This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclaimer here.
I might be biased now, but I think some of the best camping I have ever done is in Michigan! There are so many hidden gems throughout the state, not to mention we have two whole sections of our state to explore! One of my favorite things to do in the fall season is go camping. Whether in a tent or mini cabin I am always ready for an outdoor adventure! With so many options for camping in Michigan, I wanted to create a list of the top 15 places I have camped throughout the state. There is everything from state parks to privately owned campgrounds here. There is hopefully something for everybody on this list! Now without due let’s jump into some of the best camping Michigan has to offer!
Let’s Start with gear
If you are just starting in the camping world let me help you get on your way with some of my favorite products!
Tent:
If you’re looking for something small, cheap, and functional this is the tent I use! It gets the job done and although it says it only fits two people, we have definitely fit more. If you are just getting your feet wet in the camping world then I would recommend getting something like this before dumping a lot of money into something big.
sleeping bag:
I tried to find the exact sleeping bag I use but I bought it so long ago I couldn’t find it. However, I have heard great things about this sleeping bag! It’s just like the one I use. I like it because they fold up super small making it easy to travel with. If you are going somewhere where the weather is going to be colder I would suggest something more like this.
Cooking:
If you decide to go somewhere where you will be roughing it, you will want more things like a light source, a cooking source, propane, and camping utensils. It can seem overwhelming at first but the more you get out there the easier it becomes!
Now let’s get into the best camping Michigan has to offer!
1.) Pentwater
Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat is a privately owned campground that lies right on Lake Michigan. I’ve stayed here multiple times now and for good reason. They offer everything from tent spots, mini cabins, raised tents, and RV hookups. I have stayed in their mini cabins and tent camped here. They are pretty small and not many people know about them meaning you’ll have the beach virtually to yourself! They have small kayaks you can rent for $5 and they are located only 10 minutes outside of Pentwater. If you are hoping for a relaxing time with little people around you, yet don’t want to be way out in the boonies, this is the place for you!
2.) Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow state park is located only 30 minutes from Lansing yet you feel like you’re in a world of your own! I would also say Sleepy Hollow is one of the most underrated camping spots in Michigan. This is my favorite place to stay for a night or two when I need to escape day-to-day life. They offer tent camping or mini cabins. This is my favorite place to go winter camping! I love to stay in their mini cabins (which are wonderfully warm) during the winter. It’s perfect to go and explore for a couple of hours then warm back up by the fire. They have a great sledding hill, a beach for the summer, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. This is another hidden gem as there have been hardly any people there each time I go!
3.) Traverse City state park
If you are wanting to explore Traverse City but also want to get some dirt under your feet, Traverse City State Park is where it’s at! This park is located right on the outskirts of the city. This is also a great option if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the expensive hotels TC has to offer. I have stayed here so many times at this point and keep returning. They have a bridge that connects the campground to the beach right across the street for quick lake access. I will say if your goal is to escape the people then this may not be your first choice as this tends to be a more popular spot to camp. They do offer tent camping, RV hookups, and mini cabins. Exploring TC and need ideas? Check out these 5 Free Things To Do! If you want a city/woods mix this spot is designed just for you!
4.) Empire campground
This hidden gem is located about 40 Minutes from Traverse City. Empire holds some of Michigan’s best beaches! The water is so clear you feel like you are in the Caribbean. This campground is perfect for someone who wants to explore the west side of the state but doesn’t want to deal with the crowds. They offer tent camping and RV hookups. I will say although you are located by more touristy destinations, this campground goes back to the rustic ways of life. They offer vaulted toilets and showers you can pay for. I would say it is totally worth it though to be close to empire beach. If it is a windy day on the lake you can even learn how to surf with Sleeping Bear Surf Shop! This was by far my favorite thing I did in Empire!
5.) Manitou Island
Did you know Michigan has islands? We do! If you are looking for something really unique this is the place for you! North and South Manitou is a playground for people wanting to live out all their island dreams! If you want to leave the mainland while still having more of a normal camping experience South Manitou is for you. If you want a truly rustic experience, you my friend get North Manitou island! There is nothing on the island except one valeted toilet and a small shelter. You bring in everything you need for the duration of your stay. There are only 5 designated campgrounds and if you miss your chance at a spot you may wander the island and set up camp wherever your heart desires. This is truly an off-the-beaten-path experience! You will catch a ferry from Leland, then as soon as you step off the boat you’re on your own!
6.) Paddlers village
If you want a unique experience but don’t want to leave the mainland this spot is yours! Paddlers village is located right on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. They offer everything here from tents, platform tents, and yurts! I have stayed here twice now and will continue to go back. The yurts right on the lake are what I stay in and would recommend anyone to try! It is a magical experience to be able to open your front door and look right onto the refreshing Lake Superior. They also offer boat tours here to different shipwrecks and a sunset tour traveling around the lake. This is probably the most expensive on the list, but well worth at least one night camping in the yurt!
7.) Camp pet-O-se-ga
Yet again another hidden gem tucked away in Northern Michigan! Camp Pet-o-se-ga offers cozy mini cabins, tent spots, and RV hookups. I have only camped in their mini cabins as they are located right on a lake. The tent and RV spots are more tucked away in the woods. They have nice bathrooms if that is important to you and clean showers. This place will allow you to be away from the world while enjoying the great outdoors! They have a small beach on Pickerel Lake with kayaks you can rent. They also have a really nice playground if you have small children. I will say this is a great camping spot if you have younger children. You will be about 20 minutes from Petoskey, yet far enough away that you would never be able to tell!
