Camping near Roscommon with wildlife watching
Nestle into Northern Michigan lakes and forests when camping near Roscommon.
93% (1145 reviews)
- Roscommon
93% (1145 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Roscommon
Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Roscommon
12 top campgrounds near Roscommon with wildlife watching
99%
(127)
The Crow’s Nest
2 sites · Lodging20 acres · Beaverton, MI
This property was once part of an 80 acre farm. It has now grown into a mature forest with deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, many types of songbirds and most recently a family of sandhill cranes. Our most recent improvement is an air conditioner in the Crow's Nest. Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the property.
No discharge of firearms is allowed on this property.
As a retired artist, we love to entertain creative peaceful people and many think of our place as a quiet sanctuary that encourages creativity. We provide games, both outdoor and indoor, a screen house, hammock, nature trails and a new camp store with local items and snacks. There is an Amish community close by and a tour map is provided. We are also close to the largest canopy walk in the US at Whiting Forest and Dow Gardens. Only 25 minutes away. There is a small water park in the closest town with a beach. Locally there is tubing and canoeing at the Cedar River in Gladwin and kayaking at Pinconning Park on Saginaw Bay.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$38.25
/ night
100%
(74)
"Elysium Heritage Farm"
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Pinconning, MI
"Elysium Heritage Farm" is situated on 120 acres in Northeast, MI surrounded by woods, trails, ponds and canals. Enjoy access to a small farm that includes fainting goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and more. Bring your pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing. Enjoy viewing numerous types of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Depending on the season, (and how quietly you walk the trails) you may experience a wide variety of wildlife species. Although we don't allow motorized ATVs, you are welcome to bring a golf cart. Most of the trails are improved enough to allow you access. Absolutely NO hunting allowed on the property.
The property is located just (5) miles off I-75 so it's also a convenient mid-trip destination for those on a longer distance excursion. In case you plan on fishing the local hotspots on Lake Huron (15 minutes away) and are trailering a boat, there is plenty of area to park your rig during your stay.
It's only a ten minute drive to Pinconning, where you can experience Michigan's "Cheese Town" and all it has to offer. There's a grocery store, numerous cheese shops, and a variety of party stores and restaurants. For the outdoor enthusiasts, don't miss out on going to the ever-famous "Northwoods Wholesale Outlet". Also nearby is the "Saganing Eagles Landing Casino" in Standish. We have resided here for over 30 years and can assist you in many ways to get the most out of your visit.
By the way, the definition of the word "Elysium" is "Place of perfect bliss" and yes, we labeled it that long before the movie with Matt Damon was created.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$23.20
/ night
100%
(24)
Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp
1 site · Lodging80 acres · Wedgewood, MI
Hardwood and conifer upland forest w old growth white pine. Rolling terrain with lowland conifer w beaver ponds and wetlands. Trails for hiking or atv riding. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of roadless state forest pretty much inaccessible to most public. Small tributary to the Pine River a canoe/kayak/trout stream.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$45
/ night
100%
(63)
Barney Lake Vista
1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Houghton Lake, MI
Once the location of a ski resort, this property was bought up by the competition and dismantled. Sitting on top of the old ski hill, this 10 acre property now offers a beautiful view of Barney Lake and the surrounding state forest. This property is situated near a dirt road that leads directly into hundreds of miles of off-road trails and state forest, yet is close enough to town (7 miles) to enjoy the local establishments. No access to the lake is available from the site, but there are plenty of other lakes and rivers in the area to enjoy!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$27
/ night
98%
(135)
Boondock Ridge
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Gladwin, MI
Learn more about this land:The spot Is on the riverbank and private.
Beautiful river view and access.
Short foot trail down to the river where there is a dock providing access to river and a artesian well that has been tested for purity
Perfect to tie up a float and watch the wildlife.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$34
/ night
100%
(38)
pineleaf.
4 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Mancelona, MI
PLEASE DO NOT!! USE PARTRIDGE LANE THE ROAD IS A SAND TRAP YOU WILL GET STUCK!! MUST USE SECONDARY DRIVEWAY!! WHICH IS TO THE EAST OF PARTRIDGE LANE IN THE DIP THERE'S A SIGN THERE!!
Pineleaf is a private setting in the forest with rolling hills and trails on the property. There's an abundance of wildlife consisting of, but not limited to bears, bobcats, porcupines and deer. It's a true nature lover's dream!
For the rockhounds, there are Petoskey Stones, Emeralds, Opals and many other gems to enjoy finding among the trails and beaches. Our trails lead right off the property among the lakes and streams. All side x sides, ATVS, dirt bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing boats Welcome!
We are located close to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Otsego Lake, and many more! Come enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, parks, restaurants, casinos, and local shopping. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, and Boyne City.
Pineleaf has a total of 4 campsites! 3 are primitive and 1 rustic cabin with more cabins to come in the near future. The primitive sites sleep up to 15 people and 8 tents. The cabin sleeps up to 5 guests and is handicap accessible! and can also put tents near the cabin.
