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97 campgrounds and RV Parks near Central Lake, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
97 campgrounds
10230 campsites
39 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near Central Lake, MI
Six Mile Lake Campground
East Jordan, MI (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
+6
Barnes Park Campground
Eastport, MI (6 miles away)
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Bellaire, MI (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(89 sites)
+9
Honcho Rest Campground
Elk Rapids, MI (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+7
Antrim Meadows Campground
Mancelona, MI (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+10
Young State Park
Boyne City, MI (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(240 sites)
+9
Blue Lakes Adventure Camp
Elmira, MI (16 miles away)
Starlight Campground and RV Park
Mancelona, MI (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+9
Fisherman's Island State Park
Charlevoix, MI (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+4
Leelanau State Park
Michigan (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(51 sites)
+5
Boyne Country RV Park & Campground
Boyne City, MI (18 miles away)
Wild Cherry RV Park
Michigan (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Grills Dump station Toilets Playground Showers Firewood Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Central Lake, Michigan
Central Lake sits in Antrim County in northwest Lower Michigan, along the Chain of Lakes waterway that links Intermediate Lake, Torch Lake, Lake Bellaire, and several smaller lakes. The village is roughly a half-hour drive from Charlevoix and the Lake Michigan shoreline, and about an hour north of Traverse City, which makes it a workable base for RV renters exploring the region's inland lakes and Great Lakes beaches.
Campground options nearby range from small private properties to a county park and a state park. Six Mile Lake Campground and Honcho Rest Campground are small operations in the surrounding countryside with a handful of hookup sites. Chain-O-Lakes Campground in Bellaire is a larger family park with full hookups, cabins, and a pool. Barnes Park Campground is an Antrim County park on Grand Traverse Bay with wooded electric and rustic sites. Fisherman's Island State Park, just south of Charlevoix, offers rustic camping directly on Lake Michigan.
Most sites in the area are seasonal, with the standard operating window running roughly May through October.
Things to do near Central Lake
The Chain of Lakes is the main draw. Renters bring or launch boats, kayaks, and paddleboards on Intermediate Lake, Torch Lake, and Lake Bellaire, and the connecting rivers make for long, sheltered paddling routes. Fishing is productive across the chain, with bass, pike, walleye, and panfish common.
On the Lake Michigan side, Fisherman's Island State Park has more than six miles of undeveloped shoreline, a sandy beach popular for Petoskey stone hunting, and a 2.5-mile hiking trail through dune forest. Barnes Park Campground has its own Grand Traverse Bay beach and trails.
Off the water, Bellaire has a walkable downtown with Short's Brewing Company, and Charlevoix and Traverse City are both within easy day-trip range for shops, restaurants, and cherry farms.
Camping spots and RV parks near Central Lake, MI
When to visit and seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
52° / 34°F 65 mmCool and variable; state park reservations open May 1
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 80 mmPeak season; book weekend sites weeks ahead
- fall
September - November
52° / 37°F 85 mmFall color peaks in October, the wettest month of the year
- winter
December - February
28° / 18°F 50 mmDeep cold and lake-effect snow; most campgrounds closed
The camping season in Antrim and Charlevoix counties is short. Most private campgrounds, including Six Mile Lake Campground and Honcho Rest Campground, operate from roughly May through mid-October. Fisherman's Island State Park takes reservations from May 1 through September 14 and continues on a first-come, first-served basis until November 30. Barnes Park Campground opens its reservation season in April and runs through the summer and early fall. Chain-O-Lakes Campground advertises full hookups year-round, but winter access is limited.
July and August are peak season. Lake Michigan water warms enough for swimming, inland lakes are busy with boat traffic, and weekend sites at popular parks are booked well in advance. June and early September are quieter alternatives with comfortable daytime temperatures.
Late September through mid-October brings fall color across the hardwood forests and a second small peak of visitors. After that, freezing nights, lake-effect snow, and campground closures set in through winter, and most services in the area scale back until spring.
Top Hosts near Central Lake, MI
Kenny4 trips - Joined Jul 2024
Kenny and his wife did a great job setting up the camper and explaining all the features. We spent a wonderful worry-free weekend at Burt lake state park. I highly recommend renting from kenny looze
Eugene G. - Oct 2024
Cobe2 trips - Joined Jun 2026
Great experience!!!!
Travis S. - Aug 2026
How to book campgrounds in this area
Fisherman's Island State Park takes reservations through the Michigan DNR system at MiDNRReservations.com or by phone, up to six months in advance, from May 1 through September 14. From September 15 through November 30, sites are first come, first served. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to all state parks and state forest campgrounds.
