The best camping in Michigan

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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.

97% (15K) 25,503 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Michigan

Blooming Bus Farms

1. Blooming Bus Farms

98%
(425)
Niles, MI · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blooming Bus farms is a working urban flower, vegetable and fiber farm practicing sustainable, organic, natural farming practices. Spread out over 15 acres, upon completion, you’ll find 4 yurt sites and 3 byo tent sites. Working hard contributing to our compost are our alpaca and free range chickens. While this is a working farm, we try to not run any equipment before 10:00am! Inquire about reserving the entire property to host your group getaway!
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Million $ Sunset Camp

2. Million $ Sunset Camp

97%
(466)
Harbor Springs, MI · 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.
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Life Adventures

3. Life Adventures

97%
(352)
Saranac, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sleep to the sound of tree frogs, owls, distant coyotes. Walk thru a glitter of fire flies down a trail at night. My black lab Luke or cat Mojo will likely visit your site to say hello and are super chill. 2 disc golf Black Hole Pro baskets on site to practice with. Only 30 minutes east of Grand Rapids, this property was established as a Youth Camp for 15 years is now a private event venue and campground, so it has nice amenities like FULL restrooms, a picnic shelter, and even a few small cabins that can be rented. Cabins ARE SMOKE FREE and may not be used as kennels so please keep pets off furnature and don't leave them inside when you are gone. You must bring your own queen sheet set. Steam cleaning the mattress will be an extra charge. Swimming beach is available in Lowell a few miles away. Fishing rivers and lakes are also in the area. (live bait in Saranac) Woods site and Open Area have a few different locations you can choose from. If woods or open shows booked already, please contact me. Additional fee of $20 per extra tent/camper that sleeps an adult. Picnic shelter is also available. Use my website to RSVP entire camp area for an event such as wedding.
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Huron-Manistee National Forests

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%
(29)
National forest in Michigan · 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.
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Isle Royale National Park

5. Isle Royale National Park

93%
(35)
National park in Michigan · 168 sites
Find yourself—and few others—in this remote island wilderness.
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Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages

6. Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages

Bitely, MI · 37 sites · RVs, Lodging
Pickerel Lakeside Campground and Cottages offers a fantastic getaway for relaxing family vacations. Campground offers 26 lakefront, 15 spacious pull-through lake view and 4 rustic sites. Our "just like home" cottages are fully modern, spacious, neat and squeaky clean. Sliding glass doors overlook the lake and wooded settings. Each has fully modern bath and kitchen facilities, living/dining rooms with comfortable furnishings, private bedrooms, air conditioning, ceiling and/or floor fans, television, picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill. There is also a swimming area, boat launch and dock usage. Everything you need to feel right at home! Fun family activities may include boating, fishing, swimming, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, hiking and biking. There is also a covered lakefront pavilion with electric and a fish cleaning station to clean your day's catch. Over 35 wooded acres and over 700 feet of Pickerel Lake frontage is the setting for our quiet, family orientated campground. Get back to nature while you sleep under the stars and wake to fresh air, warm breezes and birds singing. You may find yourself picking up a new hobby – studying our great Michigan wildlife or locating constellations in the star-filled sky! Our 45 site campground with level lakefront, pull-thru and rustic sites, has 20/30/50 amp electric, fire ring and picnic table on each site. There is a disposal station, centralized water, and extremely clean outhouses. We do not have flush toilets or showers. We have an expansive 700 feet of lake frontage with grassy beach, buoyed swimming area, covered lakefront pavilion, boat launch, beach volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and walking trails.
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Camp Moonshadow

7. Camp Moonshadow

99%
(599)
Honor, MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our property was originally the only homestead on this road. WE offer 4 Walk in Tent sites and a RV site for small campers up 20 -24 ft- 20 Amp service Only!!! The big barn was built over 100 years ago and is still standing. The farm house was built in 1907. It has been remodeled with a second story added. Pine trees were planted to prevent erosion in the 1960's. The national park began buying land near us in the 1970's and the boundary line to the park is a half-mile from Moonshadow Camp. The area is surrounded by state forests and many hiking and biking trails. Our valley is known for incredible stargazing. Amenities include full access to the Camp kitchen and dining area. You will also have access to a Portable restroom and hand washing station which is located by our BIG BARN. Hot Showers, no problem, you can enjoy a secluded private shower in our shower house which has indoor and outdoor showers. Nearby is Lake Michigan and Esch Rd beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore is nearby and The National Park is famous for attractions , trails, and hiking. 20 amp Electricity and Water is included in the RV site.
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Boone Farm & Forest

