The best forest camping near Mackinac Island

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. With over 298 options near Mackinac Island, Michigan, nestled in beautiful forest terrain, you're sure to find the ideal spot for your outdoor adventure. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out House of Bear (179 reviews), Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations. And with activities like wildlife watching, surfing, and boating, you'll never be bored. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $39. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors!

98% (964)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mackinac Island

6. Sugar Inn

47mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Lodging
Don't just taste island living when you can immerse yourself in the middle of the largest island in Lake Michigan. Beaver Island offers remote experiences unlike any other. Explore the trails, inland lakes, and natural habitats around the island or right outside your tent door. The property has multiple trails among maple trees and hemlocks. During the winter, you can attempt to ice skate in the swamp, and in the spring, you can hear maple sap dripping. The "state bird," the mosquito, returns in May, but don’t be deterred — there is still much to explore before the golden fall takes your breath away. The property is located about five miles from Michigan's only International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is also two miles from the Fox Lake boat launch and three miles from Barney's Lake boat launch, two of the island’s best fishing spots. Rental includes (as long as it fits): two pairs of snowshoes, two kayaks, and a canoe with PFDs. A shared flush toilet and hot shower are a short two-minute walk to our residence, which is shared with our family, including a quality mouser (cat) that sometimes goes outside. A wagon or sled will be provided to make the two-minute trek to the tent site. Driving to the site is not permitted or available, especially when the snow flies. We are 1.5 miles from Fresh Air Aviation, 6.0 miles from Island Air, and 6.4 miles from the Beaver Island Boat Company. Please note: planes do not fly in inclement weather, and the ferry is only seasonal. Be prepared to make alternate plans in case you cannot fly over or get stuck on the island for a few extra days. (Yes, this does happen!) Make sure to check the ferry schedule as well. This rental does not provide transportation. Car and bike rentals are available on the island, but be sure to plan ahead, especially in peak season. Cars are permitted on the ferry with advance notice. We can also recommend local “taxi drivers,” as Uber and Lyft are not available on the island. Things to note: There is a grocery store and gas station with limited hours. A health center is on the island for medical emergencies. The property has Verizon service only.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

7. Grateful Acres

94%
(82)
29mi from Mackinac Island · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! *Update* Wifi has been installed at Grateful Acres and is included with each booking. Message me prior to arrival for current password. Also new this year is a small bathroom house with a flush toilet (in season only) located on the back side of campsite #1 for use by all guests. I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available for purchase are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up, Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$51
 / night

8. Full Bucket Farmstead

100%
(26)
26mi from Mackinac Island · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Over 7 acres of gentle sloping meadow with views of Lake Michigan, beside a growing family farm and homestead. Our gently sloped meadow and shady pine grove are perfect for campers seeking more private, quiet camping, and the Upper Room invites you indoors, while enjoying the outdoors. In the pine grove, a freestanding deck overlooks Lake Michigan, with views of Beaver Island and Great Lakes freighters. On clear nights you can glimpse beams from a handful of lighthouses. The pine trees offer shade and protection from weather without blocking the breeze (and the pine duff creates a spectacularly soft ground for sleeping on). Or set up your tent on the hillside--open your flap to Lake Michigan's famous sunsets, or face south to see a blanket of treetops. Near the barn, your RV has a flat spot to park at the base of the "Southern Slope" meadow full of wildflowers and monarch butterflies. For guests wanting more creature comforts, the Upper Room Glamp Apartment has all the amenities--television, queen bed, dry kitchenette, and access to the main house bathroom and shower. All options have access to fire rings and views of countless stars on a clear night. You'll be staying minutes from multiple beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and rock-hunting. Our sites make a great HQ for day trips to Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, or a way-point on Fall Color Tours or drives up the Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The famous Legs Inn and Petoskey Brewing Company's 2nd location are only a mile away, Moose Jaw Junction is close, and one can walk to the Crow's Nest Restaurant. From here, it's only a short drive to downtown Harbor Springs for additional fine dining and shopping. We are a young family of four, starting a family farm, and we are eager to share our homestead with you.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night

