97% (2K) • 525 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manistee
The 40 Acre Wood
1. The 40 Acre Wood
100%
(81)
42mi from Manistee · 5 sites · Lodging
Before our forest was "owned," it belonged to the Odawa people. Once white settlers arrived and governments were established, land deeds were written. We traced those deeds back through the Oceana County Register of Deeds and found that larger tracts of land were owned by people from Chicago and California, which were later divided into smaller parcels.
Interestingly, one owner lost the property after failing to pay back taxes of $3.50, shortly after World War II. It is likely that he never returned.
In the mid-1900s, Ed Dewey was the owner. Today, we have a cabin on the east side of the 40 acres that was built by Ed, entirely constructed with oak. He had three sawmills there, each powered by the engines of old Studebakers. He cut and milled enormous oak trees, using the wood to construct crates for transporting cherries. Today, you can still see old oak crates on various farms, but they are slowly being replaced by plastic.
Ed never finished the little cabin, and the story goes that he died there.
The next owners were a couple from Inkster, near Detroit. Despite Ed leaving an acre of "yard art" all over, the place was used as a vacation home after a 50-foot long mobile home was placed near the cabin. As they aged, they sold off their property to us. First, we acquired the 20 acres where the Cozy Camper Cabin resides, then the 7 acres near Weaver Road and 44th, and finally, the remaining 13 acres with the cabin. We began purchasing the property in parcels in 1992 for $500 an acre and owned it all by 1998.
From 1998 to 2008, we removed the mobile home, cleaned up all the yard art, refurbished the cabin, added a garage, and built a new shed nearby. The Hipcamp shed was originally built in 1999 and has been used for storage until it was converted into a unique little place in the woods in 2021.
Over the years, our Forester has carefully managed the property. We have logged three times. The first round was to remove 75 huge oak trees. The second round involved culling mature poplar trees. The last time, we took out 276 mature oaks and beeches. A Woodsman spent a year cutting down the tops of the trees. Clearing these old growth trees revitalized the forest, as planned.
Today, there are over two miles of trails running throughout the property. Some were logging roads, while others were carved out over time. The land is flat to the north but hilly to the south, as these are forested sand dunes. There are approximately a million trees on the property, densely forested with many large "mother trees" such as oaks, beeches, maples, and pines. The poplar trees are growing rapidly, as they do. Wild cherry, sassafras, beeches, oaks, and maples are also growing quickly and thickly.
To the south, there are fenced-in asparagus fields and cherry orchards. To the north, on the other side of Weaver Road, is the privately owned Silver Lake Airport, which remains quiet most of the time. On the east side of our 40 acres, you'll find our cabin and buildings, and we kindly ask you to avoid wandering onto that side of the property. Signs will alert you when you get close.
To the west, there is a 20-acre section occasionally occupied by some "Dunners." The area is famous for Silver Lake State Park and the sand dunes, located about 2.5 miles northwest of us. Our neighbors in that area have dune buggies, and they sometimes drive around their property, creating more noise than we prefer. It's possible that you may encounter this during your visit, so please be aware.
Deer are abundant in the area, and in 2021, we spotted a porcupine for the first time, although we have occasionally seen evidence of their presence through bark-stripped maples. Raccoons come and go, while turkeys are frequent visitors at times. You can hear coyotes yipping away at night, and depending on the time of year and migratory season, you'll see lots and lots of birds.
We're pleased to report that there is no poison ivy on the property!
It is a beautiful place in the woods, not far from many entertaining activities suitable for both the young and old. Come and visit, but please be respectful of the land and our privacy while enjoying yours.
Love Mother Earth while you are here and nourish your soul.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from
$90
/ night
Maplehill Farm Adventures
2. Maplehill Farm Adventures
97%
(16)
19mi from Manistee · 1 site · Lodging
Hello
We’ve a cute little trailer all set up for two with a large covered deck to enjoy a beverage and listen to the crickets. In the morning take your coffee out on the deck and hear the farm animals begin to wake up. Take a ride into downtown Ludington or a kayak/boat trip down the Pete Marquette or the Manistee rivers.
Spend the day at the beach relaxing, eat ice cream from the House of Flavors or visit the White Pine Village for a historic lesson.
