The best camping near Petoskey State Park

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

92% (12 reviews)

Bask on golden-sand beaches and hunt for rare fossils at Petoskey State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Petoskey State Park

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

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(7)

Petoskey-Dunes Campground

80 sites · RVs, Tents In Petoskey State Park

100%

(5)

Petoskey-Tannery Creek Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Petoskey State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Petoskey State Park

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(191)

Just Show Up Camping

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Saint Ignace, MI

The Grand Retreat, featuring Just Show Up Camping and Captain’s Quarters, is located right on US2 for easy access to several great locations, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac City, Tahquemenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Marais, and the Soo Locks. Our campsites are all “man-made” and put you into ancient glacial created forest floors with old-growth white pines. We have a bath

97%

(372)

Million $ Sunset Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Pitch your tent and listen to the waves of Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan. Fantastic Sunsets. Located half way between Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City. Walking distance to famous Legs Inn in Cross Village, MI. The property currently includes 8 campsites with a board walk on the east portion of the Lake side portion of the property to access the Lake MI Beach.

95%

(68)

Blissfest Festival Farm

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Cross Village, MI

Welcome to the picturesque countryside of rural Northern Michigan and the Blissfest Festival Farm. Campers have access to 200+ acres including an 18-hole disc golf course and many trails, including North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the property. Active agricultural projects include an orchard, vineyard and shitake garden. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our hardwood forests, witness stunning fall colors and marvel at the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Choose from 25 drive-up or 10 walk-in sites with access to potable water, regularly serviced portajons and solar showers. Within five miles, you'll find great restaurants and craft brews, sandy Lake Michigan beaches and the famous Tunnel of Trees. Sunsets paint the western horizon in beautiful displays of magenta and gold; our dark and starry skies are a sight to behold.

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(63)

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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(172)

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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(65)

Mackinaw Camp Inn

1 site · RV10 acres · Mackinaw City, MI

Mackinaw City Campinn is located just 2 miles from historic Mackinaw City, a destination filled with nature, history, beaches, and fun. This is a 5 acre private camp, surrounded by woods, for self contained RV campers with a 30 or 50 amp hook up. This is a densely wooded area with some wetlands behind you.

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(62)

Grateful Acres

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Harbor Springs, MI

Hello and Welcome to Grateful Acres!! I have two sites available that will accommodate both travel trailers, as well as tents. Both have 30amp RV and 120v outlets, as well as lights for late arrival setup. In the welcome Hut, you will find dry firewood for purchase, as well as a refrigerator and freezer for use by our guests. Each site has its own labeled shelf to keep your perishables fresh. Also available are organic farm fresh eggs, cold soda, and bottled water, as well as bags of ice in the freezer. At Grateful Acres we aim to make your stay with us, as enjoyable as possible. The two sites sit on 3 beautiful, quiet acres in Northern Michigan. Site #1 is flat, open, and spacious, while site #2 is a bit more enclosed and private tucked into the trees. Both sites come furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring with attached grill for cooking and 2 adirondack chairs. The Star gazing at night is absolutley Amazing!! The property is centrally located between Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Alanson. Nearby are many lakes, rivers, state forests, mountain biking trails, golf courses and ski resorts. Come on up. Stay at Grateful Acres and enjoy all that Beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer.

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(36)

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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(210)

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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Charlevoix Acres

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Charlevoix, MI

Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent under a canopy of trees or a blanket of a million stars. This is a primitive campsite situated next to a picturesque pond at the edge of an old growth forest. Explore on-site walking trails to an enormous beech tree ,Mason Creek, and mowed fields. Many opportunities for nature photographers. Abundant wildlife including coyote, deer, heron, and small woodland animals. It is 6 miles to Charlevoix with its 3 public beaches, quaint shops and tourist attractions: Earl Young Mushroom houses, Castle Farms, Harbor, and the lighthouse at Lake Michigan Beach. Nearby points of interest: Nearby beaches: Lake Michigan, Ferry Beach, Depot Beach, Antrim Creek Natural Area, Chain of Lakes. Farmers Markets/Orchards: Royal Farms, King Orchard, Providence Farm. Golf Courses: Charlevoix City, Antrim Dells. Galleries: Charlevoix Circle of Arts, North Sea Gallery, Bier Gallery & Brewery. Charlevoix Yoga: See website for schedule

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(9)

Acorn Trail

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Cross Village, MI

Acorn Trail is 10 acres of forest with winding trails located a short walk from the idyllic town of Cross Village. A short walk or bike ride from the Lake Michigan beach and within striking distance of all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Campers can enjoy the solitude of the woods or take a short walk to the village and enjoy great food and drink of one of Michigan's most iconic restaurants with a spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

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(18)

Modd's getaway a dark sky camp site

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Levering, MI

Camp amongst our apple trees with a view of the woods with your own picnic table, fire pit, hammock, marshmallow sticks and grill. 20 and 30amp electric and water is available but no sewer. Pets under 30lbs are welcome. Farm fresh eggs, meats, produce and firewood available from our family farm. We are close to the Mackinaw bridge and the ferries to Mackinac island are only 12 minutes away. We are also close to shopping, dining and the UP. We have walking trails and are in a dark sky area if you're a sky watcher.

The best camping near Petoskey State Park guide

Overview

About

On the inside shore of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey State Park welcomes campers with over 300 acres of beaches perfect for swimming and paddling. The waters are tame due to the lack of a boat launch (but you can head to nearby Harbor Springs if you’re looking for a liftoff). Two excellent campgrounds draw overnight tent and RV camping trips, while a concession stand with kayak and canoe rentals operates during the summer season. Just outside the park, art and culture boom in Harbor Springs. This is the only place on earth where the rare Petoskey stone fossil is found.

Notable campgrounds

Best for waterfront action: Tannery Creek Campground.
Best for dune dwelling: Dunes Campground.
Best for glamping: The two mini cabins at Tannery Creek Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Tent and RV campsites at Petoskey State Park can be reserved six months in advance, but the two mini cabins in the Tannery Creek Campground can be reserved 12 months in advance.
Reservations must be made online or by calling (800) 447-2757.
We recommend booking as early as possible for the park’s busy summer season.

When to go

The Petoskey State Park campgrounds are typically open from May through October, as Memorial Day to Labor Day marks the park’s summer season. During this time, visitors can take advantage of rentals for kayaks, standup paddleboards, and bikes from the concession stand. Even outside of summer, Petoskey is worth a visit—fall is a popular time as many of the area’s deciduous tree leaves alight in hues of red, orange, and yellow. The park’s day-use parking lot is typically open from the end of April to the beginning of November, depending on the snow pack.

Know before you go

Rockhounders flock to the shores of Lake Petoskey in hopes of locating a rare Petoskey stone, a rock covered in hexagonal, tessellated coral fossils that can only be found in this area. Keep your eyes peeled along the shore and you may find one too!
The park contains a few short trails to stroll through dunes and woods (Portage and Old Baldy), but it also links up to two long-distance paved trails that cyclists and joggers love—the 26-mile Little Traverse Wheelway and the 32-mile North Western State Trail.