8. Boone Farm & Forest

98%
(55)
Dexter, MI · 2 sites
Come set up camp at a beautiful wooded site in the middle of our 600+ acre farm! Creekside Campsite will be open again May of 2025 with other sites coming later in the summer. We have a few toilets available (one is at the Creekside site) but no potable water. There is firewood available for purchase at each site. **If you bring your own wood please take any unburned logs with you when you leave** While the farm is sprawling, there are multiple houses across the property so stay on established trails only and keep your noise levels down. This is a working farm, so you may occasionally see trucks or tractors. Please be respectful of nature and our home by following the Pack It In Pack It Out protocol - what ever you bring to the site, please take it with you when you leave.
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Dalton Traders Tents RV's Cabins

9. Dalton Traders Tents RV's Cabins

99%
(155)
Twin Lake, MI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
40 acre secluded wood lot providing tent, RV, and cabin camping. 10 miles from Lake Michigan public beaches. 5 miles from Michigan’s Adventure amusement park. 4 miles from Thunderbird Raceway 2 miles from US 31 expressway. 3 miles from shopping, bars and restaurants. 1 mile from public golf course. 5 miles from downtown Muskegon. 8 miles from Lake Express cross lake ferry terminal. 10 miles from Winter Sports Complex at Muskegon State Park Firewood provided
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Hiawatha National Forest

10. Hiawatha National Forest

92%
(32)
National forest in Michigan · 513 sites
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

11. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

100%
(56)
National park in Michigan · 211 sites
Sand dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan.
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Ludington State Park

12. Ludington State Park

100%
(30)
State park in Michigan · 373 sites
Take a beach break at two lakes in one at this sandy state park.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

13. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

94%
(41)
National park in Michigan · 65 sites
Sandstone cliffs and wild beaches fringe America’s first National Lakeshore.
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Picnic table
The Haven

14. The Haven

98%
(163)
Niles, MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to The Haven Camping & Outdoor Wedding Venue Established in 2022, The Haven was created with a simple mission: to share the beautiful property God has graciously blessed us with. Nestled on 3 scenic acres along the St. Joseph River, The Haven is truly a hidden gem—offering a peaceful, natural setting perfect for camping, relaxation, and unforgettable gatherings. Surrounded by a stunning canopy of oak, beech, and walnut trees, the property features breathtaking river views and multiple shaded camping areas. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun outdoor experience, The Haven has something for everyone. 🌿 Camping & Site Options Choose the perfect spot for your stay: The River’s Edge (Site 1): Beach area ideal for small RVs and tents Under the Canopy (Site 2): Camp beneath towering trees along the river The Cozy Corner (Site 3): A private, secluded nook by the woods The Cove (Site 4): Scenic river views with space for small campers and tents Cozy Camper (Site 5): A vintage trailer that sleeps up to 4, plus room for up to 2 tents All sites are first-come, first-served, so early booking is recommended to secure your favorite spot. 🔥 Amenities & Activities Fire pits and grilling areas Complimentary starter bucket with essentials Dock access for fishing, relaxing, or stargazing Kayak rentals available Yard games: cornhole, horseshoes, volleyball, tetherball, and more Plenty of open space for football, frisbee, and outdoor fun Porta-potty available Ample parking Spend your evenings by the fire at “The Pit” or unwind at the dock (“The Spot”) while taking in peaceful river views. 📅 Opening Day May 1, 2026 ⚠️ Important Guidelines To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests: No smoking or drugs — violation will result in removal without refund Alcohol permitted at owner’s discretion upon arrival- Please dispose of trash properly Clean up after pets Be respectful of the property and fellow guests Book your stay today and experience nature, relaxation, and adventure at The Haven!
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Dragon Adventures Base Camp

