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Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
98%
(69)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
from
for NaN guests$70
/ nightReviews
98% Recommend69 ratings · 53 reviews
Such a beautiful, peaceful spot right on Lake Michigan! Tucked into a quiet cedar grove on the Garden Peninsula, the site offers a rare combination of off-grid tranquillity and direct access to the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The new wood-fired sauna was an absolute highlight, the perfect way to warm up after a swim! Waking up to the sound of waves, relaxing by the fire at night, and a true off-grid vibe. The fire-pit area in the trees provides a cosy, sheltered setting for an evening under the stars. There has been a lot of care put into this place.
If you’re looking for a beach-camp experience that feels more intimate and upgraded (thanks to the sauna!) rather than a busy campground, this spot is highly recommended. Ideal for folks who want to unplug, still have beach/morning water access, and enjoy a little extra luxury in the wild.
Roxy D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
It was a beautiful, peaceful spot and the composting toilet was very clean.
A
Anna M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Loved this campsite!! As a solo women traveler I felt so safe and nicely tucked away! Would stay again:)
E
E W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Peaceful, Quiet, and a Great view!
16 ft car ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
Great campspot right on lake Michigan has two different fire pits including on one the beach🏖️ pretty secluded down a couple miles of dirt roads definitely recommend checking it out 👍
Matt S.
4 reviews
What a special spot. My son and I spent two days at Eli’s Surf Camp, and could easily have stayed longer! Steps from the beach, sleeping to the sound of the waves. Sunrise perfection. A cozy, wind-sheltered fire pit. And a sauna!! Winning on all counts. Nicely done Eli! Would definitely stay again.
S
Sarah J.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
This spot was incredible!! Eli was an amazing host and the view and amenities made it such an amazing trip. 10/10 would go back to surf camp!
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Frances K.
2 reviews
We loved everything about this spot. From the secluded camping, to the beach access steps away. It really lets you enjoy all nature has to offer. They’ve kept everything in immaculate condition. We only wished we brought a table for food prep! We watched a beautiful full moon rise right over the lake. Couldn’t recommend enough!!
T
Taylor P.
3 months on Hipcamp
Wow, this is an absolute gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Surf Camp. The sauna was such a perfect addition to this camp- it made our stay feel like a spa get away on Lake Michigan. The firepit and sauna are tucked back in the trees making it feel so private and cozy (and blocking the wind!)
You just can’t beat the Lake Michigan beach either- we loved being able to walk out of our nook in the trees directly onto a massive beach with plenty of space to explore and hang out. Our dogs were obsessed, we were obsessed. It was perfect!
10/10 Hipcamp- we can’t wait to come back!!
G
Grace B.
2 reviews
I did get lost on the trail roads but was able to find the spot with help from a neighbor. The spot was gorgeous, quiet and clean. It was secluded but there are still houses nearby. Great spot in the UP for car campers but bigger rigs might have some issues. Having access to the beach and a beach fire pit was incredible. Definitely would recommend!
Carlie M.
12 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
This land was absolutely stunning. The beach view was amazing, and also offers a beautiful more secluded vibe in the wooded section. Our favorite thing was probably the fire pit on the beach. 5 stars would definitely recommend!
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Dominic D.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Super cool little spot. Personal favorite stand outs— being able to set up the directly on the beach, and the incredible fresh smells of the cedar cove.
A
Andrea B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Gorgeous location & functional site
Tent · With pets ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
A gem of a spot! We enjoyed our time here swimming in the sandy shallow water for a perfect summer weekend! The site was nicely tucked away from the beach to offer some privacy while still seeing the beach through the path/clearing. Neighboring properties are pretty close around the site which was unexpected, but we still felt secluded enough and everyone we did encounter was incredibly friendly :) Expect biting flies if there is rain before/during your visit! They left us alone once the weather cleared but it would’ve been nice to expect that before they swarmed us upon arrival. There was a dog tie out on site which was nice to have as a back up, and the privy was a good perk, though it’s positioned a little high so if you have a portable squatty potty plan to bring/use it. The drive to the site was marked clearly on the maps which was great, but I would caution anyone with 2 wheel drive- you could probably make it but we were grateful to have an AWD vehicle. Great sunrises and the cotton candy skies reflected at sunset we gorgeous! Would love to come back!
Alex Z.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
We had such a great time at the Surf Camp! The sky at night was unreal and falling asleep to the waves of lake Michigan was beautiful. The host was very kind and helped us with directions when we were having trouble. We have zero complaints and would/will highly recommend this spot to others.
A
Anne M.
8 months on Hipcamp
This place was a dream come true! Quiet spot to camp among the tall pines and moss, just a few steps to take a stroll down the sandy beach. A little hard to find.. when in doubt, just keep going!
Kerri T.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
10 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
Beautiful spot! Lovely sunrises!
Not as private of a lot as expected and the bathroom privy was too smelly to use, but there is a gas station down the road if needed.
Would come back!
Kristin M.
4 years on Hipcamp
We had a great experience, it was super awesome to be basically off grid. I’ve never seen so many stars in my life! We put our tents on the beach and was a blast. Would definitely stay again. Only thing I recommend people renting is to make sure you stop way ahead for anything because the store/gas station up the street is ridiculously priced.
