With over 100 state parks and 5 national parks, when it comes to Michigan camping, the wilderness is calling. Explore some of the best campsites found in Michigan with views you don't want to miss.
Top State Parks for Michigan Camping
One of the best resources for Michigan campsites is the state park system operated by the state's Department of Natural Resources. The state of Michigan has more than 100 state parks, many of which have camping facilities designed to accommodate the needs of RVers, tent campers, and backpacking enthusiasts. However, if you want to enjoy the beauty of Michigan, you don't want to miss these top campsites in Michigan with sites starting as low as $15 a night.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Walk into a wilderness wonderland by exploring one of the best views Upper Michigan has to offer. Spanning 13 miles, Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers campers more than impressive waterfalls and views. They have three backcountry camping sites and more than 250 modern campsites at various locations on the river. If you are looking for RV camping, this state park is ready for you. There's also a cabin available.
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Located in Laingsburg, MI, north of Lansing, Sleepy Hollow State Park features acres of river shoreline and year-round camping. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the over 200 bird species and picturesque views. While Sleepy Hollow State Park doesn't offer backcountry camping, you can find more than 180 modern sights and miles of hiking trails.
Leelanau State Park
On the coast of Lower Michigan, you can explore the Leelanau State Park located in the Leelanau Peninsula. While spots are limited and only available for those in tents, you can get lost in the expansive hiking trails taking you through the wilderness and to the Lake Michigan shoreline. In addition to basking in the views, you can visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Do you want to experience colonial life? Then you might want to check out the Fort Wilkins State Park on the Keweenaw Peninsula. In addition to the first Lake Superior Lighthouse, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park features a restored 1844 military outpost. You can also take part in the Living History program. Fort Wilkins State Park has 159 modern campsites to fill all your camping dreams.
Porcupine Mountains State Park
Located in Ontonagon, MI in Upper Michigan, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the largest state park with nearly 60,000 acres of wilderness, beaches, and waterfalls, including the must-see Lake of the Clouds. Covering the Lake Superior shoreline, campers can enjoy both backcountry and modern camping. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the 65 backcountry camping sites along with 19 rustic cabins. Those looking for a more modern hook-up can take advantage of the 100 plus modern amenities found throughout the state park. Additionally, you can also find 50 sites covering the Porcupine Mountains and Presque Isle.
Scenic Tent Campsites at Michigan State Parks
Campgrounds around Michigan come in all shapes and sizes. However, a few of these fabulous parks feature campsites tenters don't want to miss.
Keystone Landing State Forest Campground
When you look for wilderness and backcountry camping, Keystone Landing State Forest is right up your alley. Space is limited, with only 18 sites available, but the sites sit right on the Au Sable River.
Lakeport State Park Campground
Explore the fabulous beaches of Lake Huron by booking a campsite in Lakeport State Park. This campground offers southeastern Michiganders beautiful views and modern amenities at two different campgrounds with 250 campsites.
Fayette Historic State Park
Get your tents ready to get lost in a different era. Located in Garden, MI, Fayette Historic State Park has beaches, a restored historic town, and cliff slips. But you don't have to worry about roughing it, the 61 modern sites offer all the amenities you need.
Pigeon River Country State Forest
Lose yourself in the beautiful expanse of Michigan woodlands by pitching your tent in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. On the secluded shores of the Pigeon River, tenters can find 14 tent sites with ample fishing, hiking, and wildlife.
Waterloo State Recreation Area
The largest park in Lower Michigan, Waterloo State Recreation Area, has everything you need for your tenting adventures. Not only does it feature an equestrian campground, but you can find modern and rustic campsites too. With 300 campsites across multiple campgrounds, there's a little something for everyone.
Great RV Campsites at Michigan State Parks
The tent life isn't for everyone. If you like the comfort of a mattress and kitchen, an RV might be more your style. Thankfully, Michigan state parks have you covered with multiple RV campsites to explore.
Ludington State Park
For rivers to lakes to lighthouses, Ludington State Park in Ludington, MI, has a little bit of everything. Nature enthusiasts might enjoy the hiking trails through marshlands and forests while tourists can explore the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, sand dunes, and miles of the Lake Michigan coastline. Ludington State Park boasts three different campgrounds with over 300 modern campsites. You can even find RV sites starting at $33 a night.
Wilderness State Park
Are you looking to beach it up near the beautiful Mackinaw City? Then you might want to book a campsite at Wilderness State Park. Located 11 miles from Mackinaw City, enjoy miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and majestic sunsets. You might also catch a glimpse of beautiful lighthouses. While backcountry camping is limited, over 250 modern campsites are available for tenting and RVs starting at $25 within several park areas.
Warren Dunes State Park
Not all the great parks are located at the tip of the mitten; Warren Dunes State Park camping can be found on the shoreline of Lake Michigan near the Indiana border. Warren Dunes State Park features expansive shorelines and sand dunes along with 6 miles of hiking trails. In addition to beach dunes, you can also find forested dunes. RVers can take advantage of the modern sites found at the Warren Dunes-Mt. Randall Modern Campground.
Petoskey State Park
Found near the tip of the mitten in Petroskey, MI, you can settle into the Petoskey State Park. In addition, to explore the coast of Lake Michigan, you can find two modern campgrounds with 180 modern campsites for tent and RV campers. Scenic is the name of the game in the Petoskey State Park with various hiking trails and photographic views.
Straits State Park
Enjoy the picturesque views of the Mackinaw Bridge and Straits of Mackinaw by visiting the Straits State Park. In addition to fabulous views and miles of hiking, campers can find attractions like the Father Marquette National Memorial and Michigan Historic Center. You can also dive into the cool waters of Lake Huron. The Straits State Park features one massive campground with modern and semi-modern sites. So, tent lovers and RVers can get their camp on!
Michigan National Parks
In addition to the vast state parks, Michigan is also home to six national parks. These include Isle Royale, Keweenaw, North Country, Pictured Rocks, River Raisin, and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Learn about a few offering backcountry camping.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Campers can enjoy both drive-in and backcountry camping in Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. Backpackers and kayakers may overnight in the backcountry area with permits. You can make reservations for the 14 backcountry campsites.
Isle Royale National Park
Michigan's Isle Royale National Park is a stunning wilderness area accessed only by seaplane or boat. Boaters wishing to enjoy a unique vacation experience can make the park their home base. Additionally, you can apply for a backcountry camping permit.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
With vast shorelines of majestic dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes is an experience that can't be beaten. Not only can you walk the dunes but explore the shoreline. And if you are interested in backcountry camping, permits are available for several locations.
Enjoy Your Michigan Camping Trip
No matter which Michigan campsite you visit during your camping adventure, you'll be able to enjoy amazing scenery in a comfortable and scenic setting. Now the question is where are you going to go camping next.
