Camping in Michigan

Q: Where can I camp freely in Michigan?

In Michigan , you can often camp for free in designated areas or dispersed camping zones within its national forests, such as the Hiawatha National Forest and the Huron- Manistee National Forest. However, some areas may require fees or permits. These forests offer dispersed, primitive camping with no facilities. You'll need to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, some state forest lands also allow free dispersed camping, but it's essential to check the specific regulations for each area before setting up camp.

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United States
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Michigan

Camping in Michigan

With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.

Top-rated stays

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Sailors Sky

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Newberry, MIThis is a secluded private property that is close to town and yet so quiet at night you can hear the owls. it is located just outside Newberry, Mi. It is literally located in the middle of all attractions a family would be here to see. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Two heart River, Kitch-iti-kipi, Curtis, Mi. and the Manistique Lakes are all with in a short drive. The property is Surrounded by ATV, side by side and snowmobile trails. I am slowly building this property into a campground style property that will allow memories to be made for families from all over. Even though the listing shows only a few sites just ask. There is plenty of room for tent camping for everyone. it has a communal fire pit and plenty of wood laying around for a fire. i also have a nice 5th wheel camper on site i rent through another site. There is power and water available for use but not at any specific sites. there is a fresh porta-poty on site that is there for your use as well. Any questions just ask i’m sure i can accommodate you.

Kampvilla RV Park & Campground

45 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bear Lake, MIAre you ready to make memories? From a day on the water to a night under the stars, memories are made at Kampvilla RV Park! From the moment you arrive, you’ll know you’re someplace special. Our beautiful campground is nestled on 40 acres, where you will find sunny and shaded campsites, from rustic tents to pull-through full-service sites, a catch-and-release fishing pond for the kiddies, swimming pool, shuffleboard and basketball courts, a covered poolside pavilion, shower rooms, and restrooms, and plenty of family fun planned activities. From sun-up to sundown, you’ll find incredible outdoor area activities. We are located just five miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan where you can enjoy 25 miles of sandy lake Michigan shoreline, three Michigan harbors, 270 miles of pristine paddling rivers and so much more! -Local Attractions- Looking to spend the day hiking, swimming, or site seeing? Try these amazing places! • Huron-Manistee National Forests • Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve • Crystal Mountain • Elberta Dunes South Natural Area • Betsie River Pathway • Esch Beach • Beulah Public Beach Or maybe you’d like to take a scenic day trip? • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore • Point Betsie Lighthouse • Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve • Interlochen State Park • Harrietta DNR Fish Hatchery For the Golfer out there • Arcadia Bluffs • Bear Lake Highlands • Chesnut Hills • Crystal Mountain • Pinecroft & Champion Hill -Amenities- • Wifi • Heated Swimming Pool • Catch and release Pond • Clubhouse with laundry • Playground • Bath House • Fish Cleaning Station • Storage • Picnic Tables • Fire Rings -Camping Rules - subject to revision by management at any time- Check-in is 2:00 PM Check-out is 12:00 PM

Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MIMy 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.

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Ishpeming, MIHeritage Hills isn't called Heritage Hills for nothing! It's situated on 21 acres of what was the original Wawonowin Country Club, a 9-hole golf course that was built in the early 1800s and then closed in the mid 1960s. This area was boom town in those early days because the very spot where iron ore was discovered is within walking distance! You are free to explore by foot, bike or horse the whole 800 acres between Ishpeming and Negaunee (and further if you would like!) and expedience this diverse area of hardwoods, pines, meadows and some wetlands, too, to discover many historical spots of interest. We can provide a map if you would like to explore on your own, or put together a special tour by wagon or horse to see top points of interest like Mathews Cross: a big steel cross mounted in a big rock about 600 some feet up, erected by historian Frank Mathews in honor of all the miners who died. You can walk around Union Park originally built for the Green Bay packer team (now the Packers) to play the Ishpeming/Negaunee football team but later a horse harness race track where Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show performed! Explore areas of old mines, and where Iron ore was discovered: the Iron Ore Heritage trail is nearby, too. It's a 48 mile walking & biking trail with historical points and old shafts and pits along that way - it goes all the way to Lake Superior if you dare go that far! Heritage Hills came to be 8 years ago as 'Heritage Hills Horseback Riding' where we did just that - lots of horseback riding with guided horseback rides for the public! We still do a few limited public trail rides and, of course, have horses and ponies on the property, but we do so much more:* Wagon rides in summer & sleigh rides in winter.* Horse camps for kids and adults every Friday in the summer.* We are certified in the EAGALA model of equine assisted psychotherapy along with a learning technique with horses called Horse Powered Reading.

