Best Camping in and near Otsego Lake State Park

Discover Otsego Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Otsego Lake State Park

Otsego Lake Campground

156 sites · RVs, Tents In Otsego Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Otsego Lake State Park

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Camp David

12 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sherwood Forest

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Rapid City, MI

Beautiful property adjoining thousands of acres of state land, trails, and great views of lake Skegomog. Two rustic sites available with fire rings. We will allow horses must have own fencing systems. Access to the north country trail, and other orv trails system. 15 minutes to Torch lake, Elk Rapids, and Traverse city. Really a great location to get to almost anywhere in northern Michigan.

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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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Private 5 Ac Wooded Rustic Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Rapid City, MI

Learn more about this land:5 private acres hardwood forest to set up camp. Rustic off-grid camping, but we live across the street in case of any urgent necessities. 15 minute drive to Torch Lake sandbar or the town of Kalkaska. 30 minute drive to Traverse City, Bellaire (Shanty Creek), Elk Rapids, Alden and all the other amazing northern Michigan towns. Fishing, hiking, boating, paddling, hunting, sailing, snowmobiling, ORV trails, mushroom hunting or any outdoor activity surrounds this quiet spot. Or, hit the local shopping, awesome restaurants and multiple craft breweries that the area has to offer.

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Woodland Glades

4 sites · Tents10 acres · South Boardman, MI

Right outside of TRAVERSE CITY! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Sites are ready for summer and filling up (4th of July was sold out)! Only 25 minutes east of Traverse City! 10 minutes from the Vasa bike trails, close to the Supply Road Trailhead and right down the road from many ORV trails! 10 minute drive to the picturesque Lake (Downtown- Fife Lake for swimming, boating, fishing, etc.), convenience stores, grocery store, gas stations, hardware store, restaurants, summer ice cream stand, Fife Lake historical walk with plaques/small history museum, one room school house, antique firehouse, etc. and more! Nature's rustic camping paradise settled right in the heart of Grand Traverse County, in Fife Lake (Traverse City area). Some of the best outdoor activities are offered in this area. Also near Turtle Creek Casino Woodland Glades offers a generous 10 acre property with a beautiful trail that gives space between sites offering short-term family friendly, clean and well maintained camping ~ with 4 wooded private tent walk-in sites *wheelbarrow provided for ease of transporting your gear (designated parking area at main entrance only a minute walk, on a level winding trail that has soft light with solar lanterns and well marked signage) with a secure self check in center. All sites include a fire ring, several plastic chairs and some solar lights ( VERY dark at night, don't forget your flashlight!) . The check-in welcome center has drinkable potted water, first aid kit, brochures, local magazines, games, nature themed toys and books available for use during your staycation. There is a clean Porta John with a convenient foot pump hand washing sink included, right on the private trail for campers only. A 2 room shower/changing tent is set up for your use, just bring your own solar shower bag! ***No electric or running water (off grid)- these are peaceful rustic sites- outdoor gravity fed shower house with eco friendly shampoo/soap is coming in late Summer 2024, but is not available at this time***There is also a large common area located centrally with a 10 x 10 covered gazebo and toddlers children's playhouse for campers to enjoy. 4 tent sites available : Evergreen, Pinehurst, Orchard Grove and the largest site-The Morrow Circle. Check in : Between 2pm-10pm Check out: Noon Quiet time (respect for other campers) is from 10pm-8a.m. 2 day reservation required Reservation age requirements are 21+ Per Michigan law- max 6 people per site. 2 car maximum per site/reservation. Small, intimate rustic camping sites are offered. Wildlife is abundant, and all around you deep in Fife Lake- please be aware of your surroundings, giving wildlife space and avoid leaving food and garbage out- coyote, raccoons, opossum, even the occasional bear make their way through the woods here (it's their home!) and wildlife likes your food too, but it's not recommended to leave out food or store food in tents! Please secure and keep things in coolers/vehicles, etc. smart campers make happy campers! Ticks and mosquitoes are also very common in Michigan so wear bug spray, wear long plants if possible, light