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70 campgrounds and RV Parks near Indian River, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
70 campgrounds
6226 campsites
35 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Indian River, MI
Burt Lake State Park
Indian River, MI (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(306 sites)
+8
Indian River RV Resort and Campground
Indian River, MI (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+8
Indian River RV Resort
Indian River, MI (3 miles away)
Pigeon Bay Campground
Indian River, MI (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+4
Twin Bears Wooded Campground
Indian River, MI (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+11
Aloha State Park
Cheboygan, MI (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(283 sites)
+6
Stoney Creek Trail Camp Department of Natural Resources
Michigan (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort
Petoskey, MI (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(165 sites)
+7
Sturgeon Valley Campground
Michigan (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(63 sites)
+12
Jellystone Park Petoskey
Petoskey, MI (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(174 sites)
+11
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort
Petoskey, MI (13 miles away)
Waterways Campground
Cheboygan, MI (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Pet friendly Dump station Playground Toilets Firewood Showers Internet Laundry
Camping near Indian River, Michigan
Indian River sits in Cheboygan County at the center of Michigan's Inland Waterway, a chain of navigable rivers and lakes that stretches roughly 38 miles from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron, connecting Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, Crooked Lake, and Pickerel Lake. The village is a common base for RV travelers heading to Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Petoskey, and the Straits of Mackinac, all within an easy drive on I-75.
The closest full-service option is Burt Lake State Park, a Michigan DNR modern campground on the southeast corner of Burt Lake with 306 sites, electric service, and 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline. Private RV parks in and around the village add pull-through sites, full hookups, and family amenities.
Campgrounds in the area range from state-park sites geared to boaters and swimmers, to wooded private grounds like Twin Bears Wooded Campground and Pigeon Bay Campground, to hookup-focused parks such as Indian River RV Resort and Indian River RV Resort and Campground.
Things to do around Indian River
The Inland Waterway is the main draw. Visitors launch from Burt Lake State Park for boating, swimming, paddling, and fishing on Burt Lake and the Sturgeon River. Boat rentals are available in the village along the waterway.
On land, families ride sections of the North Central State Trail, visit the Cross in the Woods shrine, and drive north on I-75 to reach Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Bridge, and the ferry docks for Mackinac Island. Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs are all within a short drive.
Cooler-weather visitors come for fall color drives along the Tunnel of Trees and for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on nearby trails.
Camping spots and RV parks near Indian River, MI
Seasonal camping in Indian River
- spring
March - May
52° / 30°F 65 mmCool nights; parks open by early May; black flies active
- summer
June - August
75° / 54°F 80 mmPeak season; lakefront sites book weeks or months out
- fall
September - November
55° / 37°F 85 mmPrime fall color in late September; closures by late October
- winter
December - February
28° / 12°F 55 mmDeep snow and hard freezes; most campgrounds closed
Northern Michigan has a short but busy camping season. Burt Lake State Park operates on a seasonal schedule from spring through late fall, and most private campgrounds in the area follow a similar pattern, with limited or no operations from December through March when snow and hard freezes are the norm.
July and August are peak season. Warm lake temperatures, long daylight hours, and school vacations fill lakefront and full-hookup sites well in advance, and the Independence Day fireworks over Burt Lake are a major draw. Late June and the week around Labor Day are nearly as busy.
May and early June bring cooler nights, black-fly and mosquito activity, and quieter grounds. September and early October are prized for hardwood fall color, cooler nights that keep bugs down, and easier walk-in availability, though some services scale back after Labor Day and closing dates cluster in mid to late October.
Top Hosts near Indian River, MI
Karen10 trips - Joined May 2025 - Superhost
The host went above and beyond to be helpful. I would definitely recommend them again.
Kristy M. - Aug 2026
Karen and Michael were great to work with and communicating with them was easy and their response time was excellent! Highly recommend renting from them.
Janet C. - Oct 2025
Chris2 trips - Joined Feb 2026
We apreciated the clear and reassuring messages from Chris. All our questions were answered promptly and made picking up and learning about the RV relaxing and useful.
Mark H. - Jul 2026
How to book Indian River campgrounds
Burt Lake State Park uses the Michigan DNR reservation system. Sites can be booked at MiDNRReservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757) up to six months in advance of arrival on a rolling daily basis, and a Michigan Recreation Passport is required on the vehicle for entry to any state park, state forest campground, or DNR boat launch.
