The best camping in Clear Lake State Park MI, MI

·
100% (2)

Discover Clear Lake State Park MI: A Haven for Nature Lovers.  

The best camping in Clear Lake State Park MI, MI

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Rooster Ridge

3. Rooster Ridge

100%
(10)
23mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Wolverine, MI
Come relax on our 20 acres of wooded paradise, surrounded by thousands of acres of State land. You can enjoy any of our well maintained campsites in peace and quiet! We offer a common area with games, bathroom facilities, hand washing station, picnic tables, and a gas grill for cooking. We have four campsites available and each site has a fire pit and cooking grate. We have 2 tent only sites, one site that'll fit a pop-up camper and/or a tent, and a fourth that will fit a tent, pop-up, or camper/RV. One of our sites is very remote and is walk-in only, so we do provide wheeled carts to make hauling your gear easy! The other 3 allow for vehicle access. Stop by our storefront for firewood, fresh organic chicken eggs, local honey, and more for purchase. You can also find wild strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries during the spring/summer months. We are dog friendly, but all pets must be on a leash at all times, to respect other campers. With the maps provided, feel free to walk our cut trails that wind throughout the property. Enjoy the serenity of our rippling creek, and watch for wildlife such as grouse, deer, bear, bobcat, elk, and more! We do raise pheasants for release, so don't be shocked if you spook one up on the trail! You can also hit the public trails next door on State Land and walk for miles and miles. We are only 4.4 miles to and from I75, with easy access to Gaylord, Petoskey, Mackinac, and just down the road from downtown Wolverine and Indian River. Check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566756576617 *Note: Tents are not provided. Used for staging purposes in photos only.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22
 / night
Sunset Campsite

6. Sunset Campsite

92%
(13)
29mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cheboygan, MI
We are OPEN for 2025. We are so grateful and fortunate that we DID NOT receive any property damage from the recent ice storms which caused massive power outages, extensive property damage, and state of emergency for most of lower northern Michigan. Proud to receive the 2024 Hipcamp Star Host Award! A SINGLE PRIVATE rustic campsite on beautiful 10 acre lightly wooded field. Surrounded by apple trees. Site including entry is all grass. Roughly 80'x60' Fire ring, picnic table, outhouse, and trash receptacle provided. Campsite faces west providing beautiful sunsets. Roughly a mile of hiking trails on property. Access to hundreds of miles of ORV, hiking, and skiing trails nearby. Multiple restaurants, bars, and golf courses within 2-5 miles. AMAZING Northern Lights and dark sky viewing area with gazing platform provided in center of campsite property. Firewood for sale $4-$5/bundle available within 1-2 miles. Access and boat launches to Twin Lakes, Black River, Black Lake, Long Lake, and Cheboygan River within 1-5 miles. Convenience stores within 2-5 miles. Black Mountain ORV and hiking areas within 2-5 miles. 20 minute drive from downtown Cheboygan. Come enjoy some time away from the normal campground hustle and noise at this lovely and affordable private single campsite!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$19
 / night
80 acres of Secluded Camping

10. 80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
34mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Silverleaf

13. Silverleaf

93%
(14)
41mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Boyne City, MI
Learn more about this land:Named after a hilltop of poplar trees visible from the front of the property, Silverleaf is a relaxing and serene camping area perfect for appreciating all that Northern Michigan nature has to offer, while still being close to nearby entertainment and dining. Summer offers grassy fields and lush green treetops, long summer nights, big skies for stargazing, and plenty of wild berries--strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are plentiful depending on the season. In the winter, appreciate the crunchy frozen landscape and the contrast of dark sleeping hardwood forests against the snow-covered sparkling rolling hills. Choose a campsite near the road in the wide open meadow for easy access to nearby amenities. If you prefer more privacy, follow either driveway to the valley for a cozy spot to set up camp. Or follow a trail and choose a backcountry site deep in the forest. The property is located 5 minutes to Boyne City, with access to outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, or cook at your campsite. In winter, Boyne Mountain is very close or stay on the property for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Grateful Acres Welcome Hut
 
 This is the welcome Hut. You will find at the top of the driveway upon entering the property. Notice the recent upgrade of a communal refrigerator and freezer for campers use. The refrigerator has one large shelf for each campsite. Also newly available within the refrigerator, are some small amenities available for purchase.

