again next season. We know you want to get right to the fun part, so we make the getting settled part painless and easy. Bring your own accommodations and enjoy options for hookups. Our indoor choices range from rustic to refined, cabins or cottage. Camp your way. We call it Camp Cadillac. You’ll call it home. All the conveniences, like free Wi-Fi, a fully stocked camp store, lots of space to entertain and bring a group. Lots of extras. Petting zoo (bet you don’t have that at home), pond fishing and pool – the 3Ps of childhood!

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Heirloom Acres

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Boon, MI

This site is accessible by a gravel driveway that leads to secluded land perfect for your camping getaway. There is tree cover, but also open areas. We have a designated area for camping that includes a fire pit, ground level metal deck, and a comfortable outhouse. There is no power or running water. Experience camping for real! (fun fact: this property has been passed down four generations of women!) We are near downtown Manton, downtown Mesick, and downtown Cadillac. Our favorite places to visit are Dayhuff lake (10 minute drive), numerous seasonal roads and trails, the Manistee River, Traverse City (45mins), Emerald Vale Golf Course (10 minutes), and Pleasant Valley Amish market for baked goods (5 min). Notes based on feedback that we've gotten from campers: -the driveway is steep, as seen in the listing photos. The recommendation for trailer size should be followed (18ft trailer max, plus 17ft car/truck). There is a corner at the top of the hill that might be tight for anything larger. I will note that there is a review where someone made it through with a 21ft trailer plus their vehicle; proceed as you will with this information.

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House of Bear

5 sites · RVs, Tents97 acres · Grawn, MI

The House of Bear is located on a spectacular 97-acre, fourth generation working Tree farm in Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse County. Stunning Northern Michigan wildlife with creeks and an old natural beaver pond, what a wonderful place to relax, and soak in the surroundings. Step out of the hectic stress of the everyday and take a moment at one of the many areas to soak up what you have disconnected from. Feel the wind across your skin, the Earth beneath your feet and the Sun shining down. Hear the birds singing, the trees swaying in the wind and what animal was that? See the deer frolicking, birds flying, trees growing and how nature all comes together. Smell the Earth, the Pine from the trees and the wild flowers. Take some time and wonder, lose yourself in Nature and get refreshed. Natural Rustic Camping, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, listen to the birds singing away, with the chance of seeing any of Northern Michigan’s awesome wildlife. Sunsets are spectacular with so many different colors, and on a Clear night look up at the stars without the lights of a big city.

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Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI

My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

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Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Wedgewood, MI

Hardwood and conifer upland forest w old growth white pine. Rolling terrain with lowland conifer w beaver ponds and wetlands. Trails for hiking or atv riding. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of roadless state forest pretty much inaccessible to most public. Small tributary to the Pine River a canoe/kayak/trout stream.

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Dan's Acre’s

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake City, MI

Remote 40 acre's, rolling wooded property. Only three camp sites and walking trails. Close to Cadillac and Lake City, numerous surrounding lakes. Very peaceful and quite. Close to crooked lake, lake Missaukee Lake Cadillac, Lake Mitchell. Also only 10 minutes from shopping and downtown. Also near state land.

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Camp David

14 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Traverse City, MI

We built our home 30 years ago on 8 acres of hay field. Everything you see on our property was put here by us!! We have had dogs, a couple of horses, cats of course and chickens too. The horses, dogs and chickens are gone but we still have cats...and we have a pond off our deck with about 50 goldfish and a couple dozen frogs!! Our kids are all grown and we are left wondering what is next. For the past 12 years or so we have had at least one or two camp outs a year on our property with just friends. Then we started thinking "why not invite others?" We know how difficult it can be to get camping reservations in the area....then I bumped into a Hipcamp Host who told me about this.... so here we are! We are animal and nature lovers and our gardens are here for you to enjoy. We'd love to give you a tour and tell you all about every plant if you are interested. Or we will ignore you and let you do your own thing in our 'backyard'! We offer rustic boondocks camping or set up nearer to our buildings and we can supply you with power....110, 30 and 50 available for a small extra charge Welcome to Traverse City and welcome to Camp David!! I have a Facebook page with lots of fun and interesting things to do and see as well as great restaurant recommendations for Traverse City and beyond, on my travel page...Towhead Travels....on Facebook. Please look me up! ******NEW IN 2023****** We have an outhouse on site!! Firewood (oak) is available to purchase when you get here. (all campsites will be provided with a fire ring no charge) https://m.facebook.com/100057592452231/

