The best camping near Traverse City State Park

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

93% (16 reviews)

Discover Traverse City State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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

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Traverse City Campground

352 sites · RVs, Tents In Traverse City State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Traverse City 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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(36)

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/

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Backyard Burdickville

23 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Empire, MI

Nurturing the adventurous spirit through, Community, Local Food, & Live Music in Northern Michigan, Backyard Burdickville is a special place just outside of Empire, MI offering camping, Live Music, and the Backyard Market featuring produce and flowers from The Lively Farm. Visitors can explore the beauty of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore by day and our starry landscape by night. Our 40x50 rustic campsites offer a picnic table, and about half are equipped with Fire Pits w/ Screens. Potable water hydrants and clean, regularly serviced porta-johns are available. Sites can accommodate small campers and camper vans but are not equipped for large RVs or motorhomes. If you are looking to park your larger camper vehicle or trailer, and need electricity, let us know as we do have a few larger sites with access to standard power outlets and can accommodate a larger camper. We do not have septic hook-ups, but can help you arrange a clean out from our portajohn servicer. However, out of respect for fellow campers, we do not allow generators in our campground. We aim to be family friendly! We want you to have fun, but please respect your neighbors. Quite Hours: 11pm-7am. If you need anything while you're here, we make every effort to be available onsite in the camp office (the small camper behind the wood) daily 12-4pm, and by phone, the number will be listed at our office onsite. Please send us a message if you have any questions or need anything during your stay! Address: 3805 W Empire HWY, Empire MI, 49630

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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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Camp Stonewood Ranch

5 sites · Tents40 acres · Fife Lake, MI

Originally Stonewood was a working farm, supporting a family a hundred years ago. Eventually, there was a Christmas Tree Farm on the property, then it was sold off and used for a hunting camp. That was when the little stone cabin was completely refurbished and a beautiful log addition was added. There are still remnants of the original barns and silo out in the pasture. Today it is a permanent residence again, with the intent of sharing the land and the animals with folks who need the therapy of the peace and quiet along with the animals. If you choose to come for a stay, you will be helping to support a program that will benefit our veterans and first responders.

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(45)

Bayside Base Camp

1 site · Tent1 acre · Williamsburg, MI

As avid travelers and Hipcamp users ourselves, Bayside Base Camp is our dream come true. Nestled into the back of our property in Northern Michigan it allows us to share everything we love about where we live with people who travel like we do. We live simply and adventure big. We hope you are able to explore all of the great things our area has to offer. Learn more about this land: Nestled along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, our Bayside Base Camp is the perfect spot to stay as you explore the wonders of Northern Michigan. We offer one tent site in the back of our property with access to our indoor toilet. Access to the bathroom requires two steps up to get into the house. Guests also have access to a fire pit, a large table to set up your camp stove or jet boil, as well as the ability to hang your own hammock among our trees. We are steps away from bay access for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and whatever other water hobbies you may have! There is access to two beautiful trails within a short walking distance from your camp. We are happy to provide directions as long as you promise to take care of them and leave no trace. The Northern Michigan community is incredibly active and values the Leave No Trace principles. In addition to the natural beauty within walking distance from your site, the area has countless trails, paths and parks to explore. We are happy to provide additional recommendations based on your interests through email or upon your arrival. Bayside Base Camp is located 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, a short 45 minute drive from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, 50 minutes from Leland and 15 minutes from Old Mission Peninsula. Guests will be responsible for disposing of their trash items in the designated trash bin on site. There is one parking spot in our driveway and you will need to walk back to your tent site. There is a home within view of your site, but it is a seldomly used vacation home. The walk will take less than one minute to get back to your tent site from the driveway. We are beyond excited to share our property with you and welcome you to our little slice of paradise in Northern Michigan.

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TC glamps

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Traverse City, MI

Clearing on a hill in the woods behind a private road/home…backed up to 1000’s of acres of state land, trails for hiking, biking, ORV & CC skiing (winter). Close enough to TC but far enough away from that city life and surrounded by multiple lakes/beaches. White duck canvas tent with King bed…rugs, compostable toilet, shower, and electric if wanted.

