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97% (2.3K) • 5,660 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bear Lake
Trail 76 Private Campground
1. Trail 76 Private Campground
98%
(29)
4.4mi from Bear Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV
Trail 76 Private Campground
Remodeled old school camper is now available to add to your stay, bring your friends without a camper to the fun! (Book at checkout)
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/outhouse
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
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Camp Chill AF!
2. Camp Chill AF!
100%
(16)
6.4mi from Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
There are 4 secluded sites on 15 acres of woods and open land. Easy access to each site.
Large communal campfire area with firewood available on site or very nearby. Campsites do have their own firepits if desired.
A camper is set up for restroom use and there is a hose available for water.
There is Disk Golf, a horseshoe pit, Yard Darts and Corn Hole available to play.
Centrally located to several attractions!
Manistee Lake is about 2 miles away, Manistee River is just 15 mins away, a slow meandering river. Great for a lazy day floating on a tube, kayaking and canoeing.
The infamous Torch Lake and River is about 20 mins away. Equally beautiful Elk Lake along with the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Traverse City and Gaylord are 35 mins away and historic Grayling is about 25 mins away.
The mighty Mackinac Bridge is just 50 mins away. Visit the quaint Mackinac Island and pick up some of the famous fudge!
Leetsville ORV trail head is a little over 6 miles away for ORV enthusiasts. Three golf courses within 9 miles. Cherry Street Market is 9 miles away for a large array of fresh local fruits, vegetables and flowers. Garden art and more!
13 Ski Resorts within an hr or less, mostly less.
There are so many things to see and do year around here in beautiful Northern Michigan!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view
3. RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view
98%
(81)
6.7mi from Bear Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
Hartwick Pines State Park
4. Hartwick Pines State Park
100%
(1)
State park 14mi from Bear Lake · 101 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Hartwick Pines State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
North Higgins Lake State Park
5. North Higgins Lake State Park
State park 17mi from Bear Lake · 176 sites
Discover North Higgins Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
pineleaf.
6. pineleaf.
100%
(60)
10mi from Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
PLEASE DO NOT!! USE PARTRIDGE LANE THE ROAD IS A SAND TRAP YOU WILL GET STUCK!! MUST USE SECONDARY DRIVEWAY!! WHICH IS TO THE EAST OF PARTRIDGE LANE IN THE DIP THERE'S A SIGN THERE!!
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
C & A Adventure
7. C & A Adventure
100%
(27)
11mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites
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 furnished with a roomy shower, toilet and sink. It also contains a kitchenette with a large sink, microwave, small refrigerator and breakfast table. Plug in your cell phones as well to recharge for the next day’s adventure! Coffee, spices, popcorn and breakfast treats may also be available :)
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite
8. Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite
98%
(21)
15mi from Bear Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:5 private acres hardwood forest to set up camp. Rustic off-grid camping, but we live across the street in case of any urgent necessities. 15 minute drive to Torch Lake sandbar or the town of Kalkaska. 30 minute drive to Traverse City, Bellaire (Shanty Creek), Elk Rapids, Alden and all the other amazing northern Michigan towns. Fishing, hiking, boating, paddling, hunting, sailing, snowmobiling, ORV trails, mushroom hunting or any outdoor activity surrounds this quiet spot. Or, hit the local shopping, awesome restaurants and multiple craft breweries that the area has to offer.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
HillCrest
9. HillCrest
100%
(48)
16mi from Bear Lake · 3 sites
Hosting May 22 - mid/Oct My husband Dan and I purchased this property 5 years ago and have totally restored the land, home and barn from its prior condition. Consequently, if you view the various on line satellite images be advised they are out of date and do not reflect the love we have put into our sanctuary. We are retired and live here with our two standard poodles Mila and Indiana.
The property is 5 acres, mostly meadow with a maple grove as well as a wooded ravine. We have planted various fruit trees, cherries, apples, peach as well as pears. We also have a small grape and berry patch which is next to our vintage trailer. There is also an old abandoned trail through the forest that makes for a nice walk.
Our location is convenient to Traverse City, Alden, Belaire, Kalkaska as well as the equestrian center and the casino in Williamsburg. There are various places to eat/drink within close proximity as well as places to purchase fuel, groceries and liquor.
Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas are a convenient drive where you can visit the many vineyards, orchards and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the lake and bays, or shop some of the unique stores and galleries.
