Beach camping in Michigan with wildlife watching
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
96% (2243 reviews)
- Michigan
96% (2243 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Michigan
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top beach campgrounds in Michigan with wildlife watching
97%
(373)
Million $ Sunset Camp
8 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Harbor Springs, MI
Pitch your tent and listen to the waves of Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan. Fantastic Sunsets. Located half way between Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City. Walking distance to famous Legs Inn in Cross Village, MI. The property currently includes 8 campsites with a board walk on the east portion of the Lake side portion of the property to access the Lake MI Beach.
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$28.50
/ night
96%
(277)
Life Adventures
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents43 acres · Saranac, MI
Sleep to the sound of tree frogs, owls, distant coyotes, and maybe even wake to sounds of chickens in the morning. Walk thru a glitter of fire flies down a trail at night. My black labs Luke and Kiwi will likely visit your site to say hello and are super chill. 2 disc golf Black Hole Pro baskets on site to practice with.
Only 30 minutes east of Grand Rapids, this property was established as a Youth Camp for 15 years is now a private event venue and campground, so it has nice amenities like FULL restrooms, a picnic shelter, and even a few small cabins that can be rented.
Swimming beach is available in Lowell a few miles away.
Fishing rivers and lakes are also in the area. (live bait in Saranac)
Woods site and Open Area have a few different locations you can choose from.
If woods or open shows booked already, please contact me.
Additional fee of $20 per extra tent/camper that sleeps an adult.
Picnic shelter is also available.
Use my website to RSVP entire camp area for an event such as wedding.
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$20
/ night
99%
(504)
Camp Moonshadow
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI
Our property was originally the only homestead on this road. WE offer 4 Walk in Tent sites and a RV site for small campers up 20 ft.- 20 Amp service Only!!! WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nightly up to 3 nites
The big barn was built over 100 years ago and is still standing.
The farm house was built in 1907.
It has been remodeled with a second story added.
Pine trees were planted to prevent erosion in the 1960's.
The national park began buying land near us in the 1970's and the boundary line to the park is a half-mile from Moonshadow Camp.
The area is surrounded by state forests and many hiking and biking trails.
Our valley is known for incredible stargazing.
Amenities include full access to the Camp kitchen and dining area. You will also have access to a Portable restroom and hand washing station which is located by our BIG BARN. Hot Showers, no problem, you can enjoy a secluded private shower in our shower house which has indoor and outdoor showers. Nearby is Lake Michigan and Esch Rd beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore is nearby and The National Park is famous for attractions , trails, and hiking. Electricity and
water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen
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$60
/ night
100%
(101)
Oak Ridge Farm
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Coleman, MI
Oak Ridge Farm is located on 80 acres in the Mid-Michigan area, halfway between Midland and Mt. Pleasant. We are in the process of creating a self-sustainable, homestead vegetable and fruit farm. Our property is quiet, and the moon and stars are amazing to see on a clear night. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, look no further!
There is plenty to see and do right around our property. Lots of wildlife including; Sandhill Cranes, deer, turkeys, porcupines, geese, rabbits etc. We have a walking/hiking path that you can explore through our property as well as hundreds of acres of state land right next door! Campsites are situated around our beautiful pond where the sunrises cannot be beat. Kayaks and a row boat are available for our guests to explore the pond.
The AuSable State Forest neighbors our property line and can be accessed from multiple different areas right near the property. There are many trails for horseback riding, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, hiking and mountain biking. The Chippewa River is very close and many enjoy kayaking, canoeing or tubing this river.
Only 18 mins away is the Pine Haven Recreation Area in Sanford. This park has 12 miles of hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking trails. Horseback riding trails are also available at this park.
Places to see and things to do:
- Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant
- Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant
- Isabella County Farmers Market, Mt. Pleasant
- Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond, Midland
- Dow Gardens, Midland
- Whiting Forest (Nation's Longest Canopy Walk), Midland
-Midland Area Farmers Market
- 1 hour from beautiful Higgins Lake
- 45 minutes from Bay City
- Sanford Lake restoration estimated late 2024
Midland and Mt. Pleasant are each located about 20-25 mins from our property.
Please note that campsites are rustic. Porta-john, hose connect water and shower house are available during seasonal times (May 1 to Oct 1). Campfire rings are located at each campsite and firewood is available to purchase.
