- 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 869 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
Valley of the Giants Camp
Valley of the Giants Camp
100%
(30)
11mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
Camp under the shelter of towering ancient trees. Just off a quiet paved country road, this property is well-located yet still offers seclusion.
Across the street, Manistee National Forest land features a spring-fed lake with a canoe, kayak, and rowboat launch. The Little Manistee River is within walking distance, offering first-class trout fishing and paddle sports.
Nearby outdoor activities include:
• North Country Trail Trailhead – 3 mi.
• Manistee River Highbridge Boat Launch – 9.5 mi.
• Tippy Dam Pond Boat Launch – 11 mi.
• Nordhouse Dunes Lake Michigan Recreation Area – 23 mi.
Listen to songbirds as you relax at the picnic table with your favorite refreshment. Hike, bike, paddle, and fish to your heart’s content.
Amenities include a picnic table, a fire ring for cooking, a porta-potty, drinking water and provided firewood.
Come enjoy our beautiful property!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp
Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp
100%
(124)
35mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 1 site
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. On a small tributary to the Pine River, that turns into a canoe/kayak/trout stream a couple miles downstream.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Lake Hops & Gardens
Blue Lake Hops & Gardens
100%
(60)
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
Up North Rivers Camping
Up North Rivers Camping
97%
(147)
12mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 9 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
Camp Moonshadow
Camp Moonshadow
99%
(684)
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
Provision Family Farms
Provision Family Farms
97%
(176)
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
The 40 Acre Wood
The 40 Acre Wood
99%
(99)
38mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 1 site
Before our forest was "owned," it belonged to the Odawa people. Once white settlers arrived and governments were established, land deeds were written. We traced those deeds back through the Oceana County Register of Deeds and found that larger tracts of land were owned by people from Chicago and California, which were later divided into smaller parcels.
Interestingly, one owner lost the property after failing to pay back taxes of $3.50, shortly after World War II. It is likely that he never returned.
In the mid-1900s, Ed Dewey was the owner. Today, we have a cabin on the east side of the 40 acres that was built by Ed, entirely constructed with oak. He had three sawmills there, each powered by the engines of old Studebakers. He cut and milled enormous oak trees, using the wood to construct crates for transporting cherries. Today, you can still see old oak crates on various farms, but they are slowly being replaced by plastic.
Ed never finished the little cabin, and the story goes that he died there.
The next owners were a couple from Inkster, near Detroit. Despite Ed leaving an acre of "yard art" all over, the place was used as a vacation home after a 50-foot long mobile home was placed near the cabin. As they aged, they sold off their property to us. First, we acquired the 20 acres where the Cozy Camper Cabin resides, then the 7 acres near Weaver Road and 44th, and finally, the remaining 13 acres with the cabin. We began purchasing the property in parcels in 1992 for $500 an acre and owned it all by 1998.
From 1998 to 2008, we removed the mobile home, cleaned up all the yard art, refurbished the cabin, added a garage, and built a new shed nearby. The Hipcamp shed was originally built in 1999 and has been used for storage until it was converted into a unique little place in the woods in 2021.
Over the years, our Forester has carefully managed the property. We have logged three times. The first round was to remove 75 huge oak trees. The second round involved culling mature poplar trees. The last time, we took out 276 mature oaks and beeches. A Woodsman spent a year cutting down the tops of the trees. Clearing these old growth trees revitalized the forest, as planned.
Today, there are over two miles of trails running throughout the property. Some were logging roads, while others were carved out over time. The land is flat to the north but hilly to the south, as these are forested sand dunes. There are approximately a million trees on the property, densely forested with many large "mother trees" such as oaks, beeches, maples, and pines. The poplar trees are growing rapidly, as they do. Wild cherry, sassafras, beeches, oaks, and maples are also growing quickly and thickly.
To the south, there are fenced-in asparagus fields and cherry orchards. To the north, on the other side of Weaver Road, is the privately owned Silver Lake Airport, which remains quiet most of the time. On the east side of our 40 acres, you'll find our cabin and buildings, and we kindly ask you to avoid wandering onto that side of the property. Signs will alert you when you get close.
