The best family-friendly campgrounds near Vanderbilt, Michigan

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Vanderbilt, Michigan? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 80 options specifically tailored for families in this location, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. The average price per night is $35, with options as low as $25. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Llama Meadows Eco Farm BaseCamp (97 reviews), and Halls Haven (71 reviews). Trash, pets, and cooking equipment are popular amenities, while surfing, horseback riding, and whitewater paddling are some of the activities you can enjoy. Start planning your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

98% (554)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Vanderbilt, Michigan? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 80 options specifically tailored for families in this location, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor adventure. The average price per night is $35, with options as low as $25. Check out some of our top campsites with rave reviews: Llama Meadows Eco Farm BaseCamp (97 reviews), and Halls Haven (71 reviews). Trash, pets, and cooking equipment are popular amenities, while surfing, horseback riding, and whitewater paddling are some of the activities you can enjoy. Start planning your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

98% (554)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hidden Meadow

98%

(132)

19mi from Vanderbilt · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Alanson, MI

Get ready for a peaceful camping experience in this one-of-a-kind setting! For all styles of camping units as well as rustic camping. We live in farming country, with only a few houses on our road. We know most of our neighbors as friends or relatives. Our camping area only has four sites so it’s cozy and private. We have about 5 acres land for use around the campsite and lots of wooded trails nearby. We are about 2 miles from Burt Lake, and about 10 miles from other waterways, rivers and streams, and Lake Michigan. we are also 4 miles from biking and ORV trails. There is also a dedicated stargazing field with an amazing view of the night sky!

2. CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

99%

(43)

50mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Lodging · Roscommon, MI

Learn more about this land:This cozy off-grid rustic Cut River Cabin has a Sauna 3 bedrooms and a loft that will sleep 10. 120 acres with over 1.3 miles of private riverfront on the pristine Cut River that flows out of beautiful Higgins Lake Michigan. Approximately 10 minutes/7 miles from the beaches of South Higgins Lake State Park, or the Village of Roscommon which has a full-service supermarket (Family Fare) hardware and outdoor supply stores, and a handful of restaurants. It's a great spot for a quiet retreat away from people, traffic, pollution, and the stresses of modern digital life with the closest neighbor being over 2 miles away. Enjoy the river, paddling in our canoes, fishing, and swimming. Get out in the woods by hiking or biking through nearly 2,000 acres of public state land and trails surrounding the property. Included are SNOWSHOES in the winter and CANOES in the summer The Cut River Cabin is a completely off-the-grid property that relies on solar power. Inside you will find NO TV’s, NO WiFi, and NO Modern Luxury Amenities. 😁 You WILL find solar power to charge any devices that you just can’t live without for a weekend getaway, 😉 Manual operated water well pump (Pitcher Pump), Wood Burning Stove to keep warm on them chilly nights (starter/logs included), Well-equipped kitchen with stove Due to its simple and rustic features, the cabin is most appealing to hikers, campers, and people who love the outdoors and don't mind the lack of conventional amenities. A few things included to distract you from the busy world outside are many Books, Board Games, Playing Cards.

3. Million $ Sunset Camp

97%

(466)

39mi from Vanderbilt · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Harbor Springs, MI

Pitch your tent and listen to the waves of Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan. Fantastic Sunsets. Located half way between Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City. Walking distance to famous Legs Inn in Cross Village, MI. The property currently includes 8 campsites with a board walk on the east portion of the Lake side portion of the property to access the Lake MI Beach.

4. Mackinaw Camp Inn

98%

(107)

42mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mackinaw City, MI

Mackinaw City Campinn is located just 2 miles from historic Mackinaw City, a destination filled with nature, history, beaches, and fun. This is a 5 acre private camp, surrounded by woods, for self contained RV campers with a 30 or 50 amp hook up. This is a densely wooded area with some wetlands behind you.

5. Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area

92%

(25)

34mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Lodging · Charlevoix, MI

Enjoy the quiet side of Charlevoix right off Highway 31 just a few miles from downtown Charlevoix. Experience "Bus Life" in a nicely wooded area with fire pit, chairs, table and plenty of spots for tents and hammocks for friends and family. Bus sleeps 3-4 with 12 volt and 110 power, A/C and housed water for kitchen and bathroom (NOT FOR DRINKING). Originally Old Orchard Farms but we still have free range chickens and gardens for some seasonal U-Pick fun. Just minutes from many Public Beach Areas and amazing Trail Systems. Be in the center of the best Charlevoix has to offer!

6. RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

98%

(78)

34mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Tent, RV · Grayling, MI

Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.

Stories from the community

A

Alexis

October 2025

With pets

3 nights at CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

Beautiful setting, and a well-equipped rustic cabin! Jeremey was incredibly helpful answering our questions ahead of the trip, and made sure everything was ready for our arrival. So peaceful and relaxing! Our husky Tala loved being able to explore. We loved the covered deck, the sauna, and being able to use the canoes on the crystal clear river. Can’t wait to visit again during different times of the year!

