The best camping in Michigan

·

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% (18.1K) • 25,851 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Michigan

Blooming Bus Farms

1. Blooming Bus Farms

98%
(515)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dragon Adventures Base Camp

2. Dragon Adventures Base Camp

98%
(169)
White Cloud, MI · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
Dragon Adventures Base Camp is 30 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Secluded Lost Lake

3. Secluded Lost Lake

100%
(14)
Ironwood, MI · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Lost Lake Off-Grid Retreat — Ironwood, Michigan Upper Peninsula Three acres of deep northwoods silence across the road of Spirit Lake, eight miles from the largest freshwater lake on Earth. No cell service. No light pollution. Just towering hardwoods, loon calls at dusk, and some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the Lower 48. The RV (sleeps 4–6) 34-foot Class A motorhome tucked into the trees. Queen bedroom, fold-out couch, working stovetop, and generator. Outhouse steps away. You’re not here for granite countertops—you’re here because the sauna is hot, the lake is cold, and nobody knows where you are. The Mini Camper (sleeps 2) Hardtop converted pop-up—low-profile, cozy, built for sleeping. Full mattress, portable power station included. Crawl in, zip up, listen to the woods. One step above a tent with none of the setup. Blankets and pillows included. Remote Tent Sites Primitive, dispersed sites spread through the timber. Fire rings and outhouse access. Bring your gear and disappear. On the Property Wood-fired Finnish sauna—the kind of heat that resets your entire nervous system. Spirit Lake directly across the road for a cold plunge or a quiet paddle. Two kayaks available to rent. Four-wheeler for exploring miles of old logging roads and backcountry. Firewood. Solar power. Generator. Stars you forgot existed. What You’re Close To The UP’s heaviest concentration of waterfalls is right here. Five Black River falls—including Rainbow Falls and its 200-foot suspension bridge—within a half hour. Lake of the Clouds and the 60,000-acre Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, 30 minutes away. Copper Peak’s 18-story sky ride with views into three states and Canada. Little Girls Point on Lake Superior—agate hunting, bonfires, sunsets that’ll rearrange your priorities. Interstate Falls, Gabbro Falls, and Peterson Falls nearby. North Country Trail access. Downtown Ironwood and Hurley for supplies and a Friday fish fry, 10 minutes out. The Vibe Off-grid means off-grid. You use the outhouse. You haul your water. You hear things in the woods you can’t identify. This isn’t a resort with a rustic theme—it’s three acres of actual wilderness with a sauna, a lake across the road, and the kind of quiet most people have never experienced.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Huron-Manistee National Forests

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%
(30)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Isle Royale National Park

5. Isle Royale National Park

97%
(39)
National park in Michigan · 168 sites
Find yourself—and few others—in this remote island wilderness.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Carlandia CannaCamp

6. Carlandia CannaCamp

100%
(267)
Manchester, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Carlandia! We are a quiet camp, sharing the peace and serenity of nature. We believe in promoting natural areas and encouraging formation of habitat. We love this amazing planet and are happy to share this beautiful place with you! ✌🏾💙🌎 Nearly 42.0 acres of rolling hills planted in organic hay, organic herb and veggie garden, loads of wild berries and mowed trails! See hawks, sandhill cranes, 20+ songbirds, deer and maybe fox, bald eagle, osprey, or coyote! Minutes to waterfowl preserve, lake life, antiquing, mountain/road bicycling, kayak lakes and streams, disc golf onsite... Lots to do!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mulln-Heim Vineyards

7. Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%
(746)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blissfest Festival Farm

8. Blissfest Festival Farm

96%
(158)
Cross Village, MI · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to the picturesque countryside of rural Northern Michigan and the Blissfest Festival Farm. Campers have access to 200+ acres including an 18-hole disc golf course and many trails, including North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the property. Active agricultural projects include an orchard, vineyard and shitake garden. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our hardwood forests, witness stunning fall colors and marvel at the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Choose from 25 drive-up or 10 walk-in sites with access to potable water, regularly serviced portajons and solar showers. Within five miles, you'll find great restaurants and craft brews, sandy Lake Michigan beaches and the famous Tunnel of Trees. Sunsets paint the western horizon in beautiful displays of magenta and gold; our dark and starry skies are a sight to behold.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dalton Traders Tents RV's Cabins

9. Dalton Traders Tents RV's Cabins

99%
(207)
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hiawatha National Forest

10. Hiawatha National Forest

88%
(36)
National forest in Michigan · 513 sites
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

11. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

99%
(63)
National park in Michigan · 211 sites
Sand dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Muskegon State Park

13. Muskegon State Park

100%
(17)
State park in Michigan · 247 sites
Discover Muskegon State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Million $ Sunset Camp

14. Million $ Sunset Camp

96%
(383)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Lake Hops & Gardens