Private parks in the area, including Indian River RV Resort, Indian River RV Resort and Campground, Pigeon Bay Campground, and Twin Bears Wooded Campground, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Holiday weekends and lakefront or full-hookup sites often sell out weeks or months ahead.
Before travel, check the Michigan DNR website for weather-related closures, project work, and seasonal opening dates.
What to expect in Indian River
Roads into Indian River are straightforward for larger rigs. I-75 runs along the east side of the village with easy exits to Burt Lake State Park and the private parks; most access roads are paved and suitable for travel trailers and Class A motorhomes.
At Burt Lake State Park, expect a modern campground with 20/30-amp or 50-amp electric service at most sites, a sanitation station, restrooms with showers, and a designated swim beach. Water and sewer connections are limited to a subset of full-hookup and electric-plus-water sites. Cell service inside the state park can be spotty.
The campground is divided into east and west loops, with west-loop sites closest to the water. Bring bug spray for spring and early summer, layers for cool evenings even in July, and a Recreation Passport for any state-park stops on the route.
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 Indian River, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Indian River, MI?
RV rental in Indian River is one of the most affordable ways to experience northern Michigan's Inland Waterway. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $95 to $160 per night, while Class C motorhomes generally range from $175 to $285 per night, with peak rates around the Fourth of July fireworks at DeVoe Beach and the August outboard races. For a cheap RV rental in Indian River, aim for late May, early June, or mid-September when rates can drop 20 to 30 percent and Burt Lake is still gorgeous. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and look for hosts offering weekly discounts, you will often save more than you would spend on one tank of gas.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indian%20River%2C%20MichiganWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Indian River, Michigan?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Indian River. Michigan does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal recreational vehicles, even larger Class A motorhomes. To book on RVezy you typically need to be 25 or older, and your ID is verified through the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the paperwork is, you can often be approved and booked the same afternoon you find the right listing.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs RV insurance and roadside help included with my Indian River rental?
Yes, every RV rental in Indian River booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can cruise to Mullett Lake or Mackinaw City with peace of mind. You choose your protection level (Basic, Standard, or Premium) during checkout, not the host, and it covers physical damage to the RV during your trip along with liability coverage while driving. Roadside assistance handles flat tires, lockouts, jump starts, fuel delivery, and towing across northern Michigan. Review coverage details on the RVezy insurance and protection page before you book so you can pick the comfort level that matches your trip.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat if my plans change? Can I cancel my Indian River RV rental?
RVezy applies a standard cancellation policy to every booking, so a change of plans does not have to mean losing your money. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation terms, which include a grace period right after booking when you can cancel for a full refund, plus tiered refunds based on how far ahead of pickup you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your payment or helps you rebook. You can review the full guest cancellation policy in the RVezy Help Center before you confirm your Burt Lake or Mullett Lake trip, so it is low-risk to lock in your dates now.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip in Indian River?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental options in Indian River are plentiful, and northern Michigan is one of the most dog-loving regions in the state. On RVezy, simply toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots. Once you are here, Burt Lake State Park welcomes leashed pets at most sites and along designated areas of the shoreline (the main swim beach is people-only). Michigan State Parks require pets to stay on a 6-foot leash with waste bagged. Indian River RV Resort also welcomes pets at their sites. Pro tip: pack a towel for sandy paws and a water bowl, your pup will sleep great after a day on the lake.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parks/parks/burt-lakeCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Indian River?
Yes, RV delivery is one of the most popular options for an Indian River RV trip, especially for first-timers who would rather skip towing a trailer up I-75. Many local hosts will deliver, level, and fully set up your motorhome or travel trailer right at Burt Lake State Park, Indian River RV Resort, Aloha State Park, or a private cottage driveway on Mullett Lake. They will walk you through the propane, slide-outs, awning, and water hookups before they leave, so all you do is unpack the cooler. Delivery fees vary by distance and RV size. Pro tip: message the host with your campsite number and arrival window, many will time delivery to match check-in.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indian%20River%2C%20MichiganHow far can I drive on my Indian River RV rental?
