Beach camping in Michigan with hiking
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
96% (2059 reviews)
- Michigan
96% (2059 reviews)
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12 top beach campgrounds in Michigan with hiking
97%
(299)
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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$30
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97%
(243)
Life Adventures
4 sites · 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 lab Luke will likely visit your site to say hello and is super chill.
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
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95%
(354)
Superior Times Resort & Campground
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI
Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground!
We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.”
In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history.
Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work!
Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations.
Thank you for considering us for your next vacation!
Tom and Heather Holmstrom
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$35
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99%
(440)
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
99%
(75)
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!
Check out our Facebook page for more info on our property: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556605364913&mibextid=LQQJ4d
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$25
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99%
(45)
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 nght, 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 accomodate large groups at a single campsite or you can rent several of them.
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.
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 compsites 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 worldclass 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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(3)
Weidenhamer Lodge
6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gould City, MI
Beautiful spot on Lake Milakokia (1,956 acres) featuring walleye, perch, pike, and suckers with the most amazing sunrises as well as sunsets. Tahquamenon Falls, Kitchitikipi, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, and the Mackinac Bridge all within an hours drive. Very quiet property. Pets welcomed but must be on a leash and attended at all times. Bars, restaurants, and dispensaries near by.
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$35
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98%
(60)
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
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62%
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Mountain Magic
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsNaubinway, MI
Mountain Magic was purchased 10 years ago to begin an off-grid dream for self-reliant Wilderness Survivalist Kellie Nightlinger of Naked and Afraid fame. Kellie is the top-ranked female survivalist in the world as voted on thetoptens.com/survivalexpertskellienightlinger. Kellie teaches wilderness survival and is building her own log cabin on adjacent property to the HipCamp site. Kellie and her new life-partner Rich would be available to teach Survival and off-grid skills to campers schedule permitting. Kellie searched for the perfect off-grid property for 8 years before buying Mountain Magic. The property is steep mountainous terrain with in hiking distance of the Continental Divide Trail. The property is one of the few properties near the trail as one would traverse from the Canadian border in a sourtherly hike or bike or ride before reaching the second paved road transecting the Continental Divide Trail south of the Canadian Border. There are often Elk, Mule Deer, and occasionally White Tail Deer, Mountain Lion, Black Bear and once in a blue moon a Grizzly Bear on the property. Mountain Magic has a great view down a Long valley leading to the Rocky Mountain Front and the Great Plains. The property is situated between 5400-6000’ in elevation. Mountain Magic can be accessed in non-snowy conditions via a private back-County road that switchbacks up the mountainsides from a paved State Highway. In months with snow this off-grid gem can be accessed via snowshoe, AT Skis, Telemark Skis, Snow Cat, or Snowmobile. Transportation may be available by Kellie or Rich depending upon schedule. Mountain Magic is located behind a private gate. Kellie’s log cabin build is now being completed by The Kellie and Rich Team. Cabin amenities available to HipCampers are up for negotiation and consideration. Some possible amenities provided to HipCampers could be drinking water, campfire wood, cooking campifire greats, other camping gear including but not limited to an all inclusive gear package with tent and sleep systems and cooking systems or Camp Hammock set up. The entire camp could also be set up in advance of a HipCampers arrival upon schedule and negotiation agreement. This is an off-grid paradise with Trout Fishing available 1/2 hour away. The mountains are calling; what are you waiting for? A work-Camp trade can also be a possibility.
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$20
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Dragon Adventures Base Camp
9 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · White Cloud, MI
Dragon Adventures Base Camp is 23 acres of adventurous fun in the heart of a great adventure area! Mountain biking and hiking on the 43 mile Dragon Trail, paddling on Hardy Pond or the Muskegon River, boating, and the most popular beach are all just minutes away. At the Base Camp you’ll find a cabin for rent, campsites, an amazing beer garden with firepits, yard games, and tons of woods and trails to explore year round! Mark and Amy love hosting folks for their adventures! Come as strangers but leave as friends!
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$25
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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. 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 lovely breakfast joint and 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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$79
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Retreat Center Campsites
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fennville, MI
The Retreat Campsites are situated on land owned by the Red Spirit Retreat Center. The beautiful wooded land is perfect for walking in. The stars are like brilliant diamonds, and in mid June the fireflies float up from the prairie into the trees by the hundreds. It is pretty quiet except for the birds and the bullfrogs and your own crackling campfire. In the spring the fruit trees can be seen blooming across the fields. Straw is grown on the neighbor's farm and cut and baled midsummer. The farm buildings are off in the distance but have gleaming white buildings and silver silos. Guests may walk wherever they like on trails or bushwhack through the forests of the Red Spirit Retreat Center.
Each campsite is unique and pretty private. While you may see other campers you probably can't hear them as they are about half a city block away through the trees.
Staying at the Country Dome Home is an amazing experience. Located on a hill at the top of the prairie, the view of farms and forests is spectacular. To enjoy the view, the front window is 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The 12 foot ceiling enlarges the room tremendously. There is an awesome feeling of spaciousness. On a warm day 8 foot wide by 3 foot high screens can be opened up to let and with the screen door to let breezes blow through. The solar fan then pulls the heat right out of the roof.
Outside there is a patio sail providing shade. A lovely dinner can be cooked on a propane griddle while watching the view. Refurbished Jordan Brown Tamiami table and chairs and a chaise lounge provide comfortable seating. Deck chairs are out on the front deck as well.
Sitting around the campfire is a great way to end the day. About 9 pm hundreds or thousands of fireflies slowly make their way to the tops of the huge trees and the stars start to twinkle as the sun sets. The birds, crickets, and bullfrogs gradually quiet down, lulling you to sleep in the most comfortable bed in the world. You feel at one with nature.. Stay at the dome in the fall or early spring and the wood stove will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights.
Three rustic campsites with their own personalities are also on the land but hidden by trees. The Frog Pond Campsite is a in a sylvan glade next to the pond and creek, with parking immediately next to the campsite. The Edges and Deep Forest Campsites are both larger campsites that are located inside the forest near the Prairie. These sites are separated far enough apart to allow for a very private feeling. Each campsite has parking space very close by.
All campsites have their own private composting toilets, fire pits, one bundle of wood, sanitary spray, toilet paper, and at least three gallons of water. At the Deer Blind more wood is available at the Deer Blind for $10 per bundle with Venmo or PayPal. There are two yoga mats, frisbees, bubbles, and a corn hole game for borrowing. You may request a one night stay, but it is dependent upon my availability to clean in between guests.
We hope that our guests have a truly beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay.
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$55
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Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping in Michigan with hiking 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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