- Lake Michigan Recreation Area
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Lake Michigan Recreation Area
51 sites · RV, Tent
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewer hookups
No electric hookups
Explore 870 campgrounds near Huron-Manistee National Forests
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Available campgrounds nearby
Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Huron-Manistee National Forests
Up North Rivers Camping
Up North Rivers Camping
98%
(134)
12mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We have 20 Acres of rolling hills, mostly forested, nestled on the banks of a flowing creek, we are also a dahlia flower farm; in the summer there are 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 (we also offer tours). 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, beach glass & beautiful beach stones. We are within an hour of Sleeping Bear Dunes with award winning hiking. Traverse City is 40 minutes away with many activities, especially the Cherry Festival. This 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 $15.00 a wheelbarrow and can be found by the wood burning stove under shelter. Fresh flowers bouquets are available to purchase seasonally at our Floral Stand & Market. We have local NON GMO Pasture raised eggs $5 a dozen, Sourdough Bread $10, organically grown garlic, peaches, scones & fishing lures & our Guest Book! An outhouse is available for use and is supplied with toilet paper & hand sanitizer. There is a garbage can and recycling bin near the outhouse. We installed a water hydrant close to the flower bed near the wood pile so you can get potable water to bring back to your site, or hose off with on the spot. 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages
84%
(25)
31mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages offers a fantastic getaway for relaxing family vacations.
Campground offers 26 lakefront, 15 spacious pull-through lake view and 4 rustic sites.
Our "just like home" cottages are fully modern, spacious, neat and squeaky clean. Sliding glass doors overlook the lake and wooded settings. Each has fully modern bath and kitchen facilities, living/dining rooms with comfortable furnishings, private bedrooms, air conditioning, ceiling and/or floor fans, television, picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill. There is also a swimming area, boat launch and dock usage. Everything you need to feel right at home!
Fun family activities may include boating, fishing, swimming, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, hiking and biking. There is also a covered lakefront pavilion with electric and a fish cleaning station to clean your day's catch.
Over 35 wooded acres and over 700 feet of Pickerel Lake frontage is the setting for our quiet, family orientated campground. Get back to nature while you sleep under the stars and wake to fresh air, warm breezes and birds singing. You may find yourself picking up a new hobby – studying our great Michigan wildlife or locating constellations in the star-filled sky!
Our 45 site campground with level lakefront, pull-thru and rustic sites, has 20/30/50 amp electric, fire ring and picnic table on each site. There is a disposal station, centralized water, and extremely clean outhouses. We do not have flush toilets or showers.
We have an expansive 700 feet of lake frontage with grassy beach, buoyed swimming area, covered lakefront pavilion, boat launch, beach volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and walking trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camp Moonshadow
Camp Moonshadow
99%
(668)
44mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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 -24 ft- 20 Amp service Only!!!
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. 20 amp Electricity and Water is included in the RV site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Gypsy Hill
Gypsy Hill
97%
(119)
37mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Gypsy Hill is a secluded 10 acres of field and forest with five private campsites. Perfect for simple tent camping or parking an RV ready to boonedock. Gypsy Hill is just outside the village of Honor, MI which boasts a great grocery store and many other conveniences. Your hostess Margaret has lived and explored the area that was named “The most beautiful place in America” by Good Morning America, for 23 years . Margaret would love to share hints and tips for the best places for hiking,paddling,swimming, biking, driving, eating, and playing. Gypsy Hill’s five campsites are close to Lake Michigan, many inland lakes and rivers, and numerous trails and parks. All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with your first campfire on the house! Additional wood is available onsite for sale. Also available for loan are kayaks and a canoe. Seasonal wood fired sauna . Looking forward to meeting all of you happy campers!
Cheers!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sportsman's Port Wellston PineRiver
Sportsman's Port Wellston PineRiver
100%
(183)
21mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Gearing up for our 6th 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Soul Fire Forest
Soul Fire Forest
98%
(30)
48mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 4 sites
Come camp beneath the trees at Soul Fire Forest, our 8-acre permaculture homestead and growing intentional community in Montague, Michigan.
This isn’t a conventional campground. Soul Fire Forest is a living, working place where we’re experimenting with what a more connected, land-based way of life can look like. We grow food, tend the woods, make biochar, practice natural building and old skills, host workshops and gatherings, raise kids, and slowly build community together.
Our campsites are tucked into the woods along a quiet forest camping area. Guests often tell us the sites feel very private, especially once you’re back in the woods, though we can’t guarantee complete seclusion. You may occasionally see or hear other campers or residents.
All campsites are walk-in. Vehicles cannot be driven to the campsites. You’ll park in the designated parking area and carry your gear into the woods. The walk varies depending on which site you choose. We keep a wagon available for campers to use for hauling gear to and from the sites.
Campsites are currently first come, first served, so you’ll choose from the available sites when you arrive rather than reserving one specific campsite.
Because the campsites are in the woods, open fires are not allowed at individual campsites. Campers are welcome to use our shared community fire pit outside the woods when fire conditions allow. Residents or other campers may be there at times, so it can become a nice little gathering place.
