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This is the Best Secret Camping Area in Michigan

Author Anne Erickson
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Michigan is great for camping. This time, why not head to a new camping area that you’ve never tried before? So, what’s the best secret camping area in Michigan? As it turns out, there are plenty of undiscovered camping areas that are special in the Mitten. Chances are, some of these are very new to you.

I’ve done some research and looked through Pure Michigan‘s roster to find a new camping areas that are different and also not very jam-packed with people. Of course, if you want to be in one of the busiest and most popular camping spots, that’s totally understandable. If so, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise is a very popular area for camping. It’s one of the most popular in the state. Pure Michigan named it the No. 1 most beautiful camping area in Michigan. “Take in the sights of one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” Pure Michigan says of the area. “The Upper Falls stretches 50 feet high and more than 200 feet wide, deservingly making it a must-see attraction.” It also has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes and approximately 20,000 acres of nature. That sounds lovely.

So, what about some off-the-radar areas? My No. 1 selection for the best secret camping area in Michigan is Port Crescent State Park in the Thumb. Lake Michigan gets so much attention, but Lake Huron is a pristine and pure lake. Port Crescent State Park has great views and a lot of prime camping spots. Also, it’s just a road trip from Detroit, so it’s a good area for those in Detroit and on the east side of the state. Find more on it via Pure Michigan here. Find a list of my personal favorite Michigan day trips on my here.

10 Beautiful Michigan Rivers You Have to Experience

  • 10. Jordan River

    The Jordan River flows through the Jordan Valley, and it’s really beautiful. People who love to fish trout will find lots in this river. It’s also a very clear river, making it a beautiful spot for a picnic, and a moderately calm river, so it’s good for canoeing.

    Jordan River

    Rafting down the Jordan River

  • 9. Rifle River

    Rifle River is a shallow river, so it’s perfect for families. This river is located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It’s always a popular spot in the summer months.

    Rifle River Recreation Area

    Rifle River Recreation Area provides year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more. The park is home to 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. There is an observation tower located along Ridge Road overlooking many of the parks features and a swinging (suspension) bridge across the Rifle River.

  • 8. Big Manistee River

    The Big Manistee River is actually part of the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its clean water and forests. This spot is also known for picturesque views. It’s a must-see spot for any nature lover.

    Big Manistee River - Manistee County Tourism - Manistee, Michigan

    This river is wide and smooth flowing. Some parts have tighter navigation and fast switchbacks which may take you a little off guard, but this is a great river for the casual paddler. You will also find an abundance of rope swings and great sand bars at which to stop and socialize.

  • 7. Boardman River

    Like the Jordan River, the Boardman is another great spot for trout fishing. The river runs a little over 28 miles and drains into the Grand Traverse Bay. Several other fish are also easy to find in this spot, including smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

    The Boardman River

    This classic trout stream is located minutes from Traverse City and offers Trout fishing on its upper sections and Steelhead and Salmon on its lower sections closer to town.

  • 6. Huron River

    The Huron River goes through so many cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. There’s something special about the nature feel of a river running through a bustling city. There are also good camping and picnic areas around this river.

    Welcome to the Huron River Water Trail! - Huron River National Water Trail

    The Huron River National Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river's natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

  • 5. Grand River

    The Grand River runs along the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of Michigan and flows into Lake Michigan. It’s actually the longest river in Michigan and runs 252 miles. I’ve been on this river many times, and it’s a favorite.

    The Grand River

    The Grand River is a Michigan favorite.

  • 4. Detroit River

    The Detroit River runs about 24 miles west and south, from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It’s also a strait in the Great Lakes system. The river is right between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It’s a landmark of the Motor City.

    Detroit River -

    Detroit River urbanization and the river In the early 1900s, Detroit became one of the largest cities in the United States, and the Detroit River played a major role. The river is 28 miles long and serves as the international border between Canada and the United States, connecting Lake St.

  • 3. Pine River

    Pine River offers exquisite views, as it flows through the Manistee National Forest. This is also a popular river for camping, and you’ll find campgrounds all along the banks.

    Pine River Campground, Canoe, Kayaking on the Pine River and Manistee - Michigan

    PRPC has a beautiful campground next to the Pine River and has the most extensive stock of canoes, kayaks, and raft rentals for trips on Michigan's Pine River and Manistee River. Perfect for paddle sport enthusiasts and families. Book online today!

  • 2. Platte River

    The Platte River runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and goes into Lake Michigan. It has a very gentle current, which is good for a variety of activities. There is lots of greenery around this river, too, making it lovely.

    About the Platte River in Michigan - Riverside Canoes

    The Platte River wanders for nearly 30 miles across beautiful northwest lower Michigan, a popular destination for canoe trips, kayaking and tubing.

  • 1. Au Sable River

    The Au Sable River runs a whopping 138 miles through the towns of Grayling and Mio. It runs into Lake Huron at Oscoda. This is another prized spot for trout fishing and was even named a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

    Au Sable

    The Au Sable River runs approximately 130 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio and enters Lake Huron at Au Sable.Spend the day fishing, canoeing, tubing, having a picnic.& [...]

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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