The best family-friendly camping near Vanderbilt
98% (490) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Vanderbilt
Hidden Meadow
1. Hidden Meadow
98%
(132)
19mi from Vanderbilt · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area
2. Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area
92%
(25)
34mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$125
/ night
Million $ Sunset Camp
3. Million $ Sunset Camp
97%
(466)
39mi from Vanderbilt · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$29
/ night
Mackinaw Camp Inn
4. Mackinaw Camp Inn
98%
(107)
42mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$34
/ night
CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
5. CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
99%
(46)
50mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$179
/ night
98% (490) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Vanderbilt
Hidden Meadow
1. Hidden Meadow
98%
(132)
19mi from Vanderbilt · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area
2. Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area
92%
(25)
34mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$125
/ night
Million $ Sunset Camp
3. Million $ Sunset Camp
97%
(466)
39mi from Vanderbilt · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$29
/ night
Mackinaw Camp Inn
4. Mackinaw Camp Inn
98%
(107)
42mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$34
/ night
CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
5. CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE
99%
(46)
50mi from Vanderbilt · 1 site
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$179
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Max
2 weeks ago
Group trip
Had an excellent stay at Cut River Cabin! As someone who I went with said, it was the most cabin-y cabin they've ever stayed in. Area was absolutely beautiful in the winter, and was just the right amount of remote. Would definitely consider going back, at any time of year.
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Steve
December 2025
Group trip
Beautiful location. Stayed warm in the cabin even with single digit temperatures and a wood stove for heat.
See moreD
Dan
December 2025
Group trip
The Cut River Cabin was great. Very rustic. No wifi or TV was a plus. Plenty of firewood to keep us warm on some single digit nights. Beautiful view of the river. Thanks Jeremey!
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A
Alexis
October 2025
With pets
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!
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ROBB & JEANNE
October 2025
22 ft travel trailer
With pets
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
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E
Eric
October 2025
Tent
Great campsite! Right on the lake, easy walk to Legs, beautiful spot! Highly recommend!
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C
Cheryl
October 2025
25 ft Class C
Phil's done a fabulous job of setting his site up. The amenities were easy to find and hook up to. It was wonderful to have wood, and fire starter available at the site. The yard games looked interesting, but we didn't have a chance to try them out. I really liked the laminated information sheets. The list of things to do in the area was a lot longer than I thought it would be. Hopefully, we'll have a chance to check out a few of those ideas next time we're there. All around, it was a wonderful experience!
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S
Shaunna
October 2025
Tent
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.
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Patrick
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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R
Rick
October 2025
Tent
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.
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Duane
September 2025
44 ft travel trailer
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.
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E
Erica
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Schoolie Bus Camp & Camping Area
Didn't disappoint! Beautiful area, quiet, and the bus was GREAT!
See moreT
Tracie
September 2025
With pets
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!
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E
Earl
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
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T
Tyacie
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
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!
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Hattie
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See moreM
Mark
September 2025
15 ft campervan
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.
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K
Kim
September 2025
Tent
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.
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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!
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P
Paul
September 2025
Group trip
Another great time at Cut river cabin, hope to be back again next fall!
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