Please bring your own firewood. We do not provide firewood, and firewood, branches, plants, mushrooms, herbs, or other natural materials may not be collected from the property. Firewood is often available from roadside stands nearby.
We ask guests to enjoy the forest without harvesting from it. Independent foraging is not allowed unless you have specific permission or are participating in one of our workshops. These woods are actively managed for habitat, heating wood, mushroom logs, lumber, biochar, and the long-term health of the forest.
Potable water is available at the house, and campers have access to designated compost toilet facilities. We do not have trash service, so please plan to pack out your trash and recycling. Quiet hours are 9 PM to 9 AM, and pets must be leashed and under control.
Our trails wind through the property, but some connect with trails on neighboring land. Please stay within Soul Fire Forest and do not cross brush barriers marking the property boundary. The woods are real woods, so expect roots, uneven ground, mud, ticks, wildlife, and the occasional bit of forest chaos.
Soul Fire Forest is home as well as a campground. Depending on when you visit, you might see kids playing, ducks wandering around their area, residents working in the gardens, a building project underway, a workshop happening, or people gathering around the community fire.
Other times, the camping area is remarkably quiet and you may hardly see anyone.
We’re about 5 miles from Lake Michigan, 1.4 miles from the Hart-Montague Trail, and close to Montague, Whitehall, the Huron-Manistee National Forests, and plenty of West Michigan adventures.
Want to know where you’re actually coming to camp? Visit the Soul Fire Forest website to see more of our community, events, workshops, building projects, land-based experiments, and the bigger vision behind this place.
Come wander the woods, slow down for a while, and maybe catch the fairy folk when they think nobody is looking. 🧚🌿
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Provision Family Farms
Provision Family Farms
97%
(169)
44mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled in Manistee National Forest is a family farm. Trailheads lead to hundreds of miles of public two-track, and the woods roll between oak/maple/beech and aspen/birch. On the farm is a 20 acre lake with a floating island, tent sites, and healthy ecosystems with plenty of wildlife.Our farm pastures pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry, investing in our dirt and our neighbors. We are provision family farms because we provide for our animals even as we are provided for. Drop on in at the house and we may have time for a little tour.In the woods is a small composting toilet, but you're welcome to fertilize our pastures anytime. There's also a shower available in the house.The best time to visit Michigan forests is in October when the leaves turn color and the nights are cool. The mosquitoes are done for the winter and the air is brisk.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Fun on the Farm
Fun on the Farm
100%
(15)
48mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome!
We have a small chicken farm that we’d love to share with you — whether you’re passing through for a night or staying a few days to enjoy the local attractions. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Empire Bluffs, Traverse City, Glen Arbor, Lake Ann, and much more are all within a 10–30 minute drive, depending on where you’d like to go.
There are no water, electric, or sewer hookups, but potable water is available from the outdoor house spigot. A porta potty is provided on-site for your use and is equipped with hand sanitizer.
You’ll find several roadside stands nearby selling baked goods, local produce, meat, cheese, flowers, and more. A small store about 2 miles away carries basic necessities.
There are exterior cameras on property to monitor home and chicken coops.
There is a dog on property that loves attention and thinks everyone that visits is just coming to see him! Please don't feed him any human or doggie snacks!
There are many beautiful lakes and trails in the area for kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Please put all trash in provided trash tote next to house. Fees may be added for any destruction or clean up needed due to guest messes. Thank you for respecting our home, property and animals!
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Blue Lake Hops & Gardens
Blue Lake Hops & Gardens
100%
(51)
49mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
BLUE LAKE HOPS and GARDENS is working Hops Yard, FARM MARKET, FOOD TRAILER and MICHIGAN CRAFT BEVERAGE BIERGARTEN. In the midst of the Manistee National Forest, a mile to a seasonal beach and picnic area on BIG BLUE LAKE with the WHITE RIVER, and five SUMMER CAMPS close by,
THREE SITES are available sized to accommodate tent camping, Travel Trailer (EXCEPT 5th Wheels), and Class B and C RV"s. Each site is easily accessible, open and sunny for trailers and RV's with shaded areas for tenting. You will be in the woods adjacent to a open area working Hops Farm.
Each site has a fixed in place fire-ring with cooking grate and 8-foot picnic table. Parking area, Food Truck, Biergarten and Farm Market are walk-able to on the property. Portable Toilet serviced weekly and potable water is central to the sites. Trash containers with trash bags are at each site. NO HOOK-UPS ARE AVAILABLE. Expect NO or LIMITED cellular service.
One Travel Trailer or up to Three Tents accommodated per site. Sites are flat with moss/grass on sand terrain. One vehicle allowed on each site, parking lot for additional vehicles is available.
This is a PEACEFUL AREA with loud music, noise and entertainment DISCOURAGED. QUIET HOURS ARE 11PM - 8AM DAILY. CONTINUOUS USE OF GENERATORS IS DISCOURAGED.
Weather is typical for West Michigan with occasional winds and rain, we are on sandy terrain so ponding is very limited. WILDLIFE regularly includes Deer, Turkeys, Raccoons and Possum. Black Bear sightings are rare but not a common occurrence.