My family and I live full-time on our property. We have 3 young children and a sweet dog that loves people and other kids. On hot summer days we often join our campers at the pond to cool off! On weekends we love to work in our large garden, take care of our chickens, have a campfire, and play outside. We are so excited to host you this camping season and hope you enjoy your stay at Peaceful Pines on Oakridge Farm!
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$25
/ night
98%
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Sweet 16 Campground
5 sites · RVs, Tents69 acres · MI
Welcome to Sweet 16 Campgrounds. We currently have 3 sites. Site #1 is the RV/Tent site (1 RV/camper max. with unlimited tents, 8 people max.). Site #2 is a Tent Site (Great site for Hammock Camping, unlimited tents, 8 people max.). Site #3 is our double/group RV/Tent (2 Camper/ RV max.) site (16 people max.)
You will be camping in the semi-wooded area at the back of the property. It is a really nice area to camp. Each site has a firepit and picnic table. We have about 2 miles of hiking trails on the property. We are in a great location to hike, paddle, bike, and explore SW Michigan. Nighttime is great for stargazing. We are 13 miles from downtown St. Joseph and 13 miles from downtown South Haven. We are located 1 1/2 hours from Chicago. Don't feel like exploring, then hang out at the campsite for the day. We are close to the SW Michigan Makers’ Trail (Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries). We are located 4 miles from a small beach (Hagar Park/Beach) on Lake Michigan (15 miles from the big beaches at St. Joseph and South Haven). We are 5 miles from the boat ramp on Paw Paw Lake. We are located just 2 miles off I-196 at Exit 7 (Hagar Shore Road). We are also only 20 miles from Sister Lakes. Dogs are allowed. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
About us: We have a 69 acre farm we bought back in 2019. We moved here from the Chicago area. (Tinley Park). We have 44 acres tillable and 16+ wooded acres. in back that we opened it up for camping. We have horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
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$35
/ night
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Perfect Camping Retreat
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Marcellus, MI
Do you need to recharge from the busyness of life? Nature’s beauty and simplicity awaits you at Our Daily Bread. Cradled on almost 200 acres of rolling hills, farmland, quiet valleys, picturesque woodlands the scenes of nature will ennoble the senses. The shimmering waters of Miller lake adorn the property’s southern border. Deer, wild turkey, swans, sandhill cranes, beaver, and occasional fox are but few of the residents who live here. Come and enjoy the peace and serenity, rest and relaxation of Our Daily Bread. We offer a place for families and individuals to come and feel safe and enjoy some quiet time... away from the hustle and bustle of life. We have lots of trails for hiking, a playground for kids, and lots of seating areas to rest and relax. We are a alcohol and smoke free campus, and don't allow foul language, parties or any disturbances to other guests.... as we value the satisfaction and peaceful experience here for all our guests. We do not allow pets for our cabin guests, and we're also a smoke and alcohol free campus. We have boats for rent (kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boats). This is not for everyone, but if you want to come and commune with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet, then this is the spot for you!
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$30
/ night
90%
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Thousand S.’s Land
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents84 acres · Lapeer, MI
Welcome to Thousand Suns, a unique 84-acre sanctuary where the land is intentionally cultivated and vibrantly alive. Unlike any ordinary campground, our space is designed to support both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, fostering a profound connection to oneself and the natural world.
At Thousand Suns, guests and members can explore 84 acres of scenic trails, pristine spring-fed waters, and a flowing river, offering an immersive experience in nature's tranquility. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, our land provides a serene environment for personal growth and reflection.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to participate in private sessions with our skilled facilitators. Our offerings include yoga, bodywork, and other holistic practices designed to enhance your well-being. Additionally, we host various events throughout the month, providing diverse experiences that nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Join us at Thousand Suns with your Fishing poles swim trunks and a desire to relax and enjoy the land while you embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection in a space where nature and intention come together harmoniously.
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$50
/ night
98%
(31)
The Blue Cottage
1 site · Lodging3 acres · Fennville, MI
We have a wooded 3 acre lot nestled between the popular vacation destinations of South Haven and Saugatuck. We have one campsite on our property that is home to a 16 foot bell tent on a raised deck.
Public beach access in Glenn is a 10 minute walk from our property or a 1 minute drive (limited parallel parking on 114th street)
Nearby attractions include numerous wineries, breweries, restaurants and more. Within walking distance is a full service convenience store that serves some of the best pizza around.
The towns of Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville and South Haven are all approximately a ten minute drive.
