Camping in Mackinaw City, MI, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
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Michigan
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Mackinaw City

98% (1252 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mackinaw City

Available this weekend

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Star Hosts in Mackinaw City

100%

(7)

Limoncello Lane

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Charlevoix, MI

Private 9 acre property, close to popular Northern Michigan towns. Beautiful wooded view with clear field for camper or tent. Two campsites available without hookups. Private toilet on property. Rv water (with a long hose) and 30 amp hookup also available on third site. (30 amp hookup indicated by yellow stars, entrance is marked by dropped pin and flag in photos)

98%

(42)

Lake Huron frontage Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · De Tour Village, MI

Learn more about this land: The serenity is breathtaking! Entire 3 acre place is just ready just for you to enjoy. Electric 30 amp, 50 amp and regular 110 outlet is now FREE with nightly stay! There is a gated, leveled gravel 45x60 pad for parking your RV or Motorhome. You can tent camp down on the grass if you like. Dead end seasonal private road leads you to this secluded property. Road is not plowed during winter. Do Not park else where! No running water. No restrooms. Please if using tents have your own portable restroom. 232 feet of amazing Lake Huron shore frontage for you to enjoy and play on. Strawberry Island is in eyesight. Watch the ships coming and going from the shore. AT and T cell service on property. You must take your trash with you when you leave. If you are bringing your fur animal, please pick up after them.If you smoke please do not through the butts on the ground. you will be charged a cleaning fee. **There are 2 cameras on the property for security reasons only. 1 is located at the pad, used to see when you arrive and checkout. and will also will take 1 picture daily. There is another camera on my shed facing the shed door as well for security. This camera will not be turned off. Please understand, I'm not near my property and this is my only way to check in. If you are not comfortable with this, please do not book and do not cover the cameras. You will be asked to leave immediately if cameras are covered. Policy is as long as they are not invading sleeping areas or bathrooms, cameras are allowed. Please understand I really want you to enjoy your stay, but I also need to protect myself. This is no different than cameras on outside of a house or in Hotel hallways and outside property.

Uksa’s Cove

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI

Learn more about this land: This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.

100%

(14)

Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Dafter, MI

This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping areas. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the various campsites. The closest spot is 200 ft from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use. There is a cut grass walking trail that forms a loop on the property.

Farm Haven

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Over 7 acres of gentle sloping meadow with views of Lake Michigan, beside a growing family farm and homestead. Our gently sloped meadow and shady pine grove are perfect for campers seeking more private, quiet camping, and the Upper Room invites you indoors, while enjoying the outdoors. In the pine grove, a freestanding deck overlooks Lake Michigan, with views of Beaver Island and Great Lakes freighters. On clear nights you can glimpse beams from a handful of lighthouses. The pine trees offer shade and protection from weather without blocking the breeze (and the pine duff creates a spectacularly soft ground for sleeping on). Or set up your tent on the hillside--open your flap to Lake Michigan's famous sunsets, or face south to see a blanket of treetops. Near the barn, your RV has a flat spot to park at the base of the "Southern Slope" meadow full of wildflowers and monarch butterflies. For guests wanting more creature comforts, the Upper Room Glamp Apartment has all the amenities--television, queen bed, dry kitchenette, and access to the main house bathroom and shower. All options have access to fire rings and views of countless stars on a clear night. You'll be staying minutes from multiple beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and rock-hunting. Our sites make a great HQ for day trips to Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, or a way-point on Fall Color Tours or drives up the Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The famous Legs Inn and Petoskey Brewing Company's 2nd location are only a mile away, Moose Jaw Junction is close, and one can walk to the Crow's Nest Restaurant. From here, it's only a short drive to downtown Harbor Springs for additional fine dining and shopping. We are a young family of four, starting a family farm, and we are eager to share our homestead with you.

