Camping in Michigan

With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.

96% (14549 reviews)
  1. Michigan
96% (14549 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Michigan

Camper favorites in Michigan

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Michigan

Stories from the community

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in Michigan

99%
(205)

2Chicks And A Farm

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Bangor, MI
7 camp sites, 1 RV site, 3 Yurts, a Bohemian camp site, and new this year a TeePee Site and Hammock site. For a total of 13 options. 2Chicks And A Farm is a small working farm on 20 acres, owned and run by Julie and Theresa Graham. We are 13 minutes from South Haven and the lake. 30 minutes from the city of Kalamazoo. And just under an hour from Grand Rapids. About half of the 20 acres is wooded, which is where three of our camp sites, Hammock Haven are located. Each site has a fire ring & picnic table. One site, capable of taking a mid sized RV / Fifth Wheel, is located on the front of the property with easy access from the road. It backs up to some trails and brush/wood area and has a corn field to the right. So, even though on the front on the property, you have a feeling of privacy. It too has a fire pit and picnic table. Three camp sites are located in the pasture. One is at the bottom of the pasture (1) and quite open. It can accommodate larger groups with multiple tents. A more secluded site (5) is half open and half in light woods., and is located at the top of the pasture. The others are in the middle of the pasture, 2 for sun lovers and 3 for those who prefer more shade. For those who prefer more seclusion, we have cleared three sites in the woods. All sites have a fire ring, or metal fire pit, and picnic table. Some have fire wood boxes (we’re working on making a box for all sites). We have an outdoor propane shower that provides both hot and cold water. This is free. A coffee bar is on the back deck. Coffee is brewing around 7am. We also provide hot water, teas, hot chocolate and cider. Feeling a little peckish before breakfast, or after dinner? Help yourself to a snack. This is all free, though small donations are welcomed. Our goats, poultry, pigs, rabbits, cats and dogs and produce take up about an acre and a half. Then the rest is open space. You are welcome to collect eggs for breakfast and fresh produce from our gardens (additional fee). Use the BBQ or smoker. And even join in on farm chores if you are so inclined. Please try to plan to check-in by 9pm. Exceptions can be made. There are locally mandated quiet hours (10-7 Sun through Thur, and 11-7 Fri and Sat). Hanging out by a fire and chatting is fine.
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$50
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99%
(67)

Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck

49 sites · Lodging, Tents36 acres · Fennville, MI
Campit is a LGBTQ + resort that is open to all. We are 21+ only on all weekends. We are a membership community requiring a valid $15 yearly membership. We are a beautiful 36 acre resort offering themed weekends from April 1st to October 31st. Many options to fit any budget including $10 tenting, RV sites, many cabin options, and a bed and breakfast style lodging unit. The resort features a large heated pool, general store, 4 large bathhouses, and many trails throughout the park. Campit emphasizes giving back in all of our themed weekends by hosting charitable after parties supporting Woman, Transgender Health, LGBTQ Youth, and so much more. Campit is a 21+ Resort Friday-Sunday, and Thursday-Monday on Holiday weekends. Guests with children are welcome on weekday stays. We are a membership community and guests must have a valid yearly membership of $15.00 that can be purchased directly after booking or at the time of check in.
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$8
 / night
98%
(122)

Provision Family Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI
Nestled in Manistee National Forest is a family farm. Trailheads lead to hundreds of miles of public two-track, and the woods roll between oak/maple/beech and aspen/birch. On the farm is a 20 acre lake with a floating island, tent sites, and healthy ecosystems with plenty of wildlife.Our farm pastures pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry, investing in our dirt and our neighbors. We are provision family farms because we provide for our animals even as we are provided for. Drop on in at the house and we may have time for a little tour.In the woods is a small composting toilet, but you're welcome to fertilize our pastures anytime. There's also a shower available in the house.The best time to visit Michigan forests is in October when the leaves turn color and the nights are cool. The mosquitoes are done for the winter and the air is brisk.
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$22.50
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100%
(81)

Sunflower Farms

4 sites · Tents8 acres · South Haven, MI
PRIVATE WOODED TENT GETAWAY! 8 Acres of wooded property with beautiful trails and clearings for tent camping. Deer, rabbits and much fawna can be seen on our property. Owners are on site for any assistance. Flushing porta potty with privacy tent on property with toilet paper and sanitizer. Always attended to. Three miles from downtown South Haven for shopping, beaches and a wide array of summer fun for you and the whole family. Just 4 miles away is Lake Arvesta. A great summer sports lake with lots of activities. Horseback riding a few miles away. Check in is from 2:00pm to 8:00 pm Eastern time or sundown, whichever comes first Exceptions can be made in advance of booking by messaging us. If you desire a late check in, choose late check in under extras. In case you don't choose this option and check in is past 8:00pm Eastern time or sundown, a $40 comfort option will be assessed and payable at check in.
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$20
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98%
(435)

Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI
My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows.  Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River.  It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians.  In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry.  Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away.  Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan.  Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land.  But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state.  My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private).  I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.
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$50
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99%
(57)

Gypsy Hill

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Honor, MI
Gypsy Hill is a secluded 10 acres of field and forest with five private campsites. Perfect for simple tent camping or parking an RV ready to boonedock. Gypsy Hill is just outside the village of Honor, MI which boasts a great grocery store and many other conveniences. Your hostess Margaret has lived and explored the area that was named “The most beautiful place in America” by Good Morning America, for 23 years . Margaret would love to share hints and tips for the best places for hiking,paddling,swimming, biking, driving, eating, and playing. Gypsy Hill’s five campsites are close to Lake Michigan, many inland lakes and rivers, and numerous trails and parks. All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with your first campfire on the house! Additional wood is available onsite for sale. Also available for loan are kayaks and a canoe. Seasonal wood fired sauna . Looking forward to meeting all of you happy campers! Cheers!
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$40
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Star Hosts in Michigan

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Michigan guide

Overview

When it comes to natural attractions, Michigan holds all the aces. This landlocked state has more state parks and state forests than any other, miles of coastline, and more than 10,000 lakes—which means you’ll never be more than six miles from the water. Some of the best camping is found on the beaches and islands of the Great Lakes, so plan a summer getaway to swim, fish, and kayak, or a fall camping trip to admire Michigan’s spectacular foliage. Winter is best suited for RV camping, with snow blanketing much of the state from November through March.

Where to go

​Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s wild toupée, with swathes of old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and inland lakes stretching along the southern shore of Lake Superior. This is the spot to escape the crowds, whether pitching your tent by the sand dunes in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, parking your RV by a waterfall in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, or yurt camping in the Porcupine Mountains. For the ultimate camping experience, the Hiawatha National Forest has some 60 campsites to choose from.

Northern Lower Peninsula

Bordered by Lake Michigan to the West and Lake Huron to the east, the northern Lower Peninsula has the highest concentration of Michigan state parks. Miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails await in the Huron National Forest, where you can choose from modern campgrounds or backcountry camping. Along the coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see, Wilderness State Park is a dark sky reserve, and Ludington State Park Beach is a family favorite.

Southwest Michigan

Grand Rapids is the gateway to Michigan’s southwest, where the shore of Lake Michigan provides plenty of options for a summer camping trip. Lakefront cities such as South Haven, Benton Harbor, and Holland have sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and seafront campgrounds. Forget tent camping in the wilderness—RV sites come equipped with full hookups, playgrounds, and watercraft rentals.

Southeast Michigan

Michigan's "Thumb" juts out along the west shore of Lake Huron, where Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park are the big draws for campers. Below this, the west coast is ideal for a road trip, peppered with shipwreck dive sites, secluded beaches, and golf courses. South of Detroit and Lake St. Clair, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, with a mix of RV and tent sites by the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Michigan, you can often camp for free in designated areas or dispersed camping zones within its national forests, such as the Hiawatha National Forest and the Huron-Manistee National Forest. However, some areas may require fees or permits. These forests offer dispersed, primitive camping with no facilities. You'll need to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, some state forest lands also allow free dispersed camping, but it's essential to check the specific regulations for each area before setting up camp.

Yes, Michigan offers excellent camping opportunities, with diverse landscapes, numerous state parks, and beautiful natural attractions. You'll find over 1,000 campgrounds throughout the state, ranging from rustic and primitive sites to well-maintained and modern facilities. Michigan is home to two peninsulas, each with its own unique camping experiences.

The Lower Peninsula boasts beautiful lakeshores, sand dunes, and bustling cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Popular camping destinations include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Ludington State Park.

The Upper Peninsula offers a more remote and rugged experience, with vast forests, waterfalls, and the shores of Lake Superior. Must-visit camping spots include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Whether you're into tent camping, RVing, or glamping, Michigan has something for everyone. For more camping options in Michigan, you can explore Hipcamp.

The best month to camp in Michigan is typically September. During this time, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. Additionally, September offers beautiful fall foliage, fewer bugs, and less crowded campgrounds compared to the peak summer months. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures for swimming and water activities, consider camping in Michigan during the summer months of June, July, or August.

Yes, boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is legal in Michigan on public lands, such as national forests and some state forests. In Michigan, you can boondock in areas like the Huron-Manistee National Forests and the Hiawatha National Forest. There are also private properties available for boondocking through Hipcamp. Be sure to follow the rules and regulations for each specific area, such as staying within designated areas, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and adhering to any fire restrictions.

In fall, camping is available in many of Michigan's various state parks, such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ludington State Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Michigan camping is especially beautiful in fall thanks to vibrant fall colors.