The best camping near Torch Lake

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

Discover the natural splendor of Torch Lake Nature Preserve.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Torch Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Torch Lake

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Million $ Sunset Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

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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(72)

Blissfest Festival Farm

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Cross Village, MI

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.

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Backyard Burdickville

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Empire, MI

Nurturing the adventurous spirit through, Community, Local Food, and Live Music in Northern Michigan, Backyard Burdickville is a special place just outside of Empire, MI offering camping, Live Music, The Lively Farm, and NeighborFood Market. Visitors can explore the beauty of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore by day and our starry landscape by night. Our 40x50 rustic campsites offer a picnic table, and about half are equipped with Fire Pits w/ Screens. Potable water hydrants and clean, regularly serviced porta-johns are available. Sites can accommodate small campers and camper vans but are not equipped for large RVs or motorhomes. If you are looking to park your larger camper vehicle or trailer, and need electricity, let us know as we do have a few larger sites with access to standard power outlets and can accommodate a larger camper. We do not have septic hook-ups, but can help you arrange a clean out from our portajohn servicer. However, out of respect for fellow campers, we do not allow generators in our campground. We aim to be family friendly! We want you to have fun, but please respect your neighbors. Quite Hours: 10pm-7am, 11-8am on Saturdays. If you need anything while you're here, we make every effort to be available onsite in the camp office (the small camper behind the wood) daily 12-4pm, and by phone, the number will be listed at our office onsite. Please send us a message if you have any questions or need anything during your stay! Address: 3805 W Empire HWY, Empire MI, 49630

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Camp Moonshadow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI

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 ft.- 20 Amp service Only!!! WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nightly up to 3 nites 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. Electricity and water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen

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Jackson Station Leelanau

4 sites · Tents32 acres · Maple City, MI

Our sites accomodate 2 adults and their minors, with 1-2 vehicles at your site's access point. If you're traveling more than 2 adults please book more than one camp site. Enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience in beautiful Leelanau County via Agritourism at Jackson Station on the Leelanau Peninsula! Our property has 4 private sites situated among a dense pine forest on our small-scale farm. We're located conveniently between the two popular vacation destinations of Glen Arbor and Leland, MI - both a short scenic drive in either direction. The Leelanau Peninsula is littered with recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, beaches, boating, fishing, dining, shopping and wine tasting, and of course the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Our farm produces pastured, all natural meat, including pork, beef, chicken and goat. Find the hens roaming around and see the pigs, cows and goats hanging out in the fenced-in areas. A variety of cuts of meat from our freezers are available for sale or get a tour of the farmstead ~ Just ask! You may simply enjoy the scene at your leisure. SITE DETAILS: Each camp site has a bed of woodchips, gravel surrounding a bonfire ring, a clothesline and neatly stacked firewood for sale. Our sites may 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 in that way. A short walk from camp, down the farm road to the north end of the livestock fence, 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. We are just down the road from the uninhabited School Lake, known for its fishing from non-motorized boats or a quiet place to paddle. Additionally, just 2 Miles away you can 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. This trail is open year round to walk, run, bicycle, snowshoe or cross-country ski. 2.8 miles in the other direction 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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House of Bear

4 sites · RVs, Tents97 acres · Grawn, MI

The House of Bear is located on a spectacular 97-acre, fourth generation working Tree farm in Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse County. Stunning Northern Michigan wildlife with creeks and an old natural beaver pond, what a wonderful place to relax, and soak in the surroundings. Step out of the hectic stress of the everyday and take a moment at one of the many areas to soak up what you have disconnected from. Feel the wind across your skin, the Earth beneath your feet and the Sun shining down. Hear the birds singing, the trees swaying in the wind and what animal was that? See the deer frolicking, birds flying, trees growing and how nature all comes together. Smell the Earth, the Pine from the trees and the wild flowers. Take some time and wonder, lose yourself in Nature and get refreshed. Natural Rustic Camping, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, listen to the birds singing away, with the chance of seeing any of Northern Michigan’s awesome wildlife. Sunsets are spectacular with so many different colors, and on a Clear night look up at the stars without the lights of a big city.

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Hidden Meadow

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alanson, MI

Get ready for a peaceful camping experience in this one-of-a-kind setting! For all styles of camping units as well as rustic tent camping. We live in farming country, with only a few houses on our road. We know most of our neighbors as friends or relatives. Our camping area only has three sites so it’s cozy and private. We have about 5 acres land for use around the campsite and lots of wooded trails nearby. We are about 2 miles from Burt Lake, and about 10 miles from other waterways, rivers and streams, and Lake Michigan. we are also 4 miles from biking and ORV trails.

