The best camping near Torch Lake
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Torch Lake adventure.
Discover the natural splendor of Torch Lake Nature Preserve.
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Community favorites near Torch Lake
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near Torch Lake
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Fieldguide Farmhouse
2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Central Lake, MI
Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.
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Uraharas On The Hill
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alden, MI
Uraharas is a music venue that hosts events throughout the summer. We are happy to now open our space to campers on the dates that are not scheduled for events. We hope you enjoy our space as much as we have in creating it!
Learn more about this land:
*ADULTS ONLY CAMPING* Set up camp in our little wooded get away at the top of the valley. There are many great things near and many more within a reasonable drive. We are located just three miles from Torch Lake sandbar with several public access sites. Spend the day swimming or rent a kayak or pontoon to further explore. Check out Seven Bridges Nature Area just five miles away. Head over to Short’s Brewery in Bellaire. Take a drive to Turtle Creek Casino and Traverse City in thirty minutes or less. At the end of your exciting day come relax and build a fire in our communal fire pit. Enjoy the colorful sights as we light up the forest at night (weather permitting). Campsites are located in a specific area. You may have camp neighbors not so far away and will not be a guarantee that it’s completely silent or secluded. Please be mindful of one another. We love the sounds of a good time happening but we do ask that after 11 pm weekdays and 12 am weekends that you keep a respectable level. As title says this is camping for ages 18 and up. Front area can accommodate parking for your boat/kayak trailer.
Uraharas is an excellent setting to use as larger group camping. If you need bookings for your group beyond the max of the two combined sites please message me for details!
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$47
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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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$60
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Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake
4 sites · RVs1 acre · East Jordan, MI
On the Chain of Lakes in Northwest Michigan in a valley carved by glaciers!
We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st.
You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it! A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay.
Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. Each RV is $50.00 per night. One family per site unless you are booking as a group. Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m.
We do not provide firewood any longer.
At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities; however, if you have an RV and bring a tent with you that is cool, just let us know and we will show you the best spot to set up the tent.
Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided.
Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles! Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there). 25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire). This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes.
Hiking at its best! Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix).
Go shopping or out to eat! 15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast). 25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way). 30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey. 1 hour to Traverse City. Hour and a half to Mackinaw City.
Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery!
Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!
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Charlevoix Acres
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Charlevoix, MI
Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent under a canopy of trees or a blanket of a million stars. This is a primitive campsite situated next to a picturesque pond at the edge of an old growth forest. Explore on-site walking trails to an enormous beech tree ,Mason Creek, and mowed fields. Many opportunities for nature photographers. Abundant wildlife including coyote, deer, heron, and small woodland animals.It is 6 miles to Charlevoix with its 3 public beaches, quaint shops and tourist attractions: Earl Young Mushroom houses, Castle Farms, Harbor, and the lighthouse at Lake Michigan Beach.Nearby points of interest: Nearby beaches: Lake Michigan, Ferry Beach, Depot Beach, Antrim Creek Natural Area, Chain of Lakes. Farmers Markets/Orchards: Royal Farms, King Orchard, Providence Farm. Golf Courses: Charlevoix City, Antrim Dells. Galleries: Charlevoix Circle of Arts, North Sea Gallery, Bier Gallery & Brewery. Charlevoix Yoga: See website for schedule
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Porcupine Hollow Farm
1 site · Lodging100 acres · Central Lake, MI
Porcupine Hollow Farm is a former cattle farm. From the early 1900’s to the 1970’s the farm belonged to the Knowles family. The Hanlon family purchased the farm in 1978. It was turned into a Christmas tree farm in 1989. We have two beautiful historic barns (one once housed a circus elephant) and a more modern horse barn. Located on one hundred acres with ponds, streams, hardwood forests, Christmas tree fields and natural cedar swamps. We are located less than a mile from downtown Central Lake, but the farm feels very secluded. There is a huge ridge line between the farm and town. We are only a few miles from Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Centrally located for easy day trips. Only 45 minutes from Traverse City and Petoskey, just under two hours from Mackinaw City and the upper peninsula on Michigan.
