The best camping near Houghton Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next adventure.

98% (1355 reviews)

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Houghton Lake

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Houghton Lake

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Hartwick Pines Campground

101 sites · RVs, Tents In Hartwick Pines State Park

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Cathedral Pines Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Wilson Campground

160 sites · RVs, Tents In Wilson State Park

Meadows ORV Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Kneff Lake Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Wakeley Lake Area

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Luzerne Horse Trail Campground and Trailhead

11 sites In Huron-Manistee National Forests

One of several campsites at McKinley Horse Trail Campground.

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McKinley Horse Trail Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(4)

South Higgins Lake Campground

401 sites · RVs, Tents In South Higgins Lake State Park

Island Lake Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Wagner Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Mack Lake ORV Campground

42 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Au Sable Loop Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

River Dune Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Mitchell Campground

223 sites · RVs, Tents In Mitchell State Park

Meadow Springs Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Hemlock Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Otsego Lake Campground

156 sites · RVs, Tents In Otsego Lake State Park

North Higgins Lake Campground

176 sites · RVs, Tents In North Higgins Lake State Park

Buttercup Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Huron-Manistee National Forests

Top-rated campgrounds near Houghton Lake

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"Elysium Heritage Farm"

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Pinconning, MI

"Elysium Heritage Farm" is situated on 120 acres in Northeast, MI surrounded by woods, trails, ponds and canals. Enjoy access to a small farm that includes fainting goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and more. Bring your pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing. Enjoy viewing numerous types of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Depending on the season, (and how quietly you walk the trails) you may experience a wide variety of wildlife species. Although we don't allow motorized ATVs, you are welcome to bring a golf cart. Most of the trails are improved enough to allow you access. Absolutely NO hunting allowed on the property. The property is located just (5) miles off I-75 so it's also a convenient mid-trip destination for those on a longer distance excursion. In case you plan on fishing the local hotspots on Lake Huron (15 minutes away) and are trailering a boat, there is plenty of area to park your rig during your stay. It's only a ten-minute drive to Pinconning, where you can experience Michigan's "Cheese Town" and all it has to offer. There's a grocery store, numerous cheese shops, and a variety of party stores and restaurants. For the outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on going to the ever-famous "Northwoods Wholesale Outlet". Also nearby is the "Saganing Eagles Landing Casino" in Standish. We have resided here for over 30 years and can assist you in many ways to get the most out of your visit. By the way, the definition of the word "Elysium" is "Place of perfect bliss" and yes, we labeled it that long before the movie with Matt Damon was created.

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Griff's

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Rapid City, MI

Dispersed campsites on Griffs back 40 and Griff's River Lot are great locations for vacationing on Torch Lake, about 1 mile form the lake.

99%

(65)

RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Grayling, MI

Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.

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Sherman City Acres

5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Barryton, MI

We are a family that love being outdoors and exploring along the river. And our farm has so many beautiful locations along the Chippewa River to relax and get a fresh perspective on life or just enjoy a cookout with our friends. And we are looking to share our love of the outdoors with others by making it accessible as campsites where people can make new memories and get a literal breath of fresh air :)

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Boondock Ridge

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Gladwin, MI

Learn more about this land:The spot Is on the riverbank and private. Beautiful river view and access. Short foot trail down to the river where there is a dock providing access to river and a artesian well that has been tested for purity Perfect to tie up a float and watch the wildlife.

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(133)

Doriath Springs

6 sites · Tents6 acres · Hersey, MI

Doriath Springs is a family homestead committed to peace path revolution. Learn more about this land: Doriath Springs feels magical! Doriath Springs is a small 5+ acre family homestead dedicated to environmental sustainability and peace path revolution. Easy arrival by the Muskegon River, the Pere Marquette Bike Trail, or highway M-10. Space for tent camping along the river in the sun or by the creek in the forest. Rustic outhouse. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept leashed and supervised at all times. Please Leave No Trace: Leave the land, creek, and river as it is when you arrived as much as possible. Moving rocks, digging holes, and cutting live trees is not allowed because it disturbs the ecosystem that the bugs, fish, water fowl, birds of prey, and all the other critters rely on. You are responsible for taking all of your garbage with you when you check out.

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Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Wedgewood, MI

Hardwood and conifer upland forest w old growth white pine. Rolling terrain with lowland conifer w beaver ponds and wetlands. Trails for hiking or atv riding. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of roadless state forest pretty much inaccessible to most public. Small tributary to the Pine River a canoe/kayak/trout stream.