You have plenty of road to explore. Most Indian River hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for an ambitious northern Michigan loop. Additional miles typically cost $0.30 to $0.45 each, so it pays to plan. From Indian River you are about 30 miles to Mackinaw City, 35 miles to Petoskey, 18 miles to Cheboygan on Lake Huron, about 90 miles to Traverse City, and roughly 130 miles to Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula. Pro tip: if you are planning a Mackinac Bridge crossing plus Pictured Rocks, filter for unlimited-mileage listings before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indian%20River%2C%20MichiganWhere are the best campgrounds near Indian River, MI?
You are in the heart of northern Michigan camping country. Burt Lake State Park offers a long sandy shoreline and modern electric sites just minutes from downtown Indian River. Indian River RV Resort on Straits Highway has full hookups, a heated pool, and is a perennial top-ranked Campspot destination. Aloha State Park sits on Mullett Lake with easy boat access and a dump station. For a rustic vibe, Maple Bay State Forest Campground on Burt Lake and Haakwood State Forest Campground along the Sturgeon River are local favorites. Book Burt Lake and Aloha six months ahead through MiDNRReservations.com, the state-park sites for July and August fill fast.
midnrreservations.com/When is the best time for an Indian River RV trip?
Late June through early September is peak season for RV camping in Indian River, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and warm lake water perfect for swimming Burt and Mullett. May and early June are cooler (50s to 70s) but quieter and cheaper, ideal for trout fishing the Sturgeon River. September brings 60 to 75 degree days and early color. October explodes with fall foliage along the Inland Waterway, though nights drop into the 30s. Winters are snowy with averages in the teens and 20s, mostly outside the typical RV season. Insider tip: aim for the week after Labor Day for warm days, smaller crowds at DeVoe Beach, and shoulder-season pricing on your motorhome rental in Indian River.
weather.gov/apx/I've never driven an RV before. Is Indian River a good place to start?
Indian River is honestly one of the friendliest places in Michigan for first time renting an RV. Roads here are wide, flat, and lightly trafficked outside the July 4th week, M-68 and Straits Highway through downtown are easy to navigate even in a Class C. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering propane, leveling, slide-outs, water, and dumping, so you are never tossed the keys and waved off. If you want to skip the driving entirely, book a host with delivery and they will set everything up at your campsite. Pro tip: start with a 24-foot Class C or a delivered travel trailer for your first northern Michigan adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have a breakdown on my RV trip in northern Michigan?
You are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so if you get a flat on I-75 near Wolverine, run out of fuel between Indian River and Mackinaw City, or need a tow back from the Cross in the Woods, one phone call gets help dispatched. RVezy's customer support team is also reachable before, during, and after your trip if something more complex pops up. Your host is usually a quick text away too, since most listings here are owned by locals who know which mechanics in Cheboygan or Petoskey handle RV repairs. Relax, exhale, and enjoy the lake.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Indian River RV rental into Canada or the Upper Peninsula?
The Upper Peninsula is wide open: just cross the Mackinac Bridge (about 30 minutes north on I-75) and you are in Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Sault Ste. Marie territory, no special paperwork required. Cross-border travel to Canada through Sault Ste. Marie may be allowed on some RVezy rentals, but it depends on the host's insurance and must be approved in writing before booking, so message the host directly through the listing to confirm. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: bring your passport even for a UP day trip in case you decide on a spontaneous detour to the Soo Locks.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on an RV road trip from Indian River?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable on a northern Michigan budget. Class C motorhomes average 8 to 10 MPG, larger Class A motorhomes 6 to 8 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10 to 14 MPG). Gas prices in the Indian River area generally run a few cents above the Michigan state average, with stations in Indian River, Wolverine, and Mackinaw City along I-75. A 200-mile loop through Burt Lake, Petoskey, and Mackinaw City in a Class C costs roughly $60 to $90 in fuel at current prices. Pro tip: fill up in Gaylord on your way north, prices there tend to be lower than in tourist towns, and avoid topping off on busy holiday weekends.
gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/How far in advance should I book campgrounds for my Indian River RV trip?