10 sites · Lodging, Tents70 acres · Calumet, MILocated in wooden area with private pond for fishing. Connection to Trail 17/B for 4-Wheeling or hiking. Local shopping in Houghton and Calumet. Take a ride up to Copper Harbor to the end of Hwy 41 Nth. Check out Brockway Mountain views of Lake Superior and the beautiful forest. Come down Hwy M26 and check out The Jam Pot between Eagle Harbor and Eagle River for delicious bakery and jams.

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents84 acres · Lapeer, MIThousand Suns is siting on 84 acres of beautiful land. Thousand Suns is a tribal community nonprofit with monthly events, guest stay, ceremony and celebration. With a river running through the land a spring fed pond with beach, community garden. Yoga studio Beautiful art and amazing people, you will leave the land charged and uplifted.

25 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Lakewood Club, MIPark your RV or pitch your tent at Oak Meadows. You will have access to our almost 30 acres of a beautiful meadow, hardwood forest, or secret field. Each camp sight comes with access to a private fire ring. Oak Meadows is minutes away from all of West Michigan's popular destinations: Michigan Adventures (3 min drive), ThunderBird Raceway (2 min drive), bike trails to endless destinations (3 min drive), Duck Lake State Park (12 min drive), Whitelake Pier & Lighthouse (14 min drive), 5 major Motorcross / Snowmobiling trails (13-50 min drive), 1000's of acres of National Forest, and surrounded by many lakes and rivers to fish, canoe, boat, kayak, paddleboard, and ski.

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Starry Skies Glampground

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Caberfae, MIOur centrally located 10-acre farm is perfect for your glamping trip! We are located right across the road from the Manistee National Forest and 1/2 a mile from the Elm Flats River Access Point (Pine River). You can literally walk there! We are also only 9 minutes to Caberfae Peaks and 30 minutes west of Cadillac. We also have wedding and special event packages. Please inquire.

Harvest Village - Farmstay

6 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Le Roy, MIYour Hosts - Dan and Arlene Cool: “We served as missionaries in South America for over 20 years. Our first assignment was in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, primarily at a school for missionary children, teaching Bible classes (Dan) and helping to start up and run a hot lunch program (Arlene). After this we ministered in Paraguay for 10 years. Our final years of missionary service were in Chile where we founded a missionary training school to train Chilean missionaries. Latin American students that we helped train are now serving around the world bringing hope and the Gospel to needy people. Harvest Village helps to support the ministries of our former students. We are excited to enter this new stage of our lives and to share our family’s centennial farm with people interested in healthier living and farm vacationing.”Your stay at Harvest Village helps bring hope to the hopeless; We set aside $1 /per guest, per night, to help our former students who are serving as missionaries in some of the neediest places around the world.

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Gladwin, MIThe property was purchased by my father more than 40 years ago and left to our family a paradise. As a escape from the city you can find a great place to view the stars and passing satellites in the night sky. We are located about half way between Gladwin and West branch, about 40 minutes south east of Houghton Lake. As campers ourselves we are focused on the experience and always working improving the land. Sharing some of our land with you is a benefit for all. We have a pond you can fish upon request, a nature trail, Disc Golf practice baskets and Play field on the 30 acre site. Tubing or Canoeing experience at: 989-387-8658 E-mail Info@GladwinBoatRental.com Operating With Gladwin City Campground www.GladwinBoatRental.com Our Specialty, Paddling the “Golden” Cedar River near Gladwin, Michigan 2-6 times daily. Everything by appointment - Call 1st. Canoes (electric motor - optional) Kayaks - small 12' Fishing Boat.

