Camping is a beloved way of life in Michigan, which is why many visitors to Mackinac Island are surprised that there is actually no camping on the island. In fact, vehicles are not allowed on the island at all, and this means RVs too! Fortunately, there are still camping areas in the vicinity that you can stay at to enjoy an outdoorsy vacation and still check out all the island attractions via ferry, bike, or on foot. Here are the best campgrounds and RV parks near Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Lakeshore RV Park & Campground, St. Ignace
One of the closest camping areas to Mackinac Island is the Lakeshore RV Park & Campground. This is a family-owned RV park that offers 20/30/50-amp electric service, sewer, and water at all the RV sites. There are also tent sites here. You’ll be close to Downtown St. Ignace at this small, friendly park too. Guests enjoy a quiet atmosphere and lovely lake views and access. Campers will have free Wi-Fi, a pavilion to use, fire pits, and access to ice and wood as well. This campground is open from May through October each year.
Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground, St. Ignace
The Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground is a great choice for travelers looking to be near Mackinac Island. Campsites are available here with water, 30/50-amp electric service, a discount option for no services, lakefront sites, and pull-through sites. This is a seasonal campground that is open between May and October. You’ll enjoy being right along the lake here in St. Ignace. To make a reservation, it is best to call the campground staff. Leave a message to get a callback and reserve a site during the off-season. It’s easy to explore Michigan’s Mackinac Island the Upper Peninsula attractions when you stay here.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, Mackinaw City
Here’s a popular and award-winning campground that’s family-friendly and has something for everyone. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping has full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and cabin rentals. You’ll be surrounded by nature on the shores of Lake Huron and along a mile of lakefront. From here, you can see Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge. It’s just five minutes from the ferry docks too. Amenities provided include a heated pool, camp store, free mini-golf, playgrounds, and basketball courts. Reservations can be made online or by calling the park office.
St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday, St. Ignace
There are a couple of KOA campgrounds in the Mackinac Island area, including St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday. This campground has full hookup sites, a dog park, pavilion, pool, and game room. In addition to RV sites, there are also cabins that you can rent at the KOA. Most sites here have cable TV available. Wi-Fi, a tour shuttle, and bike rentals can also be arranged here. In addition to Mackinac Island close by, you can also check out Tahquamenon Falls and the Sault Locks in Sault Ste. Marie that is about an hour away.
Straits State Park, St. Ignace
Straits State Park spans about 181 acres of land and offers great views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac. This park has a campground that you can book a site at for very reasonable rates. The prices are between $20 and $34 depending on the season and whether you need hookups. There are 20/30-amp and 50-amp sites available. The park’s main trail is about a mile, and there’s also a cabin that you can rent here. Situated in a waterfront area along Lake Huron, the park is a popular spot for birdwatchers in the spring and fall.
Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA Journey, Mackinaw City
Another local KOA campground to consider is the Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA Journey, which has wooded campsites and a heated pool. It’s a mile south of Mackinaw City center and has free shuttles to reach the island ferries. Also, a Lake Michigan beach is less than two miles away. The campground has pull-through RV sites, full hookups, tent sites, and cabins to rent. Wi-Fi and cable TV are available at the campsites, and the pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Tee Pee Campground, Mackinaw City
Both RVs and tents are welcome at the Tee Pee Campground, which is located a mile from Mackinaw City. From here you can get free shuttles to the ferries and discounted ferry tickets. This is a family-owned, private campground with great views and a convenient location. It’s a pet-friendly destination with a camp store, game room, walking trail nearby, nightly beach bonfires, and 20/30/50-amp hookups. It’s a no-frills, well-maintained campground that offers a relaxed environment and has everything you need to be comfortable.
Tiki RV Park & Campground, St. Ignace
Also located in St. Ignace, you’ll find the Tiki RV Park & Campground among white pine forests and within walking distance of the Mackinac Island ferry docks. This is a family-owned campground that’s the closest one to the heart of St. Ignace and also walkable from the lake. Pets are welcome at this friendly park. Wi-Fi is available at the front office but can’t be guaranteed at all of the individual campsites. In addition to RV camping, you can also rent a tiki hut yurt here for a glamping experience and get full access to the campground’s showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.
Loons Point RV Park & Campground, Cedarville
When you’re in this part of Michigan, you can also stay at Loons Point RV Park & Campground to have a Northern Michigan adventure. It is about 40 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge and many other attractions. This is a friendly campground that welcomes RVs, camper trailers, tents, boats, and pets. There is also a cabin and guest house here if you feel like glamping and don’t have your own RV. Facilities offered at this campground include a dump station, laundry, picnic tables, firewood and fire rings, ice, basketball, and boat docks. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented here too.
Cedarville RV Park, Cedarville
Book your stay at the Cedarville RV Park to enjoy a well-maintained campground with grassy sites and paved roads. This is a pet-friendly park with full RV hookups and a convenient location near outdoor activities and attractions. This park has been operating since 1960 and is on the shore of Lake Huron. Kayak rentals are offered here, and the rates are competitive for the area. Other features of this campground include laundry facilities, restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, Wi-Fi, and a fish-cleaning building.
Waterways Campground, Cheboygan
People who love both boating and camping enjoy staying at the Waterways Campground in Michigan. This Cheboygan campground has full hookups, pull-through and back-in sites, free Wi-Fi, a boat launch, and restrooms with showers. You’ll be along the Cheboygan River and have access to 42 miles of inland waterways. It’s a wonderful place to fish, kayak, tube, and have a pontoon boat. Camping season runs from the first of May through mid-October. Up to two pets can stay with you here. You’ll also have easy access to I-75 from here and be close to Mackinac Island.
Roberts Landing Campground, Mackinaw City
Another local option is to stay at Roberts Landing Campground in Mackinaw City, which takes reservations online and by phone. This campground is by Lake Huron and offers views of the Mackinac Bridge. There’s 533 feet of lake frontage at the campground to enjoy the views. The campsites have picnic tables and fire pits. There’s also a common area for campers to mingle and a gazebo with a fire pit inside. Amenities here include a dump station, restrooms with showers, and free access to the indoor waterparks in Mackinaw City. Pets are welcome here as long as you pick up after them. This campground is typically open from early May to early November.
