The best campgrounds near Charlevoix, Michigan with horseback riding

Looking to go camping near Charlevoix, Michigan? Hipcamp has over 570 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into hiking, climbing, or paddling, there's a campsite that suits your activity preferences. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $12, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some of our top campsites: House of Bear (179 reviews), Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews), Llama Meadows Eco Farm BaseCamp (97 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like showers, trash, and potable water. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your camping adventure today!

98% (514)

Top-rated campgrounds

A camp set up around the fire pit in the wooded area next to the parking.

Looking to go camping near Charlevoix, Michigan? Hipcamp has over 570 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into hiking, climbing, or paddling, there's a campsite that suits your activity preferences. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $12, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some of our top campsites: House of Bear (179 reviews), Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews), Llama Meadows Eco Farm BaseCamp (97 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like showers, trash, and potable water. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your camping adventure today!

98% (514)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Echo Valley Forest

97%

(109)

49mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent, RV · Empire, MI

Echo Valley Forest Reserve is a backcountry site located deep within the forest near the center of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, ten minutes from Empire Beach, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor. The camp site is completely private, with only party rented to at a time. It is in the center of a 40-acre parcel, surrounded by thousands of acres of National Lakeshore and private forested land. Access is off of a rough seasonal two-track but most 2-wheel drive cars are fine. Watch out for rocks. There are solar lights, a pit toilet, a fire ring, and a ~8x8' deck. There is room for 4 cars, and as many tents as you can set up. We have 4 rules: 1) Leave no trace. Do not leave garbage at camp. DO NOT BURN garbage, people cook in that pit. 2) NO cutting into the live trees. You will get a 0-star review, 100% of the time. 3) Keep cars on the gravel driveway. 4) Put out all fires completely (COLD) and respect any Burn Bans that may be active at the time of your stay. These are issued by the fire department, not me.

2. Jackson Station Leelanau

99%

(354)

42mi from Charlevoix · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Maple City, MI

Our sites accomodate 2 adults & their minors, with 1-2 vehicles at each site's entrance. If you're traveling with more than 2 adults please book more than one site. Enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience in beautiful Leelanau County via Agritourism at Jackson Station! Our property has 4 private tent sites situated among a dense pine forest on our small-scale farm. We're located between the two popular vacation destinations of Glen Arbor and Leland, MI - both a short scenic drive in either direction. The peninsula has tons of recreation: hiking, biking, beaches, boating, fishing, dining, shopping, wine tasting, and visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Our farm produces pastured, all natural meat, including pork, beef, goat and fresh eggs/seasonal veggies. See the hens roaming, cows and goats grazing in the fenced-in pasture. A variety of cuts of meat from our freezers are available for sale or get a tour of the farm ~ Just ask! You may simply enjoy the scene at your leisure. SITE DETAILS: Each camp site has woodchips, gravel surrounding a bonfire ring, a clothesline and neatly stacked firewood for sale. Our sites accomodate 2 adults and their minors. We recommend that larger groups or multiple adults book more than one site next to each other (sites 1 and 2 or 2 and 3 are good for this). Quiet hours are enforced between 10pm-7am. This is our home and farm, not a campground, please think of staying here that way. A short walk from camp, you'll find access to a water pump for delicious drinking water straight from our well, so that you may fill containers of water or utilize for rinsing. Our land borders the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll be just a few miles from access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. Relax in the sand, hunt for rocks, hike a trail, kayak or paddle-board and watch an epic sunset. School Lake, known for its fishing from non-motorized boats or a quiet place to paddle. 2 Miles away, access the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a non-motorized 27 mile groomed trail that follows the scenic M-22 from our location all the way to Empire, MI. 2.8 miles from our camp, you'll find a Mountain Bikers paradise at Palmer Woods Forest Preserve, with various hiking trails and a 6 mile mountain bike trail.

3. pineleaf.

