- Camping with Wildlife watching
The best camping near Manistique with wildlife watching
98% (950) • 42 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manistique
Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground
1. Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground
98%
(170)
5.7mi from Manistique · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beautiful campground located on the Westshore of Indian Lake in Manistique, MI near Big Springs ( Kitch-iti-kipi), Hiawatha National Forest and many ATV/Snowmobile trails.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$25
/ night
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
2. Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
98%
(69)
8mi from Manistique · 1 site · Tent, RV
Wake up to the sunrise over Lake Michigan, just steps from your tent or camper. Tucked into a quiet cedar grove on the Garden Peninsula, this off-grid hideaway is perfect for stargazing by the fire, paddling out in the kayak, or simply unplugging from daily life.
New for 2025: enjoy a hand-built, wood-fired barrel sauna — the perfect way to warm up after a swim or unwind under the stars.
The site includes a firepit, cedar grove camp circle, and a self-contained privy. No electricity or water hookups make this a rustic, back-to-nature experience. Tent, car, or small RV/camper welcome (note: on-site camper is locked).
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring), close to Fayette State Historic Park, and within day-trip distance of Marquette or Pictured Rocks in Munising. Recognized as a Best Hipcamp in Michigan finalist, Surf Camp is equally suited for family adventures, writing or meditation retreats, or simply those chasing the authentic U.P. experience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$70
/ night
Cabin/Campers on Lake
3. Cabin/Campers on Lake
100%
(110)
19mi from Manistique · 3 sites
Learn more about this land:
Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away.
Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front.
Property
also borders the Hiawatha National Forest.
Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks.
Life vests available.
Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. RV campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water.
Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Indian Lake State Park
4. Indian Lake State Park
State park 3.9mi from Manistique · 219 sites
Discover Indian Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hiawatha National Forest
5. Hiawatha National Forest
92%
(32)
National forest 25mi from Manistique · 513 sites
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Weidenhamer Lodge
6. Weidenhamer Lodge
95%
(47)
24mi from Manistique · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful spot on Lake Milakokia (1,956 acres) featuring walleye, perch, pike, and suckers with the most amazing sunrises as well as sunsets. Tahquamenon Falls, Kitchitikipi, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, and the Mackinac Bridge all within an hours drive. Very quiet property. Pets welcomed but must be on a leash and attended at all times.
Bars, restaurants, and dispensaries near by.
Please note: This is not a campground. There are not designated sites. There are 4 areas on the property to camp. Two are within two feet from the beach, while the remaining two are about 50’ from the beach but have full views of the lake. We have approximately 400’ of lake frontage. These sites are in my yard. Please contact me if you have any questions prior to booking.
Aggressive campers will asked to leave. No refunds given. This is a safe space.
No refunds for cancellations 24 hours b4 check in.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Forest Overlooking River
7. Forest Overlooking River
99%
(43)
36mi from Manistique · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Beautiful backwoods birch forest with campfire spots on the edge of Rapid River. We’re within the hour of pictured Rocks National Park and many other beautiful places to visit...We’re only 2.5 miles off of main hwy, US 41 , We have kayaks, four wheelers and hiking /biking roads and trails available for guest..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
Explore the U.P. from here!
8. Explore the U.P. from here!
96%
(410)
38mi from Manistique · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Best Hipcamp in Michigan – 5x Finalist!
Experience total privacy and rustic charm at our spacious, secluded campsites—perfect for tents, campers, or our unique levitating tents (already set up—just bring your sleeping bag and pillow!).
Each site features a private entrance and is so spread out, you’ll likely never see another camper. No crowds. No noise. Just nature.
Ideally located near top Upper Peninsula attractions—Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Kitch-iti-kipi—with a convenience store just a short walk away, as is the public boat launch onto East Lake.
Bonus: Mention your stay for a discounted shower at the Pleasant Moose Hotel in Newberry!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
Andy’s Wolf Traxx
9. Andy’s Wolf Traxx
98%
(268)
40mi from Manistique · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is heavily wooded with pine and maple trees. Wild raspberry and blueberries are found to be plentiful in season. Formerly wooded by lumberjacks during the early 1900’s, this area is rich with history and sights to see. Located between Seney National Wildlife Refugee and Grand Mairas on Lake Superior.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
High Swamp Camp
10. High Swamp Camp
98%
(182)
40mi from Manistique · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
*Sites 1,2,3,&4. Summer Booking Open.*
🌲Private Separated Campsites🌲
🌲Quiet🌲Dark🌲WI-FI🌲Laundry🌲
🌲World Famous Hot Shower🌲
🌲Direct Access Trail 88🌲
🌲Tour Planning🌲
🌲2.5 RV's Allowed Per Site🌲
Very Close To The Pictured Rocks! Flush-T & Shower! Electric & Water Site. Waste Caddy Dump Station. Miles Of Hiking Trails. Close to the Fox River Trout Stream. Close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. 1.5 hours to the Tahquamenon Falls. 1.5 hours to the Big Springs. 2 hours to Mackinaw Island. 2 hours to the Soo Locks & Canada.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
98% (950) • 42 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manistique
Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground
1. Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground
98%
(170)
5.7mi from Manistique · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beautiful campground located on the Westshore of Indian Lake in Manistique, MI near Big Springs ( Kitch-iti-kipi), Hiawatha National Forest and many ATV/Snowmobile trails.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$25
/ night
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
2. Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
98%
(69)
8mi from Manistique · 1 site · Tent, RV
Wake up to the sunrise over Lake Michigan, just steps from your tent or camper. Tucked into a quiet cedar grove on the Garden Peninsula, this off-grid hideaway is perfect for stargazing by the fire, paddling out in the kayak, or simply unplugging from daily life.
