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Camping near Elk Rapids

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Looking for the best camping near Elk Rapids? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Michigan hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Elk Rapids.

98% (3.3K) 5,255 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Elk Rapids

Griff's Back 40

1. Griff's Back 40

96%
(190)
7.4mi from Elk Rapids · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy a spacious forest getaway on 40 beautiful acres, less than 2 miles from Torch Lake. This property offers plenty of room to spread out, explore, and relax, with a peaceful wooded setting and an open field perfect for stargazing at night. Gather around the campfire, enjoy family time, and take in the simple fun of camping surrounded by nature. You’ll be close to some of Northern Michigan’s favorite spots, including Alden, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids for shopping, exploring, and small-town charm. Nearby places to eat include Johnny’s Riviera, Rapid City Tavern, and Alden Bar. Whether you’re here for Torch Lake adventures, a quiet night under the stars, or a fun family camping trip, this site is a great home base.
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Uraharas On The Hill

2. Uraharas On The Hill

99%
(47)
8.5mi from Elk Rapids · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Uraharas is a music venue that hosts events throughout the summer. We are happy to now open our space to campers on the dates that are not scheduled for events. We hope you enjoy our space as much as we have in creating it! Learn more about this land: *ADULTS ONLY CAMPING*    Set up camp in our little wooded get away at the top of the valley. There are many great things near and many more within a reasonable drive. We are located just three miles from Torch Lake sandbar with several public access sites. Spend the day swimming or rent a kayak or pontoon to further explore. Check out Seven Bridges Nature Area just five miles away. Head over to Short’s Brewery in Bellaire. Take a drive to Turtle Creek Casino and Traverse City in thirty minutes or less. At the end of your exciting day come relax and build a fire in our communal fire pit. Enjoy the colorful sights as we light up the forest at night (weather permitting). Campsites are located in a specific area. You may have camp neighbors not so far away and will not be a guarantee that it’s completely silent or secluded. Please be mindful of one another. We love the sounds of a good time happening but we do ask that after 11 pm weekdays and 12 am weekends that you keep a respectable level. As title says this is camping for ages 18 and up. Front area can accommodate parking for your boat/kayak trailer. Uraharas is an excellent setting to use as larger group camping. If you need bookings for your group beyond the max of the two combined sites please message me for details!
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Bayside Base Camp

3. Bayside Base Camp

100%
(45)
9.3mi from Elk Rapids · 1 site
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.
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Traverse City State Park

4. Traverse City State Park

94%
(16)
State park 13mi from Elk Rapids · 352 sites
Discover Traverse City State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
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Leelanau State Park

5. Leelanau State Park

100%
(9)
State park 21mi from Elk Rapids · 54 sites
Discover Leelanau State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Sherwood Forest

6. Sherwood Forest

98%
(26)
9.5mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Torch Lake Stays

7. Torch Lake Stays

100%
(10)
9.5mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites
Welcome to the Torch Lake Stays, your private streamside hideaway in the north woods, where you can relax alongside the peaceful sounds of the soothing babbling brook. Our off-grid site includes camp stove, solar-powered lighting, fire pit, as well as a separate propane hot water shower house and a composting toilet. Good cell signal (Verizon and more)! Located halfway between Alden on beautiful Torch Lake and Bellaire, with many popular businesses such as Short's Brewing. Stay right in the middle of northwest Michigan where outdoor fun is year-round with summer water sports like the annual Antrim Paddle, autumn color tours, art gallery and winery trips, skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and wildflower / mushrooming, hiking and biking in the Springtime.
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HillCrest

