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The best camping near Hartwick Pines State Park

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

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Hartwick Pines State Park.  

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Community favorites near Hartwick Pines State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hartwick Pines State Park

100%
(16)

CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

1 site ¡ Lodging120 acres ¡ Roscommon, MI
Learn more about this land:This cozy off-grid rustic Cut River Cabin has a Sauna 3 bedrooms and a loft that will sleep 10. 120 acres with over 1.3 miles of private riverfront on the pristine Cut River that flows out of beautiful Higgins Lake Michigan. Approximately 10 minutes/7 miles from the beaches of South Higgins Lake State Park, or the Village of Roscommon which has a full-service supermarket (Family Fare) hardware and outdoor supply stores, and a handful of restaurants. It's a great spot for a quiet retreat away from people, traffic, pollution, and the stresses of modern digital life with the closest neighbor being over 2 miles away. Enjoy the river, paddling in our canoes, fishing, and swimming. Get out in the woods by hiking or biking through nearly 2,000 acres of public state land and trails surrounding the property. Included are SNOWSHOES in the winter and CANOES in the summer The Cut River Cabin is a completely off-the-grid property that relies on solar power. Inside you will find NO TV’s, NO WiFi, and NO Modern Luxury Amenities. 😁 You WILL find solar power to charge any devices that you just can’t live without for a weekend getaway, 😉 Manual operated water well pump (Pitcher Pump), Wood Burning Stove to keep warm on them chilly nights (starter/logs included), Well-equipped kitchen with stove Due to its simple and rustic features, the cabin is most appealing to hikers, campers, and people who love the outdoors and don't mind the lack of conventional amenities. A few things included to distract you from the busy world outside are many Books, Board Games, Playing Cards.
from 
$179
 / night
99%
(52)

RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

1 site ¡ RV, Tent23 acres ¡ Grayling, MI
Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.
from 
$47
 / night
100%
(17)

pineleaf.

4 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Mancelona, MI
Pineleaf is a private setting in the forest with rolling hills and trails on the property. There's an abundance of wildlife consisting of, but not limited to bears, bobcats, porcupines and deer. It's a true nature lover's dream! For the rockhounds, there are Petoskey Stones, Emeralds, Opals and many other gems to enjoy finding among the trails and beaches. Our trails lead right off the property among the lakes and streams. All side x sides, ATVS, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing boats Welcome! We are located close to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Otsego Lake, and many more! Come enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, parks, restaurants, casinos, and local shopping. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Boyne City. Pineleaf has a total of 4 campsites! 3 are primitive and 1 rustic cabin with more cabins to come in the near future. The primitive sites sleep up to 15 people and 8 tents. The cabin sleeps up to 5 guests and is handicap accessible! and can also put tents near the cabin. The camp is cannabis friendly for 21+ with id and complimentary with the exception if you dont want to smoke/cunsume cannabis its optional. No alcohol allowed at the camp but you may go up town or down to The Hideaway Bar & Grill for a bite and a drink!
from 
$61
 / night
100%
(4)

Weigold Acres Escape

7 sites ¡ Tents10 acres ¡ Mancelona, MI
Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our beautiful secluded rolling hardwood forest! An off-grid property bathed in the sounds of nature. Great orv trails throughout the area. Book multiple sites for a middle of nowhere party with friends. Far enough off-grid that you can enjoy peace or get a little wild with your friends, it’s up to you!! Veteran owned and operated!Hartwick Pines State Park is only 20 miles away. The bigger the better we always say—9,672 acres of Old Growth Pines makes Hartwick Pine among the giants in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan—more for you to ‘splore! The forest was once home to a booming lumber industry. Revisit through master storytelling the tales of the “shanty boys” who turned the forest into timber land. Step into a time machine and dig into rich history from the Visitor’s Center museum that recreates the vibe of the old town, then get your socks and shoes outside! With rolling green hills and ancient groves of trees, Hartwick is a photographer’s dream. Enjoy numerous habitats to explore and hit the trails that accommodate any level of hiker or biker. Big adventure is calling. Your move.Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them.
from 
$40
 / night
96%
(28)

