Waterside camping in Michigan with a private bathroom

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

97% (5496 reviews)
97% (5496 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Michigan

Under $50

Star Hosts in Michigan

12 top waterside campgrounds in Michigan with a private bathroom

99%
(409)

Camp Moonshadow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI
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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100%
(25)

White Pine Farm HipCamping

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI
Our beautiful farm between Ann Arbor and Dexter is on 10 acres, and the 5 acre area where our compsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 5 - 10 minute drive from restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 10 - 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms which has a wonderful farmer's market on Saturday and Wednesday is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road.
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$45
 / night
98%
(66)

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

5 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. :)
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$75
 / night

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.
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$65
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98%
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Sweet 16 Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents69 acres · MI
Welcome to Sweet 16 Campgrounds.  We currently have 3 sites. Site #1 is the RV/Tent site. Site #2 is a Tent Site. Site #3 is our double/group Tent site (16 people max.) You will be camping in the semi-wooded area at the back of the property. It is a really nice area to camp. Each site has a firepit and picnic table.  We have about 2 miles of hiking trails on the property.  We are in a great location to hike, paddle, bike, and explore SW Michigan. Nighttime is great for stargazing.  We are 13 miles from downtown St. Joseph and 13 miles from downtown South Haven. We are located 1 1/2 hours from Chicago.  Don't feel like exploring, then hang out at the campsite for the day. We are close to the SW Michigan Makers’ Trail (Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries).  We are located 4 miles from a small beach (Hagar Park/Beach) on Lake Michigan (15 miles from the big beaches at St. Joseph and South Haven).  We are 5 miles from the boat ramp on Paw Paw Lake.  We are located just 2 miles off I-196 at Exit 7 (Hagar Shore Road).  We are also only 20 miles from Sister Lakes.  Dogs are allowed.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. About us: We have a 69 acre farm we bought back in 2019. We moved here from the Chicago area. (Tinley Park). We have 44 acres tillable and 16+ wooded acres. in back that we opened it up for camping. We have horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
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$35
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97%
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Superior Lake Effect

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Ontonagon, MI
Fall colors expected to peak first week of October! Check out Porkies State Park chairlift rides September 23, 24, 30 and October 1, 7, 8, 14 , noon to six 10$. Sept Enjoy 200 ft of Lake Superior private sandy beach frontage with access to more than 1.5 miles., Beautiful sunsets, and a chance to witness the northern lights, in your private dark sky park; bring your telescope. Search for agats and yooper rocks; bring a black light. Situated on 8 acres of old growth forest, your short walk to the lake is through a park like preserve. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you cross the boardwalk to the beach. Bring your kayak and or paddle board for a unique experience. A boat launch 1/2 mile away can easily accommodate 16 ft motor boats if fishing is of interest. Enjoy waterfalls? Bond, Agate, Bonanza, and O Kun-de kun are all within an hour.
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$100
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91%
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Have A Lake Of Your Own!

10 sites · Lodging, Tents101 acres · Lawrence, MI
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
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$75
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98%
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Tails and Trails Horse Farm

1 site · Tent80 acres · Adrian, MI
Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you!Learn more about this land:Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan.Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area. We do offer our services to bring larger items to the site by utility vehicle upon request. We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer. In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages. We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask. This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site. This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area. Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle. There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm.We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer.We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth. 
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$36
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62%
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Mountain Magic

