The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Houghton Lake, Michigan

Looking for a luxurious camping experience by the river near Houghton Lake, Michigan? Hipcamp offers over 211 options for glamping and river activities in this area, with prices ranging from $20 to $70 per night. Check out top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets, showers, and trash facilities, while swimming, whitewater paddling, and snow sports are among the popular activities to enjoy. Book your glamping getaway now!

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Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a luxurious camping experience by the river near Houghton Lake, Michigan? Hipcamp offers over 211 options for glamping and river activities in this area, with prices ranging from $20 to $70 per night. Check out top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets, showers, and trash facilities, while swimming, whitewater paddling, and snow sports are among the popular activities to enjoy. Book your glamping getaway now!

100% (393)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

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(93)

37mi from Houghton Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Wedgewood, MI

Hardwood and conifer upland forest w old growth white pine. Rolling terrain with lowland conifer w beaver ponds and wetlands. Trails for hiking or atv riding. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of roadless state forest pretty much inaccessible to most public. On a small tributary to the Pine River, that turns into a canoe/kayak/trout stream a couple miles downstream.

2. The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

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(148)

38mi from Houghton Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · Beaverton, MI

This property was once part of an 80 acre farm. It has now grown into a mature forest with deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, many types of songbirds and most recently a family of sandhill cranes. Our most recent improvement is an air conditioner in the Crow's Nest. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property. No discharge of firearms is allowed on this property. As a retired artist, we love to entertain creative peaceful people and many think of our place as a quiet sanctuary that encourages creativity. We provide games, both outdoor and indoor, a screen house, hammock, nature trails and a new camp store with local items and snacks. There is an Amish community close by and a tour map is provided. We are also close to the largest canopy walk in the US at Whiting Forest and Dow Gardens. Only 25 minutes away. There is a small water park in the closest town with a beach. Locally there is tubing and canoeing at the Cedar River in Gladwin and kayaking at Pinconning Park on Saginaw Bay. Guests can explore many antique shops as well as Pinconna and Northwoods Outlet store. Many of our campers never leave the property but choose to relax and watch the life of the forest. We provide linens, towels, and cookware. There is a grill outside and a microwave and oven inside along with a coffee maker and mini fridge.

3. Air & Sun Acres

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(29)

42mi from Houghton Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Leroy, MI

Tucked back in the woods of North Western Michigan. A turn down a two-track driveway takes you into a simpler world. Conveniently located, our cabins are rustic, beautiful, and timeless. Enjoy the solitude and peace not far from local amenities. We live here on the land and strive to share its beauty with you. Need some more room to spread out? Interested in hosting a retreat? We share our land and scenic walking trails with neighbors MorningStar Adventures. They offer additional cabins within walking distance for larger groups seeking connection with the land. Learn more about this land: As an Eco-spiritual retreat center, we encourage our guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Walk the trails or labyrinth on our 35 acres or those on the neighboring 90 acres. We share the opportunities to wander with our friends to the south for a seamless experience for our guest and theirs. A second larger labyrinth, medicine wheel and wailing wall are also on the property to the south. Overall 125 acres of woods, creek, gardens and places to wander await you. The Fred Meijer White Pine Linear State Park is only a few steps away an is a paved path way of over 90 miles stretching from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Plan a bike excursion and stay here half way! No hunting or fireworks iallowed on the property.

4. Yurt Hunting

42mi from Houghton Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Le Roy, MI

80 acres for hunting with 20 acres being open field. 12 blinds 2 stands with a Yurt. No water but have electricity. Ponds, streams and much more. Lots of activity caught on camera. We have 6 cameras throughout. Bucks are moving along with Does. If you love hunting or just want to clamp this property it for you.

5. Muddy Maple Homestead

18mi from Houghton Lake · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Marion, MI

10 acres off the Muskegon River and ORV trails between Leota and Temple. You can pitch a tent or stay in our rustic cabin. At night, sit by the fire and listen to the woods while gazing at the stars. We’re within a 5-minute (or less) drive to great tubing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing spots along the river and nearby public lands for hunting. Our property borders the river — it’s just across the creek and through the woods if you’re up for a little adventure! Campfire wood is provided for all campers. A clean outhouse is available for campers use.

6. Tree Huggers Haven

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(7)

39mi from Houghton Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Kalkaska, MI

Wilderness Lite, 38 acres of highland Maples and rustic river front Cedars. The property includes rolling terrain with walking trails. Rustic camping in the comfort of a16’x10’ charming insulated Amish cabin with king size sleeping loft. Bring your rustic camping gear but leave the tent at home. Perhaps best of all you’ll be less than 2 miles from a gas station/ party store for your convenience.

7. Torch Lake Stays

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(8)

46mi from Houghton Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · Alden, MI

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.

