Discover the best forest campgrounds near Big Rapids, Michigan

United States
—
Michigan
—
Big Rapids

93% (1033 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Rapids

Under $50

Available this weekend

100%

(3)

Dragon Adventures Base Camp

9 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · White Cloud, MI

Dragon Adventures Base Camp is 23 acres of adventurous fun in the heart of a great adventure area! Mountain biking and hiking on the 43 mile Dragon Trail, paddling on Hardy Pond or the Muskegon River, boating, and the most popular beach are all just minutes away. At the Base Camp you’ll find a cabin for rent, campsites, an amazing beer garden with firepits, yard games, and tons of woods and trails to explore year round! Mark and Amy love hosting folks for their adventures! Come as strangers but leave as friends!

98%

(22)

DaltonTraders Base Camp-Grand Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Muskegon, MI

40 acre secluded wood lot located: 10 miles from Lake Michigan public beaches. 5 miles from Michigan’s Adventure amusement park. 4 miles from Thunderbird Raceway 2 miles from US 31 expressway. 3 miles from shopping, bars and restaurants. 1 mile from public golf course. 5 miles from downtown Muskegon. 8 miles from Lake Express cross lake ferry terminal.

PV's Campground and Resort

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · White Cloud, MI

We sit on over 50 acres that has been in our family for over 40 years.

Provision Family Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI

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.

Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI

My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

12 top forest campgrounds near Big Rapids

98%

(362)

Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI

My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

Sherman City Acres

5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Barryton, MI

We are a family that love being outdoors and exploring along the river. And our farm has so many beautiful locations along the Chippewa River to relax and get a fresh perspective on life or just enjoy a cookout with our friends. And we are looking to share our love of the outdoors with others by making it accessible as campsites where people can make new memories and get a literal breath of fresh air :)

Dragon Adventures Base Camp

9 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · White Cloud, MI

Dragon Adventures Base Camp is 23 acres of adventurous fun in the heart of a great adventure area! Mountain biking and hiking on the 43 mile Dragon Trail, paddling on Hardy Pond or the Muskegon River, boating, and the most popular beach are all just minutes away. At the Base Camp you’ll find a cabin for rent, campsites, an amazing beer garden with firepits, yard games, and tons of woods and trails to explore year round! Mark and Amy love hosting folks for their adventures! Come as strangers but leave as friends!

PV's Campground and Resort

15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · White Cloud, MI

We sit on over 50 acres that has been in our family for over 40 years.

Provision Family Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI

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.

96%

(56)

Pine Creek⛺️💫Private Hilltop Camp

3 sites · Tents25 acres · Lake Isabella, MI

Learn more about this land:Privet campsite secluded along the Pine Creek high banks. (Designated)This primitive campsite is the only site on our property so there will not be other Campers; giving you peace and solitude. River access close to campsite. ( River trail ) Small Fire Pit. Trails for Wildlife/Bird watching, (Please stay on the designated trails)Sunsets and Stargazing. (Woods Loop Trail )Very private on a seldom traveled dirt road.Chairs and Table, Bucket for water, and Shovel for fire safety included .No power, No Water, No Toilet, No Trash. Leave no Trace. Our Property is home to many wildlife, ( I am just starting to establish this location as a Campsite. The trails are in progress so explore with caution, working on making the campsite even more enjoyable. History- "This is an old party spot from the 70s"Thanks for Checking out the Listing. =)

94%

(17)

Manistee Escape

1 site · Lodging9 acres · White Cloud, MI

This is a 9.25 acre wooded tract adjoining Michigan's Manistee National Forest. It has a fully screened in 30-foot 2006 Denali trailer that sleeps 4, an added 30 amp electric hookup for guest trailer or pop-out camper and 4 separate tent camping pads each with fire rings, parking and lantern posts. For larger groups, entire site can be rented Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights for $150/night with two-night minimum stay. Or tent sites rent for $25/night apiece, 30-foot enclosed Denali $75/night and RV electric hookup site $40/night, again based on 2-night minimum. There is a 20 percent nightly rate discount on all sites Monday thru Thursday nights. Walking trails and public beach swimming lake, public boat launch just one mile north on Diamond Lake, among 100-plus public lakes in Newaygo County. North Country Trail also runs neatby and through Newaygo County for the more adventurous.