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Elm Valley

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Suttons Bay, MI

I am 4th generation to live on our property. we are very lucky to have been able to keep 20 acres where I grew up. We are surrounded by Cherry orchards and vineyards. There are 4 wineries within a mile and the bike trail in half a mile away Boat launch on Lake Leelanau 3 miles away A boat launch on Grand Traverse Bay is 1/2 a mile awayLearn more about this land:We have a large hard pack gravel area surrounded by rolling hills and lots of trees. Our house is near by with trees in between. There is a good 60 ft between campers and each site has water and 30 amp. Their own fire pit. We are half a mile from the Leelanau Trail. 10 miles into Traverse city. 5 miles to Suttons Bay

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Camp Aylaway

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Beulah, MI

Welcome to your beautiful base camp to explore all the best that Northern Michigan has to offer! You'll have 7 acres of land all to yourself, with a combination of pine and maple forests, located across from thousands of acres of State land with many snowmobile trails. Bring your bikes and head 1 mile on our dirt road to the Betsie River Trail where you can bike to Crystal Lake in 30 minutes. We're so close to Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, wine country, and many wonderful bars and restaurants. We're more than happy to send you recommendations of what to do, eat, and drink during your stay! We have a covered picnic area, campfire ring, and basic pit toilet on site, with water and electricity coming soon, but be prepared to bring what you need and please take everything you bring with you :) We can tell you where to get water nearby if needed. We welcome both tents and RVs on our land, and are happy to accommodate larger groups for an additional fee.

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Winding River Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Benzonia, MI

Majestic River Centric Campground is nestled on 11 acres of land overlooking the Betsie River. We are right off of US-31 before downtown Beulah. We are known as a fishing destination and many locals have said our 1900ft of frontage on the Betsie has the best fishing holes of any stretch from Homestead Dam to Grace Road. We have over 100+ camping sites with approx. 75 sites available for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals with a variety of stay options that meet your needs including RV rentals, tenting and car camping sites, river sites, highland sites close to the pool and camper amenities, glamping options, two cabin rentals, and one frame rental. Weekly and monthly activities include live music, food trucks, fishing lessons, tap takeovers, electric bikes, kayak rentals, hay rides, farm animals, crocket/horseshoe/bags tournaments and much more. Make your next Northern Michigan Visit HERE at Winding River Campground! For seasonal rates please call our main office and our staff can provide you with information. Open Dates: March 16 to October 31

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Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

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pineleaf.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Mancelona, MI

PLEASE DO NOT!! USE PARTRIDGE LANE THE ROAD IS A SAND TRAP YOU WILL GET STUCK!! MUST USE SECONDARY DRIVEWAY!! WHICH IS TO THE EAST OF PARTRIDGE LANE IN THE DIP THERE'S A SIGN THERE!! Pineleaf is a private setting in the forest with rolling hills and trails on the property. There's an abundance of wildlife consisting of, but not limited to bears, bobcats, porcupines and deer. It's a true nature lover's dream! For the rockhounds, there are Petoskey Stones, Emeralds, Opals and many other gems to enjoy finding among the trails and beaches. Our trails lead right off the property among the lakes and streams. All side x sides, ATVS, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing boats Welcome! We are located close to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Otsego Lake, and many more! Come enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, parks, restaurants, casinos, and local shopping. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Boyne City. Pineleaf has a total of 4 campsites! 3 are primitive and 1 rustic cabin with more cabins to come in the near future. The primitive sites sleep up to 15 people and 8 tents. The cabin sleeps up to 5 guests and is handicap accessible! and can also put tents near the cabin. The camp is cannabis friendly for 21+ with id and complimentary with the exception if you dont want to smoke/cunsume cannabis its optional. No alcohol allowed at the camp but you may go up town or down to The Hideaway Bar & Grill for a bite and a drink!

The best camping near Torch Lake guide

Overview

About

A hidden gem in the Great Lakes region, Torch Lake is a great alternative to the bustling vacation spots visited by most tourists. Commonly known as the "Caribbean of the North", Torch Lake's crystal clear blue waters are surrounded by cozy campsites and miles of easily accessible hiking trails. Torch Lake's clear waters have been a local secret for ages and with little urban development in the surrounding area, the lake is easily accessible from some of the world-class camping locations in the lakeside hills.

When to go

The best times to visit Torch Lake are during the spring and fall when the trails are less crowded and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm weather for hiking, but be prepared for more visitors. Winter snowshoeing is magical, though some may find the cold challenging.

Know before you go

Preserve hours are from dawn until dusk, perfect for day trips amid the beauty of nature.
Dog walking is permitted, but keep your furry friends on a leash to protect the local wildlife.
Remember, no camping, fires, or hunting is allowed, preserving the tranquility of the preserve.
For those interested in flora and fauna, join the iNaturalist community to share your observations.
Accessibility may vary, so check the preserve map and contact the conservancy for the latest information.