15. Lake Huron frontage Campsite

98%
(66)
34mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: Experience breathtaking serenity on this entire 3-acre property, ready and waiting just for you! Electric hookups—including 30-amp, 50 amp, and standard 110V outlets—are now FREE with your nightly stay. There’s a gated, level gravel pad (45x60 feet) perfect for parking your RV or motorhome. Prefer to tent camp? Feel free to set up on the grassy area nearby. A dead-end seasonal private road leads to this secluded spot—please note the road is not plowed during winter. Important: Please park only on the designated gravel pad; parking elsewhere is not allowed. The property has no running water or restrooms, so tent campers, please bring your own portable restroom. Enjoy 232 feet of stunning Lake Huron shoreline where you can relax, play, and soak in the views. Strawberry Island is clearly visible, and you can watch ships come and go right from the shore. Cell service is available on site, check your carrier's map. If you bring your furry friends, be sure to clean up after them. And if you smoke, please don’t toss butts on the ground—you’ll be charged a cleaning fee for cigarette litter.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$57
 / night

16. Yoder Woods

88%
(4)
12mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Yoder Woods! - a forested, private site - 15 minutes from Mackinaw City & all it has to offer! - 15 minutes from Cheboygan & all it has to offer! - In addition to your sleeping accommodations &vehicle, you can bring a trailer (boat/snowmobiling/horse/similar). Please let us know if you plan to. - If you visit in winter we’ll plow - NO facilities. No running water, no showers, no toilet, no electricity. Bring your own or use the US23 roadside park 3 miles north of our site. The roadside park has fresh drinking water from a hand pump & pit toilets, but no showers. Our site is a great rustic experience, but please be aware &prepared for the lack of facilities - private, no close or visible neighbors - pack in/pack out. Please dispose of your human & animal waste properly - animals allowed, but please let us know what animals/how many you’re bringing. There is a water bowl provided. - please keep animals &humans inside the cleared area, do not rummage through the woods for firewood or let pets run in woods - for extra charge/request: bikes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, firewood, cooler, farm eggs from our chickens, etc, let us know what you need! - fire ring provided, please keep fires inside ring &check with local DNR for fire bans or restrictions - Quiet hours: 11 pm - 8 am - Firewood: please don’t rummage around the woods. We have some available for purchase or there are plenty of roadside firewood racks around the area - No fireworks, firearms or hunting - Animals you may see: turtles, coyote, deer, fox, squirrel, rabbits, raccoons, mice, bear, small rodents, birds; eagle, hawk, owls, robin, chickadee, woodpeckers, etc. Please do not disturb wildlife. - trash bin & recycling bin provided - Easy access to US23. We are right off of US23, no need for 4WD - We are located right on the old railroad track that is a bike/pedestrian/snowmobile path (see pictures). There are no motorized wheeled vehicles allowed. This path is well maintained & wonderful for walking, biking, etc. - There is a small shed for storage or private changing area - table & chairs provided (more if requested) Please message with questions! :) We are so excited to share our land with you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$35
 / night

17. 80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
47mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

18. Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

100%
(6)
14mi from Mackinac Island · 3 sites · Lodging
Jasper Moss is a glamping retreat experience located on the remote Bois Blanc Island, Michigan, where you can unplug, rest, retreat and rejuvenate while surrounded by untouched nature. The venue consists of three yurts, an outdoor shower, sink and toilet, and fully screened outdoor kitchen. It is located across the gravel road from Lake Huron, next to a public nature preserve and a 5-minute walk from one of just two restaurants on the island.  The blue and turquoise yurts each have a full-sized bed, a small table and two chairs.  The red yurt has two twin beds. There is basic electric access for a bedside light, fan, and charging of electronics as needed. The outdoor kitchen is fully screened in, and offers basic amenities for communal use, such as a refrigerator, grill, gas burner and griddle, toaster oven, coffee maker, and basic utensils, dishes, pots, and pans.  Revelers will live comfortably close to the Earth and immersed in the diversity of flora, fauna, and geology. Onsite is a separate art studio where we paint, turn wood, and do lapidary art.  Inquire directly to customize your island experience.  Kids and families are welcome. Jasper Moss is located on a private property, owned and operated by a BIPOC LGBTQIA family of 6. Important things to note:  1) You must take a ferry to the island, via Plaunt Transportation, which leaves out of Cheboygan, Michigan 2) Your experience is entirely customizable. It can be booked as a single yurt or the entire venue. Tent sites also available. 3) Want an experience beyond just a yurt rental? Contact us via email at jaspermossretreat@gmail.com and we will help you plan for a great time on the island
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. With over 298 options near Mackinac Island, Michigan, nestled in beautiful forest terrain, you're sure to find the ideal spot for your outdoor adventure. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out House of Bear (179 reviews), Explore the U.P. from here! (157 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly accommodations. And with activities like wildlife watching, surfing, and boating, you'll never be bored. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $39. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the great outdoors!

