Spring Camping in Michigan

Spring Camping in Michigan

Discover the best spring camping across Michigan. Welcome the new season with spring camping. Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls surge, and nature awakens.

20+ Campgrounds4.9★ AverageBest: March through May

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Spring Camping in Michigan

Spring camping in Michigan offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Great Lakes State's natural beauty as it awakens from winter's slumber. From the pristine shores of Lake Superior to the legendary trout streams of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan's diverse landscapes provide countless options for early-season adventurers seeking solitude and renewal.

Best Time

The optimal window for spring camping in Michigan runs from late April through early June, with conditions varying significantly between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Late April through mid-May offers the best combination of manageable black fly populations, active wildlife including migrating waterfowl and songbirds, and excellent fishing as steelhead and trout become increasingly active in warming waters.

Season Highlights

  • Wildflower displays
  • Flowing waterfalls and streams
  • Mild, comfortable weather
  • Fewer crowds than summer


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Spring Camping in Michigan

Map Key
1
Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)
2
East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
3
Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island
4
Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground
5
Claybanks Campground
6
Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite
7
Cusino Lake State Forest Campground
8
Perch Lake State Forest Campground
9
Munuscong River State Forest Campground
10
Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
11
Canoe Lake State Forest Campground
12
Deer Lake State Forest Campground
13
Long Lake State Forest Campground (Missaukee)
14
Rifle River-Devoe Lake Campground
15
Moskey Basin Campground
16
Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island
17
Meadow Springs Campground
18
Pontiac Lake-Equestrian Campground
19
Fort Custer Group Camp
20
Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Spring wildflower viewing and nature photographySteelhead and trout fishing in rivers and streamsKayaking and canoeing on calm inland lakesHiking newly opened trails with waterfall viewingWildlife watching including migrating birds and waterfowlMountain biking on drying forest trails

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Spring camping in Michigan requires preparation for variable weather and seasonal conditions that differ significantly from summer camping.
  • 2Pack a four-season sleeping bag or heavy-duty bag rated to at least 20°F, as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing in April and early May, particularly in the Upper Peninsula.
  • 3Bring waterproof gear including rain jacket, pants, and tent footprint, as spring showers are common and ground conditions remain damp well into May.
  • 4For fishing enthusiasts, Michigan requires a valid fishing license available online through the DNR website, with special regulations on rivers like the Pere Marquette's catch-and-release section near Claybanks Campground.
20 campgrounds ranked
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Curated for Spring Camping in Michigan

Spring Camping in Michigan FAQ

We've ranked 20+ spring campgrounds in Michigan based on wildflowers, weather, and accessibility. Top options feature blooming landscapes and rejuvenated waterfalls.

Spring camping season in Michigan typically runs March through May, though opening dates vary by location and elevation. Mountain campgrounds may open later due to snowmelt.

Michigan offers excellent spring camping with wildflower displays, flowing waterfalls, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. It's perfect for hiking and photography.

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Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)
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