The camp is cannabis friendly for 21+ with id and complimentary with the exception if you dont want to smoke/cunsume cannabis its optional. No alcohol allowed at the camp but you may go up town or down to The Hideaway Bar & Grill for a bite and a drink!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$29.45
/ night
100%
(20)
River Daze
8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Beaverton, MI
Campsites are all riverfront along the Tobacco River. Country feel within blocks of town. Ross Lake/Beach, the remodeled Beaverton Tavern, park, an ice cream shop and splash park are all located within a long walk or short drive. We are close to Gladwin, Ross Lake, OHV trails and the Juicy Bone. The river flows into Wixom Lake which is anticipated to be back in 2025. Sandy beach with river access .
You can access the river from our canoe portage on the property. Good fishing, swimming or just hanging out. You can also canoe, kayak or tube beautiful Tobacco River or sandy Cedar River. Picnic tables and fire pits are located throughout the property. Good music, games, sing a longs. Hike through the trails to get to the the enchanted cedar forest which is all located in the campground. We have an outdoor 250 inch screen where we project movies, concerts, games, interactive dance videos. For kids and adults, everyone leaves with a smile.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$35
/ night
100%
(18)
Heirloom Acres
1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Boon, MI
This site is accessible by a gravel driveway that leads to secluded land perfect for your camping getaway. There is tree cover, but also open areas. We have a designated area for camping that includes a fire pit, ground level metal deck, and a comfortable outhouse. There is no power or running water. Experience camping for real! (fun fact: this property has been passed down four generations of women!)
We are near downtown Manton, downtown Mesick, and downtown Cadillac. Our favorite places to visit are Dayhuff lake (10 minute drive), numerous seasonal roads and trails, the Manistee River, Traverse City (45mins), Emerald Vale Golf Course (10 minutes), and Pleasant Valley Amish market for baked goods (5 min).
Notes based on feedback that we've gotten from campers:
-the driveway is steep, as seen in the listing photos. The recommendation for trailer size should be followed (18ft trailer max, plus 17ft car/truck). There is a corner at the top of the hill that might be tight for anything larger. I will note that there is a review where someone made it through with a 21ft trailer plus their vehicle; proceed as you will with this information.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$21
/ night
99%
(71)
Beautiful Lake View Camping
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Lupton, MI
Perryn's Cabin is a rustic cabin sitting on a wooded lot on Green Lake offering a quiet getaway. The cabin is equipped with solar ceiling lights and one 12v USB plug. Enjoy fishing, kayaking or boating (electric motors only) right out your front door or on many of the local lakes. Cook dinner on the grill, over the firepit or enjoy one of wonderful local restaurants.
The trailhead for the Huron-Manistee National forest is a mile down the road offering great riding for ORVs and Snowmobiles.
Rifle River Recreation Area, located right around the corner
has a swimming beach, and numerous hiking and biking trails. It's a short drive to the east to Tawas and Lake Huron or to the north to Mio, where canoeing and tubing on the Ausable River is available.
Happy camping!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$50
/ night
100%
(213)
Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley
5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Vanderbilt, MI
We book only 2 sites at a time on our 40 acre property so you can enjoy a more secluded experience in the woods. Our property is undeveloped, so you will need to bring drinking water, but there's no need to worry about finding firewood before your arrive as we supply you with a free bundle waiting for you when you get here! There are 1 1/2 miles of marked, wooded trails that will guide you to the river's edge where you can enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. It will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, yet the convenience of the small town of Vanderbilt is just three miles away.
We are located just three miles off of I-75. The larger town of Gaylord is only a 15 minute drive south. There's lots to do here in beautiful Northern Michigan! Only a few miles from our camp you can go for a swim at Thumb Lake Park or take a bike ride along the North Central State Trail in Vanderbilt. Drive 15 minutes north and you can canoe or kayak the main branch of the Sturgeon River in Wolverine. There are many great hiking trails in the Pigeon River State Forest and the North Country National Scenic Trail is only 6 miles away.
This 40 acre parcel has been in our family since the 1950s. My grandparents originally designated it as a tree farm and planted and harvested lumber from it. As a boy scout leader, my grandfather hosted many boy scout troops here and even hosted a boy scout Jamboree in the 1970s. Back then the property was referred to as the "Tree Farm", but after my husband John and I inherited it in 2014 we started calling it Camp 437.
Before we inherited the property we spent time camping there and building trails. One of the trails we built was named the "Burns Trail" in honor of my grandparents. Since we acquired the property we have added a one mile loop that circles the perimeter of the property, and a total of about 1 1/2 miles of trail.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
100%
(16)
Mossy Creek Farm LLC
5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Kalkaska, MI
We have 80 acers. Lots of wild life. Farm animals and we also have a farm store. The campsites will be located by the trout pond. We offer rustic camping. Rv are welcome. We are trying to come up with special events on the weekend's for kids. Quite time will be at 11pm. Please pick up your site before leaving.
