Camping in Michigan with wildlife watching
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
- Michigan
96% (8100 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Michigan
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds in Michigan with wildlife watching
100%
(292)
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
/ night
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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
/ night
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(169)
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
/ night
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(75)
Hemlock Ridge Homestead
3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, Marquette
This was a custom log home built in the early 2000's. It has been updated over the years to make it more livable year round. This site is on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient Homestead in the making. Our garden and fruit tree orchards are in their infancy stage. We just opened our second site, the Acorn Retreat cabin. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub and other amenities, including a brand new bouchee outhouse. Also a new edition, our timber framed chicken coop to house our 13 laying hens and Julio, our loving rooster. We are always working on our property, so please come back to visit to see what we have added. We strive to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)
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$150
/ night
99%
(62)
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
/ night
100%
(37)
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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$69
/ night
99%
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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
/ night
100%
(45)
McCormick Artisans Woods/River
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Jonesville, Hillsdale
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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$40
/ night
98%
(78)
Northern Oasis
7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Marquette
Our property is located between Marquette and Negaunee, in Michigans Upper Peninsula. We are approx 8 miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Superior and 53 miles from Pictured Rocks National Park. We are about 4.5 miles off of US 41 nestled in a quiet forest like setting.
We built our home here in 2019 and are continually making improvements to the land. We tap our trees for maple syrup in the spring-you will drive by our "sugar shack" and raise chickens in our very nice coop -say hello to them when you fill up with water from our spout/hose near the large fire pit and the coop.
Come and enjoy some peace and quiet at our Northern Oasis!
We are near rivers for fishing and kayaking-kayaks for rent on this site-see extras! We are on the route of the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike epic and not far from the North Country Trail.
We have open sites and a few more private sites.
If you don't like what is available please don't hesitate to contact us-we do have other options.
The picnic table and fire pit is for anyone on the site. There are yard games, extra chairs and a small table in the red shed. This can also be used as a storm shelter if needed!
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$28
/ night
91%
(116)
Have A Lake Of Your Own!
10 sites · Lodging, Tents101 acres · Lawrence, Van Buren
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
/ night
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(50)
Mulligan's Valley in the Woods
4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Oxford, Oakland
We are situated at the end of a private road with only 2 residences. 12+ wooded acres to enjoy(hiking/exploring). At this time, only Sprinter Vans, Truck Campers and small trailers are ideal for the RV sites. Tent campers set up at the back of the property in the woods. Several hiking trails and locations to camp. There are multiple fire rings out back and plenty of fallen wood to burn or you can purchase seasoned split wood bundles on site. Suggested Local Attractions: The property borders a public golf course, downtown Lake Orion or Oxford are less than 1.5 miles as is public access to All-Sports Lake Orion(the lake) as well as others in the area. Dozens of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails. Bald Mountain State Park and Addison Oaks trailheads 2 and 3 miles respectively. Disc Golf courses. Public beaches, paved trails, etc. Or you can just hang out and watch the various wildlife that frequent the property. At least a dozen breweries, distilleries, restaurants a couple miles away, easily able to walk/bike/drive.
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$30
/ night
100%
(6)
"Elysium Heritage Farm"
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Pinconning, Bay
"Elysium Heritage Farm" is situated on 120 acres in Northeast, MI surrounded by woods, trails, ponds and canals. Enjoy access to a small farm that includes fainting goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and more. Bring your pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing. Enjoy viewing numerous types of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Depending on the season, (and how quietly you walk the trails) you may experience a wide variety of wildlife species. Although we don't allow motorized ATVs, you are welcome to bring a golf cart. Most of the trails are improved enough to allow you access.
The property is located just (5) miles off I-75 so it's also a convenient mid-trip destination for those on a longer distance excursion. In case you plan on fishing the local hotspots on Lake Huron (15 minutes away) and are trailering a boat, there is plenty of area to park your rig during your stay.
It's only a ten minute drive to Pinconning, where you can experience Michigan's "Cheese Town" and all it has to offer. There's a grocery store, numerous cheese shops, and a variety of party stores and restaurants. For the outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on going to the ever-famous "Northwoods Wholesale Outlet". Also nearby is the "Saganing Eagles Landing Casino" in Standish. We have resided here for over 30 years and can assist you in many ways to get the most out of your visit.
By the way, the definition of the word "Elysium" is "Place of perfect bliss" and yes, we labeled it that long before the movie with Matt Damon was created.
from
$29
/ night
Available this weekend
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Michigan with wildlife watching guide
Looking to immerse yourself in the wilderness while taking in the beauty of Michigan? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1900 campsites available in Michigan that cater to wildlife watching enthusiasts, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin, a cozy tent, or a spacious RV, there's something for everyone. Some top campsites include Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), and Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), so you can be confident in their quality. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, potable water, and campfires are readily available. And if you're itching for some adventure, popular activities such as swimming, surfing, and horseback riding are just a stone's throw away. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, camping in Michigan has never been more accessible. Start planning your wildlife watching adventure today!
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