Come back, grill up some dinner and enjoy a beverage with a campfire or watch the tele.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Pine Meadows
3. Pine Meadows
100%
(9)
41mi from Manistee · 1 site · Tent
Escape the everyday hustle and bustle of the city and find peace beside the pond in your own private getaway! Minutes from Traverse City shopping and wineries, but close to many recreational activities like horseback riding, swimming, hiking, kayaking or canoeing. Lay back to the sounds of chirping crickets and croaking frogs and take in the view of endless stars. Free from light pollution, the Northern Michigan night sky offers an amazing view of the Milky Way and even an occasional view of the Northern Lights.
Former Tentrr site with 5 star rating
Local Attractions:
Interlochen State Park (Swimming at Duck Lake) - 7 Minutes
Traverse City's Front Street (Loaded with Quaint Shops & Restaurants) - 20 Minutes
Riverside Canoe & Kayak Rentals on Platte River - 27 Minutes
Frankfort Pier - 35 Minutes
Sleeping Bear Dunes - 37 Minutes
Old Mission Lighthouse Park - 40 Minutes
Leland's Historic Fish Town & Ferry to Manitou Islands - 42 Minutes
Mackinaw City & Ferry to Mackinaw Island - 2 Hours & 17 Minutes
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$104
/ night
Sky Fire Camp
4. Sky Fire Camp
42mi from Manistee · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to our secluded 10-acre woodland retreat, where privacy meets natural beauty just minutes south of Traverse City. Nestled against hundreds of acres of pristine state land, our property offers a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort with multiple accommodation options.
We have eight thoughtfully placed RV sites and a cozy vintage mobile home. Our property's intimate trail system weaves through untouched backwoods, connecting to extensive state land hiking paths and offering endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. (Note: trails can be muddy at certain times of the year.)
Here, you'll find yourself immersed in the peaceful rhythm of nature. Watch deer graze in the morning mist, listen to birdsong from your private space, and end your days stargazing under our light-pollution-free sky. The dense woods ensure complete privacy from neighbors, creating a true sanctuary in nature. The full 10 acres serve as a common area shared by the eight sites and the vintage mobile home located near the entrance of the property.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, we're conveniently located just a short drive from Traverse City’s attractions, wineries, beaches, and renowned restaurants. Enjoy the best of both worlds—total seclusion with easy access to Northern Michigan’s most beloved destinations.
Perfect for:
• Nature enthusiasts seeking solitude
• Families wanting a safe, expansive outdoor space
• Couples looking for a romantic woodland getaway
• Groups wanting to book multiple sites together
• Outdoor adventurers using it as a base camp for regional exploration
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$24
/ night
Kaleva Cabins & Camping
5. Kaleva Cabins & Camping
19mi from Manistee · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Your camping stay is located on 40 acres of rolling meadows and forest, just across an unpaved pathway from another 40 acres featuring a large spring-fed lake.
Landside, mowed trails crisscross the property through meadows and woodland groves. Wildlife is abundant — you may spot deer, foxes, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds, including regular appearances by bald eagles.
Lakeside, you’ll find a 30-acre, spring-fed, completely private lake that’s home to beavers, otters, turtles, frogs, a trumpeter swan family, sandhill cranes, and more.
A small dock provides the only access point to the lake and serves as a perfect launch for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft to explore its peaceful waters.
Our two campsites are privately positioned away from the road, nestled in large meadows near scenic trails, and just a short walk from the lake. A portable restroom, maintained weekly, is conveniently located for guest use.
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
97% (2K) • 525 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manistee
The 40 Acre Wood
1. The 40 Acre Wood
100%
(81)
42mi from Manistee · 5 sites · Lodging
Before our forest was "owned," it belonged to the Odawa people. Once white settlers arrived and governments were established, land deeds were written. We traced those deeds back through the Oceana County Register of Deeds and found that larger tracts of land were owned by people from Chicago and California, which were later divided into smaller parcels.
Interestingly, one owner lost the property after failing to pay back taxes of $3.50, shortly after World War II. It is likely that he never returned.
In the mid-1900s, Ed Dewey was the owner. Today, we have a cabin on the east side of the 40 acres that was built by Ed, entirely constructed with oak. He had three sawmills there, each powered by the engines of old Studebakers. He cut and milled enormous oak trees, using the wood to construct crates for transporting cherries. Today, you can still see old oak crates on various farms, but they are slowly being replaced by plastic.
Ed never finished the little cabin, and the story goes that he died there.