** open May 1st- October 31st
18 miles away you have Traverse City State Park.
All you city-dwelling nature seekers out there will no doubt appreciate Traverse City State Park’s two-mile proximity to the action of one of Michigan’s most bumpin’ resort towns. Brushing up against the Grand Traverse Bay, which provides this beautiful park with a ¼ mile of shoreline, this 47-acre urban escape is home to a National Cherry Festival and self-guided tours of fall tones, and near to wineries and casinos that can sure make for a memorable stay.
24 miles away you have Hartwick Pines State Park.
The bigger the better we always say—9,672 acres of Old Growth Pines makes Hartwick Pine among the giants in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan—more for you to ‘splore! The forest was once home to a booming lumber industry. Revisit through master storytelling the tales of the “shanty boys” who turned the forest into timber land. Step into a time machine and dig into rich history from the Visitor’s Center museum that recreates the vibe of the old town, then get your socks and shoes outside! With rolling green hills and ancient groves of trees, Hartwick is a photographer’s dream. Enjoy numerous habitats to explore and hit the trails that accommodate any level of hiker or biker. Big adventure is calling.
Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them and they are leashed.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$20
/ night
99%
(63)
Camp Bear Paw
4 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · West Branch, MI
Learn more about this land:
There is a great play area for kids, plus a log playhouse and treehouse they can even sleep in if they wish.
You and your guests will have the property to yourselves, to increase your ability to relax and enjoy, so book early!
Catch and release fishing, beach area for swimming, plus zip line, water slide, and giant swing that all land you in the water.
Horse shoes, sand pit volley ball court, and tetherball are here as well.
Wildlife is abundant on our property. We are a mile from ORV trails and State land, 30-45 minutes from the Au Sable, Rifle, and Cedar rivers for canoeing, tubing, or kayaking.
There are numerous public lakes close by for fishing or pleasure cruising.
Treasure hunt a piece of Michigan history by metal detecting along our old narrow gauge railroad grade on the property.
Take a ride on our Bear Paw Dragon!
Bring a whole group to use all four sites and have a private (safe) campground outing! Fees apply to each site used.
We also have 2 RVs available to rent if needed. Contact us for details.
Look for an amazing treehouse this spring!!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$45
/ night
Under $50
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Roscommon with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Sitting central in Northern Michigan, Roscommon is a small village wrapped in epic forestry and pristine lakes. Campsites, glampsites, cabin rentals, and RV hookups make this area a camper’s dream all year-round. Houghton Lake and Roscommon State Forest Area are highlights for campers staying in town, though a quick drive in any direction leads to the shorelines of two Great Lakes—Lake Huron, east, and Lake Michigan, west. Southwest of Roscommon, the massive Huron-Manistee National Forest spans nearly one-million acres to the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, while Wilderness State Park is home to Lake Michigan shorelines and 10,000 acres of hiking trails and meadows. Head northeast to P.H. Hoeft State Park on the shores of Lake Huron for a waterfront adventure and on-site camping options steps away from the lakes.
Where to go
P.H. Hoeft State Park
Drive northeast to Lake Huron and stay at P.H. Hoeft State Park. Covering almost 300 acres of land, the park is home to sandy shores and unique trails. The Huron Sunrise Trail is connected to the park by a paved, non-motorized road along the beach to Rogers City. It ends in the world’s largest open-pit limestone mine with unforgettable views along the way. Choose from over 100 on-site campsites (some with electrical hookups), mini-cabin rentals, or lakefront lodging for a cozy stay at any time of year.
Wilderness State Park
Wander along 20 miles of trails near Lake Michigan and Sturgeon Bay shorelines at Wilderness State Park. Pet-friendly beaches are available for day use. The park also provides dark skies and a mixture of dense forests, open meadows, and wetlands. Find campsites, rustic cabin rentals, bunkhouses, and walk-in primitive campsites throughout the park with a small number of 50-amp service campsites available, as well. Designated as a dark sky preserve, Wilderness State Park asks campers to go lights out at dark for stargazing.
Huron-Manistee National Forest
East of Roscommon, Huron-Manistee National Forests’ vast land brings forestry to life between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. From hiking and horseback riding to sand dunes and wildflower sanctuaries, Huron-Manistee has it all. Dispersed and primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the forest unless marked—setting up within 200 feet of water is also not allowed. Developed campgrounds in specific areas of the forest offer tent campsites, group camping, horse campsites, and OHV areas; however, there are no RV hookups anywhere in the forest. Permits are required for campsites but not for dispersed camping.
When to go
Despite the chilling temperatures of Northern Michigan winters, camping is available year-round with proper planning and equipment. Considered a humid continental climate, Roscommon experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Due to the surrounding Great Lakes, summer temperatures don’t get higher than 66°F, but the humidity attracts mosquitoes to the area. Temperatures drop below freezing from late fall to early spring. Winter campers should prepare for cold-weather camping and snow.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.