8. C & A Adventure

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(27)

24mi from Houghton Lake · 3 sites · Lodging · Bear Lake, MI

Chad and I are long-time residents of Kalkaska County. We are also avid kayakers, runners, and overall nature enthusiasts. We are blessed with an amazing property on the North Branch of the Manistee River! It isn't the main branch of the Manistee River, BUT it flows right into it and offers so much more privacy, quietness, and peacefulness. With the 8 acres, it's perfect for glamping camping! The amazing bath house is furnished with a roomy shower, toilet and sink. It also contains a kitchenette with a large sink, microwave, small refrigerator and breakfast table. Plug in your cell phones as well to recharge for the next day’s adventure! Coffee, spices, popcorn and breakfast treats may also be available :)

Camper favorites near Houghton Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Yurt Hunting

42mi from Houghton Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Le Roy, MI

80 acres for hunting with 20 acres being open field. 12 blinds 2 stands with a Yurt. No water but have electricity. Ponds, streams and much more. Lots of activity caught on camera. We have 6 cameras throughout. Bucks are moving along with Does. If you love hunting or just want to clamp this property it for you.

Muddy Maple Homestead

18mi from Houghton Lake · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Marion, MI

10 acres off the Muskegon River and ORV trails between Leota and Temple. You can pitch a tent or stay in our rustic cabin. At night, sit by the fire and listen to the woods while gazing at the stars. We’re within a 5-minute (or less) drive to great tubing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing spots along the river and nearby public lands for hunting. Our property borders the river — it’s just across the creek and through the woods if you’re up for a little adventure! Campfire wood is provided for all campers. A clean outhouse is available for campers use.

Tree Huggers Haven

100%

(7)

39mi from Houghton Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Kalkaska, MI

Wilderness Lite, 38 acres of highland Maples and rustic river front Cedars. The property includes rolling terrain with walking trails. Rustic camping in the comfort of a16’x10’ charming insulated Amish cabin with king size sleeping loft. Bring your rustic camping gear but leave the tent at home. Perhaps best of all you’ll be less than 2 miles from a gas station/ party store for your convenience.

Torch Lake Stays

100%

(8)

46mi from Houghton Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · Alden, MI

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.

C & A Adventure

100%

(27)

24mi from Houghton Lake · 3 sites · Lodging · Bear Lake, MI

Chad and I are long-time residents of Kalkaska County. We are also avid kayakers, runners, and overall nature enthusiasts. We are blessed with an amazing property on the North Branch of the Manistee River! It isn't the main branch of the Manistee River, BUT it flows right into it and offers so much more privacy, quietness, and peacefulness. With the 8 acres, it's perfect for glamping camping! The amazing bath house is furnished with a roomy shower, toilet and sink. It also contains a kitchenette with a large sink, microwave, small refrigerator and breakfast table. Plug in your cell phones as well to recharge for the next day’s adventure! Coffee, spices, popcorn and breakfast treats may also be available :)

Stories from the community

S

Sara

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Air & Sun Acres

We had another great time relaxing at the cabin & walking around the forest paths! Can’t recommend Krista’s property enough!

H

Heidi

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

We loved camping at Rick’s! The cabin was well stocked with spices, flashlights, cozy and nice bedding. Rick resupied firewood for us and pointed out the trails to explore. The view from the cabin porch was beautiful with lots of colorful trees. The firepit was huge and we used the grates to cook over the fire. We’re coming back next summer!

Oliver

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

The Crow's Nest is a relaxing and beautiful place to stay. This was our second visit. The cabin is simple yet had everything we needed. The hosts ensure that you get to experience everything - there is a private walking trail, fire material, an outdoor grill, and much more.

C

Captain

October 2025

1 night at The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

The Crow’s Nest is such a cute and wonderful getaway from the rest of the world. Beautiful wooded property, a lovely walking trail, and a personal fire ring. I was delighted when I arrived and my partner and I were both saddened when it was time to leave. I highly recommend the location. I will absolutely be returning!!

jaime

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Rick's place was such a gift. There were so many signs of thoughtfulness and insight into his prepared mind. Not only was the cabin equipped w/ basics but he also offers extras such as raincoats, hammocks, and what not. The property is well cared for, he has beautifully growing plants on the front porch The outhouse was actually nice, well stocked, and it was clean! The cabin too, was very clean, cleanest tiny cabin in woods I've seen yet! I like how he designed and decorated the cabin, it felt much bigger than it was. The framed bear art was so enjoyable to look at, each time I'd find something I hadn't before. It was like a mix between a Hieronymus Bosch piece and a teddy bears picnic! I highly recommend, he's a really nice easy going guy, pleasant to communicate with.

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Bree

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Air & Sun Acres

The view and bubbling of the brook in the backyard was charming to say the least. In mid-Oct. the wood stove kept us comfortably warm. The furnished kitchen, updated fridge, running cold water sink, and stovetop made meal time smooth. We appreciated the convenience of having home cooked meals made easily. For fairly avid hikers, we LOVED the trails around the property. We hiked for about 2 hours in our short trip and the dirt morning star path was great. Easy elevation changes, superb views of the colorful fall leaves, few and far between encounters with other hikers, and serene nature as far as the eye can see. Accessing the cabin with our SUV was easy despite a 2 track back. Cell service was decent. WiFi was a little slow and low signal but worked. Lots of blankets, lamps, and warmth to make a cozy retreat. Since we were hoping to have a relaxing weekend with minimal screen time, this was just what we needed. The full bed upstairs was comfortable, not too squeaky, and is nicely placed by windows to oversee the brook. We have a young dog that was able to manage the ladder/small steps up to the loft; however, I’d be very cautious if I had a senior dog. We brought a runner lead for our dog in the back yard which was a great way to keep him leashed with a little freedom to roam. Will happily go back (either to this cabin or try another on the acres). Host was thoughtful, eager to help, and communicative. Friendly and welcoming overall.

