The best camping near Traverse City State Park

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

93% (16 reviews)

Discover Traverse City State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Stay at a public campground in Traverse City State Park

93%

(16)

Traverse City Campground

352 sites · RVs, Tents In Traverse City State Park

Explore camping beyond Traverse City State ParkDiscover 200+ magical spots to camp in State Parks

Top-rated campgrounds near Traverse City State Park

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(513)

Camp Moonshadow

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Honor, MI

Our property was originally the only homestead on this road. WE offer 4 Walk in Tent sites and a RV site for small campers up 20 ft.- 20 Amp service Only!!! WE also have a 59 Vintage Shasta that rents nightly up to 3 nites The big barn was built over 100 years ago and is still standing. The farm house was built in 1907. It has been remodeled with a second story added. Pine trees were planted to prevent erosion in the 1960's. The national park began buying land near us in the 1970's and the boundary line to the park is a half-mile from Moonshadow Camp. The area is surrounded by state forests and many hiking and biking trails. Our valley is known for incredible stargazing. Amenities include full access to the Camp kitchen and dining area. You will also have access to a Portable restroom and hand washing station which is located by our BIG BARN. Hot Showers, no problem, you can enjoy a secluded private shower in our shower house which has indoor and outdoor showers. Nearby is Lake Michigan and Esch Rd beach. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore is nearby and The National Park is famous for attractions , trails, and hiking. Electricity and water is included at the RV site, and the Shasta Camper along with the Showerhouse and Camp Kitchen

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(310)

Jackson Station Leelanau

4 sites · Tents32 acres · Maple City, MI

Our sites accomodate 2 adults & their minors, with 1-2 vehicles at each site's entrance. If you're traveling with more than 2 adults please book more than one site. Enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience in beautiful Leelanau County via Agritourism at Jackson Station! Our property has 4 private tent sites situated among a dense pine forest on our small-scale farm. We're located between the two popular vacation destinations of Glen Arbor and Leland, MI - both a short scenic drive in either direction. The peninsula has tons of recreation: hiking, biking, beaches, boating, fishing, dining, shopping, wine tasting, and visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Our farm produces pastured, all natural meat, including pork, beef, goat and fresh eggs/seasonal veggies. See the hens roaming, cows and goats grazing in the fenced-in pasture. A variety of cuts of meat from our freezers are available for sale or get a tour of the farm ~ Just ask! You may simply enjoy the scene at your leisure. SITE DETAILS: Each camp site has woodchips, gravel surrounding a bonfire ring, a clothesline and neatly stacked firewood for sale. Our sites accomodate 2 adults and their minors. We recommend that larger groups or multiple adults book more than one site next to each other (sites 1 and 2 or 2 and 3 are good for this). Quiet hours are enforced between 10pm-7am. This is our home and farm, not a campground, please think of staying here that way. A short walk from camp, you'll find access to a water pump for delicious drinking water straight from our well, so that you may fill containers of water or utilize for rinsing. Our land borders the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll be just a few miles from access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. Relax in the sand, hunt for rocks, hike a trail, kayak or paddle-board and watch an epic sunset. School Lake, known for its fishing from non-motorized boats or a quiet place to paddle. 2 Miles away, access the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a non-motorized 27 mile groomed trail that follows the scenic M-22 from our location all the way to Empire, MI. 2.8 miles from our camp, you'll find a Mountain Bikers paradise at Palmer Woods Forest Preserve, with various hiking trails and a 6 mile mountain bike trail.

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Ricky’s Pine River hunt/camp

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Wedgewood, MI

Hardwood and conifer upland forest w old growth white pine. Rolling terrain with lowland conifer w beaver ponds and wetlands. Trails for hiking or atv riding. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of roadless state forest pretty much inaccessible to most public. Small tributary to the Pine River a canoe/kayak/trout stream.

