The best camping in Onaway State Park, MI

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Onaway State Park: A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.  

The best camping in Onaway State Park, MI

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Sunset Campsite

3. Sunset Campsite

92%
(13)
8.3mi from Onaway State Park · 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
Rooster Ridge

5. Rooster Ridge

100%
(10)
18mi from Onaway State Park · 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
Site 1 Beaver Dam

7. Norton's Nook

98%
(21)
26mi from Onaway State Park · 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
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.

9. Grateful Acres

94%
(82)
31mi from Onaway State Park · 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
80 acres of Secluded Camping

12. 80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
35mi from Onaway State Park · 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
Blissfest Festival Farm

15. Blissfest Festival Farm

95%
(117)
39mi from Onaway State Park · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Lake Huron frontage Campsite

19. Lake Huron frontage Campsite

98%
(66)
40mi from Onaway State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · De Tour Village, MI
Learn more about this land: Experience breathtaking serenity on this entire 3-acre property, ready and waiting just for you! Electric hookups—including 30-amp, 50 amp, and standard 110V outlets—are now FREE with your nightly stay. There’s a gated, level gravel pad (45x60 feet) perfect for parking your RV or motorhome. Prefer to tent camp? Feel free to set up on the grassy area nearby. A dead-end seasonal private road leads to this secluded spot—please note the road is not plowed during winter. Important: Please park only on the designated gravel pad; parking elsewhere is not allowed. The property has no running water or restrooms, so tent campers, please bring your own portable restroom. Enjoy 232 feet of stunning Lake Huron shoreline where you can relax, play, and soak in the views. Strawberry Island is clearly visible, and you can watch ships come and go right from the shore. Cell service is available on site, check your carrier's map. If you bring your furry friends, be sure to clean up after them. And if you smoke, please don’t toss butts on the ground—you’ll be charged a cleaning fee for cigarette litter.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$57
 / night
Island View Camp and RV Park

20. Island View Camp and RV Park

100%
(10)
40mi from Onaway State Park · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · St. Ignace, MI
Discover the charm of Island View Camp and RV Park, a unique gem located in the heart of St. Ignace, MI. This well-maintained campground offers a serene escape for both tent campers and RV travelers, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation amidst the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. At Island View, guests can enjoy clean and convenient private shower facilities, which are particularly beneficial for tent campers and RV owners looking to conserve onboard water. The campground also features coin-operated laundry facilities, ensuring that your stay remains comfortable and hassle-free. Our camp store/office is stocked with essential items, including firewood and bagged ice, so you can focus on enjoying your time outdoors. Conveniently situated just off 1192 N. State Street, Island View Camp and RV Park is surrounded by stunning natural features and outdoor activities. Explore nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and local attractions, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops that showcase the best of the area. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure at Island View Camp and RV Park, where unforgettable memories await.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

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

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Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset Campsite

92%
(13)
8.3mi from Onaway State Park · 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

Rooster Ridge

100%
(10)
18mi from Onaway State Park · 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

Norton's Nook

98%
(21)
26mi from Onaway State Park · 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

Grateful Acres

94%
(82)
31mi from Onaway State Park · 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

80 acres of Secluded Camping

94%
(24)
35mi from Onaway State Park · 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

Other options near Onaway State Park

The best camping in Onaway State Park, MI guide

Overview

About

Pretty soon you’ll be on-the-way to a land of serenity and wilderness. Onaway State Park is home to Black Lake. This spot is known for its excellent beach and rugged vibes. There are massive rock out-croppings and a boat-load of various species of trees as you hike the three mile nature trail. To cool down, swim in the gorgeous waters and let loose. The lake has access to a boat launch for your paddle boat or rainbow flotation device (hey, no judgment!). For overnight stays, rent the camper cabin or set up camp in the modern campsites. Just ten miles outside of the park, Ocqueoc Falls, the largest waterfall in the lower Peninsula of Michigan endlessly pours and roars. One night in Onaway, and you may never want to be on your way home.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Onaway State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Fall also offers a spectacular display of colors, making September to October a picturesque time to visit. Winter can be harsh, so it's less ideal for those not prepared for snowy adventures.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to pack appropriately.
  • Remember to bring water and snacks, as options may be limited within the park.
  • Be mindful of park wildlife; observe from a distance and do not feed the animals.
  • For a smooth visit, familiarize yourself with park rules and regulations available on the official website.
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