The next owners were a couple from Inkster, near Detroit. Despite Ed leaving an acre of "yard art" all over, the place was used as a vacation home after a 50-foot long mobile home was placed near the cabin. As they aged, they sold off their property to us. First, we acquired the 20 acres where the Cozy Camper Cabin resides, then the 7 acres near Weaver Road and 44th, and finally, the remaining 13 acres with the cabin. We began purchasing the property in parcels in 1992 for $500 an acre and owned it all by 1998.
From 1998 to 2008, we removed the mobile home, cleaned up all the yard art, refurbished the cabin, added a garage, and built a new shed nearby. The Hipcamp shed was originally built in 1999 and has been used for storage until it was converted into a unique little place in the woods in 2021.
Over the years, our Forester has carefully managed the property. We have logged three times. The first round was to remove 75 huge oak trees. The second round involved culling mature poplar trees. The last time, we took out 276 mature oaks and beeches. A Woodsman spent a year cutting down the tops of the trees. Clearing these old growth trees revitalized the forest, as planned.
Today, there are over two miles of trails running throughout the property. Some were logging roads, while others were carved out over time. The land is flat to the north but hilly to the south, as these are forested sand dunes. There are approximately a million trees on the property, densely forested with many large "mother trees" such as oaks, beeches, maples, and pines. The poplar trees are growing rapidly, as they do. Wild cherry, sassafras, beeches, oaks, and maples are also growing quickly and thickly.
To the south, there are fenced-in asparagus fields and cherry orchards. To the north, on the other side of Weaver Road, is the privately owned Silver Lake Airport, which remains quiet most of the time. On the east side of our 40 acres, you'll find our cabin and buildings, and we kindly ask you to avoid wandering onto that side of the property. Signs will alert you when you get close.
To the west, there is a 20-acre section occasionally occupied by some "Dunners." The area is famous for Silver Lake State Park and the sand dunes, located about 2.5 miles northwest of us. Our neighbors in that area have dune buggies, and they sometimes drive around their property, creating more noise than we prefer. It's possible that you may encounter this during your visit, so please be aware.
Deer are abundant in the area, and in 2021, we spotted a porcupine for the first time, although we have occasionally seen evidence of their presence through bark-stripped maples. Raccoons come and go, while turkeys are frequent visitors at times. You can hear coyotes yipping away at night, and depending on the time of year and migratory season, you'll see lots and lots of birds.
We're pleased to report that there is no poison ivy on the property!
It is a beautiful place in the woods, not far from many entertaining activities suitable for both the young and old. Come and visit, but please be respectful of the land and our privacy while enjoying yours.
Love Mother Earth while you are here and nourish your soul.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from
$90
/ night
Maplehill Farm Adventures
2. Maplehill Farm Adventures
97%
(16)
19mi from Manistee · 1 site · Lodging
Hello
We’ve a cute little trailer all set up for two with a large covered deck to enjoy a beverage and listen to the crickets. In the morning take your coffee out on the deck and hear the farm animals begin to wake up. Take a ride into downtown Ludington or a kayak/boat trip down the Pete Marquette or the Manistee rivers.
Spend the day at the beach relaxing, eat ice cream from the House of Flavors or visit the White Pine Village for a historic lesson.
Come back, grill up some dinner and enjoy a beverage with a campfire or watch the tele.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$99
/ night
Pine Meadows
3. Pine Meadows
100%
(9)
41mi from Manistee · 1 site · Tent
Escape the everyday hustle and bustle of the city and find peace beside the pond in your own private getaway! Minutes from Traverse City shopping and wineries, but close to many recreational activities like horseback riding, swimming, hiking, kayaking or canoeing. Lay back to the sounds of chirping crickets and croaking frogs and take in the view of endless stars. Free from light pollution, the Northern Michigan night sky offers an amazing view of the Milky Way and even an occasional view of the Northern Lights.
Former Tentrr site with 5 star rating
Local Attractions:
Interlochen State Park (Swimming at Duck Lake) - 7 Minutes
Traverse City's Front Street (Loaded with Quaint Shops & Restaurants) - 20 Minutes
Riverside Canoe & Kayak Rentals on Platte River - 27 Minutes
Frankfort Pier - 35 Minutes
Sleeping Bear Dunes - 37 Minutes
Old Mission Lighthouse Park - 40 Minutes
Leland's Historic Fish Town & Ferry to Manitou Islands - 42 Minutes
Mackinaw City & Ferry to Mackinaw Island - 2 Hours & 17 Minutes
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from
$104
/ night
Sky Fire Camp
4. Sky Fire Camp
42mi from Manistee · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to our secluded 10-acre woodland retreat, where privacy meets natural beauty just minutes south of Traverse City. Nestled against hundreds of acres of pristine state land, our property offers a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort with multiple accommodation options.
