Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

Discover the best tent campgrounds across Michigan. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.8★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Pet-Friendly With Showers Potable Water Flush Toilets Reservable Under $15/night

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

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4.7

(74)

Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Alba (about 5.5 miles southeast of the campground)

Carry your gear just steps from parking to claim one of 15 secluded walk-in sites nestled in the Jordan River Valley, where thick forest buffers create genuine backcountry solitude without the lengthy trek.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

Vanderbilt

Thirty-nine rustic sites spread along sandy Pickerel Lake shores, offering tent campers level ground and natural buffers between neighbors deep in Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Porcupine Mountains-Presque Isle Campground

Location unavailable

Tent campers nestle between thundering Presque Isle River waterfalls and Lake Superior's wild shoreline, with spacious rustic sites scattered through old-growth forest.

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About Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

Tent camping in Michigan offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the Midwest's most diverse and pristine natural landscapes, from the towering dunes of Lake Michigan's shoreline to the rugged wilderness of the Upper Peninsula's ancient forests. The Great Lakes State boasts over 100 state forest campgrounds specifically designed for tent campers seeking authentic outdoor experiences, complemented by exceptional national park sites and scenic river corridors.

Best Time

Peak tent camping season runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest weather and fullest amenities but also the largest crowds at popular destinations. Late spring (mid-May to mid-June) provides excellent conditions with blooming wildflowers, active wildlife, reduced mosquito populations after initial hatch, and available sites at even the most sought-after campgrounds.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

Discover 17 additional top-rated tent campgrounds in Michigan

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4.7

(79)

Little Brevort Lake-North State Forest Campground

Brevort

Tent campers find 20 secluded sites tucked into protected forest along Little Brevort Lake's quiet northwest shore, where state natural area designation keeps the surroundings pristine and undeveloped.

Cusino Lake State Forest Campground

Melstrand

Every one of the six sites sits directly on Cusino Lake's shoreline, wrapped in forest that creates natural walls between neighbors. Sandy ground leads right to your own slice of beach, where the only sounds are lapping waves and wind through pines.

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

Manton

Towering red pines create a cathedral-like canopy over 25 rustic sites that spill right down to the Manistee River's edge. Soft pine needle carpet cushions your tent, while the hand-pump well and vault toilets keep things authentically wild without sacrificing essential comforts.

East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground

Seney

Tucked beneath towering hardwoods along a babbling trout stream, tent sites here offer genuine seclusion with natural spacing that lets you pretend you're the only campers for miles.

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Garnet (about 1 mile away)

Spacious, well-separated sites nestle among towering pines along Garnet Lake's quiet shoreline, where level tent pads and natural shade create comfortable camping spots steps from the water.

Tents

5.0

(21)

Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island

Munising
Hiawatha National Forest

Situated mere steps from Lake Superior's shoreline, this secluded island sanctuary surrounds tent campers with old-growth forest and the constant whisper of waves against sand.

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

Onaway

Towering pines shelter 25 rustic sites along Tomahawk Lake's sandy shores, with level ground and natural spacing that keeps neighbors out of sight. Launch your kayak steps from your tent, then cool off at the beach or hike the legendary High Country Pathway winding through camp.

Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground

Onaway

Waterfront tent sites line the shores of Tomahawk Creek Flooding, where spacious, well-separated campsites across two distinct units provide genuine seclusion among the trees.

Baldwin
Huron-Manistee National Forests

Towering pines and oaks shade tent sites along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, where the rush of water over gravel beds lulls campers to sleep. A dramatic staircase descends to pristine riverbanks where brown trout rise at dusk and morning mist drifts through the forest canopy.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

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Map Key

Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

Porcupine Mountains-Presque Isle Campground

Little Brevort Lake-North State Forest Campground

Cusino Lake State Forest Campground

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island

Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground

Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground

Claybanks Campground

Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

Munuscong River State Forest Campground

Moskey Basin Campground

Rifle River Spruce Campground

Deer Lake State Forest Campground

Meadow Springs Campground

View all 356 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping in pristine wilderness settingsHiking through old-growth forests and along scenic riversKayaking and canoeing on designated wild and scenic waterwaysFishing for trout, salmon, and bass in lakes and streamsWildlife viewing including moose, eagles, and black bearsSwimming in crystal-clear inland lakes and Lake Superior

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular lakeside and river campgrounds well in advance for summer weekends, but consider arriving midweek or during shoulder seasons for walk-up availability at even the most desirable locations.
2Bring a quality four-season tent for spring and fall camping as Michigan weather can shift rapidly, with temperatures dropping 30-40 degrees between afternoon and night even in summer months.
3Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit and bear-safe food storage containers for Upper Peninsula wilderness sites, though black bears are generally shy and problems are rare with proper precautions.
4Water quality varies by location—while many campgrounds feature excellent artesian wells praised by campers, always treat or filter water from hand pumps if you have any concerns.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Michigan

Tent Campgrounds in Michigan FAQ

Michigan offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in Michigan typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Michigan conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.