8.) Ludington state park
This is probably the most popular camping destination in Michigan on this list. That being said, it’s a lot of people’s favorite as Ludington state park offers an amazing beach right on Lake Michigan, hiking trails, a natural lazy river, and an adorable downtown area. If you want to be outdoors but not far from people, you would love Ludington. They have a lot to offer in ways of activities if you are someone who likes to keep busy. On the flip side, if you are someone who wants to escape to the woods with not a person in sight this destination is not for you. It’s a great place to camp if you have people of all ages or are planning a large family trip. Don’t forget to bring your bike or paddleboard here!
9.) bertha brock park
If you want woods and only woods here you go! Bertha Brock Park is the perfect escape for those who live in the lower half of the state. They have miles of hiking trails and a fun sledding hill if you go in the winter. As of now they only offer tent camping. This destination is perfect for those who want a quick escape but don’t want to go anywhere crazy. Make sure to pack your hammock, firewood, and a good book. They do have a cute river that runs through the park and adorable stone bridges for crossings. They also have a couple of little ponds. This is the perfect place to turn off your brain and just hike. On top of all this, it is super cheap as it is still very much a hidden gem!
10.) Tawas point state park
Heading to the east side of the state we run into Tawas Point State Park. Sitting right on Lake Huron Tawas Point offers tent spots, RV hookups, mini cabins, and even yurts! If you want something different than the typically west side of the state adventure this is the place to be! With hiking, swimming, and lighthouses galore, there is plenty to explore around every corner. You will want to make a booking in advance however as all the good spots tend to fill up quickly. They do offer a couple of backwood spots as well that don’t tend to fill up as fast. If your looking for a new adventure Tawas is the place for you!
11.) Tahquamenon Falls state park
Back in the Upper Peninsula, we will find Tahquamenon Falls State Park. One of the more popular camping spots for the U.P, Tahquamenon oozes adventure! You will have not only boats and a lake at your disposal, but two waterfalls to explore! These are some of Michigan’s most famous waterfalls, meaning you just have to check them out. Pitch up your tent then take off to play in the river right by. There is enough hiking here to keep you busy for days. You also will only be about 30 minutes from Whitefish point if you are looking for an extra adventure. They offer tent camping and RV hookup. If you are a thrill seeker Tahquamenon offers some of the best camping in Michigan!
12.) Porcupine Mountain state park
We found out that Michigan has islands, but did you know we also have a mountain? Porcupine Mountain State Park is located in the far west of the U.P. If you desire isolation here you go! They offer mini cabins, tent camping, and yurts that you will need to hike to. The hike is well worth the peace and tranquility you will feel being surrounded by nature and mountain views. A couple of the cabins are located on a lake up in the mountain adding to the ambiance. Make sure to carry out everything you will need as the journey in and out is not a quick one. Not particularly hard, just not fast. There are also parts of the park that border Lake Superior if you prefer the big lakes. Make sure to pack good hiking boots and a dependable tent!
13.) Grand Haven state park
Back on the west side of the state, we have Grand Haven state park. This park is for those who want to camp right on the beach! Grand Haven is also only a short 1hr 30min drive from Lansing. If you want a getaway but still want the beach, Grand Haven is your cup of tea! This is by no means woods camping, so if you are hoping for the privacy of trees you might want to consider somewhere else. However, if you want to soak up all the sun, sand, and beach life, here you go. They also have a cute downtown area that makes it easy to get a break from the sand if needed. They offer RV hookups and tent spots. This can be a more popular destination, so if you want a getaway with no one there but still want the beach, I’d recommend Pentwater instead. However, if people don’t scare you off then you will have a great time here!
14.) Hoffmaster state park
As we have seen there is a lot to offer while camping in Michigan! Here is another park if you desire the beaches without the crowds. Hoffmaster State Park has a nice beachfront right on Lake Michigan and hiking through miles of woods. This is the perfect place if you have a mixed group who loves to swim and hike. They offer mini cabins and tent spots. Located only 15 minutes from Grand Haven you will have the same water but non of the crowds. In fact, this park is great even if you just want to explore for a day! They have some of my favorite beach hiking that is suitable for people of any age. You are also allowed to have your dogs here for no extra fee. All in all, Hoffmaster is definitely worth checking out even if it’s just for one night!
15.) isle royale national park
I wanted to save the best for last! If you are desiring a full-blown getaway where it’s truly you, the trees, and the moose, I have the perfect destination for you! Near the border of Canada, we will find another isolated island that offers truly the best and wildest camping in Michigan. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, Isle Royale National Park offers a refuge for those wanting to test their survival skills. If traveling here it is important to do your planning and take into consideration the weather and any advisories. The only way to get to the island is by seaplane or boat. Make sure to be properly prepared before coming here and a good idea would be to test your skills on North Manitou Island first. While Isle Royale may prove to be not as simple or cheap to get to, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is well worth the planning process!
wrapping up
I hope this list of camping destinations in Michigan helped you plan out your next adventure! As you can see we have everything from beaches and islands to mountains and forests. Who knew Michigan had so much to offer! Wherever you may end up in the camping world, remember to be safe, pack accordingly, and do your research. I hope you have the best time exploring all of Michigan! Is there somewhere you think I should check out? Let me know!
Where are your favorite camping spots in Michigan?
Until Next Time, Olivia Grace 🙂
Leave a Reply