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsNaubinway, MI
Mountain Magic was purchased 10 years ago to begin an off-grid dream for self-reliant Wilderness Survivalist Kellie Nightlinger of Naked and Afraid fame. Kellie is the top-ranked female survivalist in the world as voted on thetoptens.com/survivalexpertskellienightlinger. Kellie teaches wilderness survival and is building her own log cabin on adjacent property to the HipCamp site. Kellie and her new life-partner Rich would be available to teach Survival and off-grid skills to campers schedule permitting. Kellie searched for the perfect off-grid property for 8 years before buying Mountain Magic. The property is steep mountainous terrain with in hiking distance of the Continental Divide Trail. The property is one of the few properties near the trail as one would traverse from the Canadian border in a sourtherly hike or bike or ride before reaching the second paved road transecting the Continental Divide Trail south of the Canadian Border. There are often Elk, Mule Deer, and occasionally White Tail Deer, Mountain Lion, Black Bear and once in a blue moon a Grizzly Bear on the property. Mountain Magic has a great view down a Long valley leading to the Rocky Mountain Front and the Great Plains. The property is situated between 5400-6000’ in elevation. Mountain Magic can be accessed in non-snowy conditions via a private back-County road that switchbacks up the mountainsides from a paved State Highway. In months with snow this off-grid gem can be accessed via snowshoe, AT Skis, Telemark Skis, Snow Cat, or Snowmobile. Transportation may be available by Kellie or Rich depending upon schedule. Mountain Magic is located behind a private gate. Kellie’s log cabin build is now being completed by The Kellie and Rich Team. Cabin amenities available to HipCampers are up for negotiation and consideration. Some possible amenities provided to HipCampers could be drinking water, campfire wood, cooking campifire greats, other camping gear including but not limited to an all inclusive gear package with tent and sleep systems and cooking systems or Camp Hammock set up. The entire camp could also be set up in advance of a HipCampers arrival upon schedule and negotiation agreement. This is an off-grid paradise with Trout Fishing available 1/2 hour away. The mountains are calling; what are you waiting for? A work-Camp trade can also be a possibility.
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$20
 / night
99%
(35)

Uksa’s Cove

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI
Learn more about this land: This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.
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$45
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97%
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GROOTs OFF GRID

