Beach bell tents in Michigan

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

99% (48 reviews)

United States
—
Michigan

99% (48 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Michigan

2 top beach bell tents sites in Michigan

100%

(1)

Rockhound Hideaway on Black River

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Bessemer, MI

An outdoor enthusiasts dream awaits at Rockhound Hideaway, with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, boating and everything in between. The property is situated on a two acre lot with three other rentals on the edge of the Ottawa National Forest, with my full time residence just a few doors away. Rockhound Hideaway is a short walk to Black River Harbor and Lake Superior, the North Country Trail, the scenic and wild Black River, and so many great outdoor adventures. The Black River is accessible from the property for those adventurous enough for a steep walk down the back of the property, or accessible from one of five parking areas along the stretch of road surrounding the property. Lake Superior is located 1 mile north up the road. Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a comfortable place to lay their head after a day exploring hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, snowshoeing, and all the natural beauty the Ottawa National Forest has to offer. The property offers guests private space at each site, each site with its own charcoal grill, BYO charcoal, hammock, and fire ring. I provide 1 bundle of firewood per visit and more firewood is available at the common area for $5 per bundle. The restrooms for the property is a two stall outhouse for all guests to share located next to the common, which features a roofed sun room with picnic table, lounging area and fire pit. The common area, Kitchigami Commons is there for all guests to enjoy the outdoors in a different setting or enjoy the outdoors when it's raining. It has a fire pit, playing cards, yard games and two lake tubes for guests to take out and enjoy on the lake. This is also where I keep extra firewood and extra drinking water when the temps are above freezing. Please help yourself to the lake tubes, just return them to the Commons when you are done. There is a path from each site to the common area and outhouse. Kitchigami Commons is also where we cook down sap and turn it into maple syrup during the spring time maple season. I am still making improvements to the Commons to provide a more enjoyable shared space, but you are welcome to use it, explore it and access the floaties and games. Please just be aware I may be present there and actively working on improvements, though I keep anything loud limited to when guests aren't present.

100%

(1)

Heart Valley Springs

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Bloomingdale, MI

Discover a hidden gem in southwest Michigan. Tucked away, but convenient to many major cities. Experience 50 acres of forest, farm, plains and hills. We have furnished bell tents, camping areas with and without electricity, restrooms with showers, flush toilets, and a lot more. What really sets this place apart from other locations is the evergrowing edible landscape. Around every turn you will find berries, herbs, and fruit trees. Experience the first permaculture inspired campground around!

Beach bell tents in Michigan guide

Overview

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.