New for 2025: enjoy a hand-built, wood-fired barrel sauna — the perfect way to warm up after a swim or unwind under the stars.
The site includes a firepit, cedar grove camp circle, and a self-contained privy. No electricity or water hookups make this a rustic, back-to-nature experience. Tent, car, or small RV/camper welcome (note: on-site camper is locked).
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring), close to Fayette State Historic Park, and within day-trip distance of Marquette or Pictured Rocks in Munising. Recognized as a Best Hipcamp in Michigan finalist, Surf Camp is equally suited for family adventures, writing or meditation retreats, or simply those chasing the authentic U.P. experience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$70
/ night
Cabin/Campers on Lake
3. Cabin/Campers on Lake
100%
(110)
19mi from Manistique · 3 sites
Learn more about this land:
Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away.
Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front.
Property
also borders the Hiawatha National Forest.
Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks.
Life vests available.
Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. RV campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water.
Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Indian Lake State Park
4. Indian Lake State Park
State park 3.9mi from Manistique · 219 sites
Discover Indian Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hiawatha National Forest
5. Hiawatha National Forest
92%
(32)
National forest 25mi from Manistique · 513 sites
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Weidenhamer Lodge
6. Weidenhamer Lodge
95%
(47)
24mi from Manistique · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful spot on Lake Milakokia (1,956 acres) featuring walleye, perch, pike, and suckers with the most amazing sunrises as well as sunsets. Tahquamenon Falls, Kitchitikipi, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, and the Mackinac Bridge all within an hours drive. Very quiet property. Pets welcomed but must be on a leash and attended at all times.
Bars, restaurants, and dispensaries near by.
Please note: This is not a campground. There are not designated sites. There are 4 areas on the property to camp. Two are within two feet from the beach, while the remaining two are about 50’ from the beach but have full views of the lake. We have approximately 400’ of lake frontage. These sites are in my yard. Please contact me if you have any questions prior to booking.
Aggressive campers will asked to leave. No refunds given. This is a safe space.
No refunds for cancellations 24 hours b4 check in.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Forest Overlooking River
7. Forest Overlooking River
99%
(43)
36mi from Manistique · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Beautiful backwoods birch forest with campfire spots on the edge of Rapid River. We’re within the hour of pictured Rocks National Park and many other beautiful places to visit...We’re only 2.5 miles off of main hwy, US 41 , We have kayaks, four wheelers and hiking /biking roads and trails available for guest..
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
Explore the U.P. from here!
8. Explore the U.P. from here!
96%
(410)
38mi from Manistique · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Best Hipcamp in Michigan – 5x Finalist!
Experience total privacy and rustic charm at our spacious, secluded campsites—perfect for tents, campers, or our unique levitating tents (already set up—just bring your sleeping bag and pillow!).
Each site features a private entrance and is so spread out, you’ll likely never see another camper. No crowds. No noise. Just nature.
Ideally located near top Upper Peninsula attractions—Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Kitch-iti-kipi—with a convenience store just a short walk away, as is the public boat launch onto East Lake.
Bonus: Mention your stay for a discounted shower at the Pleasant Moose Hotel in Newberry!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$36
/ night
Andy’s Wolf Traxx
9. Andy’s Wolf Traxx
98%
(268)
40mi from Manistique · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is heavily wooded with pine and maple trees. Wild raspberry and blueberries are found to be plentiful in season. Formerly wooded by lumberjacks during the early 1900’s, this area is rich with history and sights to see. Located between Seney National Wildlife Refugee and Grand Mairas on Lake Superior.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
High Swamp Camp
10. High Swamp Camp
98%
(182)
40mi from Manistique · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
*Sites 1,2,3,&4. Summer Booking Open.*
🌲Private Separated Campsites🌲
🌲Quiet🌲Dark🌲WI-FI🌲Laundry🌲
🌲World Famous Hot Shower🌲
🌲Direct Access Trail 88🌲
🌲Tour Planning🌲
🌲2.5 RV's Allowed Per Site🌲
Very Close To The Pictured Rocks! Flush-T & Shower! Electric & Water Site. Waste Caddy Dump Station. Miles Of Hiking Trails. Close to the Fox River Trout Stream. Close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. 1.5 hours to the Tahquamenon Falls. 1.5 hours to the Big Springs. 2 hours to Mackinaw Island. 2 hours to the Soo Locks & Canada.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Roxy
October 2025
Tent
Such a beautiful, peaceful spot right on Lake Michigan! Tucked into a quiet cedar grove on the Garden Peninsula, the site offers a rare combination of off-grid tranquillity and direct access to the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The new wood-fired sauna was an absolute highlight, the perfect way to warm up after a swim! Waking up to the sound of waves, relaxing by the fire at night, and a true off-grid vibe. The fire-pit area in the trees provides a cosy, sheltered setting for an evening under the stars. There has been a lot of care put into this place.