We have eight thoughtfully placed RV sites and a cozy vintage mobile home. Our property's intimate trail system weaves through untouched backwoods, connecting to extensive state land hiking paths and offering endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. (Note: trails can be muddy at certain times of the year.)
Here, you'll find yourself immersed in the peaceful rhythm of nature. Watch deer graze in the morning mist, listen to birdsong from your private space, and end your days stargazing under our light-pollution-free sky. The dense woods ensure complete privacy from neighbors, creating a true sanctuary in nature. The full 10 acres serve as a common area shared by the eight sites and the vintage mobile home located near the entrance of the property.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, we're conveniently located just a short drive from Traverse City’s attractions, wineries, beaches, and renowned restaurants. Enjoy the best of both worlds—total seclusion with easy access to Northern Michigan’s most beloved destinations.
Perfect for:
• Nature enthusiasts seeking solitude
• Families wanting a safe, expansive outdoor space
• Couples looking for a romantic woodland getaway
• Groups wanting to book multiple sites together
• Outdoor adventurers using it as a base camp for regional exploration
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$24
/ night
Kaleva Cabins & Camping
5. Kaleva Cabins & Camping
19mi from Manistee · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Your camping stay is located on 40 acres of rolling meadows and forest, just across an unpaved pathway from another 40 acres featuring a large spring-fed lake.
Landside, mowed trails crisscross the property through meadows and woodland groves. Wildlife is abundant — you may spot deer, foxes, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds, including regular appearances by bald eagles.
Lakeside, you’ll find a 30-acre, spring-fed, completely private lake that’s home to beavers, otters, turtles, frogs, a trumpeter swan family, sandhill cranes, and more.
A small dock provides the only access point to the lake and serves as a perfect launch for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft to explore its peaceful waters.
Our two campsites are privately positioned away from the road, nestled in large meadows near scenic trails, and just a short walk from the lake. A portable restroom, maintained weekly, is conveniently located for guest use.
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Joel
November 2025
5 nights at The 40 Acre Wood
Great choice for a peaceful getaway! The property is beautiful and the cabin is as cozy as advertised.
See more
A
Alexa
November 2025
With pets
We had an amazing time at this site. The property was beautiful and the cabin was so cozy. We loved walking the trails on the property and hanging out by the fire. Highly recommend this site, we hope to be back!
See moreH
Hana
October 2025
2 nights at The 40 Acre Wood
the cabin was so cozy and had everything you would need! we’re definitely coming back here :)
See moreR
Ryan
October 2025
With pets
I loved the coziness in this area. Our dog loved his freedom and we enjoyed everything about being secluded. the amenities inside the cabin was unexpected and it was very helpful. Thank you Dave for a relaxing weekend.
See more
Whit
September 2025
With pets
We absolutely loved how secluded and beautiful this spot was! You really can't beat the location either - 15 minutes to beautiful sand dunes, 10 minutes to delicious cherry farm treats. And the trails are so well marked and maintained - we were thoroughly impressed with everything, including quick and helpful responses from our host. We are already dreaming up our next visit here.
See more
Jacob
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
I spent Labor Day weekend camping here with some friends. It’s an awesome spot with many fun amenities: koi pond, frisbee golf, benches, beds, etc. Would highly recommend to anybody.
See moreJ
Jose
August 2025
Group trip
Easy as could be. Beautiful property and location. Had everything we needed. Could not recommend it enough for a trip to get away. The cabin was more than we needed as we we outside the whole time. And honestly the nicest outhouse I have ever seen.
See moreV
Victor
August 2025
With pets
It's an incredible cabin surrounded by nature, and the owner is quick to answer any questions you may have. I highly recommend visiting. What I liked most is that you can bring your dogs and the owner of the cabin has dishes and a bed for the dogs.
See moreR
Rebecca
August 2025
With kids
Had a great time at this cozy little stay, perfect mix of camping and home. Area is incredibly private, bed was comfy, and having AC was a huge bonus!
