The best waterside campgrounds near Walloon Lake, Michigan

Camping waterside at Walloon Lake puts you close to clear water, sandy banks, and unbeatable sunsets. With over 2,300 options in this area alone, you can pitch your tent or park your camper right by the shore. Average nights run about $55, but you’ll spot sites as low as $10 if you move fast. The best-reviewed spots—Million $ Sunset Camp (187 reviews), Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (145 reviews), and Just Show Up Camping (132 reviews)—let you wake up to lakeside views and fall asleep to the sound of water lapping the shore. Most sites allow campfires, pets, and hot showers. You’ll spot plenty of anglers and wildlife-watchers here, and if you’re around in winter, snow sports take over the scene. Walloon Lake draws campers who want more than just a place to sleep—they’re here for waterfront living and all the action that comes with it.

98% (1.2K) • 465 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Walloon Lake

Kruz Camping

1. Kruz Camping

93%

(35)

4.9mi from Walloon Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$30

/ night

Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

2. Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

98%

(66)

17mi from Walloon Lake · 4 sites

We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st.  WE DO NOT OFFER FIREWOOD ANY LONGER! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY OLD MAN'S FIREWOOD. Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. One family per site unless you are booking as a group.   Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m. At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities. Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided. You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it!  A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay. Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles!  Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there).  25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire).  This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes. Hiking at its best!  Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix). Go shopping or out to eat!  15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast).  25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way).  30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey.  1 hour to Traverse City.  Hour and a half to Mackinaw City. Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery!  Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!

Pets

Full hookups

from

$55

/ night

Fieldguide Farmhouse

3. Fieldguide Farmhouse

93%

(40)

22mi from Walloon Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$72

/ night

Burt Lake State Park

4. Burt Lake State Park

50%

(3)

State park 17mi from Walloon Lake · 306 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Onaway State Park

5. Onaway State Park

State park 36mi from Walloon Lake · 83 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Pi Acres

6. Pi Acres

47mi from Walloon Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV

The perfect destination for your Traverse City experience. Located walking distance from East Bay and the bike trails scenic route to downtown. Free bussing every fifteen minutes to and from town as well. Neighborhood attractions include fast and fine dining, bike shop, tattoo parlor, coffeehouse, golf simulator, massage, ice cream shop, and Pirates Cove adventure park… all walking distance. The property being so close to these attractions is just far enough away that you can enjoy the sound of Baker Creek passing through which is host to steelhead, rainbow, and brook trout. The camp sites are on the front acre which is fenced in for your furry friends. Electric and water hook ups available for site 1. Sites 2 and 3 are rustic only. Creek side bonfire pit available for all as well as yard games. Back two acres are heavily wooded but open for exploring. Bathroom access in house for tent campers. On site parking. Smoking permitted.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$70

/ night

Huron-Manistee National Forests

7. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(29)

National forest 70mi from Walloon Lake · 938 sites

You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Hiawatha National Forest

8. Hiawatha National Forest

92%

(32)

National forest 104mi from Walloon Lake · 513 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camping waterside at Walloon Lake puts you close to clear water, sandy banks, and unbeatable sunsets. With over 2,300 options in this area alone, you can pitch your tent or park your camper right by the shore. Average nights run about $55, but you’ll spot sites as low as $10 if you move fast. The best-reviewed spots—Million $ Sunset Camp (187 reviews), Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley (145 reviews), and Just Show Up Camping (132 reviews)—let you wake up to lakeside views and fall asleep to the sound of water lapping the shore. Most sites allow campfires, pets, and hot showers. You’ll spot plenty of anglers and wildlife-watchers here, and if you’re around in winter, snow sports take over the scene. Walloon Lake draws campers who want more than just a place to sleep—they’re here for waterfront living and all the action that comes with it.

98% (1.2K) • 465 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Walloon Lake

Kruz Camping

1. Kruz Camping

93%

(35)

4.9mi from Walloon Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$30

/ night

Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

2. Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

98%

(66)

17mi from Walloon Lake · 4 sites

We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st.  WE DO NOT OFFER FIREWOOD ANY LONGER! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY OLD MAN'S FIREWOOD. Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. One family per site unless you are booking as a group.   Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m. At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities. Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided. You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it!  A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay. Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles!  Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there).  25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire).  This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes. Hiking at its best!  Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix). Go shopping or out to eat!  15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast).  25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way).  30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey.  1 hour to Traverse City.  Hour and a half to Mackinaw City. Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery!  Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!

Pets

Full hookups

from

$55

/ night

Fieldguide Farmhouse

3. Fieldguide Farmhouse

93%

(40)

22mi from Walloon Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$72

/ night

Burt Lake State Park

4. Burt Lake State Park

50%

(3)

State park 17mi from Walloon Lake · 306 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Onaway State Park

5. Onaway State Park

State park 36mi from Walloon Lake · 83 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Pi Acres

6. Pi Acres

47mi from Walloon Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV

The perfect destination for your Traverse City experience. Located walking distance from East Bay and the bike trails scenic route to downtown. Free bussing every fifteen minutes to and from town as well. Neighborhood attractions include fast and fine dining, bike shop, tattoo parlor, coffeehouse, golf simulator, massage, ice cream shop, and Pirates Cove adventure park… all walking distance. The property being so close to these attractions is just far enough away that you can enjoy the sound of Baker Creek passing through which is host to steelhead, rainbow, and brook trout. The camp sites are on the front acre which is fenced in for your furry friends. Electric and water hook ups available for site 1. Sites 2 and 3 are rustic only. Creek side bonfire pit available for all as well as yard games. Back two acres are heavily wooded but open for exploring. Bathroom access in house for tent campers. On site parking. Smoking permitted.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$70

/ night

Huron-Manistee National Forests

7. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(29)

National forest 70mi from Walloon Lake · 938 sites

You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Hiawatha National Forest

8. Hiawatha National Forest

92%

(32)

National forest 104mi from Walloon Lake · 513 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Crystal

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kruz Camping

Perfectly fine for a night. Owner is really friendly. Pretty basic but still nice. Not really a campground, more of an open field in someone's backyard. But still perfect for one night and had porta potties and a shower which was really refreshing!

D

Daniel

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

The sites are across the street from Six Mile Lake giving us easy access to the beach and park.

Courtney

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

We had an amazing time camping on Lee’s property! Everything from the clean grassy site, incredible views of the lake, and the location made this a wonderful experience. Lee and her husband were incredibly welcoming and friendly hosts, it was pleasure meeting them, they went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Would definitely recommend and stay here again when in the area.

D

David

July 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

This host has created a comfortable space among the trees in their large backyard. There is a lake nearby for warm weather evening dips, and the grass was luxurious.

T

Todd

July 2025

19 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fieldguide Farmhouse

Lee's property is along the beautiful Intermediate Lake and while it's not directly on the waterfront, the property sits where the road curves and there's a beautiful, open view of the lake. The designated spot(s) for camping are located out behind the stone house (residence), in a grassy area that butts up to the garage. I believe that there are two spots for camping although I'm not certain how all that works. I would call the area semi-private rather than private since it's mostly in full view of the residence. There are some privacy trees/shrubs that create a bit of separation. It's quiet and peaceful and in my opinion a much better experience than most campgrounds!