Best Camping in and near North Higgins Lake State Park

75% (2 reviews)

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

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Stay at a public campground in North Higgins Lake State Park

North Higgins Lake Campground

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

Top-rated campgrounds near North Higgins Lake State Park

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Camp David

14 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Traverse City, MI

We built our home 30 years ago on 8 acres of hay field. Everything you see on our property was put here by us!! We have had dogs, a couple of horses, cats of course and chickens too. The horses, dogs and chickens are gone but we still have cats...and we have a pond off our deck with about 50 goldfish and a couple dozen frogs!! Our kids are all grown and we are left wondering what is next. For the past 12 years or so we have had at least one or two camp outs a year on our property with just friends. Then we started thinking "why not invite others?" We know how difficult it can be to get camping reservations in the area....then I bumped into a Hipcamp Host who told me about this.... so here we are! We are animal and nature lovers and our gardens are here for you to enjoy. We'd love to give you a tour and tell you all about every plant if you are interested. Or we will ignore you and let you do your own thing in our 'backyard'! We offer rustic boondocks camping or set up nearer to our buildings and we can supply you with power....110, 30 and 50 available for a small extra charge Welcome to Traverse City and welcome to Camp David!! I have a Facebook page with lots of fun and interesting things to do and see as well as great restaurant recommendations for Traverse City and beyond, on my travel page...Towhead Travels....on Facebook. Please look me up! ******NEW IN 2023****** We have an outhouse on site!! Firewood (oak) is available to purchase when you get here. (all campsites will be provided with a fire ring no charge) https://m.facebook.com/100057592452231/

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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.

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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. . Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the 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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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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Heirloom Acres

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Boon, MI

This site is accessible by a gravel driveway that leads to secluded land perfect for your camping getaway. There is tree cover, but also open areas. We have a designated area for camping that includes a fire pit, ground level metal deck, and a comfortable outhouse. There is no power or running water. Experience camping for real! (fun fact: this property has been passed down four generations of women!) We are near downtown Manton, downtown Mesick, and downtown Cadillac. Our favorite places to visit are Dayhuff lake (10 minute drive), numerous seasonal roads and trails, the Manistee River, Traverse City (45mins), Emerald Vale Golf Course (10 minutes), and Pleasant Valley Amish market for baked goods (5 min). Notes based on feedback that we've gotten from campers: -the driveway is steep, as seen in the listing photos. The recommendation for trailer size should be followed (18ft trailer max, plus 17ft car/truck). There is a corner at the top of the hill that might be tight for anything larger. I will note that there is a review where someone made it through with a 21ft trailer plus their vehicle; proceed as you will with this information.

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House of Bear

5 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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Barney Lake Vista

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Houghton Lake, MI

Once the location of a ski resort, this property was bought up by the competition and dismantled. Sitting on top of the old ski hill, this 10 acre property now offers a beautiful view of Barney Lake and the surrounding state forest. This property is situated near a dirt road that leads directly into hundreds of miles of off-road trails and state forest, yet is close enough to town (7 miles) to enjoy the local establishments. No access to the lake is available from the site, but there are plenty of other lakes and rivers in the area to enjoy!

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Beautiful Lake View Camping

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Lupton, MI

Perryn's Cabin is a rustic cabin sitting on a wooded lot on Green Lake offering a quiet getaway. The cabin is equipped with solar ceiling lights and one 12v USB plug. Enjoy fishing, kayaking or boating (electric motors only) right out your front door or on many of the local lakes. Cook dinner on the grill, over the firepit or enjoy one of wonderful local restaurants. The trailhead for the Huron-Manistee National forest is a mile down the road offering great riding for ORVs and Snowmobiles. Rifle River Recreation Area, located right around the corner has a swimming beach, and numerous hiking and biking trails. It's a short drive to the east to Tawas and Lake Huron or to the north to Mio, where canoeing and tubing on the Ausable River is available. Happy camping!

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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 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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Uraharas On The Hill

4 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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(18)

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.