Only thing to note is the outhouse is quite a hike so bring a headlamp. ☺️
See moreM
Myriah
August 2025
With pets
The cabin was beyond gorgeous and even more charming then in the pictures. The bed was super comfortable, and supportive, not something we expected for a lil cabin! The perfect balance between being in nature, while still having access to a fridge, AC, and electricity! Lots of little touches that made the cabin feel special. Dave was also a highly responsive and gracious host. We will definitely try to make our way back out and do some more exploring!
See more
S
Sara
August 2025
With kids
DAVE's wooden lodge is a cute and very cozy place far enough from everything, but close to nature and close to Silver Lake Dunes, which is also awesome. Very peaceful, even on the toilet you can watch deers and squirrels. We used the hammock and made a fire, too, which was the best thing to do. Our kids loved discovering the trails and "hiking" in the woods.
See more
Kevin
July 2025
With pets
Wow. This place is really special. The camper you stay in is really cute, cozy and has a large porch overlooking the woods.
The property itself is beautiful with a creek and trails running through it.
Susan was a great host and even provided us fresh eggs and cucumbers!
10/10 I would definitely stay here again.
See more
K
Kate
July 2025
3 nights at The 40 Acre Wood
What a perfect getaway for a long weekend. My husband and I loved the quaint simplicity of Dave’s cabin and enjoyed plenty of time to reconnect over the fire at night while listening to the evening sounds of the woods. Perfect location for exploring lighthouses, dunes, and beautiful beaches.
See more
Laura
July 2025
With pets
I really enjoyed my stay at Susan's camper. She is a thoughtful host and provided us with the freshest cucumbers and eggs. The deck was the perfect spot to sit and watch the rain come in. My dog loved the property, and the air conditioning unit was a welcome relief during the heat of summer. This charming location offers just the right amount of privacy and is stocked with everything you need to enjoy your stay.
See moreF
Fred
July 2025
2 nights at Maplehill Farm Adventures
Trailer/Camper was nice and comfortable. Very nice porch to hang out on. Cooked over the fire both nights. Plenty of privacy for me and my girl friend. Thank you for the pleasant two nights.
See moreJ
Justin
July 2025
Weekend Trip to The 40 Acre Wood
What a great spot! Like the title says, very cozy and well stocked spot. My son and I were able to just relax and have fun. Easy directions, very clean and comfortable. We will be back!!
See more
Catie
July 2025
1 night at The 40 Acre Wood
This cozy camper was perfect for our visit to Shelby / Silver Lake Dunes.
We truly enjoyed the space. It was the perfect final stop for a girls road trip. The bed was very cozy, the AC was great after a hot day, the mini fridge was perfect for giving our coolers a break, and the cabin itself was equipped with the basics (mugs, paper towels, bedding, a small cooktop, etc.)
The outdoor space was so lovely and very private. We enjoyed a few hikes on the private trails by day and a warming fire by night.
I highly recommend checking out Silver Lake Sand Dunes (we climbed them, it wasn't easy) and the Little Sable Point lighthouse is a perfect space to swim by day and soak in the beauty of the sunset over the lake. We had lunch at the Cherry Point Farm & Market on the way out of town and it was so so tasty.
Anything you'd want to do in town is about 15 minutes away, which is perfect!
Highly recommend!
See moreM
Mark
July 2025
5 nights at The 40 Acre Wood
My wife and I had a great time! It was peaceful and quiet. The only problem was the bugs, but what else would you expect in Summer. Making a fire and wearing bug spray kept them away just fine.
See more
Lance
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Our stay was absolutely fantastic! The pre-set tents with mattresses, bedding, fans, and outlets made camping so easy and comfortable—everything was ready to go! The cooking station with the provided stove was incredibly practical, and the multiple shade tents were a lifesaver during the rainy day. The space felt private yet open, with stunning views of the stars and moon on our second night. The shower was a great touch for rinsing off after sandy beach days. Our kids loved it and are already asking to come back! Thank you to our amazing host for providing such a well-equipped, thoughtful setup—it was the perfect getaway for our family!
See more
K
Kelly
July 2025
With pets
This sight is so sweet! It’s clean, simple, woodsy, and relatively quiet. Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, as we visited the PM, and Manistee Rivers. Thank you so much Susan for the inviting atmosphere and accommodations!
See more