There are many off road vehicle and bike trails that are not far away as well. As well as boating on beautiful Torch Lake and the chain of lakes.
A day trip to Sleeping Bear dunes is well worth the drive.
We would be happy to make suggestions on activities, dining, entertainment during your stay.
We currently have three sites which are on seperate areas of the property. Lake View site is a Vintage 1985 Avion travel trailer which as been completely renovated with all new systems. It is located with a western view of Lake Skegemog and next to our grape and berry patch in our back yard. Maple Grove site is a new Coachmen Catalina Destination series RV. It is located on the front side of the property next to the maple tree grove. Lavender Lane is located in front of our barn with a view of our small orchard and the forest, close to the walking trail. All our sites are fully outfitted with quality linens, towels, dishes and cooking equipment. All of the units have Air Conditioned and heat.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Huron-Manistee National Forests
10. Huron-Manistee National Forests
83%
(29)
National forest 55mi from Bear Lake · 938 sites
You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Otsego Lake State Park
11. Otsego Lake State Park
State park 19mi from Bear Lake · 156 sites
Discover Otsego Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
South Higgins Lake State Park
12. South Higgins Lake State Park
83%
(4)
State park 25mi from Bear Lake · 401 sites
Discover South Higgins Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Traverse City State Park
13. Traverse City State Park
94%
(16)
State park 29mi from Bear Lake · 352 sites
Discover Traverse City State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uraharas On The Hill
14. Uraharas On The Hill
99%
(47)
17mi from Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Torch Lake Stays
15. Torch Lake Stays
100%
(10)
18mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites
Welcome to the Torch Lake Stays, your private streamside hideaway in the north woods, where you can relax alongside the peaceful sounds of the soothing babbling brook. Our off-grid site includes camp stove, solar-powered lighting, fire pit, as well as a separate propane hot water shower house and a composting toilet. Good cell signal (Verizon and more)! Located halfway between Alden on beautiful Torch Lake and Bellaire, with many popular businesses such as Short's Brewing. Stay right in the middle of northwest Michigan where outdoor fun is year-round with summer water sports like the annual Antrim Paddle, autumn color tours, art gallery and winery trips, skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and wildflower / mushrooming, hiking and biking in the Springtime.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Griff's Back 40
16. Griff's Back 40
95%
(187)
18mi from Bear Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy a spacious forest getaway on 40 beautiful acres, less than 2 miles from Torch Lake. This property offers plenty of room to spread out, explore, and relax, with a peaceful wooded setting and an open field perfect for stargazing at night. Gather around the campfire, enjoy family time, and take in the simple fun of camping surrounded by nature.
You’ll be close to some of Northern Michigan’s favorite spots, including Alden, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids for shopping, exploring, and small-town charm. Nearby places to eat include Johnny’s Riviera, Rapid City Tavern, and Alden Bar. Whether you’re here for Torch Lake adventures, a quiet night under the stars, or a fun family camping trip, this site is a great home base.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sherwood Forest
17. Sherwood Forest
98%
(24)
18mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful property adjoining thousands of acres of state land, trails, and great views of lake Skegomog. Two rustic sites available with fire rings. We will allow horses must have own fencing systems. Access to the north country trail, and other orv trails system. 15 minutes to Torch lake, Elk Rapids, and Traverse city. Really a great location to get to almost anywhere in northern Michigan.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hammerhead Shark Ranch
18. Hammerhead Shark Ranch
100%
(19)
19mi from Bear Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land:
We are located on 25 acres of Pine forest. We have a micro farm where we grow specialty berries.
Luxurious rainhead shower in a modern bathroom located in our main retreat building close to your campsite.
Firewood available at your campsite free.
Across the road is a large lake.
I offer onsite massage therapy and other spa treatments, red light therapy and infra red sauna for an additional fee.
Hiking trails are located throughout our property. We are 15 minutes from downtown with numerous restaurants, breweries and wineries in the region.
We also offer yoga depending on our work schedule as we are a working farm.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
19. CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
99%
(53)
26mi from Bear Lake · 1 site
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Fieldguide Farmhouse
20. Fieldguide Farmhouse
93%
(40)
26mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Rachel
6 days ago
25 ft pop-up camper
With pets
My family and I really enjoyed our stay. The camp fire area was so fun. I'll be telling others about it for sure.