To the west, there is a 20-acre section occasionally occupied by some "Dunners." The area is famous for Silver Lake State Park and the sand dunes, located about 2.5 miles northwest of us. Our neighbors in that area have dune buggies, and they sometimes drive around their property, creating more noise than we prefer. It's possible that you may encounter this during your visit, so please be aware.
Deer are abundant in the area, and in 2021, we spotted a porcupine for the first time, although we have occasionally seen evidence of their presence through bark-stripped maples. Raccoons come and go, while turkeys are frequent visitors at times. You can hear coyotes yipping away at night, and depending on the time of year and migratory season, you'll see lots and lots of birds.
We're pleased to report that there is no poison ivy on the property!
It is a beautiful place in the woods, not far from many entertaining activities suitable for both the young and old. Come and visit, but please be respectful of the land and our privacy while enjoying yours.
Love Mother Earth while you are here and nourish your soul.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Oxbow Lake Oasis
Oxbow Lake Oasis
94%
(25)
22mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy peace and serenity on a private lake/private drive property! You can camp by the water or on the bluff right above, all the views are beautiful! Close to Pentwater, Ludington, and Silver Lake! Please dispose of litter/toiletries in a manner that will not disturb our neighbors! Thank you!
Pets
Campfires
Bear Woods Resort and Campground
Bear Woods Resort and Campground
99%
(73)
19mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, our enchanting 65-acre property offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature's beauty.
Situated amidst rolling hills and woods, our property serves as a basecamp for your Northern Michigan adventure. From here, you'll find yourself conveniently positioned to explore all the region's hotspots, including the pristine Lake Michigan beaches, a round of golf at the acclaimed Acadia course, the iconic M22 drive, and visits to charming cities such as Frankfort, Traverse City, and Bear Lake. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, golfer, beach lover, or simply looking to soak up the local culture, our property offers the perfect starting point for your daily excursions.
For those who prefer the comforts of home on the road, we offer three spacious RV full hook-up sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. These sites provide all the essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, making it convenient for RV enthusiasts to relax and recharge.
Additionally, we offer a unique glamping experience with canvas tents that allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat.
As the sun sets, gather around a campfire, stargaze under the vast Michigan sky, and savor the tranquility of our secluded haven.
Whether you're embarking on a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends and family, or a solo retreat, our 65-acre property welcomes you to experience the best of Northern Michigan.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Air & Sun Acres
Air & Sun Acres
100%
(32)
36mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Tucked back in the woods of North Western Michigan. A turn down a two-track driveway takes you into a simpler world. Conveniently located, our cabins are rustic, beautiful, and timeless. Enjoy the solitude and peace not far from local amenities. We live here on the land and strive to share its beauty with you. Need some more room to spread out? Interested in hosting a retreat? We share our land and scenic walking trails with neighbors MorningStar Adventures. They offer additional cabins within walking distance for larger groups seeking connection with the land.
Learn more about this land:
As an Eco-spiritual retreat center, we encourage our guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Walk the trails or labyrinth on our 35 acres or those on the neighboring 90 acres. We share the opportunities to wander with our friends to the south for a seamless experience for our guest and theirs. A second larger labyrinth, medicine wheel and wailing wall are also on the property to the south. Overall 125 acres of woods, creek, gardens and places to wander await you. The Fred Meijer White Pine Linear State Park is only a few steps away an is a paved path way of over 90 miles stretching from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Plan a bike excursion and stay here half way! No hunting or fireworks iallowed on the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages
85%
(31)
31mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 41 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
Brown Family Farm
Brown Family Farm
98%
(32)
44mi from Lake Michigan Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV
8-acre gentleman’s farm covered in beautiful, drooping Norway Spruce. 40,000 acres of state land accessible by dirt roads directly from the property. Equidistant from Traverse City night life and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 2 miles from quaint downtown Lake Ann and Lake Ann Brewery. Small town Michigan at its finest.
Choose to park on a level concrete pad near the horses and likely be woken up by our rooster, chickens, and ducks, or pull back into the woods for a peaceful oasis and view of the back field. Running water and power available at the barn (no hook ups).
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
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
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Campfire allowed
Pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewer hookups
No electric hookups