NEAR-BY IS:
GERBER SCOUT RESERVATION, Michigan Crossroads Council, Scouts BSA is across the road.
BLUE LAKE PARK with BEACH and PICNIC AREA 1 mile (seasonal).
OWASIPPE SCOUT RESERVATION, Pathway to Adventure Council,
Scouts BSA 2 miles.
DEREMO BOAT LAUNCH on Big Blue Lake 3 miles.
PIONEER TRAILS CAMP, Pioneer Resources, Muskegon 3 miles.
YMCA CAMP PENDALOUAN 3 miles.
HAPPY MOHAWK CANOE LIVERY 4 miles.
BLUE LAKE FINE ARTS CAMP 6 miles.
GOLFING 9, 11, 13, 15 miles.
WHITEHALL and MONTAGUE DOWNTOWN'S 11 miles.
MICHIGAN'S ADVENTURE 12 miles.
FREMONT DOWNTOWN 14 miles.
WHITE RIVER LIGHT STATION 18 miles.
MUSKEGON 18 miles.
MEINERT PARK LAKE MICHIGAN BEACH 19 miles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Lucky Pinecone
The Lucky Pinecone
100%
(3)
42mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to our 10-acre woodland retreat, where privacy meets natural beauty just minutes south of Traverse City. Nestled against hundreds of acres of state land, our property offers a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort with multiple accommodation options. Check in 3:00pm check out 11:00am
We have eight thoughtfully placed RV sites, a cozy vintage mobile home, and tent sites available. The west end of the property offers endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. (Note: can be muddy at certain times of the year.)
Here, you'll find yourself immersed in the peaceful rhythm of nature. Watch deer graze in the morning mist, listen to birdsong from your private space, and end your days stargazing under our light-pollution-free sky. The dense woods ensures privacy from neighbors, creating a true sanctuary in nature. The full 10 acres serve as a common area shared by the eight sites and the vintage mobile home located near the entrance of the property.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, we're conveniently located just a short drive from Traverse City’s attractions, wineries, beaches, and renowned restaurants. Enjoy the best of both worlds—total seclusion with easy access to Northern Michigan’s most beloved destinations.
Perfect for:
• Nature enthusiasts seeking solitude
• Families wanting a safe, expansive outdoor space
• Couples looking for a romantic woodland getaway
• Groups wanting to book multiple sites together
• Outdoor adventurers using it as a base camp for regional exploration
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angel Dunes Private Camp
Angel Dunes Private Camp
100%
(5)
47mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Rustic camping sites and one 50-amp RV site.
Enjoy a private 3-acre sand dune featuring a huge bonfire pit and an Adirondack-style picnic pavilion with electricity and a stereo.
The Moose Shed is our largest pavilion and features an open kitchen with a sink (hot and cold running water), a small fridge/freezer, a microwave, an electric Blackstone griddle, and a pellet BBQ grill.
There's also a pool table for guests to enjoy.
The Moose Room is a one-room cabin with recliners, a TV, and a queen-size bed in the loft. If you get rained out and decide to "surrender," it's available to rent (subject to availability). Not ready to rent quite yet.
The property is mostly hardwood forest with a mix of pines. Manicured, secluded walking trails wind throughout the property along Jackson Creek. A few scattered campsites are available, making this a great place for private groups to rent the entire property or for individuals looking for a peaceful getaway.
Amenities include a flush toilet, an outdoor shower, a bathhouse, and a covered outdoor kitchen/pavilion for your use.
A washing machine and clothesline are also available. Whether you're looking for quiet seclusion or want to enjoy everything the property has to offer, we've got you covered.
We originally wanted to offer amenities à la carte, so you could choose as much or as little as you'd like. Since that's not an option on this platform, we're including everything. If you enjoy it, we'd love to hear your feedback! ❤️
This property is an eclectic blend of Up North style. We love it here because it's unique and unusual, and we're excited to share our little paradise with you. We're also conveniently located just 12 miles from Traverse City (TC).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Gray's Riverside Camp
Gray's Riverside Camp
98%
(69)
50mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property is the perfect location to stop and relax while you are traveling on the White Pine Trail. We have cabins and campsites with water and electricity. It is centrally located between Grand Rapids and Cadillac. We offer river access, kayaking, bathrooms, showers, and a dump station. This is an old church camp with 14 different buildings. There is a trail that goes down to the river. My goal is to restore all of the buildings to what they once were. I encourage you to come and investigate before it's all done. I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for me!
Angie Gray
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
100%
12 ratings · 3 reviews
Recommends
· January 2019
One of the best kept secrets in Michigan, this campground has beautiful, large sites covered with trees, and within walking distance of Lake Michigan.
Recommends
· December 2017
If you search well enough or in advance you can find some secluded spots to post up up for some amazing summer weekends.
September 2017
We stayed at the free campsites just east of the recreation area in the national forest. There is a long dirt road called Green Road in the national forest with signs that say to not park on the west side of the road. Lots of great open campsites with fire rings. No amenities in the national forest.
LocationLake Michigan Recreation Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewer hookups
No electric hookups