100%

(59)

33mi from Charlevoix · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Mancelona, MI

PLEASE DO NOT!! USE PARTRIDGE LANE THE ROAD IS A SAND TRAP YOU WILL GET STUCK!! MUST USE SECONDARY DRIVEWAY!! WHICH IS TO THE EAST OF PARTRIDGE LANE IN THE DIP THERE'S A SIGN THERE!! Pineleaf is a private setting in the forest with rolling hills and trails on the property. There's an abundance of wildlife consisting of, but not limited to bears, bobcats, porcupines and deer. It's a true nature lover's dream! For the rockhounds, there are Petoskey Stones, Emeralds, Opals and many other gems to enjoy finding among the trails and beaches. Our trails lead right off the property among the lakes and streams. All side x sides, ATVS, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing boats Welcome! We are located close to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Otsego Lake, and many more! Come enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, parks, restaurants, casinos, and local shopping. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Boyne City. Pineleaf has a total of 4 campsites! 3 are primitive and 1 rustic cabin with more cabins to come in the near future. The primitive sites sleep up to 15 people and 8 tents. The cabin sleeps up to 5 guests and is handicap accessible! and can also put tents near the cabin. The camp is cannabis friendly for 21+ with id and complimentary with the exception if you dont want to smoke/cunsume cannabis its optional. No alcohol allowed at the camp but you may go up town or down to The Hideaway Bar & Grill for a bite and a drink!

4. Motorcycle Tent Camp

100%

(38)

14mi from Charlevoix · 2 sites · Tents · Boyne City, MI

Learn more about this land:A motorcycle only campsite. Spent way too many nights on the road searching for a place just like this! 🏍️ Partially shaded, private, quiet. Great trees for hammocks. Outdoor furniture on site. Firewood available! 🔥 Close to town and the famous ride - The Tunnel of Trees.

5. Brown Family Farm

98%

(21)

48mi from Charlevoix · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Ann, MI

8-acre gentleman’s farm covered in beautiful, drooping Norway Spruce. 40,000 acres of state land accessible by dirt roads directly from the property. Equidistant from Traverse City night life and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 2 miles from quaint downtown Lake Ann and Lake Ann Brewery. Small town Michigan at its finest. Choose to park on a level concrete pad near the horses and likely be woken up by our rooster, chickens and ducks, or pull back into the woods for a peaceful oasis and view of the back field. Running water and power available at the barn (no hook ups).

6. RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

98%

(78)

49mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent, RV · Grayling, MI

Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.

7. Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

98%

(21)

36mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rapid City, MI

Learn more about this land:5 private acres hardwood forest to set up camp. Rustic off-grid camping, but we live across the street in case of any urgent necessities. 15 minute drive to Torch Lake sandbar or the town of Kalkaska. 30 minute drive to Traverse City, Bellaire (Shanty Creek), Elk Rapids, Alden and all the other amazing northern Michigan towns. Fishing, hiking, boating, paddling, hunting, sailing, snowmobiling, ORV trails, mushroom hunting or any outdoor activity surrounds this quiet spot. Or, hit the local shopping, awesome restaurants and multiple craft breweries that the area has to offer.

8. Fieldguide Farmhouse

93%

(40)

19mi from Charlevoix · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Central Lake, MI

Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.

9. Sherwood Forest

98%

(24)

37mi from Charlevoix · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Rapid City, MI

Beautiful property adjoining thousands of acres of state land, trails, and great views of lake Skegomog. Two rustic sites available with fire rings. We will allow horses must have own fencing systems. Access to the north country trail, and other orv trails system. 15 minutes to Torch lake, Elk Rapids, and Traverse city. Really a great location to get to almost anywhere in northern Michigan.