ROBB & JEANNE

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Hidden Meadow

Jeannie & I loved Phil & Stormy's Place. It was quiet this time of year, and we were lucky to be the only folks at their Camp. They definitely had made it their own, and have great amenities. Firewood & Firepit, 30 amp service, a water hose , picnic table & dry kindling.. 2 Porta Potties on site, and a RV cleanout. Great Wooden games around the site for folks enjoyment. Phil is a world renown Game maker who makes Games and interesting items, which he makes in his shop on site. Sends it all around the world. Besides meeting Phil and Chit chatting, because we are both Hip Camp Hosts, Phil gave us a tour of his Shop and woodworking area. Pretty impressive. He was a great host, and is Passionate about Kubb, a Yard game that was originally played overseas, but because of Phi, brought the game to the US. He actually has his own playing field. We plan on visiting again, as we loved the vibe

T

Terra

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

I loved tent camping on this property. The area is very nice and the tools in the shed came in very handy! The night sky and view during the day time was beautiful. There’s some trails on the property that made exploring so much fun! Thank you so much for letting us stay on your property.

E

Eric

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Million $ Sunset Camp

Great campsite! Right on the lake, easy walk to Legs, beautiful spot! Highly recommend!

S

Shaunna

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hidden Meadow

Well-kept, even grounds tucked in a hidden meadow. More space between rental spaces than an RV park. Owner leaves out a box of kindling for the fire. Will definitely make this a repeat spot on trips to Petoskey and the UP.

P

Patrick

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Hidden Meadow

What a great location! So glad I was able to pay a visit before the secret gets out. Very well manicured spots. Great attention to detail, along with providing many amenities that are terrific.

R

Rick

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Hidden Meadow

A great small campground in a great location for a Basecamp to explore northern Michigan from. The owner has put a lot of love into the property. He quickly responds to messages as well.

We (39') are parallel to the road facing the electrical connections, grill, and campfire.

Duane

September 2025

44 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Mackinaw Camp Inn

Perfect spot to explore the area, just 5 minutes to Mackinaw City and the bridge, Todd was very accommodating, allowing 2 RV’s to stay. 45’ truck/trailer(need to back in-no issues) and. 25’ Class C. Site has power (50/30/20) and very nicely fixed up just like your backyard deck. Couldn’t ask for a nicer place to return to after a day of exploring.

E

Erica

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area

Didn't disappoint! Beautiful area, quiet, and the bus was GREAT!

T

Tracie

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

This place was good for the soul. The beautiful river, the sandy beach, fire pit, no TV or road noise made this the perfect getaway. We will be back and will stay longer. The outhouse was clean and well stocked. What a gem!

E

Earl

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Hidden Meadow

Phil has a very nice little setup on his property. The sites are nice and the shower is nice. I highly recommend staying there if you don't like high volume campgrounds and just want peace and quiet.

T

Tyacie

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Mackinaw Camp Inn

Great place to stay with our teardrop camper. We booked on short notice to split up a long drive. Very convenient access off I-75 right by the bridge. Easy in and out with a teardrop trailer. Had a porta potty, electric, a light, fire pit, chairs, trashcan. Private enough, although it is close to the road and a house is visible close by on one side. If it's available the next time we pass through on our way to the UP we will definitely stay again!

H

Hattie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Hidden Meadow

The campsites were nicely laid out and all of the amenities were a nice addition to our stay. It was very peaceful and there was plenty of firewood for us to use.

M

Mark

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Hidden Meadow

Hidden Meadow is an awesome property and Phil is a great host. He was incredibly responsive to a couple questions I had prior to booking which enabled me to book Rustic Campsite #4 with confidence it would meet my needs. I’m super stoked I stayed here! Rustic Campsite #4 is perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet! I felt as though there were no other campers and yet the property was full. There was a table with umbrella, fire pit amd wood and a trash can all onsite. There’s also a really nice “outhouse” with a foot pump for water within 50 feet. The Stargazer trail is awesome too! I can say with 100% certainty my next time in the area I will stay again.

The view upon entering the site. This is only half of it!

K

Kim

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Million $ Sunset Camp

This is a beautiful and very private site. I will absolutely be staying here again. The only thing I would caution about is there is poison ivy hanging into the first part of the path leading to the site and that the end of the board that goes over the stream goes into the water when you step on it. But if you keep this in mind when crossing, your foot will stay dry. Say hi to the kitty that might visit your site! She’s very friendly.

Melissa

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area

The bus was clean and everything was ready for us. We really enjoyed the location for exploring northern Michigan. Price was right too!

P

Paul

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

Another great time at Cut river cabin, hope to be back again next fall!

A

Amy

September 2025

32 ft Class C

1 night at Hidden Meadow

Nice and quiet. Nice dump station. Good directions.

Ron and Debbie

September 2025

45 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at Mackinaw Camp Inn

We enjoyed the private site and easy access. There was a fire ring, table, chairs and a swing. Plenty of room for our 43' motorhome, tow vehicle and another camper van. Entrance was clearly marked, we did unhook our tow vehicle before getting to the site. We backed in from the road, there was no room to turn around in the actual site You heard road noise during the day, not so much at night. Great location to explore the Island.

P

Patricia

September 2025

25 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Hidden Meadow

Beautiful flat site with electricity! Not too close to the other sites. Phil provided kindling and firewood.