15. Dragon Adventures Base Camp

97%
(114)
White Cloud, MI · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
Dragon Adventures Base Camp is 23 acres of adventurous fun in the heart of a great adventure area! Mountain biking and hiking on the 43 mile Dragon Trail, paddling on Hardy Pond or the Muskegon River, boating, and the most popular beach are all just minutes away. At the Base Camp you’ll find a cabin for rent, campsites, an amazing beer garden with firepits, yard games, and tons of woods and trails to explore year round! Mark and Amy love hosting folks for their adventures! Come as strangers but leave as friends!
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Mulln-Heim Vineyards

16. Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%
(692)
Baroda, MI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.
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Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground

17. Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground

98%
(170)
Manistique, MI · 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.
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Full hookups
Restful Camping Retreat

18. Restful Camping Retreat

99%
(62)
Marcellus, MI · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Do you need to recharge from the busyness of life? Nature’s beauty and simplicity awaits you at Our Daily Bread Campground. Cradled on almost 200 acres of rolling hills, farmland, quiet valleys, picturesque woodlands the scenes of nature will ennoble the senses. The shimmering waters of Miller lake adorn the property’s southern border. Deer, wild turkey, swans, sandhill cranes, beaver, and occasional fox are but few of the residents who live here. Come and enjoy the peace and serenity, rest and relaxation of Our Daily Bread. We offer a place for families and individuals to come and feel safe and enjoy some quiet time... away from the hustle and bustle of life. We have lots of trails for hiking, a playground for kids, and lots of seating areas to rest and relax. We are an alcohol and smoke free campus, and don't allow foul language, parties or any disturbances to other guests.... as we value the satisfaction and peaceful experience here for all our guests. We do not allow pets for our cabin guests, and we're also a smoke and alcohol free campus. We have boats for rent (kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boats). This is not for everyone, but if you want to come and commune with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet, then this is the spot for you! Our goal to provide a peaceful, quiet ambiance for all our guests and so we don’t allow loud music and we require adherence of our quiet hours from 10pm to 10 am. If you’re using a generator, please run it during the day until 10pm, so that it’s not running all through the night.
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Jackson Station Leelanau

19. Jackson Station Leelanau

99%
(354)
Maple City, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our sites accomodate 2 adults & their minors, with 1-2 vehicles at each site's entrance. If you're traveling with more than 2 adults please book more than one site. Enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience in beautiful Leelanau County via Agritourism at Jackson Station! Our property has 4 private tent sites situated among a dense pine forest on our small-scale farm.  We're located between the two popular vacation destinations of Glen Arbor and Leland, MI - both a short scenic drive in either direction. The peninsula has tons of recreation: hiking, biking, beaches, boating, fishing, dining, shopping, wine tasting, and visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Our farm produces pastured, all natural meat, including pork, beef, goat and fresh eggs/seasonal veggies. See the hens roaming, cows and goats grazing in the fenced-in pasture. A variety of cuts of meat from our freezers are available for sale or get a tour of the farm ~ Just ask! You may simply enjoy the scene at your leisure. SITE DETAILS: Each camp site has woodchips, gravel surrounding a bonfire ring, a clothesline and neatly stacked firewood for sale. Our sites accomodate 2 adults and their minors. We recommend that larger groups or multiple adults book more than one site next to each other (sites 1 and 2 or 2 and 3 are good for this). Quiet hours are enforced between 10pm-7am. This is our home and farm, not a campground, please think of staying here that way. A short walk from camp, you'll find access to a water pump for delicious drinking water straight from our well, so that you may fill containers of water or utilize for rinsing.  Our land borders the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll be just a few miles from access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. Relax in the sand, hunt for rocks, hike a trail, kayak or paddle-board and watch an epic sunset.  School Lake, known for its fishing from non-motorized boats or a quiet place to paddle. 2 Miles away, access the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a non-motorized 27 mile groomed trail that follows the scenic M-22 from our location all the way to Empire, MI. 2.8 miles from our camp, you'll find a Mountain Bikers paradise at Palmer Woods Forest Preserve, with various hiking trails and a 6 mile mountain bike trail.
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Superior Times Resort & Campground

20. Superior Times Resort & Campground

94%
(447)
Au Train, MI · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom
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Michigan camping guide

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.

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

Top regions in and near Michigan