A

Alan

October 2025

2 nights at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Budget friendly Paradise,if you like secluded lodging and free firewood?

S

Shannon

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Rick's cabin is great and the surrounding land is beautiful and peaceful. This was my 2nd stay at Rick's and I look forward to next year!

B

Brooke

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

Sheila and Jeff were friendly hosts and quick to lend a helping hand. The land was beautiful and relaxing; the cabin, super cozy. I’m already looking forward to staying again!

Mj

October 2025

3 nights at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Wonderful little place! It was perfect! My dog enjoyed some much needed play time off leash. Everything about it was great! We will be back!

R

Rae

October 2025

2 nights at The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

Being nestled in the trees was a cherished respite for us on our Spirit Walk. Sheila and Jeff were on the property to welcome us on arrival which was really nice. Their sweet cat supervised as we settled in. We were visited by chipmunks, squirrels, crows, and deer during our stay. Nice rustic cabin with a warm shower, comfy bed, and composting toilet plus nice kitchen amenities, walking trails, and fire pit. Charming!

A

Anna

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Had another great stay at Rick's cabin! Beautiful woods this time of year. Our dog loves playing with Jack. We all had a nice stay, thank you again!

S

Sydney

September 2025

1 night at Tree Huggers Haven

The Tree Hugger site was perfect for our trip! Todd was a phenomenal host and gave us very clear instructions. The cabin was very cozy and comfortable. The property was gorgeous and so quiet. It was the perfect place to get away for a little while. We’ll definitely be back!

G

Gage

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Crow’s Nest Forest Camp

It was such a a beautiful place it had beautiful paths and lovely scenery. Sheila and Jeff are so nice I'm happy to have been able to come to there home. Me and my boyfriend had a wonderful time. It's the perfect spot to get away from the city. The next time I go I will definitely be staying longer.

K

Keith

September 2025

With pets

9 nights at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

A piece of paradise. The host is very good and of course, his four-legged companion Jax is a big help

M

Mikayla

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Torch Lake Stays

My husband and I had an amazing time. We were welcomed by the hosts who showed us around and had recommendations of restaurants and things to do in the area! They were constantly checking in, making sure we had a great time. The place was clean, quiet, and cozy. It is a great experience for those who enjoy camping but want a cozy bed to sleep in at night. The hosts also made sure we had fire wood each day and cleaned the outhouse every day. Would highly recommend this prosperity, we will be back!

A

Abrianna

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Air & Sun Acres

We stayed in Keefer cabin as a group of old friends and absolutely loved our time there! It was super relaxing - the property is beautiful, and the cabin is charming and intimate. Krista was a great and responsive host :) We will definitely be returning for a visit in the future!

Heather

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

Rick's cabin is so beautiful! He really has built a little slice of heaven in the woods. We had so much fun talking to him and meeting his sweet dog! We loved relaxing on the covered deck watching the fire below dance in the stoic stone firepit. Our son rode his bike and explored all around the trails on Rick's land, we hiked them too. Lots of nature to observe and the smells of the woods were delightful. This cabin was just what we were looking for in a quick family getaway! Rick has a large table for the kitchen counter setup with propane stoves, utensils, and a large glass water jug with an electric pump! The beds on the bunk were really comfortable, and the wood stove was so nice in the early mornings to warm the cabin up. The small dining table was perfect for taking it easy, drinking coffee and gazing out the window at the diverse trees. Rick also has a battery powered fan, and shop vac which were such nice things to have! He provided the firewood for both the outdoor pit and the small wood stove inside. The cabin is also a few miles from Yoder's of Tustin for some groceries, supplies, lots of baked treats and deli items including sandwiches. We drove to see the Pine River and the scenery around the area. Rick is a wonderful host! We will be back!! Thank you, Rick!!

M

Miley

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Air & Sun Acres

Me and my boyfriend had an amazing time at Gabriel’s cabin! It was super cute, loft bed upstairs, a cute kitchenette that was perfect for making breakfast, lunch and dinner! We had such a blast hiking the trials with our two dogs! There is a fire pit that is perfect! The outhouse was the nicest I’ve ever seen! I actually enjoyed the bathtubs/shower outside it was a cool experience and the cold shower was super refreshing! It was a great spot to disconnect from the world and reconnect and just relax! Definitely recommend!

J

John

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

When AI makes a cabin - this is the cabin it is copying. You will be able to walk the land until you are exhausted. Host was great. I would love to see it in snow.