The best camping near Hartwick Pines State Park

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

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Discover the natural splendor of Hartwick Pines State Park.

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Stay at a public campground in Hartwick Pines State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Hartwick Pines State Park

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Elm Valley

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Suttons Bay, MI

I am 4th generation to live on our property. we are very lucky to have been able to keep 20 acres where I grew up. We are surrounded by Cherry orchards and vineyards. There are 4 wineries within a mile and the bike trail in half a mile away Boat launch on Lake Leelanau 3 miles away A boat launch on Grand Traverse Bay is 1/2 a mile awayLearn more about this land:We have a large hard pack gravel area surrounded by rolling hills and lots of trees. Our house is near by with trees in between. There is a good 60 ft between campers and each site has water and 30 amp. Their own fire pit. We are half a mile from the Leelanau Trail. 10 miles into Traverse city. 5 miles to Suttons Bay

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(136)

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.

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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!!!

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Rocky Top "Preserve"

2 sites · Lodging300 acres · Ellsworth, MI

Grandpa Tom started this farm in the 1970's. Rocky Top Farms is a fruit farm. We grow a lot of cherries, some peaches, blueberries, elderberries, raspberries. Rocky Top hosts disc golf tournaments, music festivals, weddings, and hosts on both Hipcamp and Airbnb. We make preserves, fruit butters and salsa which ship all over the world, and are locally served in many hotels and restaurants.

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(25)

CUT RIVER CABIN AT HIGGINS LAKE

1 site · Lodging120 acres · Roscommon, MI

Learn more about this land:This cozy off-grid rustic Cut River Cabin has a Sauna 3 bedrooms and a loft that will sleep 10. 120 acres with over 1.3 miles of private riverfront on the pristine Cut River that flows out of beautiful Higgins Lake Michigan. Approximately 10 minutes/7 miles from the beaches of South Higgins Lake State Park, or the Village of Roscommon which has a full-service supermarket (Family Fare) hardware and outdoor supply stores, and a handful of restaurants. It's a great spot for a quiet retreat away from people, traffic, pollution, and the stresses of modern digital life with the closest neighbor being over 2 miles away. Enjoy the river, paddling in our canoes, fishing, and swimming. Get out in the woods by hiking or biking through nearly 2,000 acres of public state land and trails surrounding the property. Included are SNOWSHOES in the winter and CANOES in the summer The Cut River Cabin is a completely off-the-grid property that relies on solar power. Inside you will find NO TV’s, NO WiFi, and NO Modern Luxury Amenities. 😁 You WILL find solar power to charge any devices that you just can’t live without for a weekend getaway, 😉 Manual operated water well pump (Pitcher Pump), Wood Burning Stove to keep warm on them chilly nights (starter/logs included), Well-equipped kitchen with stove Due to its simple and rustic features, the cabin is most appealing to hikers, campers, and people who love the outdoors and don't mind the lack of conventional amenities. A few things included to distract you from the busy world outside are many Books, Board Games, Playing Cards.

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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)

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Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort

255 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Traverse City, MI

Timber Ridge Resort is an all-season resort, located just 8 minutes from downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Guests can enjoy camping in tents, RVs, or cabins; planning events like weddings, company meetings and retreats, athletic outings; or outdoor adventures on over 60 kilometers of Timber Ridge-groomed trails and the connecting Vasa trail system. Whether you are a warm-weather fan or a cold-weather fanatic, Timber Ridge can provide you and your family with an entertaining getaway or event experience. Explore our pages to discover all “The Ridge” has to offer. Timber Ridge Resort is an all-season (that means winter too!), family and pet-friendly resort featuring an RV park, cabins, banquet facility, lodge, and miles of gorgeously wooded trails. Guests can enjoy camping in one of our four-season cabins or in their own tent or RV. We offer full hook-ups at all of our sites! While in the park, take advantage of our heated pool, playground, dodgeball court, Jump Pad, outdoor laser tag course, or some of the other amenities we offer.