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

4 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Fennville, MI Welcome to the Historic Village of New Richmond! Once a bustling lumber town established by early settlers, New Richmond now sits idle on the Lower Kalamazoo River. Come adventure with us!! Our riverbend glamping site awaits your arrival! Located on our private river bank this is on 3 acres of land shared by 2 personal glamping sites and a rustic group campsite. Our sight offers scenic views of sunrise on the riverbend as well as the New Richmond Swing Bridge. Now open to pedestrian traffic only, the small county park next door offers a riverside board walk full of natural flora and wildlife for morning strolls or the delight of a fisherman who likes to be 1st on the water! Kayak and Canoe Rentals are also available on sight by appointment or reserve one with your tent. Hiking trails nearby offer a great way to explore the Allegan Forest and reconnect with nature. 7 miles east of Saugatuck and 5 miles north of Fennville, our site makes a perfect escape from the nearby lakeshore district and tourist attractions. Just follow the paved road all the way to the end and enter through our private drive. ....where the pavement ends, adventure begins! See ya at the river. :)

EarthWell Retreat Center

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Chelsea, MIEarthWell Retreat Center boasts a spring-fed swimming pond situated on forty acres of rolling prairie, forest and wetland, surrounded by one hundred acres of Washtenaw County Nature Preserve. Six off-grid sleeping cabins dot the landscape, all within a short walk to our Common House, that includes a large gathering space, community kitchen/dining and bathrooms/shower. EarthWell offers Yoga and Meditation classes and weekend retreats year-round. Located in Southeastern Michigan, just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, and near the towns of Grasslake, Chelsea, Manchester. (All downtowns are 7-10 miles away). EarthWell allows hiking, wildlife watching (amazing sandhill cranes), swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddleboating in our pond. East of Chelsea is the expansive Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation areas, with over 20 lakes and trails for hikers, bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

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Outdoor stays for every style

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Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Mio, Michigan

90%

(29)

Isle Royale National Park

Michigan

92%

(30)

Hiawatha National Forest

Chatham, Michigan

86%

(7)

Ottawa National Forest

Watersmeet, Michigan

100%

(53)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Munising, Michigan

91%

(11)

Interlochen State Park

Interlochen, Michigan

100%

(14)

Muskegon State Park

North Muskegon, Michigan

All camping options

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Michigan, you can often camp for free in designated areas or dispersed camping zones within its national forests, such as the Hiawatha National Forest and the Huron-Manistee National Forest. However, some areas may require fees or permits. These forests offer dispersed, primitive camping with no facilities. You'll need to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, some state forest lands also allow free dispersed camping, but it's essential to check the specific regulations for each area before setting up camp.

Yes, Michigan offers excellent camping opportunities, with diverse landscapes, numerous state parks, and beautiful natural attractions. You'll find over 1,000 campgrounds throughout the state, ranging from rustic and primitive sites to well-maintained and modern facilities. Michigan is home to two peninsulas, each with its own unique camping experiences.

The Lower Peninsula boasts beautiful lakeshores, sand dunes, and bustling cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Popular camping destinations include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Ludington State Park.

The Upper Peninsula offers a more remote and rugged experience, with vast forests, waterfalls, and the shores of Lake Superior. Must-visit camping spots include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Whether you're into tent camping, RVing, or glamping, Michigan has something for everyone. For more camping options in Michigan, you can explore Hipcamp.

The best month to camp in Michigan is typically September. During this time, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. Additionally, September offers beautiful fall foliage, fewer bugs, and less crowded campgrounds compared to the peak summer months. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures for swimming and water activities, consider camping in Michigan during the summer months of June, July, or August.

Yes, boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is legal in Michigan on public lands, such as national forests and some state forests. In Michigan, you can boondock in areas like the Huron-Manistee National Forests and the Hiawatha National Forest. There are also private properties available for boondocking through Hipcamp. Be sure to follow the rules and regulations for each specific area, such as staying within designated areas, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and adhering to any fire restrictions.