98% (964)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mackinac Island

6. Sugar Inn

47mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Lodging
Don't just taste island living when you can immerse yourself in the middle of the largest island in Lake Michigan. Beaver Island offers remote experiences unlike any other. Explore the trails, inland lakes, and natural habitats around the island or right outside your tent door. The property has multiple trails among maple trees and hemlocks. During the winter, you can attempt to ice skate in the swamp, and in the spring, you can hear maple sap dripping. The "state bird," the mosquito, returns in May, but don’t be deterred — there is still much to explore before the golden fall takes your breath away. The property is located about five miles from Michigan's only International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is also two miles from the Fox Lake boat launch and three miles from Barney's Lake boat launch, two of the island’s best fishing spots. Rental includes (as long as it fits): two pairs of snowshoes, two kayaks, and a canoe with PFDs. A shared flush toilet and hot shower are a short two-minute walk to our residence, which is shared with our family, including a quality mouser (cat) that sometimes goes outside. A wagon or sled will be provided to make the two-minute trek to the tent site. Driving to the site is not permitted or available, especially when the snow flies. We are 1.5 miles from Fresh Air Aviation, 6.0 miles from Island Air, and 6.4 miles from the Beaver Island Boat Company. Please note: planes do not fly in inclement weather, and the ferry is only seasonal. Be prepared to make alternate plans in case you cannot fly over or get stuck on the island for a few extra days. (Yes, this does happen!) Make sure to check the ferry schedule as well. This rental does not provide transportation. Car and bike rentals are available on the island, but be sure to plan ahead, especially in peak season. Cars are permitted on the ferry with advance notice. We can also recommend local “taxi drivers,” as Uber and Lyft are not available on the island. Things to note: There is a grocery store and gas station with limited hours. A health center is on the island for medical emergencies. The property has Verizon service only.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

7. Grateful Acres

94%
(82)
29mi from Mackinac Island · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! *Update* Wifi has been installed at Grateful Acres and is included with each booking. Message me prior to arrival for current password. Also new this year is a small bathroom house with a flush toilet (in season only) located on the back side of campsite #1 for use by all guests. I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available for purchase are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up, Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$51
 / night

8. Full Bucket Farmstead

100%
(26)
26mi from Mackinac Island · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Over 7 acres of gentle sloping meadow with views of Lake Michigan, beside a growing family farm and homestead. Our gently sloped meadow and shady pine grove are perfect for campers seeking more private, quiet camping, and the Upper Room invites you indoors, while enjoying the outdoors. In the pine grove, a freestanding deck overlooks Lake Michigan, with views of Beaver Island and Great Lakes freighters. On clear nights you can glimpse beams from a handful of lighthouses. The pine trees offer shade and protection from weather without blocking the breeze (and the pine duff creates a spectacularly soft ground for sleeping on). Or set up your tent on the hillside--open your flap to Lake Michigan's famous sunsets, or face south to see a blanket of treetops. Near the barn, your RV has a flat spot to park at the base of the "Southern Slope" meadow full of wildflowers and monarch butterflies. For guests wanting more creature comforts, the Upper Room Glamp Apartment has all the amenities--television, queen bed, dry kitchenette, and access to the main house bathroom and shower. All options have access to fire rings and views of countless stars on a clear night. You'll be staying minutes from multiple beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and rock-hunting. Our sites make a great HQ for day trips to Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, or a way-point on Fall Color Tours or drives up the Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The famous Legs Inn and Petoskey Brewing Company's 2nd location are only a mile away, Moose Jaw Junction is close, and one can walk to the Crow's Nest Restaurant. From here, it's only a short drive to downtown Harbor Springs for additional fine dining and shopping. We are a young family of four, starting a family farm, and we are eager to share our homestead with you.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night

