The best waterside campgrounds near Charlevoix, Michigan

In Charlevoix, camping by the water draws in anyone who wants a spot to swim, watch wildlife, or just catch a break from the usual routine. With over 2,300 waterside campsites, you’ll find everything from river bends to lakefront clearings, all with campfires allowed and toilets on site. Prices start at $10 a night, with most sites averaging around $55. Pets are welcome, so bring your dog along for a weekend of snow sports or lazy afternoons by the shore. Regulars rave about Million $ Sunset Camp (187 reviews) for its wide-open views and easy water access, while Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (145 reviews) puts you right by trout streams and wooded trails. Prefer something simple? Just Show Up Camping (132 reviews) lets you roll in and relax—no fuss. If you’re after easy mornings and fresh air by the water, Charlevoix’s campsites make it simple to dive in.

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Charlevoix, camping by the water draws in anyone who wants a spot to swim, watch wildlife, or just catch a break from the usual routine. With over 2,300 waterside campsites, you’ll find everything from river bends to lakefront clearings, all with campfires allowed and toilets on site. Prices start at $10 a night, with most sites averaging around $55. Pets are welcome, so bring your dog along for a weekend of snow sports or lazy afternoons by the shore. Regulars rave about Million $ Sunset Camp (187 reviews) for its wide-open views and easy water access, while Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (145 reviews) puts you right by trout streams and wooded trails. Prefer something simple? Just Show Up Camping (132 reviews) lets you roll in and relax—no fuss. If you’re after easy mornings and fresh air by the water, Charlevoix’s campsites make it simple to dive in.

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

2. Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

98%

(66)

15mi from Charlevoix · 4 sites · RVs · East Jordan, MI

We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st. WE DO NOT OFFER FIREWOOD ANY LONGER! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY OLD MAN'S FIREWOOD. Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. One family per site unless you are booking as a group. Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m. At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities. Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided. You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it! A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay. Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles! Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there). 25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire). This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes. Hiking at its best! Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix). Go shopping or out to eat! 15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast). 25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way). 30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey. 1 hour to Traverse City. Hour and a half to Mackinaw City. Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery! Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!

3. Kruz Camping

93%

(35)

13mi from Charlevoix · 4 sites · Tents · Boyne City, MI

This is a unique piece of property inside of the beautiful. City limits of Boyne city. There is plenty of open space and wetlands for wildlife. This was once a horse farm.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent. Enjoy your walk to the lake nearby. Enjoy wildlife and peaceful vibes at our great property! We are excited to welcome you to visit with us.

4. Burt Lake State Park

50%

(3)

306 sites · Indian River, Michigan

Discover Burt Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Hiawatha National Forest

92%

(32)

513 sites · Chatham, Michigan

This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Charlevoix

50%

(3)

Burt Lake Campground

31mi from Charlevoix · 306 sites · Tents, RVs · in Burt Lake State Park

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

C

Crystal

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kruz Camping

Perfectly fine for a night. Owner is really friendly. Pretty basic but still nice. Not really a campground, more of an open field in someone's backyard. But still perfect for one night and had porta potties and a shower which was really refreshing!

D

Daniel

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

The sites are across the street from Six Mile Lake giving us easy access to the beach and park.

Courtney

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

We had an amazing time camping on Lee’s property! Everything from the clean grassy site, incredible views of the lake, and the location made this a wonderful experience. Lee and her husband were incredibly welcoming and friendly hosts, it was pleasure meeting them, they went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Would definitely recommend and stay here again when in the area.

D

David

July 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

This host has created a comfortable space among the trees in their large backyard. There is a lake nearby for warm weather evening dips, and the grass was luxurious.

T

Todd

July 2025

19 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

Lee's property is along the beautiful Intermediate Lake and while it's not directly on the waterfront, the property sits where the road curves and there's a beautiful, open view of the lake. The designated spot(s) for camping are located out behind the stone house (residence), in a grassy area that butts up to the garage. I believe that there are two spots for camping although I'm not certain how all that works. I would call the area semi-private rather than private since it's mostly in full view of the residence. There are some privacy trees/shrubs that create a bit of separation. It's quiet and peaceful and in my opinion a much better experience than most campgrounds!