The Get-Away

2 sites ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Kalkaska, MI
I bought this property 30 years ago and built the cabin myself with a Hungarian friend nick-named Crash. This property was won in a poker game when it first came up for sale years ago. It is an old logging trail that goes 1 1/2 miles back in the woods - it feels like you are in the UP or Canada. Learn more about this land: The Get-A-Way had a very good summer - a few renters drove back spinning tires and tearing the drive up, but we are always motivated and just put $1200.00 into the road and dock. (See pictures.) We have a super cool site on a lake, with 2 canoes, a row boat and trolling motor, 2 batteries with a generator for your convenience. Key Word Your. You are only required to be happy and not rude. Normally there is even fire wood provided, life vests, and even instant coffee. Look at the pictures and see the propane tanks for the stoves. You will need to bring a few if you want to cook on the stoves. Please note: This is basically camping like you would in a tent but in a cabin. There is no running water - bring your own water or a water purifier. A clean port-a-potty is provided. Bring your own bedding - there is a futon and a set of bunk beds. There is an assortment of pots and pans. The cabin is not always cleaned between guests - please leave it in as good or better condition as when you arrived. Thanks!
from 
$100
 / night

Tiki Town & Tracks

8 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ Kalkaska, MI
Convenience meets charm, as TikTown is a mere 5-minute drive to town, providing easy access to amenities and local attractions. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities, beachside tranquility, or a quick jaunt to nearby destinations, Tiki Town is your ticket to a unique and unforgettable experience in Kalkaska. Tiki Town & Tracks located in Kalkaska, MI offers 5 private campsites with electric and water. While most reservations come in groups we welcome individuals. Located just 5 minutes from town, shopping and dining is within a stones throw reach. Boaters love our location as we’re only 15 minutes from the atorch Lake Sandbar public access. Access snowmobile, ATV, and ORV trails right from property. We can accommodate up to 50’ rvs. Located on 10 private acres, well groomed and landscape. With a tropical theme we offer a beautiful swimming hole with white sandy beach and slide. Outdoor Tiki bar with tv, music and beach front fire pit. Hottub on premises. Beach Cornhole. Private ATV trails and a motocross track. If you’re looking for a fun place to stay without the riff raff of a conventional campground, you’ve found it! Nightly rates are $75 and Weekly is $350. Full payment is required at time of reservation and made through cash app or Zelle. Weekends book fast.
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(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/
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Waterfront RV / Camper Property

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Frederic, MI
Camping in a secluded location along one of the county's best fly fishing rivers, such as the Manistee River, offers a multitude of benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Firstly, the seclusion allows campers to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, individuals can enjoy a sense of peace and solitude, providing an excellent opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Away from the noise and distractions of modern life, campers can truly unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. Furthermore, camping near the Manistee River, renowned for its exceptional fly fishing, provides a unique experience for fishing enthusiasts. The river's pristine waters offer abundant opportunities to catch various species of fish, including trout and salmon. Fly fishing in this picturesque setting not only presents an exciting challenge but also allows individuals to develop their angling skills and reconnect with nature. The rhythmic casting of the fly line and the anticipation of a bite create a sense of thrill and satisfaction. Whether one is an experienced angler or a novice looking to learn, the Manistee River offers an idyllic backdrop for a memorable fishing adventure during a camping trip. The location has everything your camper/ RV needs: Water, electricity, and sewage.
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(1)

Trail 76 Private Campground

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Kalkaska, MI
Trail 76 Private Campground Includes 2 full hook-up sites, water/sewer/electric 20/30/50 amp When you book the site, you are renting the entire 6 acre campground Get a group of friends and stay at this private campground all to yourselves Pets allowed Outdoor shower 8x40’ Storage container for guests to use as they please, store offroad vehicle or use as a patio to keep you out of the weather Secluded 6 wooded acres at end of private drive 1000s of acres of State land nearby Plenty of parking for extra trucks/trailers/friends with tents 2 miles Manistee lake boat access/beach/park Ride directly to Groomed Trail 76 for snowmobiles/sxs/dirtbikes Awesome hiking trails at upper manistee headwaters 10 minutes Grandview golf course* Timberwolf golf course Twinbirch golf course 15 minutes Shel-haven canoe/tubing rental 30 minutes Turtle creek casino Torch lake Shanty creek 45 minutes Traverse city Higgins lake Boyne
from 
$79
 / night
100%
(18)

