Camping in Michigan
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
- Michigan
96% (9235 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Michigan
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
12 top campgrounds in Michigan
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EcoXtreme Adventure Destination
1 site · Lodging34 acres · Delaware, Keweenaw
"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that it makes life worth living." David AttenboroughWe've been about a greener lifestyle for decades--before green was "popular," before building tiny houses was the "trend," and before living a freer life off-the-grid was "a thing". Our mission is to provide an environmentally sustainable getaway where you will encounter off-the-grid living first hand for that unique experience. In the beautiful backdrop of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan (U.P.), we've built a sustainable, off-grid retreat where you can design your own personal EcoXtreme adventure. Enjoy this back-country timber- frame haven among a forest of birch and pine, next to the magical flow of the Montreal River, and surrounded by a cornucopia of recreational offerings. Extreme skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and scuba are just a few of the exploits available.
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$135
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Wood Pecker Creek
4 sites · Lodging40 acres · Big Bay, Marquette
The Sugar Shack
& Woodpecker Creek Camping
40 Acres of Northwoods located 17 miles north of Marquette. Nestled in the foothills of the Huron Mountains, our space offers a peaceful and rustic off grid camping experience. Close proximity to all the outdoor recreation that the Upper Peninsula has to offer. The small town of Big Bay is minutes away with a general store, fuel, bar, cafe and restaurant.
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$80
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Bear Tree Homestead
3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Trowbridge Park, Marquette
Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain into Lake Superior.
Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers.
We have been inspired by these ancient rocks to build our homestead with materials gathered on our land.
Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques.
The Pond Cabin is completely off the grid and the Orchard Cabin with electricity and handpump water.
Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead.
One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them.
We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs.
However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.
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$87
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The 40 Acre Wood
5 sites · Lodging40 acres · Shelby, Oceana
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.
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Plum Orchard Acres
1 site · Lodging23 acres · Pleasant Lake, Jackson
Plum Orchard Acres consists of 23 total acres in Southeast Michigan. The land is roughly 5 acres of woods, 3 acres of yard/farm, and 15 acres of prairie with a couple of paths that lead through all that the property has to offer. In the summer, the farm is lively with a cut flower garden and orchard and in the winter guests can enjoy axe throwing and a wood burning hot tub to keep warm. Plum Orchard Acres is a 15 minute drive from Waterloo Recreation Area, Pinckney Recreation Area and Portage Lake (for hiking, swimming, and trail riding); and a 30 minute drive to Ann Arbor and Lansing for those interested in museums, visiting Michigan's capitol, or a variety of foods!
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$70
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Blooming Bus Farms
9 sites · Lodging15 acres · Niles, Berrien
Blooming Bus farms is a working urban flower, vegetable and fiber farm practicing sustainable, organic, natural farming practices. Spread out over 15 acres, upon completion, you’ll find 4 yurt sites and 3 byo tent sites. Working hard contributing to our compost are our alpaca and free range chickens. While this is a working farm, we try to not run any equipment before 10:00am!
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$75
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Treasure Hunt Treehouse
1 site · Lodging3 acres · Brooklyn, Jackson
3 acres on a dirt road in the country. On the bank of the Raisin River, and 1/4 mile from private access to a spring fed all sports lake. Hundreds of acres of state land. Beautiful hiking trails for miles and miles less than a 5 min walk away . Beautiful fishing, kayaking, hunting grounds less than a mile away. Chain of lakes Michigan is a 10 min drive to launch. Outdoor Shooting Range open year long less than 5 min away!
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$120
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Dragon Adventures Base Camp
9 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · White Cloud, Newaygo
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!
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$15
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DaltonTraders Base Camp-Grand Cabin
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Muskegon, Muskegon
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.
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$40
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Camp Moonshadow
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, Benzie
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 ft. WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nitely up to 3 nites
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. Electricity and
water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen
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$60
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The Haven
4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Niles, Berrien
God has graciously blessed us with 3 acres of beautiful land on the St Joseph River. Our property setting is a hidden gem that opens to the most beautiful natural setting. The land offers a gorgeous view of the river and numerous shady sites nestled underneath a giant array of oak beach and walnut trees. Here at The Haven, the property has ample space for parking, room for various size camping tents and small pop-up tents small RV's, A dock for fishing, and access for kayaking. Fire pit and grill area for cooking and s’mores. This setting is perfect for camping in a private nestled nook on the river. We have more than one area on the property to choose from. You can choose any site you would like from the The Rivers edge Beach Area (site 1) or on the River under the Canopy of trees (site2).