12 top campgrounds near Mackinaw City

93%

(202)

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

Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

Farm Haven

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Over 7 acres of gentle sloping meadow with views of Lake Michigan, beside a growing family farm and homestead. Our gently sloped meadow and shady pine grove are perfect for campers seeking more private, quiet camping, and the Upper Room invites you indoors, while enjoying the outdoors. In the pine grove, a freestanding deck overlooks Lake Michigan, with views of Beaver Island and Great Lakes freighters. On clear nights you can glimpse beams from a handful of lighthouses. The pine trees offer shade and protection from weather without blocking the breeze (and the pine duff creates a spectacularly soft ground for sleeping on). Or set up your tent on the hillside--open your flap to Lake Michigan's famous sunsets, or face south to see a blanket of treetops. Near the barn, your RV has a flat spot to park at the base of the "Southern Slope" meadow full of wildflowers and monarch butterflies. For guests wanting more creature comforts, the Upper Room Glamp Apartment has all the amenities--television, queen bed, dry kitchenette, and access to the main house bathroom and shower. All options have access to fire rings and views of countless stars on a clear night. You'll be staying minutes from multiple beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and rock-hunting. Our sites make a great HQ for day trips to Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, or a way-point on Fall Color Tours or drives up the Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The famous Legs Inn and Petoskey Brewing Company's 2nd location are only a mile away, Moose Jaw Junction is close, and one can walk to the Crow's Nest Restaurant. From here, it's only a short drive to downtown Harbor Springs for additional fine dining and shopping. We are a young family of four, starting a family farm, and we are eager to share our homestead with you.

Uksa’s Cove

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI

Learn more about this land: This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.

80 acres of Secluded Camping

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Boyne Falls, MI

Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.

Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Dafter, MI

This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping areas. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the various campsites. The closest spot is 200 ft from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use. There is a cut grass walking trail that forms a loop on the property.

Lake Huron frontage Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · De Tour Village, MI

Learn more about this land: The serenity is breathtaking! Entire 3 acre place is just ready just for you to enjoy. Electric 30 amp, 50 amp and regular 110 outlet is now FREE with nightly stay! There is a gated, leveled gravel 45x60 pad for parking your RV or Motorhome. You can tent camp down on the grass if you like. Dead end seasonal private road leads you to this secluded property. Road is not plowed during winter. Do Not park else where! No running water. No restrooms. Please if using tents have your own portable restroom. 232 feet of amazing Lake Huron shore frontage for you to enjoy and play on. Strawberry Island is in eyesight. Watch the ships coming and going from the shore. AT and T cell service on property. You must take your trash with you when you leave. If you are bringing your fur animal, please pick up after them.If you smoke please do not through the butts on the ground. you will be charged a cleaning fee. **There are 2 cameras on the property for security reasons only. 1 is located at the pad, used to see when you arrive and checkout. and will also will take 1 picture daily. There is another camera on my shed facing the shed door as well for security. This camera will not be turned off. Please understand, I'm not near my property and this is my only way to check in. If you are not comfortable with this, please do not book and do not cover the cameras. You will be asked to leave immediately if cameras are covered. Policy is as long as they are not invading sleeping areas or bathrooms, cameras are allowed. Please understand I really want you to enjoy your stay, but I also need to protect myself. This is no different than cameras on outside of a house or in Hotel hallways and outside property.

Limoncello Lane

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Charlevoix, MI

Private 9 acre property, close to popular Northern Michigan towns. Beautiful wooded view with clear field for camper or tent. Two campsites available without hookups. Private toilet on property. Rv water (with a long hose) and 30 amp hookup also available on third site. (30 amp hookup indicated by yellow stars, entrance is marked by dropped pin and flag in photos)

100%

(8)