For peak summer (June 15 to Labor Day), book six months ahead, that's the magic window. Michigan State Parks like Burt Lake, Aloha, and Petoskey open reservations exactly six months out at 8 AM via MiDNRReservations.com, and waterfront sites are gone within hours, especially for July weekends and the August Top o' Michigan outboard races. Private parks like Indian River RV Resort take bookings 12+ months ahead and famously fill for Fourth of July a year in advance. For September and early October trips, you can often snag sites two to four weeks out. Pro tip: set a calendar alarm for the six-month-out date at 7:55 AM Eastern, it really is that competitive.
midnrreservations.com/What are the driving conditions like around Indian River?
Driving in and around Indian River is refreshingly easy. I-75 runs right past town with wide lanes and gentle grades, M-68 and US-31 are well-maintained two-lanes through forest and farmland, and downtown speed limits stay low. Watch for two local quirks: deer are extremely active at dawn and dusk (especially along Old 27 and the road to Onaway), and summer thunderstorms can roll in fast off Lake Michigan, sometimes with strong crosswinds on the Mackinac Bridge. If winds exceed 35 mph, the bridge restricts high-profile vehicles, check the Mackinac Bridge Authority site before crossing. Pro tip: plan to drive between 10 AM and 5 PM to avoid deer hours, and you'll find the roads delightfully empty.
mackinacbridge.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Indian River?
Local campgrounds range from full-luxury to back-to-basics, and you can pick your vibe. Indian River RV Resort offers 30/50-amp full hookups, a heated pool, WiFi, laundry, and a dump station. Burt Lake State Park has modern sites with 20/30/50-amp electric, a sanitation station with potable water, hot showers, and a beach house with kayak rentals. Aloha State Park provides electric hookups and a dump station on Mullett Lake. State forest campgrounds like Haakwood and Maple Bay are rustic, vault toilets, hand-pump water, and no hookups, perfect if your rental has a generator and full freshwater tank. Pro tip: top off your fresh water in town before heading to rustic sites, the Indian River Marina Park has accessible spigots.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping/state-parksWhat's typically included inside an RVezy rental in Indian River?
Most RVs in the Indian River area come ready to camp out of the box. Expect a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, propane stove, microwave, cookware, dishes), a bathroom with toilet and shower, real beds (ask the host to confirm linens), a furnace and air conditioning, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, and outdoor awning, and a fair number of motorhomes carry an onboard generator, great for boondocking near the Sturgeon River. WiFi is hit-or-miss in northern Michigan, but cell coverage along the Inland Waterway is generally good. Pro tip: review the listing's amenities list and message the host directly about any must-haves like a coffee maker or paddleboard rack.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indian%20River%2C%20MichiganWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for when I rent an RV in Indian River?
Indian River hosts offer some of the best add-ons in Michigan for lake life. Popular extras include kayak and paddleboard packages (essential for the Indian River and Burt Lake), bedding and towel kits, camp chairs, propane fire pits, and fishing gear. Generator hours, dump-station service, and pet cleaning fees are usually flat-rate add-ons. Most hosts offer pickup at their location with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough, and many also offer delivery within 30 to 50 miles, which covers Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Cheboygan. Mileage policies vary, 100 free miles per night is common. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and kayaks and the host will often discount the package.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Indian%20River%2C%20MichiganHow does payment and the security deposit work for an RVezy rental in Indian River?
Payment on RVezy is simple and secure: you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card at booking, and your funds are held until your trip begins, no cash changes hands with the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and is pre-authorized on your card before pickup, then released after the host confirms the RV came back in good condition. To avoid hiccups, do a thorough video walkaround with the host at pickup and dropoff, return with the same fuel and propane level, and empty the holding tanks if required. Pro tip: keep receipts from any campground dump stations near Indian River as handy proof.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Indian River in the winter for snowmobiling or ice fishing?
Yes, winter RV rental in Indian River is a real (and underrated) adventure. The area is a snowmobile hub connecting to the North Central State Trail and the Black Mountain Forest Recreation Area, and Mullett Lake draws serious ice fishermen for walleye and pike. Some RVezy hosts keep four-season units available with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and full shore-power hookups. You will want a campground that stays open year-round (a few private parks near I-75 do) and a site with 30 or 50-amp electric. Pro tip: filter for Class A or four-season travel trailers, message the host about cold-weather prep, and pack extra propane, you will burn through it fast at 15 degrees.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/snowmobilingNearby cities with campgrounds
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