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$71.10
/ night
99%
(70)
White Pine Farm HipCamping
6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI
EVENTS; LARGE GROUPS - We are hosting events! Graduation parties, small weddings, family reunions, you name it. You can rent the whole campground for a day a night, a weekend, or a whole week if that suits your need. Just send us a message and we can talk about it. We can also accommodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them. Our primary guideline is that if your event will be held while other campers are here, it cannot disturb them. So, consider renting the whole campground: we can work with you on a reasonable price.
IMPORTANT NOTICE 1 - If you book a site for the Labor Day Weekend, please be advised that a neighbor holds a camping event at the same time and there will be some noise from 4 wheelers on their property. If this kind of activity wouldn't bother you then feel free to come stay with us! We'd love to have you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE 2: Please plan to arrive and set up camp between 3 and 9 PM. If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed.
Overview:
Our beautiful 10 acre farm and homestead is situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter not far from the Huron River. The 5 acre area where our campsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of world class events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farm market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more.
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$45
/ night
100%
(11)
Medora Point
1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Copper Harbor, MI
Welcome to Medora Point, a breathtaking 6-acre peninsula nestled on picturesque Lake Medora Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, this secluded haven offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Lake Medora becomes your playground, offering an array of water-based activities for all ages. Whether you're into swimming, fishing, kayaking, sailing, or paddleboarding, the calm and pristine waters beckon you to dive in and embrace the great outdoors.
Come, enjoy the beach, the stars, the nature, and relax.
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$49
/ night
96%
(69)
Gentle Breeze Camping
3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Houghton, MI
This is a
private campground on Sandy Lake.
Very quiet, private dock, sandy beach, great for fishing, kayaking or just relaxing.
ATV's by approval, there will be no load ATV's, no running ATV's other then entry and exit, if there are complaints from other campers you will be asked to leave
New this year is a sauna with shower, this is an electric sauna , use will be by donation. Sauna is not part of base fee, additional cost for sauna
Learn more about this land:
Open fields and woods with lake access.
There is a private dock with swimming, great for kayaking
There is a near by public fishing site, 3 miles from General store from other lakes nearby with public access as well. We look forward to hosting you!
We are located in Twin Lakes Michigan , 2.3miles south of M-26 on 29839 Pike Lake Road
Very private setting
There is no electricity on site
Campers responsible for garbage removal
There is now a outhouse toilet on site
Enjoy the relief!
There is a limit of 2 dogs per site,
Dogs to be on leash if not friendly to people or other dogs
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$25
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98%
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PV's Campground and Resort
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · White Cloud, MI
We sit on over 50 acres that has been in our family for over 40 years.
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$25
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Star Hosts in Michigan
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping in Michigan with wildlife watching guide
Overview
When it comes to natural attractions, Michigan holds all the aces. This landlocked state has more state parks and state forests than any other, miles of coastline, and more than 10,000 lakes—which means you’ll never be more than six miles from the water. Some of the best camping is found on the beaches and islands of the Great Lakes, so plan a summer getaway to swim, fish, and kayak, or a fall camping trip to admire Michigan’s spectacular foliage. Winter is best suited for RV camping, with snow blanketing much of the state from November through March.
Where to go
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s wild toupée, with swathes of old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and inland lakes stretching along the southern shore of Lake Superior. This is the spot to escape the crowds, whether pitching your tent by the sand dunes in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, parking your RV by a waterfall in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, or yurt camping in the Porcupine Mountains. For the ultimate camping experience, the Hiawatha National Forest has some 60 campsites to choose from.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Bordered by Lake Michigan to the West and Lake Huron to the east, the northern Lower Peninsula has the highest concentration of Michigan state parks. Miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails await in the Huron National Forest, where you can choose from modern campgrounds or backcountry camping. Along the coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see, Wilderness State Park is a dark sky reserve, and Ludington State Park Beach is a family favorite.
Southwest Michigan
Grand Rapids is the gateway to Michigan’s southwest, where the shore of Lake Michigan provides plenty of options for a summer camping trip. Lakefront cities such as South Haven, Benton Harbor, and Holland have sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and seafront campgrounds. Forget tent camping in the wilderness—RV sites come equipped with full hookups, playgrounds, and watercraft rentals.
Southeast Michigan
Michigan's "Thumb" juts out along the west shore of Lake Huron, where Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park are the big draws for campers. Below this, the west coast is ideal for a road trip, peppered with shipwreck dive sites, secluded beaches, and golf courses. South of Detroit and Lake St. Clair, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, with a mix of RV and tent sites by the beach.
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