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$75
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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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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
24 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Empire, MI
Nurturing the adventurous spirit through, Community, Local Food, and Live Music in Northern Michigan, Backyard Burdickville is a special place just outside of Empire, MI offering camping, Live Music, The Lively Farm, and NeighborFood Market. 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: 10pm-7am, 11-8am on Saturdays.
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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Jackson Station Leelanau
4 sites · Tents32 acres · Maple City, MI
Our sites accomodate 2 adults and their minors, with 1-2 vehicles at your site's access point. If you're traveling more than 2 adults please book more than one camp site. Enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience in beautiful Leelanau County via Agritourism at Jackson Station on the Leelanau Peninsula! Our property has 4 private sites situated among a dense pine forest on our small-scale farm.
We're located conveniently between the two popular vacation destinations of Glen Arbor and Leland, MI - both a short scenic drive in either direction. The Leelanau Peninsula is littered with recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, beaches, boating, fishing, dining, shopping and wine tasting, and of course the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!
Our farm produces pastured, all natural meat, including pork, beef, chicken and goat. Find the hens roaming around and see the pigs, cows and goats hanging out in the fenced-in areas. A variety of cuts of meat from our freezers are available for sale or get a tour of the farmstead ~ Just ask! You may simply enjoy the scene at your leisure.
SITE DETAILS: Each camp site has a bed of woodchips, gravel surrounding a bonfire ring, a clothesline and neatly stacked firewood for sale. Our sites may accomodate 2 adults and their minors. We recommend that larger groups or multiple adults book more than one site next to each other (sites 1 and 2 or 2 and 3 are good for this). Quiet hours are enforced between 10pm-7am. This is our home and farm, not a campground, please think of staying here in that way.
A short walk from camp, down the farm road to the north end of the livestock fence, you'll find access to a water pump for delicious drinking water straight from our well, so that you may fill containers of water or utilize for rinsing.
Our land borders the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll be just a few miles from access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. Relax in the sand, hunt for rocks, hike a trail, kayak or paddle-board and watch an epic sunset.
We are just down the road from the uninhabited School Lake, known for its fishing from non-motorized boats or a quiet place to paddle. Additionally, just 2 Miles away you can access the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a non-motorized 27 mile groomed trail that follows the scenic M-22 from our location all the way to Empire, MI. This trail is open year round to walk, run, bicycle, snowshoe or cross-country ski.
2.8 miles in the other direction from our camp, you'll find a Mountain Bikers paradise at Palmer Woods Forest Preserve, with various hiking trails and a 6 mile mountain bike trail.
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30-AMP RV Site Near Torch Lake!
3 sites · RVs1 acre · Charlevoix, MI
Private RV site nestled conveniently right off Hwy 31 in Charlevoix!
- Only 11 minutes from 2 Torch Lake beaches and boat launches!
- Just 5 minutes to a little-known beach on Lake Michigan w/hiking trails (Rex Beach)
- Only 12 minutes to historic downtown Charlevoix (have you been to the big red lighthouse and large beach?)
- Famous Friskes Orchard just 30 seconds down the road (orchard for picking, giant kids play area, restaurant, custom apple products and more!)
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$88
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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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The best camping near Torch Lake guide
Overview
About
A hidden gem in the Great Lakes region, Torch Lake is a great alternative to the bustling vacation spots visited by most tourists. Commonly known as the "Caribbean of the North", Torch Lake's crystal clear blue waters are surrounded by cozy campsites and miles of easily accessible hiking trails. Torch Lake's clear waters have been a local secret for ages and with little urban development in the surrounding area, the lake is easily accessible from some of the world-class camping locations in the lakeside hills.
When to go
The best times to visit Torch Lake are during the spring and fall when the trails are less crowded and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm weather for hiking, but be prepared for more visitors. Winter snowshoeing is magical, though some may find the cold challenging.
Know before you go
- Preserve hours are from dawn until dusk, perfect for day trips amid the beauty of nature.
- Dog walking is permitted, but keep your furry friends on a leash to protect the local wildlife.
- Remember, no camping, fires, or hunting is allowed, preserving the tranquility of the preserve.
- For those interested in flora and fauna, join the iNaturalist community to share your observations.
- Accessibility may vary, so check the preserve map and contact the conservancy for the latest information.
Top cities near Torch Lake
- Torch Lake
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