Marcus N.
2 reviews
I camped here June 2025 w/ my 2 year old, husband and mother. We camped on the beach as there wasn’t much room for 2 tents in the trees near the camper. The breeze from the lake kept the bugs and flies away. We found a few ticks on us but overall had a wonderful experience. Would recommend. There is a gas station (not within walking distance) in Thompson that sells firewood and coffee, which was nice. Felt very peaceful there and being on the water and beach was so nice.
S
Serene L.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
16 ft car ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
Absolutely great site. There were even some unexpected surprises such as a second firepit, two firepit cooking grates for cooking, and a folding pop-up table and chairs. There was even a covered space for firewood.
Plus, the host was very helpful when I could not find the site.
J
James R.
3 reviews
Loved the site but unfortunately couldn’t stay. There were clouds of midges everywhere. Swarming every inch of the site. Bug spray wouldn’t work either, they were still swarming us. The campfire couldn’t even keep them away!
Will be back when they die down and get into warmer weather! Beach access was really nice and not as many bugs there!
Kaylynn A.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Absolutely gorgeous site! You can hear the waves all night and see incredible sunrises right on the water. Many fire pits all over and a hand saw and axe on site if needed!
My only recommendation would be to bring tick repellent and thoroughly check as we found many on our bodies and clothes during our stay. It’s especially bad this season, be safe!
C
Camila K.
5 reviews
Let me just say the privacy at the campsite is really nice (I went in late April). Stocked up with firewood, an outhouse to do #2 in, right on the Lake Michigan beach. My dog had an amazing time running around the beach and the night sky on a clear day is a must watch from the beach. Definitely coming back again, just don’t know when! Love it!
A
Alex D.
2 reviews
We had a great time at Surf Camp. Eli had the wood stacked and ready for us to enjoy. We camped in late December and we had the place to ourselves. We really enjoyed setting up our tent on the beach on the sand. We definitely want to return and enjoy the beach during the warmer months. We will post our stay on YouTube at Get Livin Outdoors.
Terrence M.
25 reviews
Mixed feelings
· November 2024
22 ft campervan ·
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna
Pretty cool spot but a little spendy for off season and its proximity between two close house neighbors. provided firewood is a nice touch though.
A
Alan K.
1 year on Hipcamp
The whole experience was amazing! The spot is perfect, the communication with Eli was exemplary, the peace and quiet was exactly what i expected, the fire pit area was so perfectly situated, the lake sounds were soothing and all of it makes me want to drive up from FL again so i can experience it again!
C
Craig C.
6 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Lovely little site for a weekend in the woods, will definitely be back!
J
Jake H.
2 reviews
Perfection (see pic). Really enjoyed our stay. Eli was in contact and GPS took us straight to the location. Took trips to "Big Spring" and Pictured Rocks, but the spot was great enough just to stick around and enjoy!
B
Brandon K.
8 reviews
Have to give props to the host for quickly seeing my inquiry and accepting our reservation! From the stunning stars of the night sky that never seemed to end, to the views of the sun peaking up from Lake Michigan in the morning, it was all absolutely beautiful! We had a little difficulty finding the site, however we did come in after dark which made it a little challenging. I’m sure it’s easier during the day. Would definitely recommend camping here if you are in the area!
M
Mike P.
2 reviews
Exactly as advertised, the place is an absolute slice of paradise hidden away outside of a small town down some dirt roads, navigating there was no challenge. If you feel you’ve gone the wrong way just keep going. During our 2 day stay we quickly noticed all of Eli’s recommendations were spot on, Clyde’s was a hit for adults and kids. The gas station has the cleanest restrooms around and an abundance of supplies if you happen to have forgotten anything. Firewood in the area is cheap if you buy roadside local, which I highly recommend. The only negative is in our 2 days we did pick up 3 ticks between the five of us more, don’t let that turn you away from this best of Michigan site.
Curtis A.
3 reviews
This site is absolutely incredible. I was beyond excited to stay here and it met all of my expectations. It is so close to Lake Michigan and the scenery is beautiful. You can camp right on the beach and sands of Lake Michigan. It is very private and secluded just like the UP I imagined. Eli has a lot of things there like a kayak, chairs, grill for over the fire, a canopy tent. (Not sure if this is all for guests to use but if it is it would really just make this site even better!) Only downfall is the toilet. Over and over I highly recommend this campsite.
Emily S.
6 reviews
We had a great weekend at Eli’s camp!! It is as advertised. A beautiful quaint spot among the trees and gorgeous wide open views of the lake. The sand was really clean and nice. It was quite breezy on the beach but we plan to book again in the summer… I’m sure it would be a whole different camp experience! We have a 32 foot motorhome and it was pretty tight on both the property and the roads coming in. This would be an excellent spot to bring a tent and really rough it!!! Bugs weren’t bad but we did pull off a few ticks. There was a portable toilet available but no privacy FYI!
Emily C.
8 reviews
Location
Manistique, Schoolcraft, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Eli B.
Joined in April 2021Things to do nearby
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