Best Camping in and near Otsego Lake State Park

Discover Otsego Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Otsego Lake State Park

Otsego Lake Campground

156 sites · RVs, Tents In Otsego Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Otsego Lake State Park

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Hammerhead Shark Ranch

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Gaylord, MI

Learn more about this land:We are located on 25 acres of Pine forest. We have a micro farm where we raise animals and grow specialty berries. Across the road is a large lake. I offer onsite massage therapy for an additional fee. Hiking trails through our forest are available. We also offer yoga depending on our work schedule as we are a working farm.

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Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Vanderbilt, MI

We book only 2 sites at a time on our 40 acre property so you can enjoy a more secluded experience in the woods. Our property is undeveloped, so you will need to bring drinking water, but there's no need to worry about finding firewood before your arrive as we supply you with a free bundle that is waiting for you when you get here! There are 1 1/2 miles of marked, wooded trails that will guide you to the river's edge where you can enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. It will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, yet the convenience of the small town of Vanderbilt is just three miles away. We are located just three miles off of I-75. The larger town of Gaylord is only a 15 minute drive south. There's lots to do here in beautiful Northern Michigan! Only a few miles from our camp you can go for a swim at Thumb Lake Park or take a bike ride along the North Central State Trail in Vanderbilt. Drive 15 minutes north and you can canoe or kayak the main branch of the Sturgeon River in Wolverine. There are many great hiking trails in the Pigeon River State Forest and the North Country National Scenic Trail is only 6 miles away. This 40 acre parcel has been in our family since the 1950s. My grandparents originally designated it as a tree farm and planted and harvested lumber from it. As a boy scout leader, my grandfather hosted many boy scout troops here and even hosted a boy scout Jamboree in the 1970s. Back then the property was referred to as the "Tree Farm", but after my husband John and I inherited it in 2014 we started calling it Camp 437. Before we inherited the property we spent time camping there and building trails. One of the trails we built was named the "Burns Trail" in honor of my grandparents. Since we acquired the property we have added a one mile loop that circles the perimeter of the property, and a total of about 1 1/2 miles of trail.

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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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Waterfront RV / Camper Property

1 site · RV2 acres · Frederic, MI

Camping in a secluded location along one of the county's best fly fishing rivers, such as the Manistee River, offers a multitude of benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Firstly, the seclusion allows campers to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, individuals can enjoy a sense of peace and solitude, providing an excellent opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Away from the noise and distractions of modern life, campers can truly unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. Furthermore, camping near the Manistee River, renowned for its exceptional fly fishing, provides a unique experience for fishing enthusiasts. The river's pristine waters offer abundant opportunities to catch various species of fish, including trout and salmon. Fly fishing in this picturesque setting not only presents an exciting challenge but also allows individuals to develop their angling skills and reconnect with nature. The rhythmic casting of the fly line and the anticipation of a bite create a sense of thrill and satisfaction. Whether one is an experienced angler or a novice looking to learn, the Manistee River offers an idyllic backdrop for a memorable fishing adventure during a camping trip. The location has everything your camper/ RV needs: Water, electricity, and sewage.

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Hidden Meadow

4 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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pineleaf.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Mancelona, MI

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!

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80 acres of Secluded Camping

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Boyne Falls, MI

Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.

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Clearwater Heights

2 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Rapid City, MI

I own and live on 190 acres but am beginning my Hip Camp experience with allowing camping on 120-acres. The property is hilly and wooded with miles of trails on the property as well as access to nearby state trail-systems. The Skegemog Swamp Preserve trailhead is several miles away and downtown Traverse is a 30-minute drive. A little over a mile from the campsite is an artesian well along a public roadway that is popular with campers and the site is mowed by a neighbor; this is quirky little water-source that has been there for well over 50 years. The Skegemog Swamp Preserve is home to bears that visit my property for the many raspberry and blackberry opportunities, so be aware.

