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Camping near Gaylord

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Looking for the best camping near Gaylord? 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 Gaylord.

98% (2K) 5,289 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Gaylord

Hammerhead Shark Ranch

1. Hammerhead Shark Ranch

100%
(21)
5.9mi from Gaylord · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: We are located on 25 acres of Pine forest. We have a micro farm where we grow specialty berries. Luxurious rainhead shower in a modern bathroom located in our main retreat building close to your campsite. Firewood available at your campsite free. Across the road is a large lake. I offer onsite massage therapy and other spa treatments, red light therapy and infra red sauna for an additional fee. Hiking trails are located throughout our property. We are 15 minutes from downtown with numerous restaurants, breweries and wineries in the region. We also offer yoga depending on our work schedule as we are a working farm.
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Campfires
Showers
Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

2. Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

100%
(220)
9.7mi from Gaylord · 1 site · Tent, RV
If you are looking to connect with nature, we think you'll love Camp 437. Currently we are offering our property solely to you! As our only guests you will enjoy a very private, secluded experience at our 40 acre camp. Our property is undeveloped, so you will need to bring your own drinking water, but there's no need to worry about finding firewood before you arrive as we supply you with all you need. Be sure to bring along your water shoes because our wooded trails will guide you right to the river's edge where you can enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the West Branch of the Sturgeon River, with no roads or houses in sight! This is also a great spot for stargazing and to watch the perseids meteor shower. For your convenience, a short walk from your campsite is a spacious rain shelter that includes 2 picnic tables, extra chairs, solar lights, and lots of books and games for rainy days. There's also a swing, a hammock, and a charcoal grill available. Please note, Camp 437 is completely off grid and offers a primitive camping experience; you will be in direct contact with nature and it might feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, yet the convenience of the village of Vanderbilt is just three miles away. Please be aware that with rustic camping brings unique experiences, such as our 3 sided, open air pit toilets made from repurposed materials. We are located just three miles off of I-75 and the larger city of Gaylord is only a 15 minute drive south. There's lots to do here in beautiful Northern Michigan... only a few miles from our camp you can go for a swim at Thumb Lake Park or take a bike ride along the North Central State Trail in Vanderbilt. Drive 15 minutes north and you can canoe or kayak the main branch of the Sturgeon River in Wolverine. There are many great hiking trails in the Pigeon River State Forest and the North Country National Scenic Trail is only 6 miles away.
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Woodhaven

3. Woodhaven

100%
(10)
19mi from Gaylord · 1 site
40 acres of serene peaceful woods. This sight is restricted to trailers and motor homes with fully functional bathrooms. There are no toilet or shower facilities here. This sight is full hookup. Near many crystal clear sand bottom lakes with the nearest being 3/4 miles from your sight. There are trails and routes for all off-road vehicles less than a mile away as well as ice cream and gas for all your motorized toys. 🌲 Your Perfect Getaway Starts Here! Looking for the ideal spot to park your 5th wheel and unwind in nature? We have a spacious, full-hookup site designed with larger rigs in mind— a level pad and plenty of room to relax under the stars with your 5th wheel or motor home. Our property is 40 acres of woods, peace, and quiet to enjoy nature in Mancelona, Michigan. There is a home on the property, however it is vacant so you will have privacy. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors with all the comforts of home. Whether you're here for a weekend retreat or an extended stay, our campground site offers: ✅ Full 30/50 AMP hookup ✅ Water and sewer connection ✅ Shaded lot and scenic views ✅ Pet-friendly space ✅ ️Fire pit with seasoned wood ✅️ Picnic table ✅ Nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, ATV trails, Jet skiing, Kayaking, Canoeing, and local attractions
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Full hookups
Otsego Lake State Park

4. Otsego Lake State Park

State park 6.3mi from Gaylord · 156 sites
Discover Otsego Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hartwick Pines State Park

