by Jill Halpin
15 Amazing Spots for Michigan Fall Camping
Fall camping in Michigan is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in brilliant colors of a Michigan autumn.
Fall in Michigan is a magical time when the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant colors. The “falls colors” paint the state in hues of red, orange, and gold, making it the perfect season for outdoor enthusiasts to embark on a memorable camping adventure.
In both the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, Michigan offers a plethora of camping spots that showcase the beauty of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a family camping destination or a couple’s getaway for some pure Michigan outdoor recreation in autumn, these camping destinations offer the perfect excuse to do some fall Michigan traveling.
From horseback riding through colorful forest campgrounds to hiking Michigan sand dunes without the crowds, these campgrounds in Michigan are filled with amazing opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful fall season.
Join us on a virtual road trip as we explore the top 15 places for fall camping in Michigan, from the rugged wilderness to serene inland lakes, all while experiencing the rich history and outdoor adventures that this state has to offer.
Please note that camping fees change frequently, especially during Covid. That’s why we’ve included clickable link to each location so you can check the most current prices as you plan your trip.
Fall Camping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Address: 33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: The largest state park in Michigan, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a must-see spot in Michigan. Nestled in the pristine Upper Peninsula, this is true north country natural beauty, with the picturesque Lake of the Clouds as the centerpiece. The Porcupine Mountains offer a front-row seat to Michigan’s fall foliage spectacle. With over 60,000 acres of wilderness, this park is a haven for hikers, backpackers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Amenities: Campgrounds with modern facilities, hiking and biking trails, and access to Lake Superior.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Address: 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Home to the mesmerizing Tahquamenon Falls, this Michigan State Park in the Upper Peninsula boasts stunning fall colors, making it a photographer’s dream. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of the most popular campgrounds in Michigan, in part because it is home to the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. There are two waterfalls here: the Upper Falls with a drop of almost 50 feet, and the 20-foot Lower Falls.
Amenities: Campgrounds with modern amenities, miles of hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Baraga State Park
1300 US-41 S, Baraga, MI 49908
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Set at the base of Michigan’s beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula, Baraga State Park is set on the scenic shores of Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Bay. Baraga State Park offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding forests ablaze with fall foliage. This is a great spot for hiking, kayaking and ORV riding. Rockhounds take note: Baraga State Park is also an amazing spot to hunt to Lake Superior Agates.
Amenities: Campsites, picnic areas, and access to Lake Superior for water activities
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Address: 15223 US-41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Discover history and fall colors at this historic state park in Copper Harbor. Be sure to comb the quarter-mile of rocky shoreline here for Yooperlite, the glow-in-the-dark rocks found along the Lake Superior shoreline. This restored 1844 army military outpost is a unique place to explore and provides a look back at life on the northern frontier during the mid-1800’s.
Amenities: Campgrounds, historic lighthouse, and hiking trails.
Van Riper State Park
Address: 851 County Rd S, Champion, MI 49814
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Van Riper State Park is nestled along Lake Michigamme and offers a serene fall camping experience. Located just west of Marquette in Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula, there are a lot of fun outdoor activities, too. Try the bicycle pump track, where riders are powered by momentum rather than pedaling and don’t miss the ADA accessible playground and hiking trails.
Amenities: Campgrounds, fishing, and hiking trails.
Fall Camping Northern Michigan
Hartwick Pines State Park
Address: 4216 Ranger Rd, Grayling, MI 49738
You can immerse yourself in the splendor of towering old-growth pine forests surrounded by vibrant fall colors here and really feel like you’ve “gotten away from it all.” Also one of the largest state parks in Michigan, you’ll find almost 1000 acres or pure Michigan natural beauty to explore at this campground just north of city of Grayling. A perfect destination for outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, birding and more.
Amenities: Campgrounds, nature trails, and a visitor center showcasing Michigan’s largest state forest park.
Tawas Point State Park
Address: 686 Tawas Beach Rd, East Tawas, MI 48730
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Located on Lake Huron, Tawas Point State Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning fall landscapes. Set on a sandy cape extending into Lake Huron and Tawas Bay, Tawas Bay is a perfect spot for birdwatches (there’s a protected area for Piping Plovers at the end of the point) and the water here is a pretty blue. It’s close to downtown East Tawas with cute shops and restaurants, too.
