Grass Lake State Forest Campground

MI

MI

Tucked along a picturesque bend of the Au Sable River, Rainbow Bend offers paddlers and anglers an intimate escape into Michigan's northwoods. This rustic riverside retreat sits about 15 miles east of Grayling in Crawford County, where the focus is on simplicity: basic amenities, vault toilets, and direct access to one of the region's most beloved waterways.

MI

MI

Escape to House Lake State Forest Campground, where 41 rustic sites nestle along the peaceful shores of House Lake in Gladwin County. This secluded northern Michigan retreat offers traditional camping with vault toilets and hand-pump water, plus two unique geodesic domes for those seeking a distinctive overnight experience (domes from $170/night, two-night minimum).

MI

Escape to Canoe Harbor, a rustic riverside retreat nestled along the pristine South Branch of the Au Sable River. This wooded gem offers anglers and paddlers direct access to legendary trout waters, with both drive-up sites for tent and small-trailer camping plus secluded walk-in and paddle-in spots right on the riverbank—all available first-come, first-served.

MI

Escape to the tranquil shores of Pickerel Lake, where this intimate rustic campground tucks you beneath a canopy of hardwoods and birch trees. With first-come, first-served sites (15-day maximum), vault toilets, and hand-pump water, it's the perfect basecamp for anglers and paddlers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics lakeside retreat.

MI

MI

Escape to White Pine Canoe Camp, a hidden gem along Michigan's legendary Au Sable River where adventure begins at the water's edge. This intimate paddle-in campground welcomes spontaneous explorers with rustic tent sites, basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump well water, and a first-come, first-served policy that keeps things delightfully simple for paddlers and anglers seeking an authentic river experience.

MI

2180 Latham Road

Nestled within two peaceful loops, Round Lake Campground offers 33 secluded sites where the forest meets the water's edge. This hidden gem provides the only public gateway to the pristine 91-acre Round Lake, drawing anglers, swimmers, and paddlers seeking an authentic Michigan wilderness experience. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, while vault toilets and regular garbage service ensure comfort without compromising the rustic charm. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching the sunset paint ripples across the lake, this wooded retreat promises the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.

Oscoda, MI 48750, USA

Step back in time at Monument Campground, where over a century of camping tradition awaits beneath towering red pines. Established in 1909 as one of the Huron National Forest's pioneering campgrounds, this rustic retreat offers a perfect blend of natural serenity and historical discovery. Fully accessible pathways wind through the pine plantation, leading campers to secluded sites while keeping the fascinating Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center and scenic river trails within easy reach.

6260 Rollways Rd, Hale, MI 48739, USA

Tucked away in the embrace of Michigan's north woods, Rollways Campground offers a peaceful riverside retreat just 7 miles from the charming town of Hale. Since welcoming its first campers in 1909, this historic gem has evolved into a modern outdoor haven featuring spacious pull-through sites connected by smooth paved roads. Here, the convenience of vault toilets and well-maintained facilities meets the timeless allure of winding hiking trails that beckon you to explore the surrounding wilderness.

5761 North Skeel Ave, Oscoda, MI, USA, 48750

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at South Branch Trail Camp Group Site, where equestrian dreams come alive against a backdrop of pristine Michigan wilderness. This horse-friendly haven serves as your gateway to the legendary 240-mile Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail, offering riders and their four-legged companions the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the Midwest's most spectacular trail systems.

South Branch Au Sable Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, Oscoda County, MI, USA

Escape into the untamed beauty of South Branch Au Sable Area, where 10,628 acres of pristine wilderness await along the legendary Au Sable River. This semi-primitive haven invites adventurers to experience dispersed camping in its purest form, surrounded by dense forests and the gentle music of flowing water. Whether you're casting a line for trophy trout, paddling through scenic waterways, or tracking game through ancient forests, this nonmotorized sanctuary offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's north woods, Pine River Campground offers an authentic escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This intimate, rustic retreat comes alive during fishing season when anglers cast their lines into pristine waters, but its charm extends far beyond the riverbank. History whispers through the trees here, where a beautifully preserved Civilian Conservation Corps picnic shelter from the mid-1940s stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy. Whether you're stalking elusive trout at dawn, foraging for wild mushrooms in the dappled forest light, or filling your basket with sun-warmed berries, this peaceful sanctuary rewards those who seek simple pleasures and genuine wilderness experiences.

Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI

Escape to the hidden gem of Horseshoe Lake Campground, where rustic charm meets untouched wilderness. This peaceful retreat cradles a pristine 16-acre lake that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. Wander the mile-long scenic trail that winds through the forest, or venture out to explore nearby ORV trails and recreational areas. Here, solitude isn't just a promise—it's a guarantee, as this lightly-visited sanctuary remains one of the forest's best-kept secrets.

MI

Escape to Rifle River–Devoe Lake Campground, where towering trees frame a pristine, spring-fed lake perfect for peaceful paddles and refreshing swims. This rustic retreat offers the authentic Northwoods experience—no motors, no hookups, just you and nature in beautifully secluded campsites surrounded by forest.

MI

Escape to one of Michigan's hidden gems: a intimate four-site campground nestled along the pristine shores of Canoe Lake. This rustic retreat in the state forest offers the perfect basecamp for paddlers and anglers seeking solitude, with easy access to Trail 8 and the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just beyond.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Hidden within a serene red pine plantation along the legendary Au Sable River, Meadow Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for adventurous souls. This secluded, rustic retreat rewards those willing to leave their vehicles behind at the gate and venture on foot into nature's embrace. Beloved by paddlers navigating the pristine waters of the Au Sable, this hike-in sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and riverside serenity far from the crowds.

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Tucked away in nature's embrace, Bermuda Campsite offers an intimate escape just 75 yards from the crystalline waters of Lake Superior and the pristine sands of Murray Bay Beach. This hidden gem on Grand Island provides the perfect balance of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities, where you'll find everything needed for a comfortable wilderness stay—from a convenient latrine and secure food storage options to a welcoming fire ring surrounded by benches, complete with provided firewood for those magical evening gatherings under the stars.

5685 Lake Michigan Road

Nestled between the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan and the meandering Platte River, this beloved campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. With miles of scenic hiking trails weaving through diverse landscapes and thoughtfully maintained facilities that enhance rather than intrude upon the natural setting, Platte River Campground has earned its reputation as one of the region's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Claybanks Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat where anglers cast their lines for elusive brown trout and nature enthusiasts discover tranquility beneath towering pines and oaks. Adventure awaits down the campground's famously steep stairs—a heart-pumping descent that leads to a gravel riverbed perfect for fly-fishing and catch-and-release pursuits. This riverside sanctuary beckons those who seek the gentle rhythm of flowing water and the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, Bay View Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here, beneath a canopy of towering pines, rustic campsites offer front-row seats to one of the Great Lakes' most dramatic coastlines. Adventure awaits just moments away, from the thundering cascade of Tahquamenon Falls to the historic beacon of Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the fascinating Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, where tales of maritime history come alive.

Bewabic State Park

MI

Nestled on the sparkling shores of Sugarloaf Lake, this family-friendly campground offers the perfect blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty. With electric hookups, a sandy swimming beach, and shaded grassy sites beneath mature trees, it's a beloved destination for families seeking a classic Michigan camping experience—though its popularity means cozy spacing during summer weekends.

MI

Escape to Long Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked into the hills above one of Missaukee County's most pristine glacial lakes. This rustic retreat offers the kind of quiet, back-to-basics camping experience that reminds you why you love the outdoors—think towering pines, shimmering water views, and the simple pleasure of a campfire under the stars.