5. Hartwick Pines State Park

100%
(1)
State park 19mi from Gaylord · 101 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Hartwick Pines State Park.
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Silverleaf

6. Silverleaf

93%
(15)
19mi from Gaylord · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Named after a hilltop of poplar trees visible from the front of the property, Silverleaf is a relaxing and serene camping area perfect for appreciating all that Northern Michigan nature has to offer, while still being close to nearby entertainment and dining. Summer offers grassy fields and lush green treetops, long summer nights, big skies for stargazing, and plenty of wild berries--strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are plentiful depending on the season. In the winter, appreciate the crunchy frozen landscape and the contrast of dark sleeping hardwood forests against the snow-covered sparkling rolling hills. Choose a campsite near the road in the wide open meadow for easy access to nearby amenities. If you prefer more privacy, follow either driveway to the valley for a cozy spot to set up camp. Or follow a trail and choose a backcountry site in the forest. The front 8 acre parcel is available for camping. There are 52 adjacent acres that are owned by a land conservancy and available to explore, forage, and hike. The property is located 5 minutes to Boyne City, with access to outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, or cook at your campsite. In winter, Boyne Mountain is very close or stay on the property for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Pets
pineleaf.

7. pineleaf.

100%
(66)
20mi from Gaylord · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
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Campfires
Rooster Ridge

8. Rooster Ridge

100%
(10)
21mi from Gaylord · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Come relax on our 20 acres of wooded paradise, surrounded by thousands of acres of State land. You can enjoy any of our well maintained campsites in peace and quiet! We offer a common area with games, bathroom facilities, hand washing station, picnic tables, and a gas grill for cooking. We have four campsites available and each site has a fire pit and cooking grate. We have 2 tent only sites, one site that'll fit a pop-up camper and/or a tent, and a fourth that will fit a tent, pop-up, or camper/RV. One of our sites is very remote and is walk-in only, so we do provide wheeled carts to make hauling your gear easy! The other 3 allow for vehicle access. Stop by our storefront for firewood, fresh organic chicken eggs, local honey, and more for purchase. You can also find wild strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries during the spring/summer months. We are dog friendly, but all pets must be on a leash at all times, to respect other campers. With the maps provided, feel free to walk our cut trails that wind throughout the property. Enjoy the serenity of our rippling creek, and watch for wildlife such as grouse, deer, bear, bobcat, elk, and more! We do raise pheasants for release, so don't be shocked if you spook one up on the trail! You can also hit the public trails next door on State Land and walk for miles and miles. We are only 4.4 miles to and from I75, with easy access to Gaylord, Petoskey, Mackinac, and just down the road from downtown Wolverine and Indian River. Check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566756576617 *Note: Tents are not provided. Used for staging purposes in photos only.
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Motorcycle Tent Camp

9. Motorcycle Tent Camp

100%
(43)
22mi from Gaylord · 2 sites
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.
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Toilets
Young State Park

10. Young State Park

State park 23mi from Gaylord · 243 sites
Discover Young State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Clear Lake State Park MI

11. Clear Lake State Park MI

100%
(2)
State park 25mi from Gaylord · 178 sites
Discover Clear Lake State Park MI: A Haven for Nature Lovers.
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Showers
Burt Lake State Park

12. Burt Lake State Park

50%
(3)
State park 26mi from Gaylord · 306 sites
Discover Burt Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Huron-Manistee National Forests

13. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%
(29)
National forest 50mi from Gaylord · 938 sites
You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.
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Wildwood Harbor Hideaway Boyne City