Booked 2 times

Woodland Glades

4 sites · Tents10 acres · Fife Lake, MI

Right outside of TRAVERSE CITY! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Sites are being raked and groomed this week to kick off the Summer Season! Only 20 minutes east of Traverse City! 10 minutes from the Vasa bike trails, close to the Supply Road Trailhead and right down the road from many ORV trails! 10 minute drive to the picturesque Lake (Downtown- Fife Lake for swimming, boating, fishing, etc.), convenience stores, grocery store, gas stations, hardware store, restaurants, summer ice cream stand, Fife Lake historical walk with plaques/small history museum, one room school house, antique firehouse, etc. and more! Nature's rustic camping paradise settled right in the heart of Grand Traverse County, in Fife Lake (Traverse City area). Some of the best outdoor activities are offered in this area. Also near Turtle Creek Casino Woodland Glades offers a generous 10 acre property with a beautiful trail that gives space between sites offering short-term family friendly, clean and well maintained camping ~ with 4 wooded private tent walk-in sites *wheelbarrow provided for ease of transporting your gear (designated parking area at main entrance only a minute walk, on a level winding trail that has soft light with solar lanterns and well marked signage) with a secure self check in center. All sites include a fire ring, several plastic chairs and some solar lights ( VERY dark at night, don't forget your flashlight!) . The check-in welcome center has drinkable potted water, first aid kit, brochures, local magazines, games, nature themed toys and books available for use during your staycation. There is a clean Porta John with a convenient foot pump hand washing sink included, right on the private trail for campers only. A 2 room shower/changing tent is set up for your use, just bring your own solar shower bag! ***No electric or running water (off grid)- these are peaceful rustic sites- outdoor gravity fed shower house with eco friendly shampoo/soap is coming in late Summer 2024, but is not available at this time***There is also a large common area located centrally with a 10 x 10 covered gazebo and toddlers children's playhouse for campers to enjoy. 4 tent sites available : Evergreen, Pinehurst, Orchard Grove and the largest site-The Morrow Circle. Check in : Between 2pm-10pm Check out: Noon Quiet time (respect for other campers) is from 10pm-8a.m. 2 day reservation required Reservation age requirements are 21+ Per Michigan law- max 6 people per site. 2 car maximum per site/reservation. Small, intimate rustic camping sites are offered. Wildlife is abundant, and all around you deep in Fife Lake- please be aware of your surroundings, giving wildlife space and avoid leaving food and garbage out- coyote, raccoons, opossum, even the occasional bear make their way through the woods here (it's their home!) and wildlife likes your food too, but it's not recommended to leave out food or store food in tents! Please secure and keep things in coolers/vehicles, etc. smart campers make happy campers! Ticks and mosquitoes are also very common in Michigan so wear bug spray, wear long plants if possible, light colors to better see if they are on your clothing, avoid walking off trail and into uncleared areas with leaves and check yourself thoroughly for ticks. Well behaved, non aggressive breed dog (on a 6 foot leash at all times and picked up after) pet friendly sites are available. There is an outdoor clothesline for use to hang damp camping linens - fresh breeze provided :0) Relax and unwind with: local hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, golf, jet skiing, swimming, birding, dirt biking...and so much more! Boutiques, art, fine dining and shopping on the Grand Traverse Bay are a short drive away as well. Visit over 40+ award winning Northern Michigan Wineries. Venture a little further West to the Sleeping Bear Dunes or North to Charlevoix/Petoskey up to Mackinac City. Woodland Glades is a great spot to set up, and head out to explore so many special places. No RV campers (limited sites and winding walk in only sites available). Vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area at the entrance-to keep the trail clear for walking safety, emergency vehicles and maintenance ease. Camping is permitted in the designated sites only - not off of the trails/sites reserved. Please do not wander off trails/sites as this is nature and there could be various poison foliage (poison ivy, hemlock) and the ferns grow in thick making it hard to see what's under the 4 foot tall cover. Be familiar with plants that can be harmful (see photos). Absolutely no illegal activity. No firearms, weapons and guns allowed. No Hunting on the property, no drugs, fights, outside visitors after 10 p.m., off leash/ excessive barking/aggressive/uncontrollable dogs left unsupervised will not be tolerated at the expense of peace and comfort for guests and neighboring property owners. You will be contacted if there is an issue to try to resolve it, and if it continues then be asked to leave, no refunds and a no tolerance policy will be applied. We want everyone to feel comfortable, safe and welcome, so respect is required. Please be courteous, and considerate while enjoying your stay. Take photos only, leave the property as you left it. It's in our hands to keep nature as natural as possible. Trash left behind will be accessed a $50 fine on your credit card, as well as for any left behind pet waste. Daily burn status for the county will be texted to you- if the county has issued a high wind/dry/dangerous alert level then no fires will be permitted for the safety of all campers, properties and wildlife. Fires are not permitted outside of the provided fire rings. Only wood from Grand Traverse County is allowed by state law- to help combat invasive damage from spores outside of the area. You may freely use any of the already downed wood in the area, just please do not cut down or harm existing living trees. Also, only burn wood (not garbage, plastics, metals or foreign objects). A lidded water bucket *NOT drinkable* is provided at each site to douse water at night, and at the end of your stay. If you do smoke, please only do so in your own personal vehicle and keep dangerous, flammable cigarette butts off of the property. No smoking on trails, camp sites, common area or in the welcome center building is permitted for the safety of all. Violations to the rules listed/posted may result in non-refundable removal off of the property terminating your reservation and may incur fees. Refunds are not given less than 7 days prior to check-in. Weather is not refundable, as that is an unpredictable part of nature. I welcome any and all inquiries and am very excited you're choosing Woodland Glades for you (yourself) and your family/friends here in the heart of paradise for memories in the making. It's a truly beautiful place that i am honored to share with each and every one of you.

The best camping near North Higgins Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Party hardy with your pals or chill out with the fam at North Higgins Lake State Park. The shallow, crystal clear water is the perfect setting for a rowdy game of chicken or for your children to go netting for small fish. As rounded as the shore of Higgins Lake, this park offers sandy beaches, trails from one and half miles to six miles, and some of the best flat water kayaking in the state, and that’s just during summer! North Higgins is open year 'round so should you want to get your winter on, come live in up in low temps at the campground or cabin. Blaze the cross country ski trails by day and get homey and snug by the fire at night.

When to go

The best time to visit North Higgins Lake State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake's waters invite swimmers and boaters alike. Fall also offers a stunning display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh, making some activities less accessible.