Sunset Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Cheboygan, MI

A SINGLE PRIVATE rustic campsite on beautiful 10 acre lightly wooded field. Surrounded by apple trees. Site including entry is all grass. Roughly 80'x60' Fire ring, picnic table, outhouse, and trash receptacle provided. Campsite faces west providing beautiful sunsets. Roughly a mile of hiking trails on property. Access to hundreds of miles of ORV, hiking, and skiing trails nearby. Multiple restaurants, bars, and golf courses within 2-5 miles. AMAZING Northern Lights and dark sky viewing area with gazing platform provided in center of campsite property. Firewood for sale $4-$5/bundle available within 1-2 miles. Access and boat launches to Twin Lakes, Black River, Black Lake, and Cheboygan River within 1-5 miles. Convenience stores within 2-5 miles. Black Mountain ORV and hiking areas within 2-5 miles. 20 minute drive from downtown Cheboygan. Come enjoy some time away from the normal campground hustle and noise at this lovely and affordable private single campsite!

100%

(5)

Whispering Winds Creekside Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Charlevoix, MI

This enchanting prairie habitat is nestled between a small creek on one side while whispering aspens make up the opposing border. Centrally located between Charlevoix and Petoskey, only a 1 minute car ride from the walking/bicycle path that connects Charlevoix to Harbor Springs as well as the beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigan beaches.

100%

(27)

Doe Creek Hideaway

2 sites · Lodging, Tents39 acres · Engadine, MI

Located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Engadine. You will be just a few miles from Lake Michigan and camp beside the tranquil waters of doe creek. There is wildlife traveling through the property and at times make this their home. This is a birding paradise again for those birds migrating through and others making nests and raising their babies. We are a hobby farm, we hay in July, garden during the summer and at times have a variety of farm animals. There is recreation galore including swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, and biking to name a few very familiar activities to this area.

95%

(77)

Blissfest Festival Farm

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Cross Village, MI

Welcome to the picturesque countryside of rural Northern Michigan and the Blissfest Festival Farm. Campers have access to 200+ acres including an 18-hole disc golf course and many trails, including North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the property. Active agricultural projects include an orchard, vineyard and shitake garden. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our hardwood forests, witness stunning fall colors and marvel at the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Choose from 25 drive-up or 10 walk-in sites with access to potable water, regularly serviced portajons and solar showers. Within five miles, you'll find great restaurants and craft brews, sandy Lake Michigan beaches and the famous Tunnel of Trees. Sunsets paint the western horizon in beautiful displays of magenta and gold; our dark and starry skies are a sight to behold.

Under $50

99%

(45)

Uksa’s Cove

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI

Learn more about this land: This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.

Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

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

Farm Haven

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Over 7 acres of gentle sloping meadow with views of Lake Michigan, beside a growing family farm and homestead. Our gently sloped meadow and shady pine grove are perfect for campers seeking more private, quiet camping, and the Upper Room invites you indoors, while enjoying the outdoors. In the pine grove, a freestanding deck overlooks Lake Michigan, with views of Beaver Island and Great Lakes freighters. On clear nights you can glimpse beams from a handful of lighthouses. The pine trees offer shade and protection from weather without blocking the breeze (and the pine duff creates a spectacularly soft ground for sleeping on). Or set up your tent on the hillside--open your flap to Lake Michigan's famous sunsets, or face south to see a blanket of treetops. Near the barn, your RV has a flat spot to park at the base of the "Southern Slope" meadow full of wildflowers and monarch butterflies. For guests wanting more creature comforts, the Upper Room Glamp Apartment has all the amenities--television, queen bed, dry kitchenette, and access to the main house bathroom and shower. All options have access to fire rings and views of countless stars on a clear night. You'll be staying minutes from multiple beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and rock-hunting. Our sites make a great HQ for day trips to Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, or a way-point on Fall Color Tours or drives up the Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The famous Legs Inn and Petoskey Brewing Company's 2nd location are only a mile away, Moose Jaw Junction is close, and one can walk to the Crow's Nest Restaurant. From here, it's only a short drive to downtown Harbor Springs for additional fine dining and shopping. We are a young family of four, starting a family farm, and we are eager to share our homestead with you.

