The best camping near Clear Lake State Park MI

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Clear Lake State Park MI adventure.

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

Discover Clear Lake State Park MI: A Haven for Nature Lovers.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Clear Lake State Park MI

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Clear Lake State Park MI

99%
(65)

RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Grayling, MI
Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$52.25
 / night
98%
(65)

Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake

4 sites · RVs1 acre · East Jordan, MI
We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st.  WE DO NOT OFFER FIREWOOD ANY LONGER! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY OLD MAN'S FIREWOOD. Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. One family per site unless you are booking as a group.   Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m. At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities. Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided. You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it!  A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay. Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles!  Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there).  25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire).  This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes. Hiking at its best!  Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix). Go shopping or out to eat!  15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast).  25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way).  30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey.  1 hour to Traverse City.  Hour and a half to Mackinaw City. Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery!  Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
100%
(39)

pineleaf.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Mancelona, MI
PLEASE DO NOT!! USE PARTRIDGE LANE THE ROAD IS A SAND TRAP YOU WILL GET STUCK!! MUST USE SECONDARY DRIVEWAY!! WHICH IS TO THE EAST OF PARTRIDGE LANE IN THE DIP THERE'S A SIGN THERE!! Pineleaf is a private setting in the forest with rolling hills and trails on the property. There's an abundance of wildlife consisting of, but not limited to bears, bobcats, porcupines and deer. It's a true nature lover's dream! For the rockhounds, there are Petoskey Stones, Emeralds, Opals and many other gems to enjoy finding among the trails and beaches. Our trails lead right off the property among the lakes and streams. All side x sides, ATVS, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing boats Welcome! We are located close to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Otsego Lake, and many more! Come enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, parks, restaurants, casinos, and local shopping. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Boyne City. Pineleaf has a total of 4 campsites! 3 are primitive and 1 rustic cabin with more cabins to come in the near future. The primitive sites sleep up to 15 people and 8 tents. The cabin sleeps up to 5 guests and is handicap accessible! and can also put tents near the cabin. The camp is cannabis friendly for 21+ with id and complimentary with the exception if you dont want to smoke/cunsume cannabis its optional. No alcohol allowed at the camp but you may go up town or down to The Hideaway Bar & Grill for a bite and a drink!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29.45
 / night
100%
(219)

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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
93%
(69)

Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI
Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! *Update* Wifi has been installed at Greatful Acres and is included with each booking. I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50.40
 / night
100%
(1)

Jasper Moss Nature and Art Retreat

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Bois Blanc Island, MI
Jasper Moss is a glamping retreat experience located on the remote Bois Blanc Island, Michigan, where you can unplug, rest, retreat and rejuvenate while surrounded by untouched nature. The venue consists of three yurts, an outdoor (hot) shower, sink and toilet, and fully screened outdoor kitchen. (Newly renovated bathroom and updated kitchen, photo updates to come soon!) It is located across the gravel road from Lake Huron, next to a public nature preserve and a 5-minute walk from one of just two restaurants on the island.  The blue and turquoise yurts each have a full-sized bed, a small table and two chairs.  The red yurt has two twin beds. There is basic electric access for a bedside light, fan, and charging of electronics as needed. The outdoor kitchen is fully screened in, and offers basic amenities for communal use, such as a refrigerator, grill, gas burner and griddle, toaster oven, coffee maker, and basic utensils, dishes, pots, and pans.  Revelers will live comfortably close to the Earth and immersed in the diversity of flora, fauna, and geology. Onsite is a separate art studio where we paint, turn wood, and do lapidary art.  We offer workshops for painting, lapidary art, felting, and other art interests. We offer guided rockhounding, hikes, fishing, and paddling.  Additionally, there are several outdoor and water games, as well as board games and books available for use.  Inquire directly to customize your island experience.  Kids and families are welcome. Jasper Moss is located on a private property, owned and operated by a BIPOC LGBTQIA family of 6. Important things to note:  1) You must take a ferry to the island, via Plaunt Transportation, which leaves out of Cheboygan, Michigan: (insert link to ferry schedule) 2) Your experience is entirely customizable. It can be booked as a retreat package, as just a yurt rental, or with yurt rental and book as you go menu items  3) Want an experience beyond just a yurt rental? Contact us via email at jaspermossretreat@gmail.com and we will help you plan for an extraordinary nature and art vacation.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night
100%
(5)

O Me, O Mio

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Mio, MI
A rustic, permalog style cabin that is suited to accommodate up to nine. This is a cabin to help disconnect from the hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives. There is limited cell signal, no internet and no local or cable channels. The cabin is pet friendly, as I believe our pets are an extension of our families and should get to vacation with everyone rather than boarded (dogs only are allowed). Primary source of heat is a propane wall furnace. There is an electric fireplace in the living room. In the summer there is a window AC unit at the cabin and a fan for the loft (it does get hot up there). The cabin is very close (1/4 mile) to the AuSable River where you can easily launch boats, canoes and more. The ORV trail head is just a 1/4 mile down the road. This is also the perfect cabin for hunting, fishing, hiking and trail riding. Be sure to keep an eye out for an eagle or two. Also had deer tracks in the yard.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$90.25
 / night
95%
(11)

Trail 76 Private Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Kalkaska, MI
Trail 76 Private Campground Remodeled old school camper is now available to add to your stay, bring your friends without a camper to the fun! (Book at checkout) Includes 2 full hook-up sites, water/sewer/electric 20/30/50 amp When you book the site, you are renting the entire 6 acre campground Get a group of friends and stay at this private campground all to yourselves Pets allowed Outdoor shower/outhouse 8x40’ Storage container for guests to use as they please, store offroad vehicle or use as a patio to keep you out of the weather Secluded 6 wooded acres at end of private drive 1000s of acres of State land nearby Plenty of parking for extra trucks/trailers/friends with tents 2 miles Manistee lake boat access/beach/park Ride directly to Groomed Trail 76 for snowmobiles/sxs/dirtbikes Awesome hiking trails at upper manistee headwaters 10 minutes Grandview golf course* Timberwolf golf course Twinbirch golf course 15 minutes Shel-haven canoe/tubing rental 30 minutes Turtle creek casino Torch lake Shanty creek 45 minutes Traverse city Higgins lake Boyne
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$63.20
 / night

The best camping near Clear Lake State Park MI guide

Overview

About

In the heart of the Atlanta State Forest lies Clear Lake State Park, a quiet and secluded destination for your next overnight outing. Covering a full two-thirds of the lake’s shoreline, this 290-acre park offers horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and picnic areas, plus hiking trails stretching up to 70 miles long. An autumn trip rewards visitors with a veritable rainbow of fall foliage, while summer offers tons of fun on the lake—the park even rents out canoes, kayaks, and rowboats!

When to go

The best time to visit Clear Lake State Park MI is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is full of life. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall foliage. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so it's less ideal for a visit.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry.
  • Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit.
  • Remember to pack insect repellent and sun protection.
  • Be aware of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
  • Facilities may vary by season, so verify availability in advance.

Top points of interest near Clear Lake State Park MI

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.