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South Torch Lake Sugarbush

1 site · Tent5 acres · Rapid City, MI

Learn more about this land:Located a few hundred feet from blue ribbon trout stream the Rapid River. Also less than a mile away is the carribean of the north, south torch lake sandbar. Nestled in a 5 acre grove of maples, You can find the perfect quiet spot in the woods for wildlife viewing or camp closer to the road with easy access to camp van on the property incase of inclement weather. Three sites to choose from. Potable water from my well and firewood from my woods are also available. Please note: you may hear deer and other animals walking around your site, remember, they were here first. :-) Please leave a note in the guestbook provided and happy camping. (Guest tour of the floura/fauna upon request).

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(14)

Clearwater Heights

2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Rapid City, MI

I own and live on 190 acres but am beginning my Hip Camp experience with allowing camping on 120-acres. The property is hilly and wooded with miles of trails on the property as well as access to nearby state trail-systems. The Skegemog Swamp Preserve trailhead is several miles away and downtown Traverse is a 30-minute drive. A little over a mile from the campsite is an artesian well along a public roadway that is popular with campers and the site is mowed by a neighbor; this is quirky little water-source that has been there for well over 50 years. The Skegemog Swamp Preserve is home to bears that visit my property for the many raspberry and blackberry opportunities, so be aware.

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Elm Valley

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Suttons Bay, MI

I am 4th generation to live on our property. we are very lucky to have been able to keep 20 acres where I grew up. We are surrounded by Cherry orchards and vineyards. There are 4 wineries within a mile and the bike trail in half a mile away Boat launch on Lake Leelanau 3 miles away A boat launch on Grand Traverse Bay is 1/2 a mile awayLearn more about this land:We have a large hard pack gravel area surrounded by rolling hills and lots of trees. Our house is near by with trees in between. There is a good 60 ft between campers and each site has water and 30 amp. Their own fire pit. We are half a mile from the Leelanau Trail. 10 miles into Traverse city. 5 miles to Suttons Bay

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Leelanau LOVE!

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Maple City, MI

You CAN have campfires! The site is having issues letting me change this. You will LOVE being smack dab in the middle of gorgeous Leelanau County,Michigan in the rustic spot all to yourselves! I also can personally give you some great local spots to visit if you ask! Come stay on our 7 acres in your rustic cabin <3 Please bring your own pillows, sleeping bags and towels for the beds! ***THIS LISTING IS ONLY AVAILABLE MAY 23 through OCTOBER 30 as there is no heat *** We want our rustic guests comfy xo xo Learn more about this land: Come camp privately in our pine forest at our 1885 Leelanau County, Michigan rustic farm in beautiful northern Michigan <3 We can't wait to see you! You will have a private camp spot all to yourself near our 1885 Shop Haus <3 Looking forward to having you at the farm - We are just 6 miles to Good Harbor Beach, Lake Michigan on Country Rd 669 - We are just 1 1/2 miles to the Lime Lake public boat launch! Need a place quickly? We may be able to accomodate, just reach out! See you soon! Angela - We are open May 1 - October 30th References available by request --- The CORRECT address location is 7139 S. Stachnik Rd. Maple City, Michigan 49664

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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.

The best camping near Traverse City State Park guide

Overview

About

All you city-dwelling nature seekers out there will no doubt appreciate Traverse City State Park’s two-mile proximity to the action of one of Michigan’s most bumpin’ resort towns. Brushing up against the Grand Traverse Bay, which provides this beautiful park with a ¼ mile of shoreline, this 47-acre urban escape is home to a National Cherry Festival and self-guided tours of fall tones, and near to wineries and casinos that can sure make for a memorable stay. Year-round camping with heated restrooms (Really? Yes!), this former home of the Ottaway branch of the Algonquin Indians now welcomes folks like you to enjoy the essence of the Great Outdoors.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Traverse City State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Fall also offers a spectacular display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so it's best to check ahead if planning a visit during the colder months.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for your adventure amid the park's diverse landscapes.
Trail lengths vary, so choose a hike that matches your fitness level and time constraints.
Remember to carry out all trash and keep the park pristine for fellow explorers.
For any inquiries or assistance, the park's contact information is readily available for your convenience.