Barnes Park Campground uses Campspot for online reservations, with the season typically opening in April. Antrim County requires a two-night minimum stay for non-holiday reservations and a three-night minimum over holiday weekends, and only one trailer or RV is permitted per site.
Chain-O-Lakes Campground, Six Mile Lake Campground, and Honcho Rest Campground book directly through their own websites or listing platforms. Holiday weekends fill first, so booking two to three months out is advisable for July and August.
What to expect on the ground
Site types vary widely. Fisherman's Island State Park is rustic: vault toilets, hand-pumped water, no showers, and no electricity, with 80 sites across three loops plus 15 sites nestled in the dunes along Lake Michigan. The park is best suited to tents and compact RVs. Access roads inside the park are gravel and can be rough after rain.
Barnes Park Campground has electric and rustic sites, two modern bathhouses with coin-operated showers, a camp store, and a Grand Traverse Bay beach. Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers full hookups, 50-amp sites for big rigs, a heated pool, laundry, and a camp store. Six Mile Lake Campground and Honcho Rest Campground are small properties with a limited number of hookup sites and quick access to inland lake boat launches.
Cell coverage is generally adequate near villages but spotty in wooded areas. Bring bug spray in June and early July.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Central Lake, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Central Lake, MI?
RV rental in Central Lake, MI is more affordable than many travelers expect, especially compared to coastal destinations. On RVezy, you typically find travel trailers starting around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes between $175 and $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes around $250 to $400 per night. Summer weekends in July and August (peak Torch Lake season) run highest, while late September and early October bring beautiful fall color and lower nightly rates. For a cheap RV rental in Central Lake, look at midweek bookings, towable trailers, and shoulder season dates. Pro tip: booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead locks in the best inventory before the Chain of Lakes crowd arrives.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Central%20Lake%2C%20MichiganWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Central Lake, Michigan?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Central Lake, Michigan. Michigan does not require a special RV license or commercial driver's license (CDL) for any of the motorhomes or trailers listed on RVezy, including Class A, Class C, and fifth wheels. You just need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking, so there is no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before you fly. Most first-time renters are surprised how straightforward the process is: you book, verify, and you are cleared to head north.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs there protection included with my Central Lake RV rental?
Yes, every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road around Central Lake with real peace of mind. The protection plan helps cover damage to the vehicle during your trip, which is especially reassuring if it is your first time backing into a wooded site at a Chain of Lakes campground. During checkout you (not the host) choose the protection level that fits your comfort, from standard to premium coverage with lower deductibles. Pair that with RVezy's customer support team available before, during, and after your trip, and you can focus on the lake views instead of the what-ifs.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Central Lake RV trip plans change?
Plans change, and RVezy makes it low-risk to book your Central Lake RV trip. RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy, which includes a money-back grace period right after you book, plus tiered refund options depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. You will see the full details during checkout and in your booking confirmation. Pro tip: if you are booking far in advance for peak Torch Lake or Traverse City weeks, you will have plenty of room to adjust if your schedule shifts. The cancellation policy is not displayed on individual listings, so review it on the RVezy Help Center before you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Central Lake?
Absolutely, and Central Lake is a fantastic dog destination. Many hosts on RVezy offer pet-friendly RV rentals in Central Lake, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching. Once you are here, your pup will love the sandy beaches along Torch Lake, the leash-friendly trails at Grass River Natural Area just minutes south, and the dog-welcoming patios in downtown Bellaire. Many area campgrounds welcome leashed dogs, though some, like Barnes Park in Eastport, do not allow dogs on the beach itself. Pro tip: pack a towel by the RV door, because between Intermediate Lake swims and forest walks, your dog will come back wet, sandy, and very happy.
antrimcountymi.gov/business_detail_T11_R2.phpCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Central Lake?
Yes, RV delivery in Central Lake is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, and it is especially popular with first-timers. Many RVezy hosts will drive the motorhome or travel trailer right to your campsite at places like Barnes Park in Eastport, Whitewater Township Park, or a private lakefront rental, set it up, level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see hosts offering this service near Central Lake. Delivery fees usually scale with distance, and many hosts deliver throughout Antrim County and into Traverse City. Pro tip: ask about a setup-and-stock package, some hosts will arrive with linens, propane filled, and water tanks ready to go.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Central%20Lake%2C%20MichiganHow far can I drive from Central Lake on an RV road trip?
