The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Mackinaw City, Michigan

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Mackinaw City, Michigan with a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 140 options available, you're sure to find the ideal campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're into boating, horseback riding, or biking, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), House of Bear (179 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pets, showers, and campfires. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable!

96% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Mackinaw City, Michigan with a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 140 options available, you're sure to find the ideal campsite for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're into boating, horseback riding, or biking, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Camp Moonshadow (246 reviews), House of Bear (179 reviews), and Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (100 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pets, showers, and campfires. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable!

96% (440)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fern Gully Ranch, Jordan Valley MI

75%

(4)

48mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · East Jordan, MI

Located on Deer Creek, you will have access to nearly 15 wooded acres! You are experiencing Northern Michigan’s finest! The property goes across the creek to Sloop road, so you are more than welcome to explore the forests and wetlands. Please do not trespass on adjacent properties. This campsite gives you direct access to M-32, which leads to 131, M66, Charlevoix, Petoskey, East Jordan, Traverse City, Mackinaw City, Mackinaw Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, etc. The beautiful fern, filled property is rustic to a T! Outhouse on site, newly planted fruit trees on site, very rustic, serene, beautiful, access to the Milky Way, and meteoroid showers. One mile from launch into South Arm of Lake Charlevoix, and less than 0.5 mile to Jordan River Rogers Road access. Beautiful and peaceful area. Located in Lake Charlevoix Watershed Area. Visit some of the local beautiful farms such as Friske's, Lavendar Hill, local farmers markers, and vineyards! There is a casino located in Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan as well as Mackinaw, and are a short drive away! Take a jump off the breakwall, or visit the newest bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort, just a stone's throw away! Relax in peace, the woods, and enjoy a little slice of heaven. There is no electricity, running water, or trash services. Please pack in, pack out. Please do not leave discarded or broken beer or alcohol bottles on property. There are over 30 fruit trees on site, from Black Pearl and Bing Cherries, Apricots, Peach trees, Honeycrisp apples trees etc, 250 sunflower seeds were also planted this season. This is a very delicate area near a local watershed source, Deer Creek, wetlands on property, and also fruit tree farm in it's early stages, organic strawberries, and organic raspberries growing as well. If you can't respect the trees, plants, flowers, on property please do not book! Also with all of the fruit tree plantings, parking is limited to one to two vehicles inside property at site, other vehicles can park along the drive on M32. This is a pristine property off the grid, please do not leave any trash on site! The address is 5871 M32 East Jordan MI 49727. That is the mailing address, and what you can use in for google maps. Hip Camp calls M32 Rogers Road. text 7253267647 if you ?s.

2. Doe Creek Hideaway

100%

(48)

46mi from Mackinaw City · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Engadine, MI

Located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Engadine. You will be just a few miles from Lake Michigan and camp beside the tranquil waters of doe creek. There is wildlife traveling through the property and at times make this their home. This is a birding paradise again for those birds migrating through and others making nests and raising their babies. We are a hobby farm, we hay in July, garden during the summer and at times have a variety of farm animals. There is recreation galore including swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, and biking to name a few very familiar activities to this area.

3. Just Show Up Camping

90%

(260)

8.9mi from Mackinaw City · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Saint Ignace, MI

The Grand Retreat, featuring Just Show Up Camping and Captain’s Quarters, is located right on US2 for easy access to several great locations, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac City, Tahquemenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Marais, and the Soo Locks. Our campsites are all “man-made” and put you into ancient glacial created forest floors with old-growth white pines. We have a bath

4. Hiawatha National Forest

92%

(32)

513 sites · Chatham, Michigan

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Burt Lake State Park

50%

(3)

306 sites · Indian River, Michigan

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. 80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%

(24)

40mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Boyne Falls, MI

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.

7. Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite

100%

(21)

42mi from Mackinaw City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Dafter, MI

This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping area. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. It is a dirt road. The entrance is on the left or south side of the road. The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the campsite. The campsite area is 50 yards from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use.