Amenities: Campsites, birdwatching, and lighthouse tours.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
Address: 9730 US-23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Enjoy the charm of the Mackinac area, with colorful foliage and views of Mackinac Island. It’s very pretty in the fall, and the Headlands International Dark Sky Park is located here, too, in case the Northern Lights make a fall appearance. This is one of the top tourist destinations in the state, and it’s fun to explore without the hustle and bustle of the summer crowds. Kids will enjoy the antique fire truck rides, playgrounds and more.
Amenities: Campsites, heated pools, and shuttle service to Mackinac Island ferries.
Ludington State Park
Address: 8800 W M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Surely you’ve seen photos of this windswept coast with the black-and-white striped Big Sable Point Lighthouse in the background. Ludington State Park is a quietly restful place in the autumn, offering miles of hiking and biking trails and two lakes (Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake) to explore. This campground offers the chance to camp near the shores of Lake Michigan, and it’s close to the downtown Ludington, too.
Amenities: Campgrounds, fishing, and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.
Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor
Address: 5505 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: One of Michigan’s best-kept fall secrets is that you can camp near Michigan’s famed Tunnel of Trees. You’ll find spacious RV sites, fully furnished vacation rentals, and upscale amenities, at this pet-friendly campground near Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey. This is one of the prettiest spots to take in northern Michigan’s fall foliage; the colors are made more vibrant with Lake Michigan as a beautiful backdrop.
Amenities: Hot Tub, Horseshoes, Fitness Center, Game Room, Library, Basketball Court, Putting Greens, Pickleball Courts, Movie Theater Room
Fall Camping in West Michigan
Holland State Park
Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: One of the most-visited state parks in Michigan Holland State Park is simply beautiful in the fall. The summer crowds have gone home, and you have the sugar sand shores of Lake Michigan to yourself (or almost). This lakeside campground near Lake Michigan offers stunning sunsets, too. You’ll see Big Red, the iconic red lighthouse as it stands tall against the fall waves of Lake Michigan. Be sure to take a walk along the pier when the water is calm and enjoy the ADA accessible paths through the park, and take time to explore downtown Holland, too.
Amenities: Campsites, beach access, and water sports.
Warren Dunes State Park
Address: 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Experience the tranquility of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and the vibrant fall foliage at Warren Dunes State Park, located in southwest Michigan’s Harbor Country. Warren Dunes State Park is a truly special place in the fall: hike 250 feet up the towering dunes and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning vista of a sparkling blue Lake Michigan and bright reds, yellows and golds of the changing foliage.
Amenities: Campsites, dune climbing, and access to Lake Michigan.
Fall Camping in Mid-Michigan
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Address: 7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Nestled among forests and inland lakes, Sleepy Hollow offers a peaceful retreat for fall campers. Located in mid-Michigan just north of Lansing, Sleepy Hollow is a hidden gem in Michigan for campers. There are 16 miles of hiking trails and it’s a great place for spotting birds: more than 228 species have been recorded here.
Amenities: Campgrounds, fishing, and miles of hiking trails.
Bay City State Park
Address: 3582 State Park Dr, Bay City, MI 48706
Why it’s a great place to camp in the fall: Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Bay City State Park is a scenic destination for fall camping.
Amenities: Campsites, interpretive programs, and access to Saginaw Bay.
Frankenmuth’s Jellystone Park
Address: 1339 Weiss Street,, Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734
What it’s a great place to camp in the fall: One of the most family-friendly campgrounds in Michigan, this campground in Frankenmuth offers ton of activities to keep the kids busy, including a mini-golf course, an indoor pool and hot tub, a bounce pad and so much more. There are fun themed weekend through the fall, including an Octoberfest, fall crafts weekend and more.
Amenities: indoor pool and hot tub, mini golf, volleyball, basketball and more
Whta Go Camping the Fall in Michigan?
Michigan offers a diverse range of fall camping experiences, from the rugged wilderness of the Upper Peninsula to the tranquil shores of the Lower Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed journey, these camping spots promise unforgettable memories amidst the “falls colors” of pure Michigan. So, pack your camping gear, hit the road, and embrace the beauty of Michigan’s fall camping season.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with nature, witness breathtaking fall foliage, and create lasting memories on your next camping trip in Michigan.
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About the Author-
Journalist Jill Halpin is the Founder and Chief Beach Officer of My Michigan Beach and Travel.