10 Best Northern Michigan Campgrounds

Head Up North for a rustic weekend getaway at these Northern Michigan campgrounds.

More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined more than 300 Red Hot Best winners. Here are our readers’ picks for best Northern Michigan campgrounds. Planning a summer trip? You’ll also definitely want to check out these Michigan state parks near a Great Lake.

Happy camping!

D.H. Day, Glen Arbor

Your own piece of Sleeping Bear Bay real estate—for up to two weeks. Close to downtown Glen Arbor for camping essentials (hot dogs, graham crackers, sunscreen).

Interlochen State Park, Interlochen

Set between two well-known fishing and swimming lakes. We’ll see you on the water.

Platte River Campground, Honor

Pick your adventure level. RV, tent, group and backcountry sites available. Tubing the river is a must.

Barnes Park, East Port

Located on Grand Traverse Bay, this wooded park is the spot for beach lovers and hikers alike.

Betsie River Campsite, Frankfort

Suprise! It’s actually not on the river. But it’s really, really close to the river and absolutely gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches.

Northern Exposure, Mesick

Spacious sites, panoramic views, sandy beach on Hodenpyl Dam Pond (it’s more like a lake), lots of family activities like kayaking and basketball.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Lower Falls

The state park has close to 52,000 acres for you to explore—hiking, canoeing, fishing. Restaurant and gift shop at Upper Falls. Four miles downstream is the Lower Falls (five smaller falls cascade around an island).

Timber Ridge RV Park And Campground, Traverse City

Open year round. Tents and RVs welcome, or rent a cabin. The resort has 60 kilometers of groomed trails and connects to the Vasa trail system.

Turtle Lake Campground, Beulah

Tent camping. Horse camping (how cool!). RVs. Get ready for relaxing days on the lake.

Young State Park, Boyne City

Sandy beaches on Lake Charlevoix—gorgeous. Less than 5 minutes from downtown Boyne City and 20 minutes from downtown Charlevoix.

Try these creative s’more recipes on your next camping trip!