8. Kruz Camping

93%

(35)

40mi from Mackinaw City · 4 sites · Tents · Boyne City, MI

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

9. Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

100%

(10)

35mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Charlevoix, MI

This enchanting prairie habitat is nestled between a small creek on one side while whispering aspens make up the opposing border. Centrally located between Charlevoix and Petoskey, only a 1 minute car ride from the walking/bicycle path that connects Charlevoix to Harbor Springs as well as the beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigan beaches.

10. Onaway State Park

83 sites · Onaway, Michigan

Onaway State Park: A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. Brimley State Park

100%

(4)

237 sites · Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Discover Brimley State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

12. Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

100%

(219)

43mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Vanderbilt, MI

In April of 2025 Michigan's Governor declared a 12-county disaster area due to an unprecedented ice storm in Northern Michigan. Unfortunately our Camp 437 is located in one of the affected counties and was greatly impacted by the storm. In the upcoming months we will be clearing the drive into Camp and clearing the campsites and trails to make our woods safe. We want nothing more than to walk our trails again and to share our Camp with others, however it will take some time to get things back to normal. Thank you for your interest in our Camp and please check back again soon!

13. Neebish Island Light Station

100%

(3)

47mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Barbeau, MI

Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since. We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history. Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable. Campers can enjoy: A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!) A large communal fire pit under the stars Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing) Access to water and electric hook-up Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite. Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day. This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy. Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.

14. Rooster Ridge

100%

(10)

33mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Wolverine, MI

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.

15. Bear River Retreat

100%

(3)

32mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bay View, MI

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

Camper favorites near Mackinaw City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

100%

(10)

35mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Charlevoix, MI

This enchanting prairie habitat is nestled between a small creek on one side while whispering aspens make up the opposing border. Centrally located between Charlevoix and Petoskey, only a 1 minute car ride from the walking/bicycle path that connects Charlevoix to Harbor Springs as well as the beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigan beaches.

Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

100%

(219)

43mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Vanderbilt, MI

In April of 2025 Michigan's Governor declared a 12-county disaster area due to an unprecedented ice storm in Northern Michigan. Unfortunately our Camp 437 is located in one of the affected counties and was greatly impacted by the storm. In the upcoming months we will be clearing the drive into Camp and clearing the campsites and trails to make our woods safe. We want nothing more than to walk our trails again and to share our Camp with others, however it will take some time to get things back to normal. Thank you for your interest in our Camp and please check back again soon!

Neebish Island Light Station

100%

(3)

47mi from Mackinaw City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Barbeau, MI

Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since. We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history. Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable. Campers can enjoy: A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!) A large communal fire pit under the stars Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing) Access to water and electric hook-up Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite. Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day. This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy. Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.

Rooster Ridge

100%

(10)

33mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Wolverine, MI

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.

Bear River Retreat

100%

(3)

32mi from Mackinaw City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bay View, MI

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

Public campgrounds near Mackinaw City

100%

(2)

Carp River Campground

17mi from Mackinaw City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

100%

(11)

Lake Michigan Campground

17mi from Mackinaw City · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Brevoort Lake Campground

19mi from Mackinaw City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

50%

(3)

Burt Lake Campground

27mi from Mackinaw City · 306 sites · Tents, RVs · in Burt Lake State Park

Onaway Campground

35mi from Mackinaw City · 83 sites · Tents, RVs · in Onaway State Park

Three Lakes Campground

38mi from Mackinaw City · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Soldier Lake Campground

40mi from Mackinaw City · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

100%

(4)

Brimley Campground

45mi from Mackinaw City · 237 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brimley State Park

The piper at the gates of dawn or Edgar Allan Poe's protege

100%

(1)

Bay View Campground

47mi from Mackinaw City · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

100%

(2)

Monocle Lake Campground

48mi from Mackinaw City · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hiawatha National Forest

Stories from the community

D

Dylan

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Gully Ranch, Jordan Valley MI

vary peaceful! loved the stay here loved the solar lights had a great night full of laughs! can’t wait to see it when it’s finished! 😁

M

Minli

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rooster Ridge

This place is so cute! I didn’t have much time to explore, but the morning was so peaceful. The owners are very nice and welcoming too! Since I arrived late, they switched my site for easier car access and even helped me turn the car around because of my poor driving skills, haha. Highly recommend!