Plenty far. Central Lake sits in the heart of Northern Michigan and makes a great launchpad for an RV road trip. From Central Lake you can reach Traverse City in about 45 minutes (35 miles), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes (65 miles), Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge in about 1 hour 45 minutes (90 miles), and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in around 4 hours (200 miles). Many RVezy hosts offer unlimited mileage or generous daily allowances, and you can filter for RV rentals with unlimited mileage right in search. Pro tip: loop the Tunnel of Trees (M-119) north of Harbor Springs for one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest.
michigan.org/article/trip-idea/up-north-road-tripWhat are the best campgrounds near Central Lake, MI?
You are spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Central Lake include Barnes Park Campground in Eastport (an Antrim County park on Grand Traverse Bay with a sandy beach), Whitewater Township Park on Elk Lake (full hookups and a beautiful swim area), Traverse City State Park (full-service, about 30 minutes south), Young State Park in Boyne City (on Lake Charlevoix, about 40 minutes northeast), and Honcho Rest Campground on Bass Lake in nearby Elk Rapids (a quiet full-hookup RV park close to Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay). Each books up fast for July and August. Pro tip: state park sites release through Michigan DNR's reservation system up to six months in advance, so set a calendar reminder if you want a waterfront site.
midnrreservations.com/When is the best time to visit Central Lake, Michigan in an RV?
Late June through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping in Central Lake. July and August bring the warmest weather with daytime highs around 78 to 82 F and lake temperatures perfect for swimming Torch and Intermediate Lakes, this is peak season and books fastest. June is quieter with highs in the low 70s. September delivers crisp 65 to 72 F days, fewer crowds, and the start of fall color. Early to mid-October is the Antrim County color tour peak, absolutely stunning along the Chain of Lakes. Winters are cold and snowy, so most rentals run May through October. Pro tip: book the last week of September for the best balance of weather, color, and availability.
weather.gov/apx/I'm a first-time RV renter, will I be okay driving around Central Lake?
You are going to do great. Central Lake is one of the friendliest places in Michigan to learn. Roads through Antrim County are mostly two-lane rural highways like US-31 and M-88, with gentle terrain, light traffic outside of weekend peaks, and easy pull-through gas stations in Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Kalkaska. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, slide-outs, and waste tanks, and you can message them anytime during your trip with questions. If you would rather skip the driving entirely, choose a host who offers delivery and setup. Pro tip: practice one right turn and one back-in at a quiet lot before heading to your campsite, ten minutes of practice changes everything.
michigan.gov/mdotWhat happens if I have a breakdown during my Central Lake RV trip?
You are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so if something goes sideways on M-88 outside Bellaire or on a back road near Torch Lake, help is one phone call away. Roadside covers common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, most Northern Michigan hosts know local mechanics and can troubleshoot small issues over the phone. RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip as a second layer of help. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before pickup, and snap a photo of your RV's VIN and license plate so you have them ready if you ever need to call.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Central Lake RV rental into Canada?
Often yes, but it depends on the individual host's policy, so message them directly from the listing before booking to confirm. Many Northern Michigan hosts allow cross-border travel into Ontario, which opens up beautiful loops through Sault Ste. Marie, Manitoulin Island, and Algonquin Provincial Park. You'll need a valid passport (or enhanced driver's license) for every traveler, and the host will provide a signed cross-border letter for customs. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental, as insurance and protection do not extend there. Pro tip: if you'd rather stay stateside, the Upper Peninsula is just two hours north over the Mackinac Bridge and feels like a different country anyway, Lake Superior shoreline, waterfalls, and pasties included.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiativeWhat kind of fuel economy and gas budget should I expect for a Central Lake RV trip?
Realistic expectations make the trip smoother. A Class C motorhome around Central Lake typically gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG), a Class A around 6 to 8 MPG, a campervan or Class B around 14 to 18 MPG, and a tow vehicle with a travel trailer about 10 to 13 MPG. Gas stations in Central Lake, Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Kalkaska generally price within a few cents of the Michigan state average, and diesel is widely available along US-31. For a typical 4-day, 300-mile loop in a Class C, budget around $130 to $180 in fuel at current Midwest pump prices. Pro tip: fill up in Kalkaska or Mancelona before heading deep into the Jordan Valley, prices climb at smaller stations closer to the lakes.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Central Lake?
For July and August, book as early as possible, ideally the moment your dates are firm. Michigan state parks like Young State Park (Boyne City) and Traverse City State Park release sites six months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system, and the most popular waterfront sites are gone within minutes of the release window opening. Antrim County parks like Barnes Park in Eastport also book heavily for summer weekends. For June and September, you can usually find good sites two to four weeks out. Private campgrounds like Honcho Rest in nearby Elk Rapids often have more flexibility. Pro tip: set an alarm for 8 a.m. Eastern on the six-month mark and book directly through Michigan DNR's site for the best shot at lakefront.
midnrreservations.com/What are the driving conditions like around Central Lake?