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Twin Peaks By The Lakes Retreat

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Harrison, MI

Located in Clare county, Harrison is surrounded by 20 lakes within 20 minutes. Harrison is also known for its large amount of state land for recreational activities all year round. We are right down the road from Little Long lake and Budd Lake public boat launches. We have deeded lake access to Little Long Lake with use of our paddle boat and kayaks. We can provide parking with a boat, trailer, etc., but will need to be arranged prior to check-in. There are several restaurants, delivery options, and a grocery store right down the road. There is also a putt putt golf, skiing and snow tubing at Snow Snake, arcade, batting cages, bowling, indoor golf, ax throwing, beaches and Wilson State Park. If you have side-by-sides, quads, jeeps, snowmobiles, or dirt bikes, there are endless options with groomed trails in the area for you to ride all day long. We have two cabins, the Harrison Hideaway cabin and Wanderer's Hideaway that can be rented together for larger groups or rented separately. Please message me if you would like to rent both cabins for you and your guests. We are new to this process and want to make you and your guest feel accommodated with a 5 Star stay.

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River Daze

10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Beaverton, MI

Campsites are all riverfront along the Tobacco River. Country feel within blocks of town. Ross Lake/Beach, the remodeled Beaverton Tavern, park, an ice cream shop and splash park are all located within a long walk or short drive. We are close to Gladwin, Ross Lake, OHV trails and the Juicy Bone. The river flows into Wixom Lake which is anticipated to be back in 2025. Sandy beach with river access . You can access the river from our canoe portage on the property. Good fishing, swimming or just hanging out. You can also canoe, kayak or tube beautiful Tobacco River or sandy Cedar River. Picnic tables and fire pits are located throughout the property. Good music, games, sing a longs. Hike through the trails to get to the the enchanted cedar forest which is all located in the campground. We have an outdoor 250 inch screen where we project movies, concerts, games, interactive dance videos. For kids and adults, everyone leaves with a smile.

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The Crow’s Nest

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Beaverton, MI

This property was once part of an 80 acre farm. It has now grown into a mature forest with deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, many types of songbirds and most recently a family of sandhill cranes. Our most recent improvement is an air conditioner in the Crow's Nest. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property. No discharge of firearms is allowed on this property. As a retired artist, we love to entertain creative peaceful people and many think of our place as a quiet sanctuary that encourages creativity. We provide games, both outdoor and indoor, a screen house, hammock, nature trails and a new camp store with local items and snacks. There is an Amish community close by and a tour map is provided. We are also close to the largest canopy walk in the US at Whiting Forest and Dow Gardens. Only 25 minutes away. There is a small water park in the closest town with a beach. Locally there is tubing and canoeing at the Cedar River in Gladwin and kayaking at Pinconning Park on Saginaw Bay.

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Camp Bear Paw

4 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · West Branch, MI

Learn more about this land: There is a great play area for kids, plus a log playhouse and treehouse they can even sleep in if they wish. You and your guests will have the property to yourselves, to increase your ability to relax and enjoy, so book early! Catch and release fishing, beach area for swimming, plus zip line, water slide, and giant swing that all land you in the water. Horse shoes, sand pit volley ball court, and tetherball are here as well. Wildlife is abundant on our property. We are a mile from ORV trails and State land, 30-45 minutes from the Au Sable, Rifle, and Cedar rivers for canoeing, tubing, or kayaking. There are numerous public lakes close by for fishing or pleasure cruising. Treasure hunt a piece of Michigan history by metal detecting along our old narrow gauge railroad grade on the property. Take a ride on our Bear Paw Dragon! Bring a whole group to use all four sites and have a private (safe) campground outing! Fees apply to each site used. We also have 2 RVs available to rent if needed. Contact us for details. Look for an amazing treehouse this spring!!!

Booked 1 time

Starlight Campground and RV Park

120 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Mancelona, MI

Starlight Campground is a family friendly campground in northern Michigan nestled amidst mature pine trees, with cozy campsites, full facilities, a beautiful hiking trail, both vintage and contemporary trailer rentals, impeccably clean facilities, incredible sunsets, and star-filled night skies. It is those dark skies that have inspired our name, carried over into our Starry Nights Weekend during the annual Perseids meteor shower in August, just one of a season full of themed weekends filled with carefully planned activities. Here at Starlight Campground we strive to provide our guests with a level of hospitality and service that will exceed their expectations. We are home of the “Welcome Wood”, where you will find three pieces of firewood already in your campfire ring as our way of saying “Thank you” for being our guest. We will even deliver wood, ice, and store items directly to your site. Think of it as room service in the great outdoors!

The best camping near Houghton Lake guide

Overview

Camping around Houghton Lake means access to over 3,800 sites—lakefront, forested, or tucked along quiet inlets. You’ll find sites with showers, pet-friendly rules, and toilets, so you can focus on snow-sports, swimming, or spotting wildlife instead of logistics. Expect an average night to run you $39, but there are spots as low as $15 if you’re watching your budget. Locals rave about Griff's (113 reviews), The Crow’s Nest (110 reviews), and Boondock Ridge (108 reviews) for easy lake access and friendly hosts. Bring layers if you’re here for winter sports—nights can get brisk. If you want a swim, late summer’s your window. Houghton Lake draws campers who want options, flexibility, and quick access to the water or trailhead.

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