Michigan is home to stunning, picturesque campsites, each of which offers something unique and appealing in its own right. Whether you’re looking for a spot near home or willing to travel hours away, this list is the perfect place to start planning your outdoor summer getaway.
Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground
M-72 & McIntyres Landing Rd.,Grayling; 989-348-7068
Drive a few hours up north to experience good camping and more inside Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground. The site offers numerous rustic sites for small tents and medium trailers, as well as vehicle routes with opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Ludington State Park
8800 W. M-116, Ludington; 231-843-2423
Grab your hiking gear and hit the park's 5,300-acres to see wildlife up close. Boat across picturesque Lake Michigan, or enjoy the sun on Hamlin Lake. Soak in some good folk music at the Ludington's Amphitheater after a day of learning about the Great Lakes and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Muskegon State Park
3560 Memorial Dr., North Muskegon; 231-744-3480
With over 1,100 acres on Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, 12 miles of groomed hiking trails, and modern and semi-modern campsites, this park has a little bit of everything. Take in all Muskegon has to offer through sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and ice fishing.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
33303 Headquarters Rd., Ontonagon; 906-885-5275
Make sure to bring a map to navigate this 60,000-acre outdoor wonderland. The "Porkies" — located three miles west of Silver City — includes modern, rustic, and yurt lodging. Take in scenic waterfalls and stunning sunsets while hiking 90 miles of foot trails.
Ossineke State Forest Campground
Griffin St., Ossineke; 989-734-2543
This is a perfect place to go for a campground picnic or barbeque. Ossineke has tables with adjoining grills, plus 42 sites for tents and small trailers, sandy beaches, a white pine and oak forest, and a barrier-free boardwalk out to Lake Huron.
Newaygo State Park
2793 Beech Street, Newaygo; 231-856-4452
Newaygo State Park — located about three hours west of Detroit — is a 99-site rustic campground set atop 20-foot embankments overlooking the Hardy Dam Pond, a beautiful six-mile flooding of the Muskegon River perfect for boating and fishing. The sites also offers picnic tables and fire rings.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front St., Empire; 231-326-4700
The park offers visitors access to forests, dune formations, beaches, and wildlife. It is a perfect family hangout with climbing, swimming, trail walking, a 1871 lighthouse, and historic farms available for sightseeing.
Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground
Canoe Harbor Rd., Grayling; 989-821-6125
Enjoy canoeing, trout fishing, hiking pathway, and 54 sites for tent and small trailer usage on the South Branch Au Sable River. With no reservations required, all you need is a recreation passport, and the campground can be yours.
Hartwick Pines State Park
3612 State Park Rd., Grayling; 989-348-7068
Hartwick Pines State Park is a 9,672 acre scenic beauty, one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. The go-to feature of this park is the 49-acre forest of old growth pines, which serves as a historical artifact and a reminder of the importance of the pine lumber industry.
Indian Lake State Park
8970 W. County Road 442, Manistique; 906-341-2355
Located on Indian Lake, the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula with an area of 8,400 acres, Indian Lake State Park is the perfect spot for relaxation. The park is made of two units, three miles apart, and separated by the Indian Lake water. Amenities include camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, beach and beach house, picnic area, boat access site and launch, and metal detecting area.
Beaver Island State Forest Campground
East Side Rd., Beaver Island; 231-448-2505; beaverisland.org
Find 22 sites for tents and small trailers are available on this no-reservation-required Lake Michigan campground.
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
5851 Bear Lake Rd., Vienna; 989-732-5485
Big Bear Lake State Forest features 14 sites on the north shore for tents and small trailers.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 W. M-123, Paradise; 906-492-3415
Michigan is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It's located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the 200-foot Upper Falls has a drop of almost 50 feet. Tahquamenon has no shortage of land, with nearly 40 miles of hiking trails and approximately 20,000 acres of natural area.
Sleepy Hollow State Park
7835 East Price Rd., Laingsburg; 517-651-6217
Over 2,600 acres include a river winding through prairie grasses, a hardwood forest and pine trees stands, and the 410-acre Lake Ovid. The park offers countless play and exercise opportunities with 181 modern campsites, 16 miles of hiking/biking, and 13 miles for horseback riding.
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
3871 Herd Rd., Metamora; 810-797-4439
Located just outside of Lapeer, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area has 750 acres with 80-acre Lake Minnewanna in the center. Anglers, hikers, and cross-country skiers can lose themselves in endless recreational opportunities, along with a swimming beach, concession, and a universally accessible fishing pier. Minnewanna offers 213 campsites, electricity, firepits, picnic tables, a camp store, and modern restroom facilities like hot showers and flush toilets.
Natalie State Forest Campground
Country Roads 405 & 434, Newberry; 906-293-3293
This basic campground has 12 tent sites and small trailer use available on Dallarville Flooding Backwaters. All these services are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Silver Creek State Forest Campground
State Road, Luther; 231-745-9465
Pine River has more than 25 sites for tent and small trailer use as well as a place for hiking and mountain biking on Silver Creek Pathway. The fun can be extended to water with a canoe landing that provides access to the river.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer; 800-447-2757
Warren Dunes contains three miles of shoreline, and a dune formation that rises 260 feet above the lake with breathtaking views. The park also has 1,952 acres of recreational opportunity, six miles of hiking trails, and 221 modern and rustic campsites with three modern mini cabins open year-round.
Bewabic State Park
720 Idlewild Rd, Crystal Falls; 800-447-2757
The more than 120-site campground is stationed in a shady, secluded site with most lots having electricity, a fire ring, and a picnic table. The park also has hiking trail, playgrounds, an excellent beach, and a boat launch to Fortune Lake available, plus it boasts a rare Michigan campground feature — tennis courts.
Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton; 906-482-0984
Isle Royale National Park has over 166 miles of hiking trails and a designated Michigan Wildlife Viewing Area, plus the park also shelters one of the largest moose herds left in America.