15. Lake Huron frontage Campsite

98%
(66)
34mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: Experience breathtaking serenity on this entire 3-acre property, ready and waiting just for you! Electric hookups—including 30-amp, 50 amp, and standard 110V outlets—are now FREE with your nightly stay. There’s a gated, level gravel pad (45x60 feet) perfect for parking your RV or motorhome. Prefer to tent camp? Feel free to set up on the grassy area nearby. A dead-end seasonal private road leads to this secluded spot—please note the road is not plowed during winter. Important: Please park only on the designated gravel pad; parking elsewhere is not allowed. The property has no running water or restrooms, so tent campers, please bring your own portable restroom. Enjoy 232 feet of stunning Lake Huron shoreline where you can relax, play, and soak in the views. Strawberry Island is clearly visible, and you can watch ships come and go right from the shore. Cell service is available on site, check your carrier's map. If you bring your furry friends, be sure to clean up after them. And if you smoke, please don’t toss butts on the ground—you’ll be charged a cleaning fee for cigarette litter.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$57
 / night

16. Yoder Woods

88%
(4)
12mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Yoder Woods! - a forested, private site - 15 minutes from Mackinaw City & all it has to offer! - 15 minutes from Cheboygan & all it has to offer! - In addition to your sleeping accommodations &vehicle, you can bring a trailer (boat/snowmobiling/horse/similar). Please let us know if you plan to. - If you visit in winter we’ll plow - NO facilities. No running water, no showers, no toilet, no electricity. Bring your own or use the US23 roadside park 3 miles north of our site. The roadside park has fresh drinking water from a hand pump & pit toilets, but no showers. Our site is a great rustic experience, but please be aware &prepared for the lack of facilities - private, no close or visible neighbors - pack in/pack out. Please dispose of your human & animal waste properly - animals allowed, but please let us know what animals/how many you’re bringing. There is a water bowl provided. - please keep animals &humans inside the cleared area, do not rummage through the woods for firewood or let pets run in woods - for extra charge/request: bikes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, firewood, cooler, farm eggs from our chickens, etc, let us know what you need! - fire ring provided, please keep fires inside ring &check with local DNR for fire bans or restrictions - Quiet hours: 11 pm - 8 am - Firewood: please don’t rummage around the woods. We have some available for purchase or there are plenty of roadside firewood racks around the area - No fireworks, firearms or hunting - Animals you may see: turtles, coyote, deer, fox, squirrel, rabbits, raccoons, mice, bear, small rodents, birds; eagle, hawk, owls, robin, chickadee, woodpeckers, etc. Please do not disturb wildlife. - trash bin & recycling bin provided - Easy access to US23. We are right off of US23, no need for 4WD - We are located right on the old railroad track that is a bike/pedestrian/snowmobile path (see pictures). There are no motorized wheeled vehicles allowed. This path is well maintained & wonderful for walking, biking, etc. - There is a small shed for storage or private changing area - table & chairs provided (more if requested) Please message with questions! :) We are so excited to share our land with you!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$35
 / night

17. 80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
47mi from Mackinac Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

18. Island Yurts & Jasper Moss Retreat

100%
(6)
14mi from Mackinac Island · 3 sites · Lodging
Jasper Moss is a glamping retreat experience located on the remote Bois Blanc Island, Michigan, where you can unplug, rest, retreat and rejuvenate while surrounded by untouched nature. The venue consists of three yurts, an outdoor shower, sink and toilet, and fully screened outdoor kitchen. It is located across the gravel road from Lake Huron, next to a public nature preserve and a 5-minute walk from one of just two restaurants on the island.  The blue and turquoise yurts each have a full-sized bed, a small table and two chairs.  The red yurt has two twin beds. There is basic electric access for a bedside light, fan, and charging of electronics as needed. The outdoor kitchen is fully screened in, and offers basic amenities for communal use, such as a refrigerator, grill, gas burner and griddle, toaster oven, coffee maker, and basic utensils, dishes, pots, and pans.  Revelers will live comfortably close to the Earth and immersed in the diversity of flora, fauna, and geology. Onsite is a separate art studio where we paint, turn wood, and do lapidary art.  Inquire directly to customize your island experience.  Kids and families are welcome. Jasper Moss is located on a private property, owned and operated by a BIPOC LGBTQIA family of 6. Important things to note:  1) You must take a ferry to the island, via Plaunt Transportation, which leaves out of Cheboygan, Michigan 2) Your experience is entirely customizable. It can be booked as a single yurt or the entire venue. Tent sites also available. 3) Want an experience beyond just a yurt rental? Contact us via email at jaspermossretreat@gmail.com and we will help you plan for a great time on the island
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field