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(332)

Llama Meadows Eco Farm BaseCamp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Benzonia, MI

Llama Meadows Farm is a sixteen acre organic fruit and vegetable farm. Located in Beautiful Benzie Country, in Northwestern Lower Michigan. We are one mile south of Crystal Lake and six miles east of Lake Michigan. Our-house is super insulated and passive solar. We had llamas for their wool and manure. We retired from raising llamas, we had 12 they got old and moved on. We have around 50 fruit trees. The fruit we grow includes apples, pears, figs and paw paws. We also grow grapes, and kiwis, we also put in filberts, walnuts and pecans. We have a beautiful labyrinth peace garden. We don't want barbecue pits on the ground it burns the grass Please check Extras for Pet fees, Campfire Wood and Electric.

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(132)

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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Secluded River Ridge Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Crystal Mountain, MI

5 private acres on the Betsie River. 3 miles to Crystal Mountain. You can walk through the woods to get to the river. Fish from shore or find several spots to get into the river to fish. Close to Iron Fish Distillery. 20 minutes to many Lake Michigan beaches. There is a flat yard for tents and a gravel pad for an RV. 30 amp electrical hookup and water spigot available. You have the spot to yourself. You can see a family cottage through the woods, but it is about 80 yds away.

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(70)

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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Bear Woods Resort

9 sites · Lodging, RVs65 acres · Bear Lake, MI

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan, our enchanting 65-acre property offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature's beauty. Situated amidst rolling hills and woods, our property serves as a basecamp for your Northern Michigan adventure. From here, you'll find yourself conveniently positioned to explore all the region's hotspots, including the pristine Lake Michigan beaches, a round of golf at the acclaimed Acadia course, the iconic M22 drive, and visits to charming cities such as Frankfort, Traverse City, and Bear Lake. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, golfer, beach lover, or simply looking to soak up the local culture, our property offers the perfect starting point for your daily excursions. For those who prefer the comforts of home on the road, we offer three spacious RV full hook-up sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. These sites provide all the essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer connections, making it convenient for RV enthusiasts to relax and recharge. Additionally, we offer a unique glamping experience with canvas tents that allow you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy retreat. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire, stargaze under the vast Michigan sky, and savor the tranquility of our secluded haven. Whether you're embarking on a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends and family, or a solo retreat, our 65-acre property welcomes you to experience the best of Northern Michigan.

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(65)

RV-tent,gorgeous PRIVATE water view

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Grayling, MI

Remote private tract in northern Michigan with Portage Creek to camp at, right up close. No neighbors, no other campers! 10 miles from Grayling so you can run into town for needed supplies with little time or effort. Bring your kayaks and swimsuit for a quick splash. The creek is mostly shallow with some deeper spots. There are downed trees so the kids can kayak without going too far away but they can go out of line of sight and hearing, so please be watchful. The last ½ mile road in can be very sandy in spots or sometimes flooded so you are encouraged to call or enquire prior to arrival, 4WD recommended for towing an RV. We recommend your first arrival during daylight hours so you can see the entrance of the property. The non-maintained county road, the last ½ mile in is typically not passable during winter and snow seasons except by snowshoe or snowmobile due to the snow level. Never leave children or pets unattended! Be aware of the chance encounter with an endangered massasauga rattler, it may be endangered but it is still poisonous and they have been seen on and around the property before. Ticks are on the rise, and the springtime can be very buggy, and mosquito-y with the surrounding swampy areas. There are bear, coyote, and an assortment of other creatures big and small. This is a wilderness area and so please be aware of wild animals. Never leave your small contained fire unattended at the firepit and watch for sparks, completely douse the fire before you leave as this is a fire-prone area. No fires outside the firepit for safety reasons and fire hazards. If you want firewood here in Grayling, there are a few places that sell it. There is down debris in our woods but as the summer goes by, it may be picked through. You can pull and circle through the open area with your RV, or you can tuck into the RV / camping spot. There is enough room for 5 or 6 cars but campers may crowd that a bit. If you are tent camping, you are welcome to set up elsewhere on the property. There are trails throughout the property and you may see the ‘No Trespassing’ signs all along the perimeter of the 23.7 acres. The toilet is now working again, but we ask that you not overtaxed it ;p . The small cabin is fairly stocked with pots and pans, good for campfire cooking. Picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate on site for your use. There are tons of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and water bodies very close by, or you can spend your time on this private tract. The military board land and small arms range is just past the road to the west, you may hear small arms practice at times, the sound of freedom.