100%

(39)

The 40 Acre Wood

5 sites · Lodging40 acres · Shelby, MI

www.facebook.com/the40acrewood 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.

100%

(9)

National Forest Paradise

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Big Rapids, MI

Directly across from: The Hungerford Recreation Area is area consisting of over 6,500 acres of National Forest System lands. The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. The horseback riding and mountain biking trails are two separate trails. The two trails cross each other at several locations, but "You Are Here" maps are located at trail junctions to aid in navigation. The trail is marked with blue diamonds for the mountain bike trail with a bike symbol and blue diamonds with horses for the horse trail. There is a total of six campsites each with 30 AMP RV hookups. There is one fire-pit. There is a total of 8 water spigots. There is a heated outdoor shower.

99%

(117)

Doriath Springs

5 sites · Tents6 acres · Hersey, MI

Doriath Springs is a family homestead learning to grow into an intentional community committed to peace path revolution. We are eager to learn and grow with others.Learn more about this land:Doriath Springs feels magical! We are a small 5+ acre family homestead dedicated to environmental sustainability and peace path revolution. Easy arrival by the Muskegon River, the Pere Marquette Bike Trail, or highway M-10. Space for tents along the river in the sun or by the creek in the forest. Rustic outhouse. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept with their families and well socialized to get along with other animals on the land. Please plan to leave no trace.

Booked 2 times

Lair of Liz

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Chase, MI

Escape to nature and embrace the spirit of freedom at our hippie campground. Nestled in the heart of the wilderness, our eco-friendly retreat offers a serene getaway with a touch of bohemian charm. Unwind in our communal spaces, participate in creative workshops, and connect with like-minded travelers. Our campground is the perfect sanctuary for those looking to explore, create, and live harmoniously with the earth. Join us for an experience that celebrates peace, love, and the great outdoors. Learn more about this land: As a relaxed naturalist, I'm developing this wooded land into an Intentional community. Although there's no running water, ample water storage and bottled water are available. The terrain is hilly and scenic, offering abundant wildlife and hiking. Pets may be off-leash if supervised. Bonfires are permitted in fire rings, but caution is advised. Feel free to bring ATVs and dirt bikes for trail riding. Generators are allowed, and bonfire wood is provided, so there's no need to bring your own. Should you choose to camp outside designated sites, please clean up the area. Respect for others is paramount in this non-judgmental space, and mutual respect is expected. The campground welcomes tobacco and marijuana use; however, please dispose of all filters properly. The night sky here is a must-see, with stunning stars. Children are welcome but must always be accompanied by an adult.

100%

(6)

Endless Adventure

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Springs, MI

Enjoy a slice of heaven with the richest joys of Michigan, all in one place. Swim, soak in the hot tub or indoor pool (pending construction), meet the floofiest kitties and witness the miracles of a natural ecosystem. Butterflies Wildflowers Kindness Grounding Peacocks Chickens Egrets Herons Diving Birds Barn and shed style cabins (not empty, but they have room to fit some camp beds inside) no utilities. Cement camper pad (hookups not guaranteed, last we checked electrical worked but other utilities not available) . Put your tent anywhere near a labeled campsite sign (or in a secluded area if campsite signs are not available). And so so much more!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Forest camping near Big Rapids guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a forest retreat near Big Rapids, Michigan, we've got you covered with over 1200 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, our top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), and House of Bear (179 reviews) have got the amenities you need and the activities you love, including off-roading (OHV), historic sites, and hiking. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, you're sure to find the perfect camping experience that fits your budget and preferences. Enjoy potable water, trash facilities, and campfires at many of our popular campgrounds. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!