Michigan offers stunning lakeshores, lush forests, and diverse landscapes perfect for the adventurer in all of us. This Midwest state is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts from hikers to bikers, backpackers, and campers.

Whether it's spending time out on the water kayaking, chasing waterfalls, or stargazing, this state beckons the nature lover in all of us to get out there and explore with camping as an excellent way to experience the state's wilderness. From the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula, here are some of the best campgrounds in Michigan (with some glamping options as well):

Best State Park Campgrounds in Michigan

Covering 306,000 acres, there is an impressive number of Michigan state parks -- in all, 101! Within the state park system, there are more than 14,000 campsites and over 140 campgrounds. It may be hard to pick the best state park campgrounds in Michigan but we can sure try. Here are a few:

1. William C. Sterling State Park

• Location: Monroe, MI
• Popularity: This is a popular campground in the summer but the sites are spacious and it's relatively quiet.
• Park Info: William C. Sterling State Park is located on the shores of Lake Erie and is the lake's only state park! The state park offers recreation in and around Lake Erie and is very popular among locals from both Michigan and Ohio.
• Price: RV sites: $30-$42/night; cottages: $185/night.

William C. Sterling State Park has one mile of shoreline for visitors to get out and enjoy earning it a top spot on this best campgrounds in Michigan list. Kayak rentals are available within the park and camping is as well. As far as state park campgrounds go, this is one of the best places to camp in Michigan. The campground is clean, modernized, and located right on the lake. RV sites have full hookups (20/30 amp with 50 amp at 76 of the 256 sites) and cabins have full amenities. Spend some time at the beach, go swimming, fishing, kayaking, or even hiking around the park. This is one place we should all spend time at!

2. Algonac State Park

• Location: Marine City, MI
• Popularity: This is a very popular campground and reservations should be made far enough in advance.
• Park Info: The 1,550-acre Algonac State Park sits along the St. Clair River and offers a half-mile of shoreline. This park is in the Metro Detroit area and home to several endangered and threatened species.
• Price: $22-$34/night

Algonac State Park is one of the best campgrounds in Michigan, especially in the Detroit area. There are two main campgrounds at this state park. Wagon Wheel is set back a ways from the St. Clair River and offers a paved path at each site along with three ADA-accessible sites. The Riverfront Campground has two loops featuring a total of 220 campsites including two that are ADA-accessible. From many of the sites, you'll have views of the river and the international freighters passing through.

3. Bald Mountain Recreation Area

• Location: Orion Twp, MI
• Popularity: Camping is only available in one of the rustic cabins. Each cabin can sleep up to 20.
• Park Info: The 4,600-acre Bald Mountain Recreation Area is home to rugged yet beautiful terrain that can be explored via an extensive trail system.
• Price: $100/night

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" target="_blank">Bald Mountain Recreation Area, camping is only available in the park's two rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 20 people. But each cabin makes a great home base for exploring this park's natural beauty. Not only are there opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and hunting, but there's also a beach that features a water park in the summer. Definitely one of the best campgrounds in Michigan during summer!

4. Sleepy Hollow State Park

• Location: Laingsburg, MI
• Popularity: This campground is most popular in the summer but each site offers enough privacy.
• Park Info: The 2,600-acre Sleepy Hollow State Park is located just north of Lansing and offers a wonderful escape from the city.
• Price: Walk-in sites: $29; campground sites: $27-$31/night; cabin: $111/night.

One of the best campgrounds in Michigan, Sleepy Hollow State Park, is home to Ovid Lake, forests, fields, a portion of Little Maple River, and plenty of hiking trails for you to explore. This is a wonderland of wildlife watching and you may even be lucky enough to see a bald eagle! As far as camping goes, this state park offers some of the best camping spots in Michigan. The campground has 181 sites and the park has one modern and one rustic cabin.

5. Island Lake State Recreation Area

• Location: Brighton, MI
• Popularity: This park has a hidden gem of a campground. You may feel as though you have the park all to yourself.
• Park Info: Island Lake State Recreation Area is 4,000 acres of wilderness that features four lakes and the Huron River winding through its landscape.
• Price: $100/night for the bunkhouse.

