Top 13 Michigan Campgrounds: Stunning Locations
When searching for the best camping sites in Michigan, you’ll find numerous options, and it’s because Michigan is one of the best places to camp in the United States. Boasting stunning nature views, you’ll find campsites perched in incredibly scenic locations, from the dunes stretching along Lake Michigan to gorgeous natural parks. Some sites are more suited to those who want to “rough it up,” where you pitch your tent and have access to the most basic amenities. But there are also sites for those who want to experience a more luxurious way to camp, where you sleep in a fully-furnished accommodation surrounded by stunning nature.
Best Michigan Campgrounds
If you’re looking for tips on where to camp, here’s our list of the 13 best camping sites in Michigan.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes – Platte River Campground
Set within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Platte River Campground Site is a campsite along the Platte River, surrounded by lush forests. It’s open all year round and features pull-thru and back-in sites with electric hookups. You can also stay at walk-in tents, with access to amenities like hot showers, flush and vault toilets, firewood, and a dump station.
Platte River Campground is an ideal spot for those who want to sleep in nature while enjoying outdoor activities within the park, such as hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. You can also swim or sunbathe at the nearby beaches if you come in summer.
2. Dunes Harbor Family Camp
If you’re looking for a family-friendly campground in Michigan, the Dunes Harbor Family Camp is an ideal choice. It’s nestled along the tranquil Silver Lake about a mile from the entrance of Sand Dunes State Park ORV. Offering activities for all ages, it’s ideal for families looking to have fun with kids. Here, you can swim at the beaches of Lake Michigan, explore the Sable Point Lighthouse, or take advantage of the various amenities on site, such as movie nights, archery, horseback riding, and arts & crafts.
The campsite has over 100 hookup sites, some of which lie along the waterfront. There are also sites with electricity hookups and rustic cabins with beds and other facilities.
3. Presque Isle Campground at Porcupine Mountains State Park
Presque Isle Campground is ideal for campers who want to sleep surrounded by the all-natural beauty of the Porcupine Mountains State Park. It’s by the wild Presque Isle River and a fantastic base for those who want to hike the area or anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
The Presque Isle Campground can accommodate various campers and has two sections. One side is a generator-friendly zone, and another is a generator-free zone, perfect for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet.
4. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
Sitting on a 200-acre wooded area along a mile of shoreline, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping is a favorite spot for locals and visitors. It overlooks the stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinaw Mill has over 600 campsites and cabins suitable for every type of camper.
Those who want to “rough it up” can stay at budget sites, where you can pitch your tent. It also has RV sites with access to 50-amp electricity. There are also water and sewer services. If you prefer to stay in cabins, you can choose from one-bedroom to two-story three-bedroom with indoor plumbing.
5. Ludington State Park and Campgrounds
The Ludington State Park and Campground offer some of the best camping sites in Michigan. It lies between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, with several miles of beautiful shorelines. Staying at this campsite will allow you to enjoy various water activities, such as fishing, tubing, and paddling. Those who prefer land-based activities will find plenty of marked trails to hike.
You can choose from three different campgrounds within Ludington State Park. The park is a popular destination in Michigan, and the campgrounds could fill up quickly, so reserve your slot early. Aside from the water and land activities, campers can enjoy hosted lantern-lit and guided snowshoe hikes on some days. Ludington is a year-round park to visit, with so much to see and do any time of the year.
6. Harbortown RV Resort
Nestled along Lake Erie in Southeast Michigan between Toledo and Detroit, the Harbortown RV Resort is an ideal camping ground for RVs. The RV park has 80 large pull-thru sites equipped with full hook-up service, capable of accommodating big RV coaches. There are also cozy log cabins for those who prefer to sleep in luxury.
The Harbortown RV Resort is an ideal base for exploring Southeast Michigan’s famous attractions. But if you don’t like exploring, you can take advantage of the campground’s resort-like amenities, such as the mini-golf, batting cages, arcade games, and pool. With the many fun activities onsite, Harbortown is best suited for families.