10. Bayside Base Camp

100%

(45)

39mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent · Williamsburg, MI

As avid travelers and Hipcamp users ourselves, Bayside Base Camp is our dream come true. Nestled into the back of our property in Northern Michigan it allows us to share everything we love about where we live with people who travel like we do. We live simply and adventure big. We hope you are able to explore all of the great things our area has to offer. Learn more about this land: Nestled along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, our Bayside Base Camp is the perfect spot to stay as you explore the wonders of Northern Michigan. We offer one tent site in the back of our property with access to our indoor toilet. Access to the bathroom requires two steps up to get into the house. Guests also have access to a fire pit, a large table to set up your camp stove or jet boil, as well as the ability to hang your own hammock among our trees. We are steps away from bay access for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and whatever other water hobbies you may have! There is access to two beautiful trails within a short walking distance from your camp. We are happy to provide directions as long as you promise to take care of them and leave no trace. The Northern Michigan community is incredibly active and values the Leave No Trace principles. In addition to the natural beauty within walking distance from your site, the area has countless trails, paths and parks to explore. We are happy to provide additional recommendations based on your interests through email or upon your arrival. Bayside Base Camp is located 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, a short 45 minute drive from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, 50 minutes from Leland and 15 minutes from Old Mission Peninsula. Guests will be responsible for disposing of their trash items in the designated trash bin on site. There is one parking spot in our driveway and you will need to walk back to your tent site. There is a home within view of your site, but it is a seldomly used vacation home. The walk will take less than one minute to get back to your tent site from the driveway. We are beyond excited to share our property with you and welcome you to our little slice of paradise in Northern Michigan.

11. Wildwood Berry Patch

100%

(1)

26mi from Charlevoix · 10 sites · Tents · Alanson, MI

This land is great for people who are passing thru and need a spot to stay a night, Orv and dirt bike trails about a 1/2 mile from property. There is a big horseback trail that butts up against the property called Wildwood trails. Also a very quiet area with only 1 house across the road. There will be a lot of raspberries come fall all over the property

12. RGarges UpNorth Chalet!

100%

(1)

24mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Lodging · Alanson, MI

Learn more about this land:Fabulous Glamping Chalet/ Saltbox style Getaway! I also have a Fabulous 31 foot Vintage Airstream on the property that can be rented separately for your second group! If it's available at the same time Seasonal only. Chalet has 3 Bedrooms. 2 full bathrooms Bedroom 1 = 1 full bed , 1 twin. Second Floor Bedroom 2 =1 Queen UpNorth Log Bed, 1 twin bed log bed Second Floor Bedroom 3 1 Awesome UpNorth Log Canopy Full Bed first floor Reading nook with 1 Twin Bed. Cute and small. No door. No Closet. Second floor Full Living room, kitchen, dining room and deck with amazing views! If you book the chalet I and my Newfoundland dog Bacchus and my cat Tigger will most likely be camping in the Airstream seasonally or in my basement for the duration of your stay! I have a separate entrance down there and bathroom, bedroom ,kitchen area.

Camper favorites near Charlevoix

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

98%

(21)

36mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rapid City, MI

Learn more about this land:5 private acres hardwood forest to set up camp. Rustic off-grid camping, but we live across the street in case of any urgent necessities. 15 minute drive to Torch Lake sandbar or the town of Kalkaska. 30 minute drive to Traverse City, Bellaire (Shanty Creek), Elk Rapids, Alden and all the other amazing northern Michigan towns. Fishing, hiking, boating, paddling, hunting, sailing, snowmobiling, ORV trails, mushroom hunting or any outdoor activity surrounds this quiet spot. Or, hit the local shopping, awesome restaurants and multiple craft breweries that the area has to offer.

Fieldguide Farmhouse

93%

(40)

19mi from Charlevoix · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Central Lake, MI

Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.

Sherwood Forest

98%

(24)

37mi from Charlevoix · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Rapid City, MI

Beautiful property adjoining thousands of acres of state land, trails, and great views of lake Skegomog. Two rustic sites available with fire rings. We will allow horses must have own fencing systems. Access to the north country trail, and other orv trails system. 15 minutes to Torch lake, Elk Rapids, and Traverse city. Really a great location to get to almost anywhere in northern Michigan.

