Discover the best campgrounds near Big Rapids, Michigan with wildlife watching

United States
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Michigan
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Big Rapids

93% (995 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Rapids

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

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. =)

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.

Brookhollow Riverfront Campsite

1 site · Tent10 acres · Newaygo, MI

Learn more about this land: You’ll have a secluded, wooded campsite just footsteps from the Little Muskegon River. Tube down the river, fish, swim, explore the land, and get back to nature. There is a creek that runs through the property and a firepit that is available for use right next to the river. Fall asleep under the stars to the sound of flowing water. We are very flexible with check in and check out times as well. We've been asked why we don't offer several sites on this plot of land but we believe that it's the privacy and seclusion that guests value most and it's what keeps return guests coming back. If you are looking for a getaway, this is it.

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.

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.

12 top campgrounds near Big Rapids with wildlife watching

98%

(363)

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.

Brookhollow Riverfront Campsite

1 site · Tent10 acres · Newaygo, MI

Learn more about this land: You’ll have a secluded, wooded campsite just footsteps from the Little Muskegon River. Tube down the river, fish, swim, explore the land, and get back to nature. There is a creek that runs through the property and a firepit that is available for use right next to the river. Fall asleep under the stars to the sound of flowing water. We are very flexible with check in and check out times as well. We've been asked why we don't offer several sites on this plot of land but we believe that it's the privacy and seclusion that guests value most and it's what keeps return guests coming back. If you are looking for a getaway, this is it.

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.

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.

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. =)

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%

(47)

Oak Ridge Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Coleman, MI

Oak Ridge Farm is located on 80 acres in the Mid-Michigan area, halfway between Midland and Mt. Pleasant. We are in the process of creating a self-sustainable, homestead vegetable and fruit farm. Our property is quiet, and the moon and stars are amazing to see on a clear night. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, look no further! There is plenty to see and do right around our property. Lots of wildlife including; Sandhill Cranes, deer, turkeys, porcupines, geese, rabbits etc. We have a walking/hiking path that you can explore through our property as well as hundreds of acres of state land right next door! Campsites are situated around our beautiful pond where the sunrises cannot be beat. Kayaks and a row boat are available for our guests to explore the pond. The AuSable State Forest neighbors our property line and can be accessed from multiple different areas right near the property. There are many trails for horseback riding, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, hiking and mountain biking. The Chippewa River is very close and many enjoy kayaking, canoeing or tubing this river. Only 18 mins away is the Pine Haven Recreation Area in Sanford. This park has 12 miles of hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking trails. Horseback riding trails are also available at this park. Places to see and things to do: - Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant - Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant - Isabella County Farmers Market, Mt. Pleasant - Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond, Midland - Dow Gardens, Midland - Whiting Forest (Nation's Longest Canopy Walk), Midland -Midland Area Farmers Market Midland and Mt. Pleasant are each located about 20-25 mins from our property. Please note that campsites are rustic. Porta-john, hose connect water and shower house are available during seasonal times (May 1 to Oct 1). Campfire rings are located at each campsite and firewood is available to purchase. My family and I live full-time on our property. We have 3 young children and a sweet dog that loves people and other kids. On hot summer days we often join our campers at the pond to cool off! On weekends we love to work in our large garden, take care of our chickens, have a campfire, and play outside. We are so excited to host you this camping season and hope you enjoy your stay at Peaceful Pines on Oakridge Farm! Check out our Facebook page for more info on our property: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556605364913&mibextid=LQQJ4d

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(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.

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.

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(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!

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Hen and Hive Provisions

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Springs, MI

We are a small bio-dynamic farm situated on 10 acres in West Michigan. the land has small diverse eco-systems. Open meadows with large White pine to dense woods to the back of the property. We have a small diverse fiber herd of Jacob sheep and Nigora Goats along with some heritage Breed chickens including 1 Rooster who watches over the flock. A small group of Cayuga duck work their pest control magic as the snoodle around the entire property. These ducks go everywhere! There are also 2 barn cats, that might visit your camp site if you are traveling without dogs. we also host group of 24 Bee Hives. On the farm we grow a variety of veggies, flowers and Medicinals. We have plots of native woodland medicinals and a variety of other Perennials and Medicinals including Hemp and Cannabis on a very small scale. Everything is grown organically. We are also close to the Red Flannel Gun club, sometimes we hear guns. We are also very close to the Cedar Chase Golf Course if you like golf. Hen and Hive Provisions is a small collection of Honeys, medicine and full-Spectrum Aromatherapy CBD Topicals that we sell locally and at seasonal markets. Email henandhiveprovisions@gmail.com for a full product list + price list. We hope you come for a visit, we would love to meet you!

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(10)

Air & Sun Acres

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Le Roy, MI

Tucked back in the woods of North Western Michigan. A turn down a pine lined 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:Gabriel's cabin is just a short walk to the Hersey Creek and the hiking and cross country skiing trails on the 125 acres of surrounding property which has been enjoyed as an eco-spiritual retreat center for over 40 years. This cabin sleeps 1-4 people and has electricity, a full kitchen, water jug and well hydrant near by, a gas stove for heating, three beds, an outside fire pit, and an outhouse as well as an indoor camping commode. PLEASE NOTE: There are no shower or bathing facilities at this cabin.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, ATVs or snowmobiles allowed on our property.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Mio, Michigan

Mitchell State Park

Cadillac, Michigan

Camping near Big Rapids with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a wilderness adventure near Big Rapids, Michigan, and have a passion for wildlife watching, we've got you covered. With over 1,200 options available in the area, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin, a cozy tent site, or a scenic RV spot, we've got it all. Plus, our top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), and House of Bear (179 reviews) have been highly rated by fellow campers. And don't forget about the popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, as well as activities such as horseback riding, paddling, and hiking. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!