15. Blue Lake Hops & Gardens

100%
(57)
Twin Lake, MI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
BLUE LAKE HOPS and GARDENS is working Hops Yard, FARM MARKET, FOOD TRAILER and MICHIGAN CRAFT BEVERAGE BIERGARTEN. In the midst of the Manistee National Forest, a mile to a seasonal beach and picnic area on BIG BLUE LAKE with the WHITE RIVER, and five SUMMER CAMPS close by, THREE SITES are available sized to accommodate tent camping, Travel Trailer (EXCEPT 5th Wheels), and Class B and C RV"s. Each site is easily accessible, open and sunny for trailers and RV's with shaded areas for tenting. You will be in the woods adjacent to a open area working Hops Farm. Each site has a fixed in place fire-ring with cooking grate and 8-foot picnic table. Parking area, Food Truck, Biergarten and Farm Market are walk-able to on the property. Portable Toilet serviced weekly and potable water is central to the sites. Trash containers with trash bags are at each site. NO HOOK-UPS ARE AVAILABLE. Expect NO or LIMITED cellular service. One Travel Trailer or up to Three Tents accommodated per site. Sites are flat with moss/grass on sand terrain. One vehicle allowed on each site, parking lot for additional vehicles is available. This is a PEACEFUL AREA with loud music, noise and entertainment DISCOURAGED. QUIET HOURS ARE 11PM - 8AM DAILY. CONTINUOUS USE OF GENERATORS IS DISCOURAGED. Weather is typical for West Michigan with occasional winds and rain, we are on sandy terrain so ponding is very limited. WILDLIFE regularly includes Deer, Turkeys, Raccoons and Possum. Black Bear sightings are rare but not a common occurrence. NEAR-BY IS: GERBER SCOUT RESERVATION, Michigan Crossroads Council, Scouts BSA is across the road. BLUE LAKE PARK with BEACH and PICNIC AREA 1 mile (seasonal). OWASIPPE SCOUT RESERVATION, Pathway to Adventure Council, Scouts BSA 2 miles. DEREMO BOAT LAUNCH on Big Blue Lake 3 miles. PIONEER TRAILS CAMP, Pioneer Resources, Muskegon 3 miles. YMCA CAMP PENDALOUAN 3 miles. HAPPY MOHAWK CANOE LIVERY 4 miles. BLUE LAKE FINE ARTS CAMP 6 miles. GOLFING 9, 11, 13, 15 miles. WHITEHALL and MONTAGUE DOWNTOWN'S 11 miles. MICHIGAN'S ADVENTURE 12 miles. FREMONT DOWNTOWN 14 miles. WHITE RIVER LIGHT STATION 18 miles. MUSKEGON 18 miles. MEINERT PARK LAKE MICHIGAN BEACH 19 miles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Andy’s Wolf Traxx

16. Andy’s Wolf Traxx

98%
(225)
Newberry, MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is heavily wooded with pine and maple trees. Wild raspberry and blueberries are found to be plentiful in season. Formerly wooded by lumberjacks during the early 1900’s, this area is rich with history and sights to see. Located between Seney National Wildlife Refugee and Grand Mairas on Lake Superior.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Explore the U.P. from here!

17. Explore the U.P. from here!

97%
(407)
Newberry, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Best Hipcamp in Michigan – 5x Finalist! Experience total privacy and rustic charm at our spacious, secluded campsites—perfect for tents, campers, or our unique levitating tents (already set up—just bring your sleeping bag and pillow!). Each site features a private entrance and is so spread out, you’ll likely never see another camper. No crowds. No noise. Just nature. Ideally located near top Upper Peninsula attractions—Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Kitch-iti-kipi—with a convenience store just a short walk away, as is the public boat launch onto East Lake. Bonus: Mention your stay for a discounted shower at the Pleasant Moose Hotel in Newberry!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
White Pine Farm HipCamping

18. White Pine Farm HipCamping

98%
(161)
Ann Arbor, MI · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
A Special Welcome to Any Fellow Wheatlanders Looking For a Friendly Spot! LARGE GROUPS - We are hosting events! Graduation parties, small weddings, family reunions, you name it. You can rent the whole campground for a day a night, a weekend, or a whole week if that suits your need. Just send us a message and we can talk about it. We can also accommodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. Our primary guideline is that if your event will be held while other campers are here, it cannot disturb them. So, consider renting the whole campground. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please plan to arrive and set up camp between 3 and 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed. Overview: Our beautiful 10 acre farm and homestead is situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter not far from the Huron River. The 5 acre area where our campsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of world class events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farm market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more. NEW IN 2025 we have installed a hose with potable water near the entrance to the campground for your convenience.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Heritage Hills

19. Heritage Hills

100%
(420)
Ishpeming, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Heritage Hills isn't called Heritage Hills for nothing! It's situated on 21 acres of what was the original Wawonowin Country Club, a 9-hole golf course that was built in the early 1800s and then closed in the mid 1960s. And now we have a beautiful mix of hardwoods and pines, forests and fields with multiplied non-motorized trails accessible right off the property. The very popular RAMBA bike trails are literally an ‘stones throw’ away! Our biggest site, Fairway Field is big enough for group camping that horse campers love, and one site, the Homestead, with an electric hookup. We don’t have a dump station or trash cans so please pack in and pack out. Phone signal is good throughout the area and we are close to civilization for necessities and only 20 minutes from Marquette. So much stuff to do in this area!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Valley of the Giants Camp

20. Valley of the Giants Camp

100%
(28)
Irons, MI · 1 site · Tent, RV
Camp under the shelter of towering ancient trees. Just off a quiet paved country road, this property is well-located yet still offers seclusion. Across the street, Manistee National Forest land features a spring-fed lake with a canoe, kayak, and rowboat launch. The Little Manistee River is within walking distance, offering first-class trout fishing and paddle sports. Nearby outdoor activities include: • North Country Trail Trailhead – 3 mi. • Manistee River Highbridge Boat Launch – 9.5 mi. • Tippy Dam Pond Boat Launch – 11 mi. • Nordhouse Dunes Lake Michigan Recreation Area – 23 mi. Listen to songbirds as you relax at the picnic table with your favorite refreshment. Hike, bike, paddle, and fish to your heart’s content. Amenities include a picnic table, a fire ring for cooking, a porta-potty, drinking water and provided firewood. Come enjoy our beautiful property!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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