Bayside Base Camp

100%

(45)

39mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Tent · Williamsburg, MI

As avid travelers and Hipcamp users ourselves, Bayside Base Camp is our dream come true. Nestled into the back of our property in Northern Michigan it allows us to share everything we love about where we live with people who travel like we do. We live simply and adventure big. We hope you are able to explore all of the great things our area has to offer. Learn more about this land: Nestled along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, our Bayside Base Camp is the perfect spot to stay as you explore the wonders of Northern Michigan. We offer one tent site in the back of our property with access to our indoor toilet. Access to the bathroom requires two steps up to get into the house. Guests also have access to a fire pit, a large table to set up your camp stove or jet boil, as well as the ability to hang your own hammock among our trees. We are steps away from bay access for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and whatever other water hobbies you may have! There is access to two beautiful trails within a short walking distance from your camp. We are happy to provide directions as long as you promise to take care of them and leave no trace. The Northern Michigan community is incredibly active and values the Leave No Trace principles. In addition to the natural beauty within walking distance from your site, the area has countless trails, paths and parks to explore. We are happy to provide additional recommendations based on your interests through email or upon your arrival. Bayside Base Camp is located 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, a short 45 minute drive from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, 50 minutes from Leland and 15 minutes from Old Mission Peninsula. Guests will be responsible for disposing of their trash items in the designated trash bin on site. There is one parking spot in our driveway and you will need to walk back to your tent site. There is a home within view of your site, but it is a seldomly used vacation home. The walk will take less than one minute to get back to your tent site from the driveway. We are beyond excited to share our property with you and welcome you to our little slice of paradise in Northern Michigan.

Wildwood Berry Patch

100%

(1)

26mi from Charlevoix · 10 sites · Tents · Alanson, MI

This land is great for people who are passing thru and need a spot to stay a night, Orv and dirt bike trails about a 1/2 mile from property. There is a big horseback trail that butts up against the property called Wildwood trails. Also a very quiet area with only 1 house across the road. There will be a lot of raspberries come fall all over the property

RGarges UpNorth Chalet!

100%

(1)

24mi from Charlevoix · 1 site · Lodging · Alanson, MI

Learn more about this land:Fabulous Glamping Chalet/ Saltbox style Getaway! I also have a Fabulous 31 foot Vintage Airstream on the property that can be rented separately for your second group! If it's available at the same time Seasonal only. Chalet has 3 Bedrooms. 2 full bathrooms Bedroom 1 = 1 full bed , 1 twin. Second Floor Bedroom 2 =1 Queen UpNorth Log Bed, 1 twin bed log bed Second Floor Bedroom 3 1 Awesome UpNorth Log Canopy Full Bed first floor Reading nook with 1 Twin Bed. Cute and small. No door. No Closet. Second floor Full Living room, kitchen, dining room and deck with amazing views! If you book the chalet I and my Newfoundland dog Bacchus and my cat Tigger will most likely be camping in the Airstream seasonally or in my basement for the duration of your stay! I have a separate entrance down there and bathroom, bedroom ,kitchen area.

Public campgrounds near Charlevoix

100%

(11)

Lake Michigan Campground

48mi from Charlevoix · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Brevoort Lake Campground

50mi from Charlevoix · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Stories from the community

B

Ben

2 weeks ago

19 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

Nice private little spot. Host gave good instructions on how to get there and the property was great if you want a minimal campsite + a fire pit.

B

Brigitte

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jackson Station Leelanau

Cozy and well cared for site. Would highly recommend!