C & A Adventure

3 sites ¡ Lodging8 acres ¡ Bear Lake, MI
Chad and I are long-time residents of Kalkaska County. We are also avid kayakers, runners, and overall nature enthusiasts. We are blessed with an amazing property on the North Branch of the Manistee River! It isn't the main branch of the Manistee River, BUT it flows right into it and offers so much more privacy, quietness, and peacefulness. With the 8 acres, it's perfect for glamping camping! The amazing bath house is complete and was thoroughly enjoyed this past season by many glampers!
from 
$119
 / night
Booked 1 time

400 acres of private forest-Tent-RV

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents406 acres ¡ Mancelona, MI
Over 400 acres of private land of upland forest and cedar swamp with many campsites separated apart for tents and RV's to choose from. Outdoor enthusiasts of all types will enjoy their stay at this secluded and large acreage forest Up North! At nightfall, you will enjoy a starry night sky free from city lights. This is perfect for folks who want to camp but do not wish to be crammed in next to other campers. We offer over 400 acres and 4 sites at a time for campers but we have many more areas that you can camp at to choose from. You will have a lot of room to breathe the fresh forest air. You’ll have excellent opportunities for wildlife photos. This is a wilderness area and you will have cell phone reception mainly on the higher ground areas of the property. We have campsite maps soon online. Please contact us for hunting opportunities for deer season. If you need a break from the quiet and relaxation, you can drive over to Kalkaska (12 miles), Mancelona (8 miles), or Traverse City (30 miles) for dinner and shopping. We have been working on many large and small projects all over our property. We have recently majorly upgraded our road and trail system. Please drive on it gently, respectful of the work we have put into it and of other campers with pets and children. Another project is the rustic boardwalk down to Manistee Lake. This walkway is accessible via Cunningham Rd (the far western border of the property). Bring along some boots that can get a bit dirty, if it rains then it will be muddy, and bring your bug spray. The boardwalk building materials are constructed entirely of onsite native cedar hand-sawn timber – built by your host, Bryce. We now have 4 outhouses dispersed throughout the property for your convenience. Please understand we are not able to maintain these outhouses and campers must be respectful and clean up after themselves. Bring toilet paper in case there is none in the outhouses. Please respect our Leave-No-Trace policy and remove all trash from your campsite and area. Your leashed pets are allowed but you must be respectful of other campers with pets as well. Do not let your pets run loose and to other campsites. All children and pets must be attended at all times for safety reasons. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, fox, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave children or pets unattended! The northernmost opening has honey bees maintained by an electric fence. Please keep pets and children away from this area. You are welcome to look at it but do not touch the fence or bother the bees, they are busy making honey for all of Michigan. There is direct access to 100s of miles of snowmobiling trails spanning from Leetsville to Kalkaska (MCCCT Access). You’ll have access out the eastern gate but please remember to shut the gate going in and out. Otherwise outside ATV traffic will come in off of state land. All motorized vehicles must stay on the trail system, do not spin tires or tear up the bare ground. The trail system has recently been updated at owner's expense and maintained for your convenience but it is easily rutted. Please be respectful of our trails. You must drive under 10 mph on the property due to safety and insurance regulations. There are areas along the trails that have deep holes close by the trails. Watch your step or driving around these areas. Safe, sober and responsible behavior and driving is imperative on the trails. No alcohol or drug use. Do not put nails or metal in the trees. Do not use firearms without express written permission from the owners and when other campers are around. Hunting season is set for hunting rental on this site. No additional campsites will be offered during this time. Please contact us (owners) for available hunting dates and rates. This property can accommodate up to 8 hunters. After 1 1/2 years of completely remodeling our cabin, we now can offer you a lovely stay in a snug, warm 2 bedroom 700 sq foot cabin, comfortably sleeps 6, 1 queen bed in one bedroom, 1 queen and 1 full sized bed in the other bedroom. The cabin is a 2-night minimum stay. It comes with all the amenities, wifi, hot shower, linens, bedding, towels wood stove, electric heat, a completely stocked full kitchen and much, much more. This is our personal family cabin so please treat it gently. Please contact us for scheduling the cabin. Traveling with more than 6? Reach out to us about the additional accommodations available on-site, including 120V RV hookups (addt'l fee). The cabin has internet and internet cell phone connection at the cabin. We are in the wilderness, so the internet is functional but not excellent. There is only cell phone reception on the higher elevations of the property. Please contact me with your specific questions and needs. We have nearby amenities- LAKES- Manistee Lake (southern most boundary of the property), Twin Lakes (3.1 miles), Pickerel Lake (4.1 miles), Starvation Lake (5.5 miles) BEACHES: Pencil Lake Beach (23.3 miles), Grand Traverse Bay (31.9 miles), Peninsula Beach (35.9 miles), Clinch Park Beach (36.1 miles), Torch Lake (36.1 miles), Lake Michigan (41.4 miles) BLUE RIBBON TROUT STREAMS: Manistee River (11.7 miles), AuSable River (16.7 miles) SKI DAYS: Mt Mancelona (9.1 miles), Shanty Creek Resort (16.6 miles), Hanson Hills (22.9 miles), Boyne Mountain Resort (30.0 miles), Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area (31.3 miles) WINE + BREW: Short's Brewing Company (19.7 miles), Rolling Oak Brewing Co (23.2 miles), Paddle Hard Brewing (23.5 miles), Torch Lake Cellars (23.7 miles), WaterFire Vineyards (30.6 miles), Snowbelt Brewing (32.6 miles) CASINOS: Turtle Creek Casino (24.6 miles), Odawa Casino (44.0 miles), Leelanau Sands Casino (55.7 miles) SEASONAL: National Trout Festival - Kalkaska (Apr), National Cherry Festival- Traverse City (May), Bow Hunting Season (Oct 1—Dec 1), Hunting Season (Nov 15—Dec 1) AIRPORT: Cherry Capital Airport (34.2 miles)
from 
$35
 / night
Saved 1 time

