The best camping near Charles Mears State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Charles Mears State Park adventure.

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Discover Charles Mears State Park's scenic trails and serene campgrounds.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Charles Mears State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Charles Mears State Park

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DaltonTraders Base Camp-Grand Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Muskegon, MI

40 acre secluded wood lot located: 10 miles from Lake Michigan public beaches. 5 miles from Michigan’s Adventure amusement park. 4 miles from Thunderbird Raceway 2 miles from US 31 expressway. 3 miles from shopping, bars and restaurants. 1 mile from public golf course. 5 miles from downtown Muskegon. 8 miles from Lake Express cross lake ferry terminal.

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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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Air & Sun Acres

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Le Roy, MI

Tucked back in the woods of North Western Michigan. A turn down a pine lined driveway takes you into a simpler world. Conveniently located, our cabins are rustic, beautiful, and timeless. Enjoy the solitude and peace not far from local amenities. We live here on the land and strive to share its beauty with you. Need some more room to spread out? Interested in hosting a retreat? We share our land and scenic walking trails with neighbors MorningStar Adventures. They offer additional cabins within walking distance for larger groups seeking connection with the land. Learn more about this land: Gabriel's cabin is just a short walk to the Hersey Creek and the hiking and cross country skiing trails on the 125 acres of surrounding property which has been enjoyed as an eco-spiritual retreat center for over 40 years. This cabin sleeps 1-4 people and has electricity, a full kitchen, running cold water and well hydrant near by, a gas stove for heating, three beds, an outside fire pit, and an outhouse as well as an indoor camping commode. Outdoor cold shower is available in spring - fall. PLEASE NOTE: There are no heated shower or bathing facilities at this cabin. As an Eco-spiritual retreat center, we encourage our guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Walk the trails or labyrinth on our 35 acres or those on the neighboring 90 acres. We share the opportunities to wander with our friends to the south for a seamless experience for our guest and theirs. A second larger labyrinth, medicine wheel and wailing wall are also on the property to the south. Overall 125 acres of woods, creek, gardens and places to wander await you. The Fred Meijer White Pine Linear State Park is only a few steps away an is a paved path way of over 90 miles stretching from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Plan a bike excursion and stay here half way! No hunting, ATVs or snowmobiles allowed on our property.

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Gray's Riverside Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Big Rapids, MI

This property is the perfect location to stop and relax while you are traveling on the White Pine Trail. We have cabins and campsites with water and electricity. It is centrally located between Grand Rapids and Cadillac. We offer river access, kayaking, disc golf, bathrooms, showers, and a dump station. This is an old church camp with 15 different buildings. We recently built a road to go down to the river so it's not as steep as it was. My goal is to restore all of the buildings to what they should be. I encourage you to come and investigate before it's all done. I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for me! Angie Gray

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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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Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI

My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

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Bear Woods Resort

6 sites · Lodging, RVs65 acres · Bear Lake, MI

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, our enchanting 65-acre property offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature's beauty. Situated amidst rolling hills and woods, our property serves as a basecamp for your Northern Michigan adventure. From here, you'll find yourself conveniently positioned to explore all the region's hotspots, including the pristine Lake Michigan beaches, a round of golf at the acclaimed Acadia course, the iconic M22 drive, and visits to charming cities such as Frankfort, Traverse City, and Bear Lake. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, golfer, beach lover, or simply looking to soak up the local culture, our property offers the perfect starting point for your daily excursions. For those who prefer the comforts of home on the road, we offer three spacious RV full hook-up sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. These sites provide all the essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, making it convenient for RV enthusiasts to relax and recharge. Additionally, we offer a unique glamping experience with canvas tents that allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire, stargaze under the vast Michigan sky, and savor the tranquility of our secluded haven. Whether you're embarking on a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends and family, or a solo retreat, our 65-acre property welcomes you to experience the best of Northern Michigan.

