River, stream, or creek camping in Michigan with campfires
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
96% (4796 reviews)
- Michigan
96% (4796 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Michigan
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Michigan with campfires
98%
(220)
Andy’s Wolf Traxx
5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Newberry, MI
This property is heavily wooded with pine and maple trees. Wild raspberry and blueberries are found to be plentiful in season. Formerly wooded by lumberjacks during the early 1900’s, this area is rich with history and sights to see. Located between Seney National Wildlife Refugee and Grand Mairas on Lake Superior.
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$34.30
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98%
(70)
The Haven with 4 Camp sites
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Niles, MI
The Haven camp site and wedding venue began in 2022, with a slow start; but as we jumped into the 2023 season, we made quite a bit of changes and ended the year with great success by: meeting new people and having many people come back for their second and third times! We strive to share the property that God has graciously blessed us with. The Haven is 3 acres of beautiful land on the St Joseph River. Our property setting is a hidden gem that opens to the most beautiful natural setting. The land offers a gorgeous view of the river and numerous shady sites nestled underneath a giant array of oak beach and walnut trees. Here at The Haven, the property has ample space for parking, room for various size camping tents and small pop-up tents small RV's, A dock for fishing, and access for kayaking. Fire pits and grill area for cooking and a complimentary bucket with some goodies to start you off. This setting is perfect for camping in a private nestled nook on the river. We have more than one area on the property to choose from. You can choose any site you would like: From the River’s edge, Beach Area (site 1) Small RV and tent site, or on the River under The Canopy of trees (site2) small RV and tent site. You also can stay at the Cozy corner (Site 3) by the woods and river in our new addition: Trailer that sleeps up to 4 people with all the amenities and can accommodate campers with tents as well, Or The Cove by the woods, small camper, and tent (site 4).
Come Stargaze or hangout at the “spot” (dock) comfortably and lounge with views on the water or sit by the campfire at “The Pit.”
Every site is first come first serve. Book earlier to get your desired spot!
Bring your toys and play in the great outdoors! We have corn hole toss, horseshoe toss, but if you have toys you can use them here, throw the football or play some volleyball or Tether ball whichever and soon we will have Frisbee Golf! Or rent some of our Kayaks and really enjoy the river! Don’t miss out book now!
-If smoking or drugs are discovered on the property the whole group will be asked to leave with NO REFUND. NO EXCEPTIONS. Alcohol will be at the owner’s discretion upon arrival. Please dump all trash in waste baskets provided. Please clean up after pets and please be responsible and respectful of others.
The Haven
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$40
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(43)
Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck
49 sites · Lodging, Tents36 acres · Fennville, MI
Campit is a LGBTQ + resort that is open to all. We are 21+ only on all weekends. We are a membership community requiring a valid $15 yearly membership. We are a beautiful 36 acre resort offering themed weekends from April 1st to October 31st. Many options to fit any budget including $10 tenting, RV sites, many cabin options, and a bed and breakfast style lodging unit. The resort features a large heated pool, general store, 4 large bathhouses, and many trails throughout the park. Campit emphasizes giving back in all of our themed weekends by hosting charitable after parties supporting Woman, Transgender Health, LGBTQ Youth, and so much more. Campit is a 21+ Resort Friday-Sunday, and Thursday-Monday on Holiday weekends. Guests with children are welcome on weekday stays. We are a membership community and guests must have a valid yearly membership of $15.00 that can be purchased directly after booking or at the time of check in.
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$8
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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
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98%
(62)
Up North Rivers Camping
11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI
We have 20 Acres of rolling hills, mostly forested, nestled on the banks of a flowing creek, we are also a budding flower farm, this summer there will be hundreds of dahlias blooming, along with many other flowers. If you have a special occasion, that calls for fresh flowers, be sure to let us know! Our setting is quiet, private and scenic. We occasionally see the Aurora Borealis right from our house. We are located in beautiful Manistee, Michigan where outdoor adventures abound!! Manistee is a peaceful, quaint Northern Michigan town with shopping, antiquing, fine dining and a River Walk. We are minutes from award winning fishing spots on the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Bear Creek Trout Streams and the Platte River. There are many opportunities to canoe, kayak and paddle board. We are 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan shore, and many beaches are close by. You have a choice of gorgeous sand beaches with picturesque dunes, and rocky beaches for those looking for fossils, agates, beach glass and beautiful beach stones. We are within an hour of Sleeping Bear Dunes which has award winning hiking. Traverse City is 40 minutes away with many activities, especially the Cherry Festival. The area is known for live music venues, and lots of weekend art festivals. Manistee is also home to the Little River Casino.
We have firepits at each campsite, dry firewood is available to purchase, feel free to pay by cash, Venmo or CashApp, cost is $11.00 a wheelbarrow. Fresh flowers are available to purchase, seasonally. An outhouse is available for use and is supplied with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is a garbage can and recycling bin near the outhouse. We installed a water hydrant so you can get potable water to bring back to your site, or hose off with on the spot. A scenic small creek runs by many of the campsites.
We live on the property and are here to answer your questions. Feel free to text us. We hope you enjoy your stay!! Dean and Jackie
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$26
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90%
(31)
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
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92%
(195)
Just Show Up Camping
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Saint Ignace, MI
The Grand Retreat, featuring Just Show Up Camping and Captain’s Quarters, is located right on US2 for easy access to several great locations, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac City, Tahquemenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Marais, and the Soo Locks. Our campsites are all “man-made” and put you into ancient glacial created forest floors with old-growth white pines. We have a bath
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$40
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97%
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Boone Farm & Forest
2 sites · Tents600 acres · Dexter, MI
Come set up camp at this beautiful wooded site in the middle of our 600+ acre farm. Your site rests along a secluded stream surrounded by woods away from any noise of the city or road.
It's back to the basics camping at Boone farm, no bathroom or water is available. However, we have firewood for purchase.
**If you bring your own wood please take any unburned logs with you when you leave**
While the farm is sprawling, there are multiple houses across the property so stay on established trails only and keep your noise levels down. This is a working farm, so you may occasionally see trucks or tractors. Please be respectful of nature and our home by following the Pack It In Pack It Out protocol - what ever you bring to the site, please take it with you when you leave.
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$25
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99%
(353)
Bear Tree Homestead
3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Trowbridge Park, MI
Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan.
Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers.
Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques.
Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead.
One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them.
We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs.
However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.
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$95
/ night
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(2)
Secluded Lake Superior Camping
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · White Pine, MI
Located on a private Lake Superior beach just 4 miles from The Porcupine Mountains State Park. This is the perfect base camp for adventures in the Porkies or North Country trail. Enjoy your time walking the beach, swimming in the big lake and watching the sunsets.
This is a rustic campsite.
The pad for a small camper is 30’x 28’. Plenty of space near beach for tents.
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$45
/ night
99%
(71)
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
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98%
(131)
Keweenaw Homestead Camping
4 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Osceola Township, MI
Learn more about this land:
Our property provides a mixture of fields, forest, pond, and creek with some views of Lake Superior and of Isle Royale. We are conveniently located between Calumet and McLain State Park as well as adjacent the Swedetown Recreation Area (our property touches Swedetown's boundary and the M203 trailhead is just down the road). Using us as a basecamp, everything the Keweenaw has to offer is easily within reach.
Important details regarding our sites:
Sites 1 - 3 are for tenting groups. Among these sites 1 and 3 will accommodate multiple tents while site 2 only has room for one. There is a short walk to access our tent sites.
Site 4 is available for multiple tents, vehicle camping, and rv's.
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$25
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Star Hosts in Michigan
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River, stream, or creek camping in Michigan with campfires 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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