River, stream, or creek camping in Michigan with wildlife watching

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

98% (4413 reviews)
98% (4413 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Michigan

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Michigan with wildlife watching

99%
(364)

Bear Tree Homestead

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Trowbridge Park, MI
Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan. 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. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. 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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$95
 / night
100%
(64)

McCormick Artisans Woods/River

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Jonesville, MI
We bought this property in 2012 and have built several buildings and forged paths throughout the 32 acres. Our road is part of the North Country Trail, a footpath stretching over 4,600 miles from Middlebury in central Vermont to Lake Sakakawea State Park in central North Dakota. While tearing down the existing house, we constructed two bedrooms in the pole barn for a quick living space. Once settled in the pole barn, we a built a small log cabin with already felled timbers from the local woods, except for the box frame which was purchased from the local Amish. Prior to building our permanent log cabin home, this small cabin was our camp site and is now being rented to people that want to relax and enjoy the outdoors. In the middle of the woods, we created a campground to be enjoyed and on the North side of our property is a tree line between two fields that is a great small camper/tent camping spot.
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$36
 / night
100%
(14)

Air & Sun Acres

5 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, running cold water 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. Outdoor cold shower is available in spring - fall. PLEASE NOTE: There are no heated 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.
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$30.60
 / night
95%
(76)

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.  =) 
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$24
 / night
91%
(40)

Thousand S.’s Land

18 sites · Tents84 acres · Lapeer, MI
Welcome to Thousand Suns, a unique 84-acre sanctuary where the land is intentionally cultivated and vibrantly alive. Unlike any ordinary campground, our space is designed to support both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, fostering a profound connection to oneself and the natural world. At Thousand Suns, guests and members can explore 84 acres of scenic trails, pristine spring-fed waters, and a flowing river, offering an immersive experience in nature's tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, our land provides a serene environment for personal growth and reflection. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to participate in private sessions with our skilled facilitators. Our offerings include yoga, bodywork, and other holistic practices designed to enhance your well-being. Additionally, we host various events throughout the month, providing diverse experiences that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Join us at Thousand Suns with your Fishing poles swim trunks and a desire to relax and enjoy the land while you embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection in a space where nature and intention come together harmoniously.
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$50
 / night
98%
(192)

EcoXtreme Adventure Destination

1 site · Lodging34 acres · Delaware, MI
"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
 / night
97%
(73)

The Haven with 4 Camp sites

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Niles, MI
The Haven camp site and wedding venue began in 2022, with a slow start; but as we jumped into the 2023 season, we made quite a bit of changes and ended the year with great success by: meeting new people and having many people come back for their second and third times! We strive to share the property that God has graciously blessed us with. The Haven is 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 pits and grill area for cooking and a complimentary bucket with some goodies to start you off. 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 River’s edge, Beach Area (site 1) Small RV and tent site, or on the River under The Canopy of trees (site2) small RV and tent site. You also can stay at the Cozy corner (Site 3) by the woods and river in our new addition: Trailer that sleeps up to 4 people with all the amenities and can accommodate campers with tents as well, Or The Cove by the woods, small camper, and tent (site 4). Come Stargaze or hangout at the “spot” (dock) comfortably and lounge with views on the water or sit by the campfire at “The Pit.” 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, but if you have toys you can use them here, throw the football or play some volleyball or Tether ball whichever and soon we will have Frisbee Golf! Or rent some of our Kayaks and really enjoy the river! 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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$40
 / night
98%
(413)

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.
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$50
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Michigan

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping in Michigan with wildlife watching 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.

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