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Whispering Pines Retreat

2 sites · Lodging50 acres · Newaygo, MI

Relax and unplug at our peaceful little retreat. This new cabin has a full size bed and lots of windows to let in the beautiful scenery. There is a fire pit, table, chairs, privy, and plenty of space for a tent and yard games. There is a second cabin available for rent on the property if interested for family or a friend retreat. This is an ideal location for those seeking to get off the grid and be surrounded by nature. Over 30 acres of trails to hike on site and only 2 miles from Newaygo. You will enjoy a comfortable new full size mattress with bedding provided. Over 30 acres of maintained hiking trails are available. The fire pit area, with solar powered string lights, is the perfect place to relax around the campfire. There is a clean outhouse and water/sprayer available for rinsing off. This is an intentionally rustic site so guests can truly unplug from the daily rush of life. You will enter from a private drive and follow the trail markers to the cabin. Other markers will guide you through the hiking trails on the property. I live adjacent to the property and will be available by phone. I'm happy to answer any questions about the area and activities surrounding. This is a great space for artists, writers and those looking for peace and space to relax amongst the tall pines and listen to the birds sing. Newaygo is a charming little historic town with the Muskegon River flowing through. Visit the local shops and restaurants or explore the nearby trails and Manistee forest or spend time fishing or kayaking on the Muskegon river. The Dragon Trail is a popular biking trail featuring beautiful views of Hardy Pond.

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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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Sandy Fern Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Baldwin, MI

Our property is 1 acre of land nestled in Baldwin MI. It is filled with white pines and black oak trees. It is walking distance from a swimmable and fishable lake called Rattlesnake Lake. 2 miles away is Idlewild lake with a beach, toilet and wifi. There are hundreds of miles of ORV trails. Our site is 2 miles from downtown Baldwin.

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Sportsman's Port

49 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Wellston, MI

Gearing up for our 5th season as the new owners of The Sportsman's Port. We have made many updates and will continue to do so. We take pride in a clean bath house, and want everyone to have a great time at our campground. Sometimes it's crazy booked up and other times it may just be you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and we will answer them as soon as we can. We look forward to meeting lots of new faces and hopefully starting family traditions for you and yours. We have spacious sites that are all different shapes and sizes. Depending on the site it may have 20/30/50 amp service depending on the site. There are currently only three that have 50 amp service. Also some sites have a septic hookup. Water fill station is located near the bathhouse. There is a private dump station also available for use just ask.

Billy’s Place in the Woods

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Big Rapids, MI

Small cabin with three beds, the bottom bunk is large and can sleep couple. Campfire wood included Nature Trails Lake Access Deer hunting available for renters. as allowed by State laws. Hunt at own risk, maximum three hunters per party. There is an outhouse that’s clean. There is plenty of firewood for your stay but be reasonable with the fire. Bring all you need the place has nothing. Think like a tent! You will need it all, nothing supplied as far as bedding, water, campfire starter, TP or lights. You may want bug spray. Tics in area and the wildlife is typical Pure Michigan. Over a mile of trails to wander or ride If ATV 25 mph max speed on property. I do provide fire extinguisher. Cost if used. Addition room for tents at $10 per person per night. Maximum 4 adults or family 2 adults 4 minor children in cabin. This is a new venture for me so please don’t destroy the place. Lake access ( Muskegon River, Rogers Pond) is available via adjoining property, there is a dock at adjoining property to tie up to, if you want to put in boat at public access 1 mile away. ATV access to water if you have one. Code opens the cabin door.

The best camping near Charles Mears State Park guide

Overview

About

Pentwater is the kind of lovable Michigan tourist town that just screams, “Summer vacation!” In a good way, of course. A stay at Charles Mears State Park is an ideal way to take advantage of that charming atmosphere while also enjoying a charming Lake Michigan beach. The approximately 50-acre park offers a one-mile trail along with fishing options, and is a popular place to hang between visits to shops, art galleries and concerts in town. The beach can get packed in summer but the vibe is jovial and carefree—you can run around with your dog, go metal detecting, or strike up conversations with random strangers. A great weekend escape from Chicago, Charles Mears serves up a gleeful break from your 9-to-5 routine.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Charles Mears State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the lake is inviting. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall colors, making it a great time for hiking. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, potentially limiting access to certain park areas.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
Check the weather forecast before your visit to pack appropriately for the conditions.
Be mindful of park rules to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife.
Remember to bring water and snacks, as options may be limited within the park.
Trail maps are available for download; consider bringing a physical copy for navigation.