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Echo Valley Forest

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Empire, MI

Echo Valley Forest Reserve is a backcountry site located deep within the forest near the center of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, ten minutes from Empire Beach, Glen Haven, and Glen Arbor. The camp site is completely private, with only party rented to at a time. It is in the center of a 40-acre parcel, surrounded by thousands of acres of National Lakeshore and private forested land. Access is off of a rough seasonal two-track but most 2-wheel drive cars are fine. Watch out for rocks. There are solar lights, a pit toilet, a fire ring, and a ~8x8' deck. There is room for 4 cars, and as many tents as you can set up. We have 4 rules: 1) Leave no trace. Do not leave garbage at camp. DO NOT BURN garbage, people cook in that pit. 2) NO cutting into the live trees. You will get a 0-star review, 100% of the time. 3) Keep cars on the gravel driveway. 4) Put out all fires completely (COLD) and respect any Burn Bans that may be active at the time of your stay. These are issued by the fire department, not me.

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Winding River Campground

70 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Benzonia, MI

Majestic River Centric Campground is nestled on 11 acres of land overlooking the Betsie River. We are right off of US-31 before downtown Beulah. We are known as a fishing destination and many locals have said our 1900ft of frontage on the Betsie has the best fishing holes of any stretch from Homestead Dam to Grace Road. We have over 100+ camping sites with approx. 75 sites available for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals with a variety of stay options that meet your needs including RV rentals, tenting and car camping sites, river sites, highland sites close to the pool and camper amenities, glamping options, two cabin rentals, and one frame rental. Weekly and monthly activities include live music, food trucks, fishing lessons, tap takeovers, electric bikes, kayak rentals, hay rides, farm animals, crocket/horseshoe/bags tournaments and much more. Make your next Northern Michigan Visit HERE at Winding River Campground! For seasonal rates please call our main office and our staff can provide you with information. Open Dates: March 16 to November 1

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Timberline Campground

101 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Benzonia, MI

On the cusp of Crystal Lake, where the Betsie River flows, your Timberline Campground awaits in the place where the heart of the camper glows. The go-to base camp for the expert angler and avid boater, we’re famous for trout and salmon fishing. First-time campers and seasoned explorers drop in as part of a longer Michigan expedition or stay all season. We’re a large campground and spacious, with about every conceivable configuration of RV site you can imagine. The accommodations are ample, and we’re very strategic in locating the conveniences, close and easy to get to, whether you’re driving your home, pulling it or pitching it. Our RV sites have water, electric and sewer with pull-throughs, back-ins, and buddy back-ins with 30/50-amp electric service options. We have primitive sites for tenting and a rentable cabin for those who don’t want to rough it. Whatever your camping style, you’ll have easy access to all the good stuff. Our emphasis is on providing all the recreation you could want while you’re at the campgrounds. In fact, plenty of our guests spend their vacations in our heated pools, jamming on the basketball court and hiking around the nearby Michigan beauty. With lots of storage available for boats and RVs, Timberline is the perfect home base for the whole season.

The best camping near Traverse City State Park guide

Overview

About

All you city-dwelling nature seekers out there will no doubt appreciate Traverse City State Park’s two-mile proximity to the action of one of Michigan’s most bumpin’ resort towns. Brushing up against the Grand Traverse Bay, which provides this beautiful park with a ¼ mile of shoreline, this 47-acre urban escape is home to a National Cherry Festival and self-guided tours of fall tones, and near to wineries and casinos that can sure make for a memorable stay. Year-round camping with heated restrooms (Really? Yes!), this former home of the Ottaway branch of the Algonquin Indians now welcomes folks like you to enjoy the essence of the Great Outdoors.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Traverse City State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. Fall also offers a spectacular display of changing leaves. Winters can be harsh, and some facilities may be closed, so it's best to check ahead if planning a visit during the colder months.

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 your adventure amid the park's diverse landscapes.
Trail lengths vary, so choose a hike that matches your fitness level and time constraints.
Remember to carry out all trash and keep the park pristine for fellow explorers.
For any inquiries or assistance, the park's contact information is readily available for your convenience.

93%

16 ratings · 3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2017

Great Lakes beaches! 🌊

Katherine M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2017

Great Lakes beaches! 🌊

Katherine M.

7 years on Hipcamp