80 acres of Secluded Camping

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Boyne Falls, MI

Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(45)

Uksa’s Cove

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI

Learn more about this land: This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.

Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Dafter, MI

This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping areas. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the various campsites. The closest spot is 200 ft from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use. There is a cut grass walking trail that forms a loop on the property.

80 acres of Secluded Camping

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Boyne Falls, MI

Learn more about this land:Tired of campground crowds? Get away from it all with complete privacy on 80 acres connected to Gaylord State Forest. Just outside of Boyne Falls, 15 min from Petoskey and close to many lakes, our property is located at the end of a dead end road. Enjoy Boyne Valley and Boyne Mountain views from easy to access private and primitive camping. Appreciate all that Northern Michigan has to offer with serene and relaxing wooded trails that can be followed onto state land (miles of hiking/ORV/Snowmobile trails). Visit nearby Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, or Thumb Lake for boating/swimming/paddling, or Bear Creek Nature Preserve for additional hiking/natural areas. Choose the main meadow for van/car/trailer/RV camping, or take a short hike through the woods and over a creek to camp on the second meadow or back 40 acres (you pick your spot!). Plenty of nature to explore with quick drives to town for shopping/food. Property is 80% wooded, lots of hills, two open meadows and a beautiful flowing creek. Property map provided upon reservation.

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

Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(30)

Hiawatha National Forest

Wilderness State Park

Carp Lake, Michigan

100%

(8)

Fisherman's Island State Park

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

100%

(2)

Hoeft State Park

Rogers City, Michigan

50%

(3)

Burt Lake State Park

Indian River, Michigan

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Mackinaw City guide

Overview

Flanked by Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east, Mackinaw City is full of water views and shoreline campgrounds. Known as the “Gateway to the Upper Peninsula,” Mackinaw City entertains campers year-round. Take a step back in time when visiting Mackinac Island, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Head to Wilderness State Park and hike along the shoreline. And pay a visit to Headlands International Dark Sky Park to spot constellations, search for shooting stars, and catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Campers can choose from a range of accommodations including large-capacity cottage rentals for big families, glamping in canvas yurts, or amenity-filled campsites for RVs and tents.

Where to go

Mackinac Island State Park

Grab a 20-minute ferry to Mackinac Island State Park—a car-free paradise that transports visitors to a simpler time with horse-drawn carriages and a historic downtown. Mackinac Island State Park covers roughly 80% of the island and features famous landmarks like Arch Rock, Skull Cave, and Sugar Loaf sea stack. Camping isn’t allowed on the island itself; however, there are tons of nearby private campgrounds on the mainland, including RV resorts with full hookups, cottage rentals equipped with kitchens, and glamping campsites with canvas bell tents featuring queen beds and private bathrooms.

Wilderness State Park

Drive to Wilderness State Park, which highlights over 10,000 acres of land and 26 miles of shoreline. The diverse landscape is made up of sandy beaches, forests, and wetlands. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling dominate in wintertime, while warmer weather brings hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, geocaching, and boating to the forefront. Rustic cabin rentals and lakeshore campsites for tents and RVs are available within the park. Some feature electrical hookups and access to potable water, dump stations, and washrooms with flush toilets.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

Only 10 minutes from the city center is Headlands International Dark Sky Park. It offers 600 acres of old-growth forest and five miles of trails to discover. There is no entrance fee and the park is conveniently open 24/7. Walk the Dark Sky Discovery Trail to learn more about the area during the day, then cozy up with blankets in the evening to watch the stars brighten the sky. Roomy cottage-style vacation rentals are available within the park, but there is no primitive or RV camping. Stay nearby at Burt Lake State Park for campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to boat launches.

When to go

Mackinaw City has warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. Many shops and restaurants close for the winter season, so be prepared for fewer options from December through March. January and February deliver the best snowpack for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Stargazers can visit Headlands International Dark Sky Preserve year-round, but the northern lights are best seen in spring, fall, and winter. The Milky Way steals the spotlight in summer.