T

Terra

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

I loved tent camping on this property. The area is very nice and the tools in the shed came in very handy! The night sky and view during the day time was beautiful. There’s some trails on the property that made exploring so much fun! Thank you so much for letting us stay on your property.

t

tim

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Motorcycle Tent Camp

Ted is an incredibly wonderful person. Everything about his place is wonderful and his hospitality goes above and beyond expectation. I will definitely be back and will encourage others to visit as well. You don't meet very many people like this guy, and when you do, not only do you find a great place to camp but you also find a friend as well.

Great views of round lake, and slivers of Elk lake, and Torch lake

T

Tess

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sherwood Forest

Great host! Lovely spot with beautiful native grasses, fire pits, national forest, and owls at night! We loved staying here - Tess and Fi

N

Nicole

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to pineleaf.

We had an amazing weekend! Tim is such a great host!

S

Sean

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Motorcycle Tent Camp

Great spot to camp while on a long motorcycle tour. Ted was prompt with his communication. His site has everything you need. Power for charging your phone, an outdoor shower, a table with a couple chairs next to a fire ring and a clean porta-potty. If you don’t feel like cooking ride into Boyne City and go to Santé. The food was excellent.

E

Ellie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Brown Family Farm

Great private camping spot. We scheduled very last minute and Dillon was helpful and flexible!

I

Ivan A.

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Jackson Station Leelanau

I loved tent camping on Sarah's land! The views were beautiful and directions were clear. There was another site nearby but it wasn't loud.

A

Angela

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

Very informative and helpful host! Directions were easy to follow. Place was very secluded, you have it all to yourself and even has a flushing toilet- AMAZING.

Al

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at pineleaf.

This site is definitely away from it all. Great place to relax in nature. Tim is a awesome host. He came out to bring some wood, and we ended up doing a 2hr session during the rain. The care package made for a great night. Would definitely recommend this site.

J

John

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Motorcycle Tent Camp

Peaceful and quiet, shower, dry firewood. Felt like family after spending 4 nites. Ted and Rox were Very cordial and good company for a solo camper. Bootsie the cat was a nice surprise too, she Will sit and keep you company. Occasional zoomies for laughs. I will be back again!! 5/5

P

Pete

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Jackson Station Leelanau

The site is very nice and clean. The farm food is fantastic! Great area to explore and a good central location for glen lake and sleeping bear dunes

S

SuperTrucker

September 2025

Weekend Trip to pineleaf.

Timothy was a great host. Very resonspive. Cabin was very clean and well stocked with essentials. Port a potty by the cabin was also very clean. Should highly recommend and we will go back again

L

Linda

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

Nice little area hidden away to camp in and close to Torch Lake. Some of the markers are falling off the trees but could still find the path to the fire pit. The map the owner sent helped tremendously!

J

Jeff

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

We tent camped for two nights and had a wonderful time! The site seems very remote yet is only a ten minute drive into town. There is a scenic two-track off the dirt road back to the large, flat site that makes it feel like there is no one around for miles (and there aren’t). The star gazing was awesome and the quiet stream that runs through the site was so peaceful. Our host was also very helpful and available. We loved every minute!

view of camp entry and site #4 from the farm road

K

Katelyn

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jackson Station Leelanau

My husband and I love this place!! Would highly recommend! The owners take great care of it and seem to always be looking for ways to upgrade. This was our third year in a row coming here. We love how close it is to the mountain biking trails at Palmer woods. And an easy quick drive to bohemian beach (2 min drive) which is never very busy.

E

Elizabeth

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jackson Station Leelanau

We had a wonderful time camping here! The grounds are very well maintained and impressively clean, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We especially loved how secluded our site felt—quiet, private, and surrounded by nature, exactly what we were hoping for in a camping trip. The only small issue we ran into was that the site number had fallen off the tree, which made it a little confusing to find at first. Once we were settled in, though, everything was perfect. Overall, it’s a beautiful spot for anyone looking for a peaceful and well-kept camping experience. I would say the only downside to camping here is there is not a picnic table on site.

E

Erin

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brown Family Farm

Beautiful location. Could only see trees from our site. Great tent camping.