Best Camping in and near South Higgins Lake State Park

83% (4 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next South Higgins Lake State Park adventure.

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near South Higgins Lake State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in South Higgins Lake State Park

83%

(4)

South Higgins Lake Campground

401 sites · RVs, Tents In South Higgins Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near South Higgins Lake State Park

100%

(45)

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/

99%

(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!

100%

(32)

"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. 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.

99%

(112)

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. . Sheila grew up just across the road and spent many hours riding her horse and writing poetry on the 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.

96%

(145)

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.

100%

(7)

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.

100%

(50)

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!

94%

(9)

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.

92%

(26)

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).

100%

(16)

Sweet Nectar in the Woods Campground

5 sites · Lodging12 acres · Harrison, MI

Our rustic campground has six camping cabins available in twelve heavily wooded acres. Our community is known for 20 lakes in 20 minutes! We have lots of acres of state land locally for adventures also. This is a private campground available for single campers or groups. Come enjoy nature at its finest!Learn more about this land:Rustic camping cabins nestled in the woods. Bring your friends and family and take all five cabins or come alone and experience our campground. Enjoy a camping experience with basic accommodations, port a john’s & an outdoor shower. We live on site and will be happy to help if you need anything.

100%

(9)

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.

Booked 11 times

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 South Higgins Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Lake it up by day, moonlit pines and pow wows by night. Transport yourself to a nature state of mind at South Higgins Lake State Park, home to Higgins Lake, a large and luscious spring-fed watering hole. Popular for it’s A+ clarity and oodles of fishes for the catch, finding ways to tickle your fancy is no prob. Stretch those legs on the parks 3 hikes and discover a forested world of maple, pine, and oak. Have a slumber party with mother nature at the parks campground and end your night in the best way—camp fire. Nothing like waking up to that smokey pine fragrance on your hair and a toasty warm memory of the night before and the bright day ahead of you.

When to go

The ideal time to visit South Higgins Lake State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the lake is inviting. However, the park's beauty can also be enjoyed in the quieter shoulder seasons. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for all visitors.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for seasonal changes.
Be mindful of park rules to protect the natural habitat and wildlife.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace of your visit.
For any inquiries or assistance, contact the park's main office during your visit.