8. HillCrest

100%
(54)
9.8mi from Elk Rapids · 3 sites
Hosting May 22 - mid/Oct My husband Dan and I purchased this property 6 years ago and have totally restored the land, home and barn from its prior condition. Consequently, if you view the various on line satellite images be advised they are out of date and do not reflect the love we have put into our sanctuary. We are retired and live here with our two standard poodles Mila and Indiana. The property is 5 acres, mostly meadow with a maple grove as well as a wooded ravine. We have planted various fruit trees, cherries, apples, peach as well as pears. We also have a small grape and berry patch which is next to our vintage trailer. There is also an old abandoned trail through the forest that makes for a nice walk. Our location is convenient to Traverse City, Alden, Belaire, Kalkaska as well as the equestrian center and the casino in Williamsburg. There are various places to eat/drink within close proximity as well as places to purchase fuel, groceries and liquor. Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas are a convenient drive where you can visit the many vineyards, orchards, shops and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the lake and bays, or shop some of the unique stores and galleries. There are many off road vehicle and bike trails that are not far away as well. As well as boating on beautiful Torch Lake and the chain of lakes. A day trip to Sleeping Bear dunes is well worth the drive. We would be happy to make suggestions on activities, dining, entertainment during your stay. We currently have three sites which are on seperate areas of the property. Lake View site is a Vintage 1985 Avion travel trailer which as been completely renovated with all new systems. It is located with a western view of Lake Skegemog and next to our grape and berry patch in our back yard. Maple Grove site is a new Coachmen Catalina Destination series RV. It is located on the front side of the property next to the maple tree grove. Lavender Lane is located in front of our barn with a view of our small orchard and the forest, close to the walking trail. All our sites are fully outfitted with quality linens, towels, dishes and cooking equipment. All of the units have Air Conditioned and heat. New this year is our chicken coop and run. We (Bill) has always wanted chickens.
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Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

9. Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

98%
(22)
11mi from Elk Rapids · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
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Interlochen State Park

10. Interlochen State Park

89%
(14)
State park 26mi from Elk Rapids · 447 sites
Michigan's first state park established in 1917 cost the Legislature $60,000 for the land.
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Fisherman's Island State Park

11. Fisherman's Island State Park

100%
(8)
State park 26mi from Elk Rapids · 79 sites
Discover the natural allure of Fisherman's Island State Park.
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Young State Park

12. Young State Park

State park 29mi from Elk Rapids · 243 sites
Discover Young State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Electrical hookup
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

13. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

100%
(61)
National park 31mi from Elk Rapids · 211 sites
Sand dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan.
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Elm Valley

14. Elm Valley

100%
(172)
12mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites
I am 4th generation to live on our property. we are very lucky to have been able to keep 20 acres where I grew up. We are surrounded by Cherry orchards and vineyards. There are 4 wineries within a mile and the bike trail in half a mile away Boat launch on Lake Leelanau 3 miles away A boat launch on Grand Traverse Bay is 1/2 a mile awayLearn more about this land:We have a large hard pack gravel area surrounded by rolling hills and lots of trees. Our house is near by with trees in between. There is a good 60 ft between campers and each site has water and 30 amp. Their own fire pit. We are half a mile from the Leelanau Trail. 10 miles into Traverse city. 5 miles to Suttons Bay
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Fieldguide Farmhouse

15. Fieldguide Farmhouse

93%
(40)
13mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Our Backyard

16. Our Backyard

99%
(71)
15mi from Elk Rapids · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
We built our home 31 years ago on 8 acres of hay field. Everything you see on our property was put here by us!! We have had dogs, a couple of horses, cats of course and chickens too. The horses, dogs and chickens are gone but we still have cats...and we have a pond off our deck with about 50 goldfish and a couple dozen frogs!! Our kids are all grown and we are left wondering what is next. For the past 20 years or so we have had at least one or two camp outs a year on our property with just friends. Then we started thinking "why not invite others?" We know how difficult it can be to get camping reservations in the area....then I bumped into a Hipcamp Host who told me about this.... so here we are! We are animal and nature lovers and our gardens are here for you to enjoy. We'd love to give you a tour and tell you all about every plant if you are interested. Or we will ignore you and let you do your own thing in our 'backyard'! We offer rustic boondocks camping or set up nearer to our buildings and we can supply you with power....110, 30 and 50 available for a small extra charge Welcome to Traverse City and welcome to Camp David!! I have a Facebook page with lots of fun and interesting things to do and see as well as great restaurant recommendations for Traverse City and beyond, on my travel page...Towhead Travels....on Facebook. Please look me up! We have a porta potty on site and firewood (mostly oak) is available to purchase when you get here. (all campsites will be provided with a fire ring, a 5 gal bucket of water, and kindling no charge) https://m.facebook.com/100057592452231/
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JCs Ooasis