Island Lake State Recreation Area offers only two campsites at the Canoe Campground and two rustic bunkhouses that can sleep up to 15 campers. This park is an enjoyable place for outdoor adventure including hiking, swimming, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and paddling. There's also a 4-mile paved multi-use trail within the park.

Best Beach Camping in Michigan

For a landlocked state, Michigan has a vast amount of shoreline thanks to four of the five great lakes that it touches. In all, there are nearly 3,300 miles of shoreline in the state and, of course, there are beaches and opportunities to camp. Here are some of the best campgrounds in Michigan for camping near the beach:

6. Orchard Beach State Park

• Location: Manistee, MI
• Popularity: This campground can fill to capacity in the summer and especially on holiday weekends.
• Park Info: Orchard Beach State Park sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and is home to a 100-year-old apple orchard.
• Price: Campsites: $35-$47/night; cabins: $62-$100/night.

The picturesque campground with 166 sites at Orchard Beach State Park sits atop a 100-foot bluff. Just imagine the views you will be treated to while camping here. It sounds amazing to me! The campsites are spacious and there are 30/50-amp sites and two cabins available as well. Spend some time exploring the park's 3.5 miles of trails and appreciate the natural beauty found here. From the moment you pull up you'll understand why it's considered one of the best campgrounds in Michigan.

7. Harrisville State Park

• Location: Harrisville, MI
• Popularity: This campground can experience the most crowds during the summer months and holiday weekends.
• Park Info: The 107-acre Harrisville State Park sits at the shore of Lake Huron and offers 1 mile of sandy beach along with a lush forest.
• Price: Campsites: $30-$30/night; cabins: $51-$84/night.

Staying at the campground of Harrisville State Park means you'll have easy access to Lake Huron and your fill of water recreation. Spend some time lounging on the beach, go for a swim, or take a hike through the woods -- this is one spectacular park to spend some time at! In all, there are 195 campsites, some of which are equipped with 20/30-amp hookups while others have 30/50-amp hookups. Two cabins are also available to rent.

8. Bay Furnace Campground

• Location: Munising, MI
• Popularity: The campground is open between May 15 and October 7. It can experience crowds especially during the summers and holiday weekends.
• Park Info: Located along the shores of Lake Superior and within Hiawatha National Forest, Bay Furnace Campground
• Price: $22/night with a dump station fee of $5.

Bay Furnace Campground is located within Hiawatha National Forest in close proximity of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It's one of the best campgrounds in Michigan for those who really want to explore some of the most spectacular parts of the state. From this campground, you'll enjoy a colorful sunrise or sunset, have awe-inspiring views of Grand Island National Recreation Area, and access to a lakeside beach. There is a total of 50 campsites and each has its own fire ring and picnic table.

9. Twelvemile Beach Campground

• Location: Grand Marais, MI
• Popularity: Peak season is between May 15 and October 15. However, you'll experience plenty of peace and quiet while staying here.
• Park Info: Found within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Twelvemile Beach Campground is set along the shoreline of Lake Superior.
• Price: $25/night

Twelvemile Beach Campground offers 36 campsites, two of which are ADA-accessible. Within this campground, you'll find amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and water. RVs over 42 feet in length cannot be accommodated. The campsites are drive-in and rustic with no hookups available. However, you'll forget all about the lack of amenities once you see all that this park has to offer. As one of the best campgrounds in Michigan, you can bet you'll never be bored! Between the soaring sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, beaches, the inland lakes, and the forest, you'll want to spend as much time as possible here.

10. Fisherman's Island State Park

• Location: Charlevoix, MI
• Popularity: Camping spots must be reserved 6 months in advance due to the popularity of this campground.
• Park Info: The 2,678-acre Fisherman's Island State Park contains 6 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Price: $20/night

The campground at Fisherman's Island State Park contains 80 rustic campsites, a day-use area, hiking trails, dunes, and a rocky shoreline along Lake Michigan. At $20 per night, this is an affordable park for camping. Many of the campsites are shaded by tall trees while other campsites are right on the beach. There are no modern facilities -- only vault toilets and hand-pumped water. However, it will be a camping experience like no other. Fisherman's Island is one of the best campgrounds in Michigan for folks who enjoy roughing it.