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Bark Biter Farm near Rapid River

2 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Manistee Lake, MI

This 20-acre property is surrounded by public land and is a short hike to Rapid River, which is nestled in a valley of giant cedars and white pines. The property has trails through a hardwood forest of maples, beeches and cherry trees. There is also an open meadow that boasts an abundance of wildlife. The property is secluded on a deadend two-track less than two miles from US-131 between Kalkaska and Mancelona. Torch Lake is only a 20-minute drive and Traverse City is about 50 minutes away. There is a clean porta-potty and water can be provided on request. Also, a 4-person tent can be provided at an additional cost. The campsite has a fire ring, shovel and plenty of wood for late night fires. The Raven's Nest is a cozy 12 x 16 cabin. It is an off-grid experience with a wood stove for winter adventures. The property is a work in progress, with a goal of it becoming an eco-retreat with updated accommodations. We hope you return for more adventures to see the progress. In the meantime, enjoy!

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Camp Cadillac

76 sites · Lodging, RVs25 acres · Cadillac, MI

Camp Cadillac RV Park in Cadillac, MI offers classic, clean, family-friendly, well-equipped sites with lots of options in the most beautiful spot we could find, snuggled up next to the winding Clam River. Thanks to the stunning lakes, the wonder of the forest, the warm hospitality that is Camp Cadillac and the magic that is Michigan, we expect we’ll see you again next season. We know you want to get right to the fun part, so we make the getting settled part painless and easy. Bring your own accommodations and enjoy options for hookups. Our indoor choices range from rustic to refined, cabins or cottage. Camp your way. We call it Camp Cadillac. You’ll call it home. All the conveniences, like free Wi-Fi, a fully stocked camp store, lots of space to entertain and bring a group. Lots of extras. Petting zoo (bet you don’t have that at home), pond fishing and pool – the 3Ps of childhood!

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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.

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Heart of Lake Charlevoix

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Charlevoix, MI

A quaint 70 acre family run horse/ hobby farm nestled in the hills of Northern Michigan, a retired couple that wanted to get away from the metro area after 30+ years in the factories and live year round were many call a four season paradise, Come enjoy what their retirement dream location has to offer! Learn more about this land: Beautiful parcel that overlooks Lake Charlevoix and the Northern Michigan hillsides, the parcel resides in a mowed hay field behind a horse farm, when you step outside your tent or camper you have a million dollar view of Lake Charlevoix, 5 minute walk to the historic ironton ferry and the Landing bar and grill, there is a state boat launch just over a mile away (perfect for kayaks) 15 minutes away from downtown Charlevoix, and 25 minutes from Boyne City with the ferry crossing. Perfect off grid solitude, there is a fire pit with provided wood, picnic table also a clean tidy outhouse on the property and fresh water can be provided in 7 gallon containers upon request Pet are allowed but please respect the property owners request and keep them within the camping sites boundaries *also host has a camper listed on rvshare and outdoorsy that can be arranged to be rented on the property as well for the full accommodation experience, just show up and camp! Get out and explore what Northern Michigan has to offer!

Arcala Bunkhouse

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Cadillac, MI

Peaceful setting on 40 wooded acres that is located at the end of two county seasonal roads with virtually no traffic. Upon arriving at the property, you will enter through a gate and arrive to the secluded camp area with a beautiful, cozy full log cabin. The cabin has propane lighting, propane refrigerator, an antique stove with burner tops, and a free-standing propane gas stove for crisp evenings. There is a small kitchen area with a sleeping loft above and a sitting/family area at the far end of the cabin. The kitchen is equipped with pots and pans, coffee pot, dishes, and misc. utensils. *Please bring your own linens, pillows, and water. On the backside of the cabin, you'll find a peaceful sitting area with a firepit. When nature calls, there is a well-built outhouse that is available. There are trails that meander through the property for those who enjoy walking, biking, snowmobiling, or four wheeling. You won't find a more peaceful, tranquil property to relax in and enjoy the wildlife. Only 1.3 miles into Manton with several bars and restaurants. Within 3 miles you are able to gain access to State property, the Manistee River, and Chase Creek. From the trails in this area you can go as far as Houghton Lake and Fife Lake. Great area for hunting, fishing, four wheeling, dirt bikes, and hiking. This is a great getaway you don't want to miss out on!

The best camping near Hartwick Pines State Park guide

Overview

About

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. Your move.

When to go

The best time to visit Hartwick Pines State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Fall also offers a stunning display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so check ahead.