14. Wildwood Harbor Hideaway Boyne City

100%
(10)
22mi from Gaylord · 1 site · Tent, RV
The site is at the back of my personal property of 20 acres. 2453 Wildwood Harbor Road. It is a quiet, peaceful spot that is only minutes to Boyne City town. There is a firepit at the site with a sign Wildwood Harbor Hideaway. There is no electricity or water but all the firewood you need! Please feel free to take some downed wood with you when you go. Only one mile from Boyne City town center, we are super close to all the festivals and events that Boyne City hosts, like 4th of July, Boyne Thunder, Stroll the Streets, Pirate Festival and live music everywhere. We are also only five minutes to Young State Park that has RV water and waste facilities, a beautiful beach and showers. We are surrounded by great hiking, golfing, wineries and only minutes away from top-tier mountain biking. There is nearby access to boat launches, kayaking, fishing and more. Also great for an Autumn getaway. You'll be surrounded by color! Petoskey - 20 minutes Charlevoix - 30 minutes Harbor Springs - 40 minutes Gaylord - 40 minutes
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Picnic table
Kruz Camping

15. Kruz Camping

93%
(37)
22mi from Gaylord · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Potable water
Camp Chill AF!

16. Camp Chill AF!

100%
(23)
25mi from Gaylord · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
There are 5 secluded sites on 15 acres of woods and open land. Easy access to each site. Large communal campfire area with firewood available on site or very nearby. Campsites do have their own firepits if desired. A camper is set up for restroom use and there is a hose available for water. There is Disk Golf, a horseshoe pit, Yard Darts and Corn Hole available to play. Centrally located to several attractions! Manistee Lake is about 2 miles away, Manistee River is just 15 mins away, a slow meandering river. Great for a lazy day floating on a tube, kayaking and canoeing. The infamous Torch Lake and River is about 20 mins away. Equally beautiful Elk Lake along with the beaches of Lake Michigan. Traverse City and Gaylord are 35 mins away and historic Grayling is about 25 mins away. The mighty Mackinac Bridge is just 50 mins away. Visit the quaint Mackinac Island and pick up some of the famous fudge! Leetsville ORV trail head is a little over 6 miles away for ORV enthusiasts. Three golf courses within 9 miles. Cherry Street Market is 9 miles away for a large array of fresh local fruits, vegetables and flowers. Garden art and more! 13 Ski Resorts within an hr or less, mostly less. There are so many things to see and do year around here in beautiful Northern Michigan!
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Electrical hookup
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Bear River Retreat

17. Bear River Retreat

96%
(14)
25mi from Gaylord · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Peaceful setting on Bear River,5 campsites total. Great for small campers and tents, very spacious lots. All sites have grill, fire ring, picnic table, garbage can. Minutes from downtown petoskey, nature and bike trails, great unique dining in town, grocery stores within 2 miles, Lake Michigan and waterfront some of the favorites, 35 minutes from the mackinaw bridge
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RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

18. RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

98%
(84)
26mi from Gaylord · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
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Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

19. Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

98%
(66)
26mi from Gaylord · 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!
Pets
Full hookups
Trail 76 Private Campground

20. Trail 76 Private Campground

98%
(31)
26mi from Gaylord · 1 site · Tent, RV
Trail 76 Private Campground Remodeled old school camper is now available to add to your stay, bring your friends without a camper to the fun! (Book at checkout) Includes 2 full hook-up sites, water/sewer/electric 20/30/50 amp When you book the site, you are renting the entire 6 acre campground Get a group of friends and stay at this private campground all to yourselves Pets allowed Outdoor shower/outhouse 8x40’ Storage container for guests to use as they please, store offroad vehicle or use as a patio to keep you out of the weather Secluded 6 wooded acres at end of private drive 1000s of acres of State land nearby Plenty of parking for extra trucks/trailers/friends with tents 2 miles Manistee lake boat access/beach/park Ride directly to Groomed Trail 76 for snowmobiles/sxs/dirtbikes Awesome hiking trails at upper manistee headwaters 10 minutes Grandview golf course* Timberwolf golf course Twinbirch golf course 15 minutes Shel-haven canoe/tubing rental 30 minutes Turtle creek casino Torch lake Shanty creek 45 minutes Traverse city Higgins lake Boyne
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Full hookups

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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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