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.

100% (1 reviews)
100% (1 reviews)

Discover the natural splendor of Hartwick Pines State Park.  

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Community favorites near Hartwick Pines State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hartwick Pines State Park

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(44)

Camp David

14 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Traverse City, MI
We built our home 30 years ago on 8 acres of hay field. Everything you see on our property was put here by us!! We have had dogs, a couple of horses, cats of course and chickens too. The horses, dogs and chickens are gone but we still have cats...and we have a pond off our deck with about 50 goldfish and a couple dozen frogs!! Our kids are all grown and we are left wondering what is next. For the past 12 years or so we have had at least one or two camp outs a year on our property with just friends. Then we started thinking "why not invite others?" We know how difficult it can be to get camping reservations in the area....then I bumped into a Hipcamp Host who told me about this.... so here we are! We are animal and nature lovers and our gardens are here for you to enjoy. We'd love to give you a tour and tell you all about every plant if you are interested. Or we will ignore you and let you do your own thing in our 'backyard'! We offer rustic boondocks camping or set up nearer to our buildings and we can supply you with power....110, 30 and 50 available for a small extra charge Welcome to Traverse City and welcome to Camp David!! I have a Facebook page with lots of fun and interesting things to do and see as well as great restaurant recommendations for Traverse City and beyond, on my travel page...Towhead Travels....on Facebook. Please look me up! ******NEW IN 2023****** We have an outhouse on site!! Firewood (oak) is available to purchase when you get here. (all campsites will be provided with a fire ring no charge) https://m.facebook.com/100057592452231/
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$30
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96%
(144)

Griff's

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Rapid City, MI
Dispersed campsites on Griffs back 40 and Griff's River Lot are great locations for vacationing on Torch Lake, about 1 mile form the lake.
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$30
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(25)

Hidden Meadow

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alanson, MI
Get ready for a peaceful camping experience in this one-of-a-kind setting! For all styles of camping units as well as rustic tent camping. We live in farming country, with only a few houses on our road. We know most of our neighbors as friends or relatives. Our camping area only has three sites so it’s cozy and private. We have about 5 acres land for use around the campsite and lots of wooded trails nearby. We are about 2 miles from Burt Lake, and about 10 miles from other waterways, rivers and streams, and Lake Michigan. we are also 4 miles from biking and ORV trails.
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$20
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(58)

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!
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$50
 / night
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(191)

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.
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$35
 / night
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(48)

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!
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$27
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98%
(116)

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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$34
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99%
(172)

Dhaseleer Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Charlevoix, MI
Established in 1874 Dhaseleer Farms is a century old organic produce farm located on Northern Michigans scenic bike route 35 just 3 miles from downtown Charlevoix and its beaches. The farm features an old 1874 dairy barn converted into an event and wedding location. Flower and vegetable gardens to enjoy, fresh produce usually available. Mens and Women's bathrooms w/ shower are located inside the Events Barn. Electricity is available. Sites 1, 2 3 have a fire ring and fire wood included. Site 4 does not include a fire ring but there is usually access to one in front of the Events Barn. Extra tables and chairs are provided. Coffee and refrigeration available inside the Events Barn. A sink for washing dishes is provided inside the barn. NO cooking equipment provide. No cooking allowed inside the Events Barn any cooking needs to be done at your campsite. Wifi works at the campsites.
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$60
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99%
(35)

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!
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$60
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(18)

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!
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$31
 / night
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(34)

Uraharas On The Hill

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alden, MI
Uraharas is a music venue that hosts events throughout the summer. We are happy to now open our space to campers on the dates that are not scheduled for events. We hope you enjoy our space as much as we have in creating it! Learn more about this land: *ADULTS ONLY CAMPING*    Set up camp in our little wooded get away at the top of the valley. There are many great things near and many more within a reasonable drive. We are located just three miles from Torch Lake sandbar with several public access sites. Spend the day swimming or rent a kayak or pontoon to further explore. Check out Seven Bridges Nature Area just five miles away. Head over to Short’s Brewery in Bellaire. Take a drive to Turtle Creek Casino and Traverse City in thirty minutes or less. At the end of your exciting day come relax and build a fire in our communal fire pit. Enjoy the colorful sights as we light up the forest at night (weather permitting). Campsites are located in a specific area. You may have camp neighbors not so far away and will not be a guarantee that it’s completely silent or secluded. Please be mindful of one another. We love the sounds of a good time happening but we do ask that after 11 pm weekdays and 12 am weekends that you keep a respectable level. As title says this is camping for ages 18 and up. Front area can accommodate parking for your boat/kayak trailer. Uraharas is an excellent setting to use as larger group camping. If you need bookings for your group beyond the max of the two combined sites please message me for details!
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$47
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92%
(25)

South Torch Lake Sugarbush

1 site · Tent5 acres · Rapid City, MI
Learn more about this land:Located a few hundred feet from blue ribbon trout stream the Rapid River. Also less than a mile away is the carribean of the north, south torch lake sandbar. Nestled in a 5 acre grove of maples, You can find the perfect quiet spot in the woods for wildlife viewing or camp closer to the road with easy access to camp van on the property incase of inclement weather. Three sites to choose from. Potable water from my well and firewood from my woods are also available.  Please note: you may hear deer and other animals walking around your site, remember, they were here first. :-) Please leave a note in the guestbook provided and happy camping. (Guest tour of the floura/fauna upon request).
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$20
 / night

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.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry.
  • Trail lengths vary, so choose one suited to your fitness level.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for your visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm.
  • Remember to leave no trace and dispose of trash responsibly.

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