17. JCs Ooasis

95%
(20)
17mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
26 acres of forest, wetlands, pasture, creeks, and a pond. We are a working farm: raising goats, and chickens. We live on site. We are also a County destination as a Petting Farm by appointment; providing personalized and private tours of our farm. Home to dogs, cats, miniature pigs, miniature horse and donkey, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, goats, rabbits, a small cow, and guinea pigs, & more The camp site is tucked in off the main road nearly 300 feet but accessed from our driveway. It is a 45 x 15' gravel pad behind a row of trees that runs parallel to the drive. If you park facing west your doors will be facing an old growth forest in which lies a beautiful sandy bottom creek that flows in to Lake Leelanau. We provide an off-the-ground fire pit. Wood is available for purchase at the roadside stand. When the chickens are laying we have fresh eggs available as well for sale. Potable water is available at the barn. We do provide a porta potty at the barn, as well as, filtered well water at the barn. Wineries, water, and distilleries abound in every direction. Many are within walking and biking distance. The farm is walking distance to Lake Leelanau and Schneider township park. Walking/hiking trails are available throughout the property and nearby areas. Provemont Pond which lies across M-204 is a lovely natural area with many trails. Shopping or rock hunting in historic Fishtown, aka, Leland is 6 minutes by car, a bit longer by bike. We are just minutes to several Lake Michigan beaches, Suttons Bay and Northport. Drive 25 minutes to Traverse City to the Southeast or 33 minutes Southwest to Sleeping Bear Dune climb and the quaint village of Empire. Lots to enjoy for the foodies as well. Aside from the many wineries and distilleries, you can find Nittollos italian fare and stone fired pizza. Dicks Pour House where all the locals go, and Fiddleheads which features many local farm foods in their pop-up weekend menus. In Leland you can dine at The Cove, or Leland Lodge. For quick bites try The Sandwich Shoppe and Carlsons smoked fish during the late spring/summer/early fall times. Fischers Happy Hour on hour way to Northport has the best broasted chicken around. And the VI Grille in Suttons Bay has enough delicious appetizers you could make a meal.
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Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

18. Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

98%
(66)
17mi from Elk Rapids · 4 sites
We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1 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!
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Full hookups
Shade Tree Haven

19. Shade Tree Haven

96%
(12)
18mi from Elk Rapids · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in Traverse City, MI we have lakes and hiking trails within biking or walking distance. Store and Ice cream shop also in walking distance. We share quiet areas here with friends and family. We have a community fire pit in the evenings. Grill available upon request. We have a peaceful mini chicken farm. Child Friendly. We are the only camping destination in Traverse City, MI.
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Secluded Hidden Gem in Leelanau CO

20. Secluded Hidden Gem in Leelanau CO

100%
(12)
19mi from Elk Rapids · 1 site
When we bought our land 7 years ago, it was on old apple orchard turned vineyard. In the time since, we have put our all into it to build a home and create a forever homestead to raise our family. To us, it’s the greatest place on Earth. We absolutely love where we live and think you will too!Learn more about this land:Newly built tiny house 2 miles south of Northport. Nestled in the woods overlooking a pond and surrounded by an organic vineyard/farm. Short walk to organic winery, 5 minute drive to quaint town of Northport, 15 minutes to Leland and Fishtown, and 20 minutes to Sutton’s Bay. The tiny house sleeps 2 on a queen sized bed in loft and another 2 on a futon on main floor. All linens are included. The kitchen is equipped with refrigerator/freezer, 2 burner hot plate, electric skillet, and coffee maker. There is water in the tiny house, but there is not a toilet or shower inside. A portable restroom is located right outside.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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