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G
Gabrielle
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful location, had a wonderful time, especially enjoyed the river.
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Carrie
2 weeks ago
12 ft campervan
With pets
We loved it here so much! Great spot to relax and take in the view. The seasonal roads surrounding are a great spot for running / biking if you don't feel like leaving camp to get some miles in. Such a good place for a chill weekend, we will be back!
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A
Abbie
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Torch Lake Stays
Loved the stay at Connie’s place! Access to the creek was amazing and we had everything we needed for a perfect camp:) The place was private but be aware that the property is located off a small highway where there are cars going by (not heavy traffic, but some at certain times of the day).
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E
Ethan
May 2026
25 ft travel trailer
What a fantastic camping experience! First, the view was awesome, both at day and at night. Second, a great quiet isolated spot for the kids and dogs to do their own thing (so much space)! Thirdly, a great spot to see some wildlife and get some breezes from higher altitude. The pad was completely level, and the firepit and picnic table was great. Can't say enough good things about this place. We will definitely be back! Thank you, Adam and Sarah, for making this wonderful spot! Our family had an amazing weekend.
See moreK
Katie
May 2026
Weekend Trip to Torch Lake Stays
The hosts were lovely and the site was a dream! Everything you need for a private weekend getaway. We especially loved sitting in the sunshine in the creek that runs through the property. Will definitely be back.
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Erika
May 2026
With pets
We loved our stay! The cabin was comfortable and the setting is absolutely gorgeous. Would definitely recommend!
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J
Job
May 2026
Tent
With pets
Very nice property, with a lot of privacy. We already booked another stay here. The orv trails right from the site are phenomenal.
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D
Dominique
May 2026
Weekend Trip to HillCrest
Lavender Lane has everything you need and more. The land around the property is beautiful and so quiet. Just what I needed for the weekend!
Expect a great stay and experience here❤️
See moreH
Hunter
May 2026
Tent
Group trip
There was plenty of room and the storage container on the property was incredible. It was a great option to use during the unfortunate rain throughout our weekend.
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Laura
May 2026
Tent
Beautiful spot with plenty of room for our dogs to play. Mosquitos are no joke, so be sure to bring Deet bug spray and those Thermacell things. Those worked great!
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K
Kathleen
May 2026
With pets
Beautiful cabin tucked away in the woods. Host was extremely accommodating and made sure we were comfortable before they left. Cabin was clean and smelled clean. My family felt safe and rested in the morning.
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D
Dylan
May 2026
Weekend Trip to pineleaf.
We had a blast!!!! Absolutely love here Tim is Awesome!!! Cabin was vary clean and had everything we needed!!! Can’t wait to come back to stay again!!!
See moreD
Douglas
May 2026
Tent
With pets
We really enjoyed staying at adam and sarah's property. This was a very nice private site with great views of Barney Lake. The portajohn was really clean which was great for a rustic site with an ample supply of firewood to purchase. Great proximity to houghten and higgins lakes and to Grayling. Adam and sarah were very communicative and kept us up to date with what they were doing with the site before we arrived and provided some very clear driving directions which we appreciated.
I would highly recommend this site
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Cheryl
May 2026
Tent
Beautiful, secluded site! We had a short stay but while there, heard/saw no other signs of people.
Host is super nice and is available if help is needed, but let's you be to enjoy the peace and quiet.
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Jonathan
May 2026
Tent
With pets
I loved everything about this spot. Very kind host. Gorgeous view. The porta potty was a nice perk and was very clean. No complaints at all and I can’t wait to come back!
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Scott
May 2026
Group trip
Awesome cabin and location! Very remote and a great place for fires, fishing, and kayaking. My son and I had an amazing time!
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Joe
April 2026
With kids
Amazing cabin - rustic with the perfect amenities for an off the grid retreat into some amazing wilderness. Jeremy is super proactive and helpful. We want to come back!
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H
Horrid
April 2026
Tent
Group trip
Absolutely amazing property, very private which I think is important and the host was more than accomidable. I would recommend to everyone.
See moreD
Daniel
April 2026
With pets
Awesome spot, super beautiful, and Jeremy is great. One major thing to keep in mind: you will definitely want a 4WD vehicle if there has been heavy rain, the dirt road can get flooded out. Otherwise, great place and can’t wait to go back.
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