Top Glamping in Michigan

For those who'd rather experience more comfort while camping, glamping Is a great alternative. You can still have access to Michigan's gorgeous natural beauty while sleeping in an enclosed space with everything you need. Here are the best campgrounds in Michigan for yurt glamping:

11. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - North Port Huron

• Location: Carsonville, MI
• Popularity: This is quite a popular glampground due to its numerous amenities. Reservations should be made well in advance.
• Park Info: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - North Port Huron is a family-friendly camping destination offering an array of activities, amenities, and ways to stay.
• Price: Tent sites start at $55/night; RV sites start at $79/night; cabins start at $132/night.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - North Port Huron is a modern campground and glampground for an extraordinary family-friendly Michigan camping experience. Spend the night in one of the available accommodations like a cottage or a cabin, or take your tent or RV here. Among the numerous amenities here, families can enjoy the pool, fishing lake, jumping pad, WIBIT Obstacle Course on the water, mini golf, boat rentals, the beach, and so much more!

12. Off Map Glamping

• Location: South Haven, MI
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem of a glampground where you can experience a quiet and serene stay.
• Park Info: Off Map Glamping provides comfortable accommodations amidst an idyllic 75-acre natural setting.
• Price: Prices start at $150/night.

Off Map Glamping is where you can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing ultimate comfort. Located on the property are luxurious safari tents each with its own wood-burning stove. The tents can accommodate up to three guests. Included in your stay is coffee and a light breakfast. This is a remarkable getaway where you can unplug, unwind, and relax in nature while experiencing comfort and luxury.

13. Paddling Michigan -- Paddler's Village

• Location: Munising, MI
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem in terms of glamping from May through the end of September. Combined with a paddling adventure, this is a wonderful getaway. Reservations must be made in advance.
• Park Info: Paddling Michigan's Paddler's Village offers paddling tours as well as vacation packages and lodging.
• Price: Yurt: $194-$299/night; cabin: $199/night; safari tent: $174-$189/night.

Paddling Michigan offers lodging in its Paddler's Village. Among the choice accommodations are yurts, cabins, and safari tents. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and your sense of adventure! Each accommodation comes with a mini fridge, a charcoal grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table. You'll also have access to WiFi.

14. The Fields of Michigan

• Location: South Haven, MI
• Popularity: This is a popular glampground due to the extraordinary experience. Book your stay well in advance.
• Park Info: The Fields of Michigan offers luxurious safari tents and a glamping experiend like no other.
• Price: $325-$450

The Fields of Michigan is where you can truly enjoy nature while having an elevated camping experience. Reserve one of 19 safari tent at this privately-owned glampground. With your stay, you'll be treated to a complimentary Fields breakfast and your tent will have its own ensuite bathroom complete with a rain shower, electric fireplace, air conditioning, electricity, and a comfortable king-sized bed. Among the amenities here are spa services, hiking trails, a garden, an on-site concierge, a camp kitchen, a dining room, and a camp store. Treat yourself and a loved one to a stay at The Fields!

Best RV Camping Sites in Michigan

Have you ever experienced RV camping before? If you have your own RV or decide to rent one from RVShare.com, there are plenty of wonderful places for RV camping in Michigan. Here are some of the best campgrounds in Michigan for RV camping:

15. Hideaway RV Park

• Location: Grass Lake, MI
• Popularity: This is a secluded hidden gem RV park.
• Park Info: Hideaway RV Park offers lake access and water recreation during your stay.
• Price: $55/night

Hideaway RV Park offers spacious pull-thru sites in a wooded setting. Set by a lake, you'll be able to go fishing, swimming, or paddling. This is a secluded and peaceful RV park where you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated by the time you leave.

16. Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park

• Location: Pentwater, MI
• Popularity: This is a popular RV park and campground.
• Park Info: Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park is a family-owned and operated campground in the woods along the dunes in Pentwater.
• Price: Tent sites with electrical hookups: $50-$60/night; water/electrical hookup sites: $55-$65/night; full hookup sites: $60-$70/night.

Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park offers a clean and well-maintained campground for both tent and RV camping. There are over 200 spacious campsites with amenities that include free WiFi, a fire ring at each site, and AJ's Family Fun Center located on the grounds. This is one family-friendly RV and tent campground!

17. Indian River RV Resort

• Location: Indian River, MI
• Popularity: This is a very popular RV resort. Make your reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Park Info: Indian River RV Resort is open from May 1 through September 30.
• Price: Prices start at $50/night.

Indian River RV Resort has received the "2023 Campspot Awards for #1 Best Campground in America," and it's easy to see why when you camp here. Not only is it a mere 3 miles away from Indian River and somewhat close to Mackinac Island but there are plenty of reasons this campground gives to not even leave the property. With a swimming pool and dog park, families and our pets will have fun. There is also a heated swimming pool as well as areas where you can play volleyball or horseshoes. If you need something, there's an on-site camp store for your convenience. In addition to the large RV sites, there are nine cabins available for rent.

18. White River RV Park & Campground

Location: Montague, MI Popularity: This is a very popular campground and RV park. Park Info: White River RV Park & Campground Price: $37-$67/night

You don't have to own your own RV to go RV camping at White River RV Park & Campground! In fact, this campground has a 44-foot RV available to rent. If you do have your own RV or decide to rent one from RVShare.com, there are 235 sites to choose from as well as several rustic and deluxe cabins for rent.

19. Harbortown RV Resort

• Location: Monroe, MI
• Popularity: This is a popular family-friendly campground.
• Park Info: Harbortown RV Resort is a top-rated family-friendly campground located close to Lake Erie in Michigan as well as Ontario, Canada.
• Price: $59-$72/night

Offering some of the best campsites in Michigan. Harbortown RV Resort is as family-friendly as can be. Featuring 80 large pull-thru sites, a variety of RV sizes can be accommodated. You may also choose from 20/30/50-amp hookups. Among the fun, family-friendly amenities and activities are an arcade, a swimming pool, batting cages, mini golf, and go-cart racing. Take the whole family here and create memories to last a lifetime!

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Michigan

Who needs amenities, right? Okay, some of us do, but for those who want to explore the backcountry on a backpacking trip or really want to commune with nature, primitive tent camping is a wonderful experience. Here are some of the best primitive tent campsites in Michigan:

20. Manistee National Forest

• Location: Lake Township, MI
• Popularity: N/A
• Park Info: Manistee National Forest allows dispersed camping just about anywhere unless noted otherwise.
• Price: There is no fee and no permit required.

Manistee National Forest offers dispersed camping just about anywhere. If you're a backpacker, this forest is for you! There are rules to follow, however. You cannot camp within 200 feet of a body of water unless it's a designated campsite. Camping within 400 feet of the shores of Lake Michigan is also not allowed. Camping in the same location is allowed for up to 14 days. And remember to take with you everything you brought into the forest.

21. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

• Location: Ontonagon, MI
• Popularity: Reservations are encouraged for dates May 15 through Oct. 14.
• Park Info: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan's largest state park at around 60,000 acres. It's located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
• Price: $20/night

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers 65 primitive campsites. Each one is numbered and includes a fire ring. Camping here is a convenient way to explore this state forest and all it has to offer. From its old-growth forest to waterfalls, rivers, and streams, you'll love being immersed in nature here.

22. Ludington State Park Beach

• Location: Ludington, MI
• Popularity: This is backcountry campground is somewhat popular.
• Park Info: Ludington State Park Beach has sandy beaches, a lighthouse, forests, wetlands, and campgrounds, including a primitive campground.
• Price: $20/night

Ludington State Park Beach is located relatively close to the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to 10 walk-in sites that require a 1-mile hike to get to. Once you set up camp, you can use your site as a home base for your hiking adventures. Close by is a lighthouse that you may want to visit. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are no restrooms but there are vault toilets and a hand pump for water.

What are some of your favorite camping spots around the state? Which of these best campgrounds in Michigan will you reserve a spot at first? Let us know! And don't forget to check out our list of outdoor essentials before embarking on your adventure!

Looking for more gorgeous scenery? Check out this stunning footage of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: