Hartwick Pines Group Camp

MI

MI

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Nestled within a pristine forest setting, Island Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its crown jewel—a sparkling 58-acre glacial lake that serves as the heart of this rustic retreat. Families gather on the sandy swimming beach, safely enclosed by colorful buoys, while the surrounding mixed hardwood forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility. Here, the gentle lapping of waves mingles with birdsong, and lucky visitors might catch glimpses of deer threading through the trees at dawn or dusk, making this campground a cherished escape for those seeking both adventure and serenity.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Nestled along the southern edge of the Mio Ranger District, Island Lake Campground beckons visitors to its inviting shores where a 58-acre glacial lake meets pristine Michigan forest. This well-appointed destination combines comfortable amenities—including paved campsites, picnic facilities, and a marked swimming beach—with a scenic hiking trail that winds through landscapes shaped by ancient ice.

MI

107 McKinley Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Wagner Lake, Chimney Loop Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This secluded group camping haven, completely enveloped by the majestic Huron-Manistee National Forest, welcomes gatherings of up to 30 adventurers seeking connection with both wilderness and each other. Gather around crackling fire rings beneath towering trees, share meals at sturdy picnic tables, and discover the intriguing historic chimney that stands as a silent sentinel to the area's rich past.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Tucked along the peaceful shores of Wagner Lake, this intimate 12-site campground offers the perfect escape into Michigan's National Forest. Spend your days swimming in the sandy-bottomed waters, paddling your canoe across the glassy surface, or casting a line for bass and panfish, all while enjoying the simplicity of classic camping with handpump wells, vault toilets, and convenient garbage collection.

Wagner Lake Rd, Mio, MI 48647, USA

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's pristine wilderness, Wagner Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This hidden gem cradles a crystalline 26-acre spring-fed lake within a tapestry of mature hardwood forest, creating a sanctuary that whispers rather than shouts its charms. The campground's thoughtfully terraced sites cascade gently toward the water's edge, each offering its own private window to the lake's tranquil beauty. Here, anglers cast their lines into waters that mirror the sky, swimmers find refreshment in the lake's pure depths, and those seeking solitude discover it in the rustling leaves and gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Tucked into a serene pine and hardwood forest along Big Creek's west branch, Meadows ORV Campground offers 12 intimate sites designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind. This trail-accessible retreat accommodates RVs and trailers up to 25 feet, providing all the essentials—hand-pump water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and convenient garbage service—so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Nestled deep within the renowned Meadows ORV trail system, this intimate, rustic campground serves as basecamp for off-road adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Here, the roar of engines mingles with rustling leaves as OHV riders gather around evening campfires to share tales of the day's trail conquests. Despite its modest size, Meadows ORV Campground has earned a devoted following among off-road enthusiasts who appreciate its strategic location at the heart of some of Michigan's most exhilarating trail networks.

5761 N. Skeel Road, Oscoda, MI 48750

Nestled within the sprawling wilderness of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Luzerne Horse Trail Campground beckons equestrian adventurers to experience Michigan's pristine backcountry from the saddle. This thoughtfully designed horse camping haven features spacious sites that easily accommodate trailers of all sizes, while the enchanting Big Creek/Luzerne boardwalk winds through an ancient cedar swamp, offering riders and hikers alike a journey through one of nature's most mystical ecosystems. Modern amenities including vault toilets and a reliable hand pump ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.

MI

Nestled among young oaks and jack pines, 4 Mile Trail Camp welcomes equestrian groups to a spacious, sun-drenched clearing perfect for Shore-to-Shore Trail adventures. This rustic basecamp keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump water, letting you focus on the trails ahead.

MI

Tucked into a grove of towering red pines along the Manistee River, CCC Bridge State Forest Campground offers the kind of rustic river camping that northern Michigan does best. This first-come, first-served gem gives paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers direct access to one of the region's most beloved waterways, with basic amenities that keep things simple and authentic.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Escape to Wakeley Lake Campground, where five secluded walk-in campsites await along the peaceful shores of a pristine northern lake. This intimate, semi-primitive retreat is a haven for paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a true backcountry experience without motorized distractions.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Escape into the pristine wilderness of Wakeley Lake Campground, where five secluded walk-in sites await those seeking true solitude. Nestled within 2,100 acres of protected semi-primitive nonmotorized area, this hidden gem offers an intimate connection with nature. Here, the haunting calls of loons echo across the water while majestic eagles soar overhead, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your wilderness adventure. Whether you're paddling the serene waters, hiking through ancient forests, or simply observing the abundant wildlife, Wakeley Lake provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in Michigan's untouched natural beauty.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Tucked away on the western edge of the Mio Ranger District, Kneff Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just 27 sites nestled around a pristine 20-acre lake. This welcoming retreat combines the essentials—accessible beach access, handpump water, vault toilets, and a seasonal host—with the kind of peaceful seclusion that makes you forget how close civilization really is.

Kneff Lake Campground, Crawford County, MI

Tucked away in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Kneff Lake Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate, rustic retreat wraps around a pristine trout-stocked lake, where accessible sandy beaches meet crystal-clear waters. With its thoughtful blend of paved and natural dirt campsites, the campground has earned a devoted following among families who return year after year, drawn by its remarkable tranquility and the promise of memorable moments in nature's embrace.

MI

MI

Escape to the tranquility of Mio Pond State Forest Campground, where a short quarter-mile walk transports you to one of Michigan's hidden gems along the Au Sable River. This intimate 16-site rustic retreat, which opened its trails in May 2020, offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility—far enough from your car to feel like a true wilderness adventure, close enough to make it easy.

MI

Escape to the banks of the legendary Au Sable River at Keystone Landing, where 18 intimate campsites nestle among towering northern Michigan hardwoods. This rustic gem keeps things refreshingly simple with vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and a first-come, first-served approach that rewards spontaneous adventurers (up to 15 days at a time).

MI

Escape to this intimate riverside retreat where the Au Sable River flows past your tent and towering pines create a natural canopy overhead. This primitive campground offers an authentic backcountry experience with basic amenities—vault toilets and hand-pump water—and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming both traditional campers and adventurous paddlers to its walk-in and paddle-in group sites.

MI

Escape to Parmalee Bridge, a hidden gem nestled on the pristine banks of the Au Sable River where anglers and paddlers find their paradise. This intimate, rustic campground welcomes adventurers with shaded sites under towering pines, plus a unique paddle-in group area right at the water's edge. With its first-come, first-served simplicity and 15-day stay limit, you'll enjoy an authentic back-to-basics experience complete with vault toilets and hand-pump well water.

Hartwick Pines State Park

MI

Escape to Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground, where 13 intimate campsites nestle along the shoreline of a peaceful warm-water lake. This rustic, first-come, first-served gem offers the simplicity of vault toilets and hand-pump water, creating the perfect quiet retreat for paddlers and anglers seeking an authentic northern forest experience.

MI

Tucked along a scenic bluff above the Upper Manistee River, Goose Creek State Forest Campground offers an intimate escape with just nine rustic sites. This quiet riverside retreat, managed by Hartwick Pines State Park, puts you steps away from excellent paddling and fishing opportunities on one of Michigan's premier trout streams.

MI

Tucked into a tranquil forest of towering jack and red pines along the Upper Manistee River, Goose Creek Trail Camp offers equestrian enthusiasts a genuine backcountry experience. This rustic group horse camp provides the essentials—vault toilets, hand-pump water, and direct access to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail—while immersing you in the quiet beauty of Michigan's northwoods.

MI

Escape to Walsh Road Equestrian, a hidden gem nestled in towering jack pines where the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail passes right through camp. This rustic, no-frills campground welcomes self-sufficient equestrians and adventurers seeking solitude far from the crowds—just you, your horse, and miles of pristine Michigan forest.

MI

Escape to Jones Lake State Forest Campground, where 42 intimate tent and small-trailer sites nestle along a pristine lakeshore surrounded by towering hardwoods and conifers. This rustic retreat keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump well water, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with stays up to 15 days—perfect for those seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience.

MI

Escape to Shupac Lake State Forest Campground, where towering hardwoods frame a peaceful lakeside retreat perfect for those seeking an authentic back-to-basics camping experience. This intimate campground keeps things simple with vault toilets, hand-pumped drinking water, and easy water access—letting you focus on what matters most: fishing from your boat, paddling across glassy waters, and reconnecting with nature.

MI

Escape to the peaceful shores of Little Wolf Lake, where 24 rustic campsites nestle among the trees just 3 miles southeast of Lewiston in Montmorency County. This first-come, first-served gem keeps things beautifully simple with vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and a 15-day maximum stay—perfect for those seeking authentic, unplugged lakeside camping with excellent paddling and fishing right from your site.

MI

Tucked along the peaceful north shore of Lake Marjory, this intimate 10-site campground offers an authentic back-to-basics escape in northern Michigan's forested wilderness. With first-come, first-served sites perfect for tents and small trailers, vault toilets, and hand-pump water, it's rustic camping at its finest—just you, the lake, and up to 15 days to unwind.

MI

MI

Escape to your own slice of wilderness at Avery Lake State Forest Campground, where 16 intimate campsites—including three walk-in tent sites right on the beach—are tucked beneath a canopy of towering hardwoods. This rustic retreat keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump well water, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with stays up to 15 days.

MI

Escape to Big Bear Point State Forest Campground, where 14 intimate tent and small-trailer sites nestle along the pristine north shore of Big Bear Lake in Otsego County. This rustic retreat keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump well water, while an on-site boat launch opens up endless possibilities for fishing, paddling, and exploring the lake. Sites are available first-come, first-served for stays up to 15 days.

MI

Escape to this hidden gem on Big Bear Lake's north shore, where towering evergreens and hardwoods create your own private woodland retreat. This intimate, rustic campground keeps things beautifully simple—just you, the forest, and steps to a sandy beach on warm, shallow waters perfect for summer swimming.

MI

Escape to Pinney Bridge, where 15 intimate tent sites await just a short walk from the parking area along the pristine Jordan River. This rustic hike-in campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, with basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water—all available on a first-come, first-served basis.

MI

Tucked away in the Jordan River Valley, Graves Crossing offers paddlers and anglers a rare find: a primitive, first-come campground right on the banks of Michigan's first designated scenic river. This secluded state forest gem features rustic amenities—vault toilets, hand-pump well, and direct carry-in river access—with no hookups and no reservations, just pure north woods solitude managed by Young State Park.

MI

Tucked away in Michigan's legendary Pigeon River Country, Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp welcomes equestrian groups seeking an authentic backcountry experience along the famed Shore-to-Shore Trail. This gated, rustic retreat accommodates up to 100 riders and their horses with tent and small trailer camping, vault toilets, and fresh water from a submersible pump—everything you need for a memorable trail riding adventure, nothing you don't.

MI

Escape to Jackson Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem where rustic charm meets lakeside tranquility. This intimate, first-come, first-served retreat offers vault toilets and hand-pump water, keeping things delightfully simple while you enjoy up to 15 days of boating, fishing, and trail exploration right from your campsite.

MI

Tucked along a scenic bluff above the Upper Manistee River, Goose Creek State Forest Campground offers an intimate escape with just nine rustic sites. This quiet riverside retreat, managed by Hartwick Pines State Park, puts you steps away from excellent paddling and fishing opportunities on one of Michigan's premier trout streams.