7 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Baroda, MI
GROOTs OFF GRID lets you have freedom to do as you wish have fun doing just that! – Unlike the State Parks many surrounding campsites. You can have privacy, you are not stacked next to your neighbors! You have your space! This Offers the responsible camper here to keep your fire burning and maned all evening long if you chose. Play your music! Drink quality Michigan craft booze and beer out of glass bottles! Laugh out loud at night after 8 pm without bothering anyone! Smoke Quality Michigan Cannabis! Come and go as you please, Park your cars by your campsite! Enjoy your pets! Just do all of these wonderful things responsibly! So Groot won’t kick you OFF the GRID!GROOTs OFF GRID, you will find a wonderful private nature experience. With areas and private nooks that created many unique coves. Creating their own presence of solitude and privacy each of the individual campsite areas unique amongst themselves! This is a slice of wonderment that you can take in your memories and enjoy in all the off seasons the fun you had here! Come back and try a different spot next year! GROOTs OFF GRID has got the A1 Prime location! With all our local activities at the right season. 10 mins from: BEACH- WINERIES- CRAFT BREWERIES. FINE FOOD, LOCAL MARKETS, ANTIQUE SHOPS, ART STUDIOS and GALLERIES. THE WARREN DUNES, & WARREN WOODS NATURE TRAILS. PLENTY OF WOODS, CANOE / KYAK, BIKE, HIKE, FISHING and CANNABIS SHOPS. GREAT STAR LIGHT NIGHTS, AND ALL NIGHT CASINOS ALL NEAR BY! The Wine hay wagon tour bus stops for pick up @ the entrance each Saturday @ request!GROOTs OFF GRID Featured Amenities for its campers! A new rented PORTA JOHN with A WEEKLY CLEANING SERVICE! WELL WATER ON TAP! BRAND NEW! CLEAN PICNIC TABLES @ each site! LARGE CAMP FIRE RINGS @ each site! FIREWOOD TO PURCHASE for your convenience. OR you are welcome to PICK UP FREE FALLEN DEAD STICKS IN THE WOODS! & then of course… best part of all…TO STAY AT A TRULY UNIQUE AREA, EQUIVOCAL TO ALL OTHERS!@ GROOTs OFF GRID you will be staying at an active nursery in the off season that specializes in over 300 different antique fruit trees and Wholesale large ornamental trees and shrubs that envelops the entire 40 acre property! We started planting Windbreaks, then a huge array of Nursery Stock since 1956! GROOTs OFF GRID is an oasis of cooling shade and green abundant tree and plant life! That is totally surrounded by nothing but a long creek, wine grapes, beans and corn the average rotating crops that hold the oppressive heat of the days sun. However! The moment that your crew pulls onto the GRID property you will experience a 20 degree drop in temperature! With the overhead lush green canopy of established trees and the stress of your journey getting here will drop 45 more degrees!GROOTs OFF GRID is surrounded by an open plane farming land, of wine grapes and rotating corn and bean crops all around the property. Which in turn caused the attention and inhabitation of all the surrounding indigenous wonderful species of animals and birds, like Turkeys, hawks, owls, sparrows, storks, blue heron, geese and ducks. Beavers, woodchucks and lots of aquatic life! Too many to list!GROOTs OFF GRID sports a diversity of plants that has always been of interest to our customers. However as time moves forward the landscape gradually has changed. When an old world Dutch Nurseryman, plants a living block of wonderful arborvitae, junipers or honey suckles and everything in between, we sell what we can and leave the rest of the plants to get larger and more valuable in time. Which in turn creates a beautiful arboretum with a countless collection of varieties of mature plant life never to be recreated in on one property in a life time! GROOTs OFF GRID is a bird watchers delight! No end here of Hawks, Vultures & other birds of prey and flocks of sparrows, Blue Jays, finches, Oreos, more than can be mentioned! & home to Great horned Owls, Hooting in the evenings. Wake up to the soothing coo of the mourning doves that all the creatures enjoy this oasis of shade and natural cover and protection to thrive & make their nests and raise offspring. GROOTs OFF GRID sports the Natural Organic progression of trees and shrub growth that has created a cornucopia of attraction of life to a vast array of wild life that outdoes any nature center you may have attended before, because of GROOTs OFF GRID location and long periods of isolation due to a seasonal business and a lot of land. GROOTs OFF GRID Organic nursery has 3 ponds and natural flowing water ways that were laid out and dug by a Dutchman who understood that rain water will flow downhill to end up into The Fowler Creek at the back of the property were you can see large Salmon, Carps, Turtles, Blue Gills Bull Frogs & much more aquatic life! GROOTs OFF GRID Activities available here on the property! 3 Hiking & Biking paths A. B. and C. Trails. All grass mowed and all trails marked with directional signs leading to different directions on the property. BIKE PATHS leading to safe back roads leading to breweries and wineries, local lakes and parks. & Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Large trees to climb! Bird watching, Turtle racing, reptiles and interesting Butterflies and insects! There is lots of open space to play corn hole, badminton, frisbee. Toss the football around or play a baseball game! Better yet, you can set yourself up in the sun and get a great tan! Or slip into a nice slow swinging hammock with a good book under a cool shade tree and make that your plan! Either way its Ok if you like your stay, book another day!GROOTs OFF GRID is a new Campground. That is slowly growing larger. Operations were put in place in 1998 to start to make this large area to become available and open for the public to come and enjoy. Only on a limited level of occupation at each season is allowed here, to insure the animal presence is not overly disturbed. By too many visitors at a time. This is to preserve a true experience for the campers to understand actual living in the wild of Michigan’s original forests with its natural animal inhabitants! A unique experience many kids in time, will never see again.WHAT ENTERTAINMENT IS AVAILABLE AROUND GROOTS OF GRID?·      LAKE MICHIGAN! Swim & Sun! Several beaches with local access!·      Weko Beach about 8 miles away Bridgeman Mi.·      Warren Dunes state Bridgeman Mi.·      Cherry Beach Harbert Mi.·      Lakeside Beach. Lakeside Mi.·      Union Pier Beach Union Pier Mi.·      New Buffalo Beach. New Buffalo Mi.·      Or Silver Beach In St. Joseph Mi.·      Lions Beach St. Joseph Mi.·       ·      HIKEING AND BIKEING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!·      Lake Michigan Wine Trail·      WARREN WOODS 3 OAKS MI.·      WARRN DUNES STATE PARK.·      New Buffalo Board Walk·      St. Joseph Lake Blvd. Beach Run.·      Three Oaks (Home of Prancer) Apple cider century Bike ride.·       ·      FISHING! & EXPLOREING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!·      3 PONDS ON THE PROPERTY WITH NATIVE FISH & Aquatic life!·      LOCAL FISHING & BOATING & SWIMMING LAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!·      SINGER LAKE 5MIN. HESS LAKE 10MIN. BOYLE LAKE 15MIN. DAYTON LAKE. 20 MIN - ST. JOE RIVER 20 MIN. TO LAKE GALIEN RIVER. 20 MIN. TO LAKE.·      BEAR CAVE HIKE FISH & HARIOT TUBMAN UNDER GROUND RAILROAD SAFE HIDEING PLACE. CAVE TOUR! BUCHAN, MI.·      HOUSE OF DAVID.·      BIT OF SWISS – DECADENT PASTRIES!
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$55
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94%
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Retreat Center Campsites