colors to better see if they are on your clothing, avoid walking off trail and into uncleared areas with leaves and check yourself thoroughly for ticks. Well behaved, non aggressive breed dog (on a 6 foot leash at all times and picked up after) pet friendly sites are available. There is an outdoor clothesline for use to hang damp camping linens - fresh breeze provided :0) Relax and unwind with: local hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, golf, jet skiing, swimming, birding, dirt biking...and so much more! Boutiques, art, fine dining and shopping on the Grand Traverse Bay are a short drive away as well. Visit over 40+ award winning Northern Michigan Wineries. Venture a little further West to the Sleeping Bear Dunes or North to Charlevoix/Petoskey up to Mackinac City. Woodland Glades is a great spot to set up, and head out to explore so many special places. No RV campers (limited sites and winding walk in only sites available). Vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area at the entrance-to keep the trail clear for walking safety, emergency vehicles and maintenance ease. Camping is permitted in the designated sites only - not off of the trails/sites reserved. Please do not wander off trails/sites as this is nature and there could be various poison foliage (poison ivy, hemlock) and the ferns grow in thick making it hard to see what's under the 4 foot tall cover. Be familiar with plants that can be harmful (see photos). Absolutely no illegal activity. No firearms, weapons and guns allowed. No Hunting on the property, no drugs, fights, outside visitors after 10 p.m., off leash/ excessive barking/aggressive/uncontrollable dogs left unsupervised will not be tolerated at the expense of peace and comfort for guests and neighboring property owners. You will be contacted if there is an issue to try to resolve it, and if it continues then be asked to leave, no refunds and a no tolerance policy will be applied. We want everyone to feel comfortable, safe and welcome, so respect is required. Please be courteous, and considerate while enjoying your stay. Take photos only, leave the property as you left it. It's in our hands to keep nature as natural as possible. Trash left behind will be accessed a $50 fine on your credit card, as well as for any left behind pet waste. Daily burn status for the county will be texted to you- if the county has issued a high wind/dry/dangerous alert level then no fires will be permitted for the safety of all campers, properties and wildlife. Fires are not permitted outside of the provided fire rings. Only wood from Grand Traverse County is allowed by state law- to help combat invasive damage from spores outside of the area. You may freely use any of the already downed wood in the area, just please do not cut down or harm existing living trees. Also, only burn wood (not garbage, plastics, metals or foreign objects). A lidded water bucket *NOT drinkable* is provided at each site to douse water at night, and at the end of your stay. If you do smoke, please only do so in your own personal vehicle and keep dangerous, flammable cigarette butts off of the property. No smoking on trails, camp sites, common area or in the welcome center building is permitted for the safety of all. Violations to the rules listed/posted may result in non-refundable removal off of the property terminating your reservation and may incur fees. Refunds are not given less than 7 days prior to check-in. Weather is not refundable, as that is an unpredictable part of nature. I welcome any and all inquiries and am very excited you're choosing Woodland Glades for you (yourself) and your family/friends here in the heart of paradise for memories in the making. It's a truly beautiful place that i am honored to share with each and every one of you.

The best camping near Otsego Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

If you’re a camping person, you’re about to be an Ostego Lake State Park person. We’ve got our eye on its impressive collection of roomy, flat, shade-boasting sites organized over 62 acres, and our heart set on the more than half a mile of lakeshore within view. Come in the fall and you’ll be courted by oaks, maples, and pines that are dressed to the nines. What else can we lure you in with? Oh—how about this park’s easy accessibility via I-75? Pack in and prepare for a pretty stellar weekend.

When to go

The best time to visit Otsego Lake State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall foliage. Winters can be harsh, making some activities less accessible, so plan your trip accordingly to make the most of this picturesque Michigan treasure.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry; it's required for all visitors.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to stay safe and prepared.
Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Facilities may vary seasonally, so confirm availability of amenities like restrooms and picnic areas before you go.