Discover the best private sites lakeside campgrounds in Michigan

United States
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Michigan

99% (463 reviews)

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9 top lakeside campgrounds in Michigan

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(233)

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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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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Mulln-Heim Vineyards

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Baroda, MI

This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.

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Provision Family Farms

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI

Nestled in Manistee National Forest is a family farm. Trailheads lead to hundreds of miles of public two-track, and the woods roll between oak/maple/beech and aspen/birch. On the farm is a 20 acre lake with a floating island, tent sites, and healthy ecosystems with plenty of wildlife.Our farm pastures pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry, investing in our dirt and our neighbors. We are provision family farms because we provide for our animals even as we are provided for. Drop on in at the house and we may have time for a little tour.In the woods is a small composting toilet, but you're welcome to fertilize our pastures anytime. There's also a shower available in the house.The best time to visit Michigan forests is in October when the leaves turn color and the nights are cool. The mosquitoes are done for the winter and the air is brisk.

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Heritage Hills

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Ishpeming, MI

Heritage Hills isn't called Heritage Hills for nothing! It's situated on 21 acres of what was the original Wawonowin Country Club, a 9-hole golf course that was built in the early 1800s and then closed in the mid 1960s. And now we have a beautiful mix of hardwoods and pines, forests and fields with multiplied non-motorized trails accessible right off the property. The very popular RAMBA bike trails are literally an ‘stones throw’ away! Our biggest site, Fairway Field is big enough for group camping that horse campers love, and one site, the Homestead, with an electric hookup. We don’t have a dump station or trash cans so please pack in and pack out. Phone signal is good throughout the area and we are close to civilization for necessities and only 20 minutes from Marquette. So much stuff to do in this area!

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Cabin/Campers on Lake

3 sites · Lodging130 acres · Rapid River, MI

Learn more about this land: Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away. Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front. Property also borders the Hiawatha National Forest. Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks. Life vests available. Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. Campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water. Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)

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Moss~n~Mushrooms

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mecosta, MI

Our family moved from Metro Detroit area here to Mecosta in 2019 in search of a more fulfilling life. We have found just that with this beautiful property and in our homesteading and campground adventure. We were drawn to a calming and grounding energy in these trees; a feeling echoed by many who visit here. We expect you'll leave here feeling inspired and rejuvenated.Learn more about this land:Come enjoy 30 private acres of rolling forest with lots of Beech and Oak trees. We have two community camping areas, each large enough for up to 20 people. We also have a few more intimate spots for complete seclusion. These spots are suitable for about 4-6 people. All rustic camping. Toilets and handwashing stations on site. Extra vehicles, trailers, etc. can be parked in our gravel lot. Ice and firewood available for sale on site. The land borders 6000 acres of public wilderness including Martiny Chain of Lakes. Lots of hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and river floating nearby. Feel free to ask us anytime before or during your stay for our favorite spots, or if we can offer our services to help accommodate any special off-site trips you'd like to plan.As your host, we strive to provide a "home away from home" feel when you visit. We have a small hobby farm up front by the house, where you're welcome to come visit our goats and chickens. They are the friendliest goats you'll ever meet! We often have farm fresh eggs for sale and may have other various items available to rent. Such as a generator, shade tent, river tubes or a canoe. Need anything to make your stay more enjoyable? Just ask!

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Explore the U.P. from here!

5 sites · Lodging5 acres · Newberry, MI

A simple PRIVATE and affordable campsite should be this easy! Come sleep in a levitating tent already set up; you just need your own sleeping bag and pillow. Feel free to bring your own camper or tent too, every site has enough room! These sites are really spread out and you can’t see any other sites, neighbors are out of sight, you have privacy here! All sites have their own private entrances, you can’t see any sites or buildings, they are very spaced-out. This location is situated PERFECTLY central to the major UP attractions Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls and Kitchittikippi. And there’s even a convenience store within walking distance! Mention your staying with us for a discounted shower in Newberry (“Pleasant Moose” hotel).

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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!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites lakeside camping in Michigan 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.