The Wood Ranch Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Roscommon, MI
Have fun with the whole family and friends at the stylish Wood Ranch Cabin! Just a 3 minute walk to Higgins Lake at Maplehurst Dock. Cozy yet small bedrooms with closet space. A 30 foot boat, RV or camper can easily fit in the backyard along with a truck, trailer and a car. The remodeled cabin is quaint with a chef's kitchen. There's room for 5 guests to sleep comfortably and offers nice amenities throughout. The space is calming, chic and well thought out to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. The cabin is located just 3 minutes walking distance to Higgins Lake at Maplehurst Dock. Guests have access to the entire cabin and exterior property. Crystal-clear, Higgins Lake has been noted as one of the world's most beautiful lakes. As the seasons change, there is still much to do; from hitting the greens at Forest Dunes Golf Club, fishing, kayaking, boating, cross country skiing, ATV and four wheeling to enjoying delightful meals at the Cut River Grille, Fred's or the Silver Dollar Pub & Grill.
from 
$110
 / night

The best camping near Hartwick Pines State Park guide

Overview

About

The bigger the better we always say—9,672 acres of Old Growth Pines makes Hartwick Pine among the giants in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan—more for you to ‘splore! The forest was once home to a booming lumber industry. Revisit through master storytelling the tales of the “shanty boys” who turned the forest into timber land. Step into a time machine and dig into rich history from the Visitor’s Center museum that recreates the vibe of the old town, then get your socks and shoes outside! With rolling green hills and ancient groves of trees, Hartwick is a photographer’s dream. Enjoy numerous habitats to explore and hit the trails that accommodate any level of hiker or biker. Big adventure is calling. Your move.

When to go

The best time to visit Hartwick Pines State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Fall also offers a stunning display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so check ahead.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry.
  • Trail lengths vary, so choose one suited to your fitness level.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for your visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm.
  • Remember to leave no trace and dispose of trash responsibly.

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