J

Jerry

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Doe Creek Hideaway

This was our second time back to stay in the tiny cabin. We loved our first trip. We drive downstate often to visit family. Perfect place to stop and enjoy nature with your dog and family. There's some trails to walk around with beautiful fall colors. We will be back. Highly recommend this hidden gem.

Kenny

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Just Show Up Camping

I loved the view! Granted it was very windy the day I stayed there so that’s something to consider since your by lake. Very easy to get to the site and overall pretty clean. Had some clutter here and there but not a big deal. My only major critique is one, maybe put stone down on the path to the beach because it had really deep ruts and it was very muddy. I got my car stuck quite a few times. The other is the shower water did not really get warm. Again, not the end of the world but addressing those few things would make the site even better than it already is. Overall I’d give it an 8/10

Kate

October 2025

1 night at Doe Creek Hideaway

Super sweet, very private, cozy and comfortable. The perfect stop after an 8 hour drive

Travis

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Rooster Ridge

This is an amazing stay! Private sites, I really enjoyed the hike in aspect. The trails are great for hiking, I would recommend this property and would absolutely stay again.

Kyle

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rooster Ridge

Great property, amazing hosts, and well set up. I would definitely recommend to others!

New fire ring and camping area. This is straight in from the road about 100 yeards.

D

Don

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite

Dale was friendly and welcoming. The site was quiet and private and a great location from which to explore the eastern UP.

Christy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Doe Creek Hideaway

The space was amazing! Monte and Lisa were great hosts. Very friendly and helpful.

Emma

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Neebish Island Light Station

We had such a lovely time here! We’re Neebish Newbies and loved it. The freighters were a highlight for my fiancé and I loved the beautiful beach all to ourselves. Our dogs were able to be off leash all weekend which was so great! We went for a few brisk swims and enjoyed the dock for sunning. At night, we had wonderful fires with the provided fire pit and benches (nice to not have to bring camp chairs!) I can’t say enough good things about this camp!

L

Leo

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Doe Creek Hideaway

The primitive site was excellent! Very clean and well maintained with easy access. We had a small issue with the tent on site and it was resolved immediately. Very nice and responsive hosts, we’ll be staying again!

J

Joel

September 2025

1 night at Doe Creek Hideaway

We only got to stay one night, but we really enjoyed it.very welcoming host and beautiful location.

C

Claire

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Doe Creek Hideaway

This was such a lovely experience! The vintage camper was so cute and the area around was perfect and secluded. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous, I couldn’t recommend enough! The hosts were so kind and generous, I feel so lucky to have found this spot and will certainly be returning

J

Jeremy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear River Retreat

Amazing little spot. Far enough away from the chaos of downtown Petoskey, but close enough to get there for your adventures. Only 4 camping spots so it feels like you have your own personal campground even when the other spots are occupied. I will definitely be staying here next time I’m in the area!

D

Dusty

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

Worked well for my purposes. Water and electric worked as they should.

P

Paige

August 2025

15 ft campervan

1 night at Just Show Up Camping

This spot was absolutely beautiful! I was really sad it just so happened to storm while I was there waking up there is so peaceful and pretty. Shower house was nice

P

Paul

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 80 acres of Secluded Camping

We had an amazing time! It was very peaceful and had tons of woods to explore. Even saw a coyote in one of the fields.

G

Gabrielle

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Doe Creek Hideaway

Great stay! Monte and Lisa greeted me when I arrived and gave me a lay of the land. They also had recommendations for local eateries. Camper was perfect for me and I loved the extra touch of the s’mores kit and firewood. Highly recommend!