Driving around Central Lake is genuinely pleasant. Most routes are two-lane state highways (M-88, M-66, US-31) with gentle hills, well-maintained pavement, and minimal traffic except on Friday afternoons heading north and Sunday afternoons heading south during summer. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk (Antrim County has plenty), occasional cyclists on shoulder-less stretches, and slow-moving farm equipment in spring and fall. Winter conditions from late November through March can bring lake-effect snow and icy roads, which is why most RVezy rentals operate May through October. Cell service is solid in town and along main highways but spotty in the Jordan Valley. Pro tip: download Google Maps offline coverage for Antrim and Charlevoix counties before exploring back roads.
michigan.gov/mdotWhere can I dump waste and fill fresh water near Central Lake?
You have good options close by. Most full-service campgrounds near Central Lake offer dump stations and potable water fills for guests, including Whitewater Township Park, Traverse City State Park, and Young State Park. Several Michigan DNR state forest campgrounds in the area also have dump stations open seasonally (typically May through mid-October), and Honcho Rest in Elk Rapids has full hookups for guests. Expect to pay roughly $5 to $20 for non-guest dump use. Most Central Lake area campgrounds offer 30-amp electric and water, with 50-amp and sewer hookups at premium sites. Pro tip: top off your fresh tank before leaving the campground, lakefront day-use spots rarely have potable water, and you will thank yourself when it is time to make morning coffee on the dock.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping/state-forestWhat amenities will my Central Lake RV rental come with?
More than you might expect. A typical motorhome rental in Central Lake on RVezy comes with a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, sleeping for 4 to 8 depending on size, air conditioning, furnace, propane, fresh/gray/black water tanks, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include extras like a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, camp chairs, and an onboard generator for off-grid nights at state forest campgrounds. Some hosts offer WiFi hotspots as add-ons, which is handy because cell service dips in the Jordan Valley. Each listing's amenity list is clear and detailed. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and amenities like Generator or Pet-Friendly to dial in the perfect rig for your family RV trip in Central Lake.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Central%20Lake%2C%20MichiganWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about for my Central Lake RV rental?
You have flexibility to make the trip exactly what you want. Common add-ons from Central Lake area hosts on RVezy include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits, bikes, kayaks or paddleboards (great for Intermediate and Torch Lakes), portable grills, generators, and pet packages. Pickup and dropoff usually happen at the host's home base in Central Lake, Bellaire, Elk Rapids, or Traverse City, and many hosts offer delivery to a campground or vacation rental for an added fee. Mileage policies vary by listing, some include unlimited mileage, others give a generous daily allowance with a small per-mile fee beyond. Pro tip: message the host before booking and ask about a Torch Lake kayak package, paddling Torch's turquoise water at sunrise is unforgettable.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Central%20Lake%2C%20MichiganHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. When you book your RV rental in Central Lake on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, no cash, no checks, no awkward Venmo handoffs with the host. The total includes the nightly rate, any host add-ons, the protection plan you choose, taxes, and the RVezy service fee, all itemized at checkout. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (the amount is shown clearly during booking) and released after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a quick walkaround video of the RV at pickup and dropoff, it takes 60 seconds and is the easiest way to ensure a smooth deposit return.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre RV rentals available in Central Lake during winter?
Most are not, and that is the honest answer. Central Lake winters bring heavy lake-effect snow, sub-freezing temperatures, and most campgrounds close from late October through April. That said, a handful of hosts on RVezy do offer winter-ready rentals with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and four-season insulation for adventurous travelers heading to Shanty Creek for skiing or chasing the Jordan Valley after a fresh snow. You would need a four-season-rated RV, full shore power at a winterized site, and a willingness to monitor tanks daily. Most travelers find May through mid-October the sweet spot for a Central Lake RV trip. Pro tip: if you want winter beauty without the hassle, book a cozy cabin rental and return with RVezy in the warmer months when the lakes are open.
weather.gov/apx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Grand Rapids, MIMilwaukee, WIStandish, MIBridgeport charter Township, MIHoward, WILapeer, MIGreilickville, MIDavison, MIHudsonville, MIWalker, MIHoward City, MIBurton, MIForest Hills, MINorth Muskegon, MIJenison, MICapac, MIOak Hill, MISt. Nazianz, WILowell, MIRockford, MIWyoming, MIInterlochen, MIDelafield, WIOnaway, MI