Wakeley Lake Campground

MI

Tucked into the heart of Rifle River Recreation Area, Spruce Rustic Campground offers 16 secluded sites beneath a canopy of towering trees, where the gentle sounds of the nearby Rifle River replace the noise of everyday life. This is camping stripped to its essentials—vault toilets, hand-pump water, and the kind of peaceful solitude that draws anglers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a true escape into Michigan's north woods.

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Nestled along the pristine waters of the Rifle River, Rifle River Ranch Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 25 rustic sites. Whether you're gliding down the river in a kayak, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or exploring wooded trails in search of wildlife, this hidden gem provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Nestled along the shores of a pristine 175-acre lake, Mack Lake ORV Campground stands as the crown jewel of the Mio Ranger District, where adventure seekers and nature lovers converge. This unique destination seamlessly blends backcountry camping with an integrated day-use area, offering everything from sandy swimming beaches to direct trailhead access for the renowned Mack Lake Trail System—making it a year-round haven for ORV enthusiasts, anglers casting for their next catch, and families seeking lakeside relaxation.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Deep in Michigan's rugged backcountry, Mack Lake ORV Campground beckons adventure seekers with its untamed spirit and endless trail networks. This rustic haven spreads across the shores of a serene 175-acre lake, where shallow waters mirror the sky through a carpet of natural muck bottom sediments. Here, the roar of engines harmonizes with nature's whispers, creating a unique sanctuary where ORV enthusiasts can push their machines to the limit by day and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of lake waters by night.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Tucked away in a secluded pocket of Michigan's wilderness, River Dune Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking authentic primitive camping. This hidden gem sits perfectly positioned between two beloved landmarks—the Au Sable River Scenic Overlook and the Au Sable Loop Campground. Your adventure begins with a peaceful half-mile walk from the parking area, leading you through the forest to this tranquil retreat. Far removed from the hustle of roadways and neighboring campsites, River Dune provides the rare opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Discover a hidden gem where five intimate campsites nestle within a cathedral of hardwoods, just steps from the legendary Au Sable River. Reached by a winding unpaved road from the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook, this quiet retreat offers front-row access to some of Michigan's most pristine river scenery, whether you're casting a line, launching a canoe, or simply soaking in the wilderness from your picnic table.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Nestled deep within the enchanting Huron-Manistee National Forests, Au Sable Loop Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic rustic camping experience. Here, towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead while the legendary Au Sable River winds its way through the landscape just moments away. Whether you're paddling silently through morning mist, casting a line into pristine waters, or simply sitting still as deer emerge from the forest shadows, this campground serves as your gateway to Michigan's untamed wilderness.

5761 NORTH SKEEL AVENUE, OSCODA, MI 48750

Discover 102 secluded camping spots scattered like hidden gems along 55 miles of the meandering AuSable River. This expansive network of dispersed single-family sites invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through mirror-like waters, or spotting rare birds through morning mist, AuSable River Camping offers an authentic wilderness experience where the only soundtrack is the gentle flow of water and rustling leaves.

Cathedral Pines Campground, FR 4350, Oscoda County, Michigan, USA

Step into a living cathedral of towering eastern white pines at Cathedral Pines Campground, where centuries-old giants create a natural sanctuary along the Au Sable River. This peaceful walk-in site serves as a beloved haven for river paddlers seeking respite in nature's embrace. As one visitor beautifully captured it: 'Lovely large pine trees. Large campsite. Very quiet and out of the way. Few facilities' (Curtis Casto, 2021). Here, the simplicity is the luxury—spacious sites beneath ancient canopies, the gentle murmur of the river nearby, and a profound sense of solitude that only Michigan's wilderness can provide.

MI

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.

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

Gather your group of up to 100 friends and family for an authentic outdoor experience at Hartwick Pines Group Camp, where two rustic sites nestle within one of Michigan's most treasured state parks. With vault toilets, hand-pumped potable water, picnic tables, and crackling fire rings, you'll find everything needed for memorable group camping. Reserve your spot by calling the park office at 989-348-7068.

Hartwick Pines State Park

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.