14. Grateful Acres

94%
(82)
41mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Harbor Springs, MI
Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! *Update* Wifi has been installed at Grateful Acres and is included with each booking. Message me prior to arrival for current password. Also new this year is a small bathroom house with a flush toilet (in season only) located on the back side of campsite #1 for use by all guests. 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 for purchase 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$51
 / night
pineleaf.

16. pineleaf.

100%
(59)
45mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Site 1 Beaver Dam

17. Norton's Nook

98%
(21)
45mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 2 sites · Tents · Cheboygan, MI
The Norton Nook campsites are perfect for off-grid boondocking or pitching a tent. Small Sprinter-style vans or adventure motorcycles are welcome. We offer two campsites on 100 secluded acres with lots of privacy. Site 1: The Beaver Dam site is more open with a good breeze and a fantastic view of the active large Beaver Pond. This spot is only accessible with a Subaru, Jeep, Truck, or four-wheel drive Sprinter van. Site 2: The Woods site is just that, in the woods with lots of Pine and Aspen trees. Accessible with any vehicle. The property is located right off U-23, 7 Miles from Mackinaw City. Bring your bikes and ride from camp to Mackinaw City (7-8 miles) on the Northeastern Bike Trail. The Barbara Hoffius Nature Preserve is only a half-mile away and has great trails to the beach. These simple campsites are PACK IN PACK OUT. We don’t have any services. There is the Mackinaw Straits roadside park one mile west which has well water and a public bathroom. Table and chairs and a fire pit are provided. Feel free to scavenge for deadfall firewood. Please don’t cut any trees down for any reason. Also, check with the DNR for fire risk. Do not burn during high risk of fire. The location can't be beaten, if you want to visit the Mackinaw Area but need space from the crowds. It will not disappoint.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

18. RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

98%
(78)
46mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$53
 / night
OffBeat Acres - Camp Chill AF!

20. OffBeat Acres - Camp Chill AF!

100%
(15)
49mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Manistee Lake, MI
There are 4 secluded sites on 15 acres of woods and open land. Easy access to each site. Large communal campfire area with firewood available on site or very nearby. A camper is set up for restroom use and there is a hose available for water. There are a horseshoe pit, Yard Darts and Corn hole board and bags available to play. Centrally located to several attractions! Manistee Lake is about 2 miles away, Manistee River is just 15 mins away, a slow meandering river. Great for a lazy day floating on a tube, kayaking and canoeing. The infamous Torch Lake is about 30 mins away with it's Caribbean blue waters, equally beautiful Elk Lake 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 Mackinac Bridge is just 50 mins away. Visit the quaint Mackinac Island and pick up some of the famous fudge! Leetsville ORV trail head is a little over 6 miles away for ORV enthusiasts. Three golf courses within 9 miles. Cherry Street Market is 9 miles away for a large array of fresh local fruits, vegetables and flowers. Garden art and more! 13 Ski Resorts within an hr or less, mostly less. There are so many things to see and do year around here in beautiful Northern Michigan!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$14
 / night
100% (2)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Clear Lake State Park MI adventure.

Camper favorites near Clear Lake State Park MI

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds

Rooster Ridge

100%
(10)
23mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Wolverine, MI
Come relax on our 20 acres of wooded paradise, surrounded by thousands of acres of State land. You can enjoy any of our well maintained campsites in peace and quiet! We offer a common area with games, bathroom facilities, hand washing station, picnic tables, and a gas grill for cooking. We have four campsites available and each site has a fire pit and cooking grate. We have 2 tent only sites, one site that'll fit a pop-up camper and/or a tent, and a fourth that will fit a tent, pop-up, or camper/RV. One of our sites is very remote and is walk-in only, so we do provide wheeled carts to make hauling your gear easy! The other 3 allow for vehicle access. Stop by our storefront for firewood, fresh organic chicken eggs, local honey, and more for purchase. You can also find wild strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries during the spring/summer months. We are dog friendly, but all pets must be on a leash at all times, to respect other campers. With the maps provided, feel free to walk our cut trails that wind throughout the property. Enjoy the serenity of our rippling creek, and watch for wildlife such as grouse, deer, bear, bobcat, elk, and more! We do raise pheasants for release, so don't be shocked if you spook one up on the trail! You can also hit the public trails next door on State Land and walk for miles and miles. We are only 4.4 miles to and from I75, with easy access to Gaylord, Petoskey, Mackinac, and just down the road from downtown Wolverine and Indian River. Check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566756576617 *Note: Tents are not provided. Used for staging purposes in photos only.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22
 / night

Sunset Campsite

92%
(13)
29mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cheboygan, MI
We are OPEN for 2025. We are so grateful and fortunate that we DID NOT receive any property damage from the recent ice storms which caused massive power outages, extensive property damage, and state of emergency for most of lower northern Michigan. Proud to receive the 2024 Hipcamp Star Host Award! A SINGLE PRIVATE rustic campsite on beautiful 10 acre lightly wooded field. Surrounded by apple trees. Site including entry is all grass. Roughly 80'x60' Fire ring, picnic table, outhouse, and trash receptacle provided. Campsite faces west providing beautiful sunsets. Roughly a mile of hiking trails on property. Access to hundreds of miles of ORV, hiking, and skiing trails nearby. Multiple restaurants, bars, and golf courses within 2-5 miles. AMAZING Northern Lights and dark sky viewing area with gazing platform provided in center of campsite property. Firewood for sale $4-$5/bundle available within 1-2 miles. Access and boat launches to Twin Lakes, Black River, Black Lake, Long Lake, and Cheboygan River within 1-5 miles. Convenience stores within 2-5 miles. Black Mountain ORV and hiking areas within 2-5 miles. 20 minute drive from downtown Cheboygan. Come enjoy some time away from the normal campground hustle and noise at this lovely and affordable private single campsite!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$19
 / night

80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
34mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

Silverleaf

93%
(14)
41mi from Clear Lake State Park MI · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Boyne City, MI
Learn more about this land:Named after a hilltop of poplar trees visible from the front of the property, Silverleaf is a relaxing and serene camping area perfect for appreciating all that Northern Michigan nature has to offer, while still being close to nearby entertainment and dining. Summer offers grassy fields and lush green treetops, long summer nights, big skies for stargazing, and plenty of wild berries--strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are plentiful depending on the season. In the winter, appreciate the crunchy frozen landscape and the contrast of dark sleeping hardwood forests against the snow-covered sparkling rolling hills. Choose a campsite near the road in the wide open meadow for easy access to nearby amenities. If you prefer more privacy, follow either driveway to the valley for a cozy spot to set up camp. Or follow a trail and choose a backcountry site deep in the forest. The property is located 5 minutes to Boyne City, with access to outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, or cook at your campsite. In winter, Boyne Mountain is very close or stay on the property for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Pets
from 
$40
 / night

Other options near Clear Lake State Park MI

The best camping in Clear Lake State Park MI, MI guide

Overview

About

In the heart of the Atlanta State Forest lies Clear Lake State Park, a quiet and secluded destination for your next overnight outing. Covering a full two-thirds of the lake’s shoreline, this 290-acre park offers horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and picnic areas, plus hiking trails stretching up to 70 miles long. An autumn trip rewards visitors with a veritable rainbow of fall foliage, while summer offers tons of fun on the lake—the park even rents out canoes, kayaks, and rowboats!

When to go

The best time to visit Clear Lake State Park MI is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is full of life. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall foliage. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so it's less ideal for a visit.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry.
  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit.
  • Remember to pack insect repellent and sun protection.
  • Be aware of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
  • Facilities may vary by season, so verify availability in advance.
100%
2 ratings · 1 review