Enchanted Forest

20 sites · Tents5 acres · Tustin, MI

We have 5 acres of some beautiful woods. It is filled with moss. Great to set up a hammock and enjoy the piecing quiet or take your shoes and socks off and walk through the moss. It's literally like walking on carpet. It is beautiful. And we are glad that we can share it One of the things great about this property is it's in the middle of everything. There are ski lodges not far away. There are lakes that you can fish or paddle on and there's plenty of national Huron forest that you can hike. Walk mountain bike. Use your ORVs it's just an amazing piece of property that we are happy to share

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Up North Rivers Camping

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI

We have 20 Acres of rolling hills, mostly forested, nestled on the banks of a flowing creek, we are also a budding flower farm, this summer there will be hundreds of dahlias blooming, along with many other flowers. If you have a special occasion, that calls for fresh flowers, be sure to let us know! Our setting is quiet, private and scenic. We occasionally see the Aurora Borealis right from our house. We are located in beautiful Manistee, Michigan where outdoor adventures abound!! Manistee is a peaceful, quaint Northern Michigan town with shopping, antiquing, fine dining and a River Walk. We are minutes from award winning fishing spots on the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Bear Creek Trout Streams and the Platte River. There are many opportunities to canoe, kayak and paddle board. We are 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan shore, and many beaches are close by. You have a choice of gorgeous sand beaches with picturesque dunes, and rocky beaches for those looking for fossils, agates and beautiful beach stones. We are within an hour of Sleeping Bear Dunes which has award winning hiking. Traverse City is 40 minutes away with many activities, especially the Cherry Festival. The area is known for live music venues, and lots of weekend art festivals. Manistee is also home to the Little River Casino. We have firepits at each campsite, dry firewood is available to purchase, feel free to pay by cash, Venmo or CashApp, cost is $10.00 a wheelbarrow. Fresh flowers are available to purchase, seasonally. An outhouse is available for use and is supplied with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is a garbage can and recycling bin near the outhouse. A scenic small creek runs by many of the campsites. We live on the property and are here to answer your questions. Feel free to text us. We hope you enjoy your stay!! Dean and Jackie

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Michigan Paradise

5 sites · RVs, TentsTustin, MI

Dick and Maxine Alexa lived and worked in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1990, they found their dream home in the beautiful small town of Tustin, MI where they retired and became involved in their new community. In 2009, Dick and Maxine were diagnosed with different types of lung cancer. Maxine passed in September 2010 and Dick followed in July 2011. Their only child, Marc, could not part with the property ... too many memories and the only thing he had left of his family. Eventually, we prepared to rent it out on Trip Adviser and Airbnb to help cover the costs of the mortgage. As people began renting and sharing their love and bewilderment with this wonder in the woods like Dick and Maxine once did, we knew we had to continue sharing this slice of paradise and, in some way, the legacy of Dick and Maxine now lives on in all the special, lifetime memories made here. Learn more about this land:Set up camp within the outside perimeter of the backyard, within sight of the fire pit and house, or wander farther out into the rolling hills to pitch a tent or utilize an old deer blind for a secluded and more rustic experience. There are two decks, a pond, a swingset and a propane grill where you can lounge, sunbath, cook or play. Turn on the hose in the secluded backyard to wash up or play in the water. 2.5 miles down a winding road that wraps around a lake, you will find an Amish store. Travel another mile and you'll find yourself in the quaint town of Tustin and the trailhead to the White Pine Trail.

The best camping near Mitchell State Park guide

Overview

About

White sand, blue water and warm sunlight mesh to make a rockin’ vacation atmosphere at William Mitchell State Park. Whether you’re a fan of skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing or swimming, you can give your next outdoor excursion a dash of something special here. Enjoy the celebratory vibe that comes along with seasonal festivals and top-notch picnicking on 300+ acres between Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, or head out on the Mitchell-Heritage nature trail for superb wildlife viewing.

The lakes are connected by a charming, historic canal that only adds to the pleasure of being in a unique waterfront area. The Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish center is a destination in itself, and kids will love the aquarium of local Michigan fish. Got your number yet? Loveable dorky niche activities, like paddleboating and metal detecting, play their part in the spontaneous fun of this outdoor sweet spot. How about now?

When to go

The ideal time to visit Mitchell State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Conversely, winter can be challenging with heavy snowfall, making some areas inaccessible and outdoor activities more limited.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to stay safe and prepared.
Accessibility varies across different park areas, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Remember to pack out all your trash and respect the park's natural environment.
Facilities may vary seasonally, so confirm availability of restrooms and picnic areas before your trip.