If you’re looking for a beach-camp experience that feels more intimate and upgraded (thanks to the sauna!) rather than a busy campground, this spot is highly recommended. Ideal for folks who want to unplug, still have beach/morning water access, and enjoy a little extra luxury in the wild.
See moreA
Anna
October 2025
Tent
It was a beautiful, peaceful spot and the composting toilet was very clean.
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L
Lorraine
October 2025
24 ft travel trailer
Absolutely beautiful spot to camp by a peaceful river. We had a great 2 night stay on our own. Pauline is so welcoming and warm. And good eggs!
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C
Coralyn
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful place, and great service! Firewood on site to purchase easily, outhouse, and great directions to get there. Cory was a great host!
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T
Tetyana
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Beautiful property, gracious host! I will definitely be staying here again if I am in the area.
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Matt
October 2025
16 ft car
Great campspot right on lake Michigan has two different fire pits including on one the beach🏖️ pretty secluded down a couple miles of dirt roads definitely recommend checking it out 👍
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L
Lupe
October 2025
Tent
It was great! Chris is very friendly and has a wonderful space. The bathroom was nice and the sites were nicely spread out. I would definitely camp here again!
See moreE
Ellen
October 2025
22 ft Class B
We had a lovely night stay at Elli’s! Very peaceful.
See moreF
Frances
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This spot was incredible!! Eli was an amazing host and the view and amenities made it such an amazing trip. 10/10 would go back to surf camp!
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E
E
October 2025
Tent
Loved this campsite!! As a solo women traveler I felt so safe and nicely tucked away! Would stay again:)
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T
Taylor
October 2025
Tent
We loved everything about this spot. From the secluded camping, to the beach access steps away. It really lets you enjoy all nature has to offer. They’ve kept everything in immaculate condition. We only wished we brought a table for food prep! We watched a beautiful full moon rise right over the lake. Couldn’t recommend enough!!
See moreC
Carley
October 2025
Tent
Quiet and peaceful campground. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. We had a great time!
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B
Brian
October 2025
Tent
My second trip to High Swamp was even better than the first, solidifying its spot as my all-time favorite Hipcamp destination. While I’ve visited many excellent campsites over the years, Chris’s property is truly exceptional because you don't just feel like a visitor—you feel like an extended member of the family.
Beyond the incredible hospitality, High Swamp's location in Seney is ideal for exploring the Upper Peninsula. I originally chose it for its proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but on this trip, I was thrilled to easily tackle the hike to Tahquamenon Falls, which is only about an hour away.
The sites themselves are all are spacious and private. Chris has also clearly invested in guest comfort, even installing a new outdoor shower and private bathroom.
Thanks again for the hospitality, Chris! We'll see you next time, with the family!
Your #1 HipCamper!
See more
s
sarah
October 2025
20 ft campervan
What a special spot. My son and I spent two days at Eli’s Surf Camp, and could easily have stayed longer! Steps from the beach, sleeping to the sound of the waves. Sunrise perfection. A cozy, wind-sheltered fire pit. And a sauna!! Winning on all counts. Nicely done Eli! Would definitely stay again.
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G
Grace
September 2025
14 ft campervan
Wow, this is an absolute gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Surf Camp. The sauna was such a perfect addition to this camp- it made our stay feel like a spa get away on Lake Michigan. The firepit and sauna are tucked back in the trees making it feel so private and cozy (and blocking the wind!)
You just can’t beat the Lake Michigan beach either- we loved being able to walk out of our nook in the trees directly onto a massive beach with plenty of space to explore and hang out. Our dogs were obsessed, we were obsessed. It was perfect!
10/10 Hipcamp- we can’t wait to come back!!
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Jim
September 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
2nd time here. Nice and flat grass area. Real toilet and shower! Quiet, hosts were great. Highly recommend. Didn't go down to lake, but saw dock area 1st time. Convenient to Manistique.
See moreK
Keith
September 2025
20 ft campervan
I loved our stay. Nice grass lots. Quiet setting. Good bathroom.
See moreC
Christophe
September 2025
Tent
Hostess were very nice, helpful.
Great place. In a small campground.
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C
Colleen
September 2025
Tent
Large tent site ! Friendly camp host! Nice location and hot shower and clean bathroom. Nice price per night.
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c
chris
September 2025
Tent
Very nice setup. Andrew obviously put thought into this. We enjoyed our time at your land.
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