Michigan DNR Campgrounds

Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas are speckled with campgrounds that the Department of Natural Resources maintains. Whether they are located in a state forest or a state park, these campgrounds are operated consistently throughout the state. They vary greatly in size, allowing you to choose the level of seclusion or convenience you desire. Although some of the campgrounds are near cities, many are set near forested areas with outdoor fitness opportunities such as hiking, biking, kayaking or fishing nearby.

State Forest Campgrounds

Michigan is home to nearly 4 million acres of state forest. These areas are largely uninhabited and secluded. Michigan's 145 state forest campgrounds are located in the state's northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. State forest campgrounds are primitive and supplied only with vault toilets and potable water. Every state forest campground is on a river or lake, and many are located near a trail or equestrian path. Most sites are vehicle-accessible, but a few are reachable only by canoe or hiking trail.

State Park Campgrounds

State park campgrounds are less prolific than their state forest counterparts; however, the 98 state parks and recreation areas offer a range of camping styles, including rustic tent sites and full electric hood-up sites for RVs and motor homes. Many of Michigan's state park campgrounds also feature modern shower and restroom facilities. Unlike state forests, state parks are located throughout the state, reaching the southern Lower Peninsula as well as the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas.

Dispersed Camping

If you are seeking a more secluded camping experience than the state park or state forest campgrounds provide, or you are hiking a great distance, you may want to get a camp registration card. The Department of Natural Resources issues camp registration cards at no cost to campers. The card must be posted at your campsite at all times and allows you to camp anywhere on state forest land where there is not a "no camping" sign as long as you are at least one mile from a state forest or state park campground and you follow all rules applying to state land. You can obtain a card at the local DNR office where you plan to camp.

Cabins and Yurts

Several state parks feature permanent structures such as cabins and yurts--portable, felt-covered dwellings--that campers are welcome to rent. Some of these structures are located in or near an existing campground but others are along hiking trails and are more secluded than those in the campground. Twelve state parks offer cabins and four provide campers with yurts or tepees.

Winter Camping

Throughout the state park system, 10 state parks remain open for winter camping. Three parks have heated restrooms and many provide yurts and cabins as an alternative to winter tent camping, making it easier to stay warm during your trip. Parks that offer winter camping include Mitchell, Traverse City, Rifle River, Algonac, Bay City, Fort Custer, Ludington, North Higgins Lake, Tahquamenon Falls and Waterloo. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Pinckney State Park rent yurts and cabins during the winter months.