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Uraharas On The Hill

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alden, MI

Uraharas is a music venue that hosts events throughout the summer. We are happy to now open our space to campers on the dates that are not scheduled for events. We hope you enjoy our space as much as we have in creating it! Learn more about this land: *ADULTS ONLY CAMPING* Set up camp in our little wooded get away at the top of the valley. There are many great things near and many more within a reasonable drive. We are located just three miles from Torch Lake sandbar with several public access sites. Spend the day swimming or rent a kayak or pontoon to further explore. Check out Seven Bridges Nature Area just five miles away. Head over to Short’s Brewery in Bellaire. Take a drive to Turtle Creek Casino and Traverse City in thirty minutes or less. At the end of your exciting day come relax and build a fire in our communal fire pit. Enjoy the colorful sights as we light up the forest at night (weather permitting). Campsites are located in a specific area. You may have camp neighbors not so far away and will not be a guarantee that it’s completely silent or secluded. Please be mindful of one another. We love the sounds of a good time happening but we do ask that after 11 pm weekdays and 12 am weekends that you keep a respectable level. As title says this is camping for ages 18 and up. Front area can accommodate parking for your boat/kayak trailer. Uraharas is an excellent setting to use as larger group camping. If you need bookings for your group beyond the max of the two combined sites please message me for details!

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South Torch Lake Sugarbush

1 site · Tent5 acres · Rapid City, MI

Learn more about this land:Located a few hundred feet from blue ribbon trout stream the Rapid River. Also less than a mile away is the carribean of the north, south torch lake sandbar. Nestled in a 5 acre grove of maples, You can find the perfect quiet spot in the woods for wildlife viewing or camp closer to the road with easy access to camp van on the property incase of inclement weather. Three sites to choose from. Potable water from my well and firewood from my woods are also available. Please note: you may hear deer and other animals walking around your site, remember, they were here first. :-) Please leave a note in the guestbook provided and happy camping. (Guest tour of the floura/fauna upon request).

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OffBeat Acres - Camp Chill AF!

4 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Manistee Lake, MI

Centrally located to several attractions! Leetsville trail is just a stones throw away for all your ORV pleasures. Manistee river, just 15 mins away is a slow meandering river. It is great for a lazy day floating on a tube, kayaking and canoeing. The infamous Torch Lake is about 25 mins away with it's Caribbean blue waters along with the beaches of Lake Michigan. Traverse City and Gaylord are 35 mins away and historic Grayling is about 25 mins away. The mighty Mackinaw Bridge is just 50 mins away. Visit the quaint Mackinaw Island and pick up some famous fudge! So many things to do and see!! There are 4 sites, each secluded, on 15 acres of woods and open land. Easy access to each site. Wake up to fresh eggs with an endless supply from my beautiful ladies. When in season, fresh vegetables from the garden will also be available. Access to water and camping restroom

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Camp 🏕 Tomahawk

1 site · RV3 acres · Gaylord, MI

Learn more about this land:Lakefront for non motorized, boats, kayaks, canoes. Hiking and biking roads and trails. Off Road Vehicle operation Golf courses, ski resorts, horse ranch and 5 miles from Gaylord for shopping and nightlife.

The best camping near Otsego Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

If you’re a camping person, you’re about to be an Ostego Lake State Park person. We’ve got our eye on its impressive collection of roomy, flat, shade-boasting sites organized over 62 acres, and our heart set on the more than half a mile of lakeshore within view. Come in the fall and you’ll be courted by oaks, maples, and pines that are dressed to the nines. What else can we lure you in with? Oh—how about this park’s easy accessibility via I-75? Pack in and prepare for a pretty stellar weekend.

When to go

The best time to visit Otsego Lake State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall foliage. Winters can be harsh, making some activities less accessible, so plan your trip accordingly to make the most of this picturesque Michigan treasure.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry; it's required for all visitors.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to stay safe and prepared.
Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Facilities may vary seasonally, so confirm availability of amenities like restrooms and picnic areas before you go.