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fennville, MI
The Retreat Campsites are situated on land owned by the Red Spirit Retreat Center. The beautiful wooded land is perfect for walking in. The stars are like brilliant diamonds, and in mid June the fireflies float up from the prairie into the trees by the hundreds. It is pretty quiet except for the birds and the bullfrogs and your own crackling campfire. In the spring the fruit trees can be seen blooming across the fields. Straw is grown on the neighbor's farm and cut and baled midsummer. The farm buildings are off in the distance but have gleaming white buildings and silver silos. Guests may walk wherever they like on trails or bushwhack through the forests of the Red Spirit Retreat Center. Each campsite is unique and pretty private. While you may see other campers you probably can't hear them as they are about half a city block away through the trees. Staying at the Country Dome Home is an amazing experience. Located on a hill at the top of the prairie, the view of farms and forests is spectacular. To enjoy the view, the front window is 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The 12 foot ceiling enlarges the room tremendously. There is an awesome feeling of spaciousness. On a warm day 8 foot wide by 3 foot high screens can be opened up to let and with the screen door to let breezes blow through. The solar fan then pulls the heat right out of the roof. Outside there is a patio sail providing shade. A lovely dinner can be cooked on a propane griddle while watching the view. Refurbished Jordan Brown Tamiami table and chairs and a chaise lounge provide comfortable seating. Deck chairs are out on the front deck as well. Sitting around the campfire is a great way to end the day. About 9 pm hundreds or thousands of fireflies slowly make their way to the tops of the huge trees and the stars start to twinkle as the sun sets. The birds, crickets, and bullfrogs gradually quiet down, lulling you to sleep in the most comfortable bed in the world. You feel at one with nature.. Stay at the dome in the fall or early spring and the wood stove will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights. Three rustic campsites with their own personalities are also on the land but hidden by trees. The Frog Pond Campsite is a in a sylvan glade next to the pond and creek, with parking immediately next to the campsite. The Edges and Deep Forest Campsites are both larger campsites that are located inside the forest near the Prairie. These sites are separated far enough apart to allow for a very private feeling. Each campsite has parking space very close by. All campsites have their own private composting toilets, fire pits, one bundle of wood, sanitary spray, toilet paper, and at least three gallons of water. At the Deer Blind more wood is available at the Deer Blind for $10 per bundle with Venmo or PayPal. There are two yoga mats, frisbees, bubbles, and a corn hole game for borrowing. You may request a one night stay, but it is dependent upon my availability to clean in between guests. We hope that our guests have a truly beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay.
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$55
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Waterside camping in Michigan with a private bathroom 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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