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The best waterside camping near Bristol

·

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Bristol, Indiana? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 389 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Average prices per night start at $40, but you can find options as low as $15. Need some inspiration? Check out our top campsites: Walnut Valley Realm (230 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water. And if you're into paddling, boating, or horseback riding, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities too.

98% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.
  • Cabin with electricity and windows.
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.

1. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
38mi from Bristol · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
  • This is the view from your tent on Site #3! Please remember that chickens and wildlife wake up very early! I personally find that alarm clock very endearing ~ even on the weekend. You know what they say about the early bird! ;-)
  • Autumn ... it's short but sweet in SW Michigan. Don't wait to book your time at Pondor Lake! Spots will go fast.
  • This is the view from your tent on Site #3! Please remember that chickens and wildlife wake up very early! I personally find that alarm clock very endearing ~ even on the weekend. You know what they say about the early bird! ;-)

2. Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

98%
(30)
26mi from Bristol · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66. Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can accommodate larger groups! Just let us know what you need and how we can make your stay memorable. Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away. Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing. Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
  • Right this way!
  • Harbor Country Cabins
  • Right this way!

3. Harbor Country Cabins

100%
(13)
43mi from Bristol · 2 sites · Lodging
I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'. Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition. Learn more about this land: Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan. We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$855
 / night

4. Fort Custer State Park

100%
(4)
222 sites · Augusta, Michigan
Discover Fort Custer State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Bristol, Indiana? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 389 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Average prices per night start at $40, but you can find options as low as $15. Need some inspiration? Check out our top campsites: Walnut Valley Realm (230 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and potable water. And if you're into paddling, boating, or horseback riding, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities too.

98% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.
  • Cabin with electricity and windows.
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.

1. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
38mi from Bristol · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
  • This is the view from your tent on Site #3! Please remember that chickens and wildlife wake up very early! I personally find that alarm clock very endearing ~ even on the weekend. You know what they say about the early bird! ;-)
  • Autumn ... it's short but sweet in SW Michigan. Don't wait to book your time at Pondor Lake! Spots will go fast.
  • This is the view from your tent on Site #3! Please remember that chickens and wildlife wake up very early! I personally find that alarm clock very endearing ~ even on the weekend. You know what they say about the early bird! ;-)

2. Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

98%
(30)
26mi from Bristol · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66. Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can accommodate larger groups! Just let us know what you need and how we can make your stay memorable. Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away. Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing. Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
  • Right this way!
  • Harbor Country Cabins
  • Right this way!

3. Harbor Country Cabins

100%
(13)
43mi from Bristol · 2 sites · Lodging
I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'. Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition. Learn more about this land: Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan. We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$855
 / night

4. Fort Custer State Park

100%
(4)
222 sites · Augusta, Michigan
Discover Fort Custer State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Public campgrounds near Bristol

Fort Custer Campground
100%
(4)

Fort Custer Campground

48mi from Bristol · 222 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fort Custer State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
E
Elizabeth
October 2025
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
Great spot. We were the only cabin, so lots of privacy and the bathroom to ourselves. We rented a canoe and purchased firewood, they were ready and waiting upon our arrival. Lake was great to canoe around. Trail loop was short and sweet, but a nice walk through the woods. Seeing the horse get let out in the afternoon was really nice.
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
B
Belinda
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
This was our second time staying here. Totally love the place. Enjoying the lake in our kayaks. Seeing the horses passing close to the campground. Definitely will recommend this place to stay.
See more
Site # 2 is about half way down the pond from the main house. A dock, suitable for sunbathing, picnicking or fishing is just steps away from this site.
T
Tsali
October 2025
Tent
3 nights at Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan
I loved camping here. Robin is very welcoming and her property is very nice. Definitely recommend staying here.
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
A
Anna
September 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We love this spot! Second time we have stayed and will be back!
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
A
Anna
September 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
What a gem! We enjoyed our stay at Cedar Lodge so much—can’t wait to come back!
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
V
Viki
September 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We stayed in Penguin Palace. The cabin and campsite were clean and as expected. We enjoyed canoeing on the lake, relaxing by the fire pit, and peach picking nearby. I would recommend this place for a nice outdoor weekend!
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
S
Sam
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We had a great time! Our group was five families, 10 adults and 6 young kids. We booked both tent sites and basically sprawled out all around the lake access. The kids bounced between the playset and the lake and it was really nice to be able to see the kids from the tent area. We also appreciated being able to shower and collect potable water. The host was very helpful and everyone we interacted with on the property was lovely.
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
S
Sam
August 2025
Tent
With pets
3 nights at Have A Lake Of Your Own!
(This review is a copy bc I booked two sites) We had a great time! Our group was five families, 10 adults and 6 young kids. We booked both tent sites and basically sprawled out all around the lake access. The kids bounced between the playset and the lake and it was really nice to be able to see the kids from the tent area. We also appreciated being able to shower and collect potable water. The host was very helpful and everyone we interacted with on the property was lovely.
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
J
Jake
June 2025
With pets
5 nights at Have A Lake Of Your Own!
The cabin was easy to get to but felt far away from the real world. We enjoyed having a fire in the pit every night and cooking our dinner and s'mores over it. The owner was always prompt and accessible for any questions we had. Would recommend if you're looking for a primitive cabin site.
See more
Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan
Avatar
Alysia
June 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan
First time using Hipcamp and it did not disappoint…Robin was absolutely amazing…her property was very peaceful…it was my first time ever camping and was the most perfect and safest place to get started. She was extremely helpful and even shared some asparagus with me ❤️. I hope to return in the future
See more
Site # 2 is about half way down the pond from the main house. A dock, suitable for sunbathing, picnicking or fishing is just steps away from this site.
J
Jeremy
May 2025
Tent
1 night at Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan
We loved Robin's site, the pond was awesome and good fishing. Will definitely go again.
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
Avatar
Lauren
April 2025
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
Beautiful view from the hill, we loved being able to see the horses.
See more

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Bristol

Fort Custer State Park
100%
(4)
Fort Custer State Park
Augusta, Michigan
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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