7. Hemlock Campground at Taquemonon Park
The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of Michigan’s most popular camping sites. It’s a 50,000-acre of undeveloped woodlands with gushing waterfalls, an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. Avid hikers will also find plenty of scenic trails to conquer.
If you’re camping in Tahquamenon Park, check out Hemlock Campground, a family-friendly camping ground featuring wooded campsites for RVs, pop-ups, and tents. Those who want to sleep in comfort and luxury can stay in the air-conditioned cottages. The best part is that Hemlock allows campers to camp with their pets, so feel free to bring your furry friends!
8. Wa-Wen Camp Resort on Drummond Island
If you’re looking to enjoy a bit of luxury while camping in Drummond Island, consider staying at Wa-Wen Camp Resort, where you will have access to luxurious amenities like a heated pool, shuffleboard, satellite TV, wireless internet, and even a basketball court. Best of all, you can bring along pets since the campground is pet-friendly.
To get to this campground, you will have to drive your car on a ferry coming from the mainland. When you reach the landing point of Drummond Island, you’ll have to drive towards the campground. Although it caters mostly to RVs and other camping vehicles, it’s also possible to pitch a tent.
9. Waterloo State Recreation Area
Occupying over 20,00 acres of forest, lakes, and wetlands, the Waterloo State Recreation Area is one of the largest parks in Michigan. It’s also a fantastic spot for camping, where you sleep surrounded by tranquil lakes spread over a vast expanse of wetlands and lush forests.
During the day, keep yourself busy with the numerous activities on site, from hiking to cycling and horseback riding. Of course, you can also enjoy water activities at the lakes, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The Waterloo State Recreation Area is also ideal for a winter getaway, offering activities like snowshoeing and skiing.
10. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Affectionally called “the Porkies” by the locals, the Porcupine Mountains State Park is a great place to camp in Michigan. Boasting 60,000 acres of lush forests, majestic waterfalls, raging rivers, and tranquil streams, it entices campers with its myriad natural wonders.
If you prefer to “rough it up,” Porcupine is perfect for you. It has over 60 backcountry campsites, most of which are located off-the-beaten trails. There are also rustic and modern campgrounds for those who don’t want to give up modern comforts while sleeping in nature.
11. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp and Resort
Named after the famous cartoon bear, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp and Resort boasts excellent amenities for modern campers, including several RV sites and hookups. With plenty of fun entertainment amenities onsite, adults and kids will have a blast when staying in this Michigan campground.
Some amenities at Yogi Bear include pools, water slides, splash grounds, wagon rides, mini golf, and more. There are also beaches and lakes nearby, where you can swim and paddle. You can choose from a luxury cabin, RV site, or traditional tents.
12. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
If you want to sleep surrounded by the rugged beauty of colorful sandstone cliffs and the tranquil waters of Lake Superior, camp at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Aside from admiring the views, you can spend your day hiking, kayaking, or wildlife viewing.
Choose from three different campgrounds when spending overnight at Pictured Rocks, the Little Beaver Lake Campground, Twelvemile Beach Campground, or Hurricane River Campground. They have numerous camping sites, including sites for RVs and trailers. There are also sites for those who prefer backcountry camping.
13. Albert E. Sleeper State Park
Sleeper State Park, Fall 2019 Photographer Tyler Leipprandt produced these images under contract to the DNR. All photos are property of the State of Michigan and credit goes to the MI Dept. of Natural Resources.
Albert E. Sleeper State Park is another beautiful camping ground in Michigan where you can pitch your tent amidst lush forests, dunes, wetlands, and the sandy shoreline of Saginaw Bay. The state park occupies over 700 acres of land, offering different camping sites.
Those who don’t want to sleep in a tent can choose other accommodation options, such as yurts, cabins, safari-style tents, cottages, and lodges. Depending on the type of accommodation, these lodging facilities have the amenities of a home, allowing you to sleep in comfort.