You also can stay at the Cozy corner by the woods and river with tent (site 3).
Or The cove by the woods, camper and tent (site 4).
Come Stargaze or hangout at the “spot” (dock with views on the water) or sit by the fire.
Every site is first come first serve. Book earlier to get your desired spot!.
Bring your toys and play in the great outdoors! We have corn hole toss, horseshoe toss, and soon Frisbee Golf! Summer is going by fast don’t miss out book now!
-If smoking or drugs are discovered on the property the whole group will be asked to leave with NO REFUND. NO EXCEPTIONS. Alcohol will be at the owner’s discretion upon arrival. Please dump all trash in waste baskets provided. Please clean up after pets and please be responsible and respectful of others.
The Haven
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$35
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Tincan Camp
3 sites · Lodging, RVs7 acres · Bloomingdale, Van Buren
This fun property is just under 7 acres - butted up to another 12 acres of public land (and boat launch) with trails, boardwalk and a dock on 51 acre Lake Eleven.
The property is shared by (2) full-hook up RV sites and a cabin. If available, the cabin and sites may be rented together however the owners, Jim and Maria, use the cabin much of the summer leaving just the RV sites available.
The property is at mile market 13 of the Kal-Haven Trail - the midpoint. The Kal-Haven Trail is a biking, cross-country skiing, walking, running, snowmobiling - you name it, the trail that goes 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Literally steps from the property and you are on the trail.
But you may not need to leave the property, with 6.3 acres of woods and field, with trail cut through PLUS the added public lands butted up to Tincan's property line, giving almost 20 acres to roam.
Each RV site - far enough apart to be separate, close enough if you and friends/family want to camp together, has a fire pit and fireplace. There are a couple of options for grills if needed. Currently on grass, concrete pads will be poured sometime Spring 2023. Each RV site offers water, 30|50AMP electrical and septic.
The dock may have availability for keeping you boat - please inquire. There are kayaks and some bikes (mostly teen and adult size) that may be used. These are shared amenities for the cabin and campsite guests and offered on a first come, first serve basis.
This was a run-down fishing cabin Jim and Maria lovingly brough back to life as a second home and they delight in sharing it. Jim often referred to it as "The Tincan" while working on it as it was - indeed, a tin shack and the name stuck.
Kate, your booking coordinator, helps Jim and Maria tend to the administrative side of getting the property booked and keeping the details in order. Once booked you'll get contact info for Kate, who will take care of most communications and logistics, and Jim/Maria who will also be available to help as needed.
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$78
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Star Hosts in Michigan
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Michigan guide
When it comes to natural attractions, Michigan holds all the aces. This landlocked state has more state parks and state forests than any other, miles of coastline, and more than 10,000 lakes—which means you’ll never be more than six miles from the water. Some of the best camping is found on the beaches and islands of the Great Lakes, so plan a summer getaway to swim, fish, and kayak, or a fall camping trip to admire Michigan’s spectacular foliage. Winter is best suited for RV camping, with snow blanketing much of the state from November through March.
Where to Go
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s wild toupée, with swathes of old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and inland lakes stretching along the southern shore of Lake Superior. This is the spot to escape the crowds, whether pitching your tent by the sand dunes in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, parking your RV by a waterfall in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, or yurt camping in the Porcupine Mountains. For the ultimate camping experience, the Hiawatha National Forest has some 60 campsites to choose from.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Bordered by Lake Michigan to the West and Lake Huron to the east, the northern Lower Peninsula has the highest concentration of Michigan state parks. Miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails await in the Huron National Forest, where you can choose from modern campgrounds or backcountry camping. Along the coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see, Wilderness State Park is a dark sky reserve, and Ludington State Park Beach is a family favorite.
Southwest Michigan
Grand Rapids is the gateway to Michigan’s southwest, where the shore of Lake Michigan provides plenty of options for a summer camping trip. Lakefront cities such as South Haven, Benton Harbor, and Holland have sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and seafront campgrounds. Forget tent camping in the wilderness—RV sites come equipped with full hookups, playgrounds, and watercraft rentals.
Southeast Michigan
Michigan's "Thumb" juts out along the west shore of Lake Huron, where Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park are the big draws for campers. Below this, the west coast is ideal for a road trip, peppered with shipwreck dive sites, secluded beaches, and golf courses. South of Detroit and Lake St. Clair, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, with a mix of RV and tent sites by the beach.
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