Best Campgrounds in Michigan: 2026 Guide

Michigan is the state where camping means waking up to the sound of waves — not ocean waves, but the surprisingly powerful surf of the Great Lakes, freshwater seas so large they create their own weather systems and stretch beyond the horizon like the open ocean. The Upper Peninsula alone contains more shoreline than most coastal states, with campgrounds perched on bluffs above Lake Superior where sunsets paint the water in colors that rival any Pacific coast evening. Add the legendary fall foliage that sets the hardwood forests ablaze from late September through October, the wild-and-scenic rivers perfect for canoe camping, and the fact that you're never more than six miles from a body of water anywhere in the state, and Michigan emerges as one of America's most underrated camping destinations.

Why Michigan Stands Out

Water defines Michigan camping in a way no other state can match. The Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie — provide over 3,000 miles of shoreline, and the interior is dotted with 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of streams. The Upper Peninsula's Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests contain campgrounds that feel as remote as anything in Montana, yet you're camping beside the largest freshwater lake system on Earth. The rivers — Au Sable, Pere Marquette, Carp, Manistee — are nationally recognized for fly fishing and canoe camping. And then there's the fall color season, when Michigan's maple, oak, birch, and aspen forests erupt into a canopy of red, orange, and gold that transforms every campground into a postcard.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Bay Furnace Campground

On the south shores of Lake Superior near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Bay Furnace puts you at the doorstep of Michigan's most iconic scenery. The campground is centered among waterfalls and the colorful sandstone cliffs that make Pictured Rocks a bucket-list destination for paddlers and hikers alike.

Bay View Campground

Along the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway in the Upper Peninsula, Bay View provides rustic camping directly on the shores of Lake Superior. The massive lake stretches to the horizon from your campsite, and the surrounding Hiawatha National Forest offers trails through boreal forest and along rocky shoreline.

Black River Harbor Campground

In the Ottawa National Forest near Ironwood, Black River Harbor sits where the Black River meets Lake Superior. A series of stunning waterfalls along the North Country Trail upstream from camp makes this one of the Upper Peninsula's most scenic camping locations — river, forest, and Great Lake all converge here.

Au Train Lake Campground

At the south end of Au Train Lake near Munising, this campground is a quiet favorite among anglers and families. The setting is peaceful and intimate, with lake access for paddling and fishing while Pictured Rocks and Grand Island are just a short drive north for day adventures.

AuSable River Dispersed Camping

A unique system of 102 individual campsites spread across a 55-mile stretch of the Au Sable River near Oscoda, this dispersed camping experience puts you directly on one of Michigan's most beloved rivers. Every site is within the Huron National Forest — perfect for multi-day canoe camping trips down this National Scenic River.

Bowman Bridge Campground

On the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Bowman Bridge offers true nature immersion. Campers come for easy river access and the delightful views of this crystal-clear trout stream. The surrounding Manistee National Forest provides additional trails and fishing opportunities in every direction.

Brevoort Lake Campground

Stretching along the western shore of Brevoort Lake on a peninsula in the Hiawatha National Forest, this popular fishing destination offers water on three sides. The unique geography means lake views from nearly every site — a feature that makes it one of the Upper Peninsula's most sought-after summer campgrounds.

Carp River Campground

Adjacent to the Carp Wild and Scenic River near St. Ignace, Carp River Campground sits in a quiet, rustic setting surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest. The river provides excellent fishing and paddling, and the nearby Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan's two peninsulas is a short drive away.

Camp Seven Lake Campground

Neighboring the 60-acre Camp Seven Lake near Munising, this campground offers swimming, boating, and fishing in a beautiful inland lake setting. The excellent location and available activities make it a versatile base for families exploring the central Upper Peninsula.

Planning Tips

Plan for fall color. Late September through mid-October delivers Michigan's most spectacular camping — hardwood forests in full autumn color with comfortable temperatures and minimal bugs. Book early for this peak window. Upper Peninsula weather is serious. Lake Superior creates its own weather; temperatures can be 20°F cooler on the shore than a few miles inland, and storms can materialize quickly. Layer up and bring rain gear year-round. Bug season is intense. June and early July bring mosquitoes and black flies in force, especially near water. Head nets and DEET-based repellent are essential for early-season camping. Bring a canoe or kayak. Michigan's rivers and lakes are the heart of the camping experience — paddling opens up campsites, fishing spots, and scenic viewpoints that road-bound campers never see.

Find More Michigan Campgrounds

Explore all Michigan camping options on our Michigan campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Great Lakes camping trip.