Camping Near Houghton Lake Mi – 10 Notable and Unique Camping Areas

Who doesn’t want to go camping? With summer approaching, camping has become more desired than ever. This is especially the case in the state of Michigan. With natural sites and amazing landmarks, it’s no wonder some people like camping near Houghton Lake Mi.

Michigan’s Houghton Lake is blessed with an abundance of campgrounds. Ranging from rustic to luxurious, they offer a variety of options for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. So it’s no surprise that some of them are also popular spots for RV enthusiasts. In this post, we’ll highlight ten of our favorite campgrounds in and around Houghton Lake—each one with its own unique features.

Table of Contents – Camping Near Houghton Lake Mi

Map of Camping Areas in this Article

West Houghton Lake Campground

First, West Houghton Lake Campground is known for its 128 partially-wooded sites, offering great scenery for nature lovers. Open all year round, you can enjoy a lot of the campground’s amenities, including:

Hot showers
Modernized Bathrooms
WiFi access
A dedicated game room
A haven for pets
A general store for campers
Volleyball Field
Basketball Court
A playground for children
Pavilion
Horseshoes
Walking Trails
EV Charging, etc.

There are 128 campsites at West Houghton Lake Campground that can accommodate tents or RVs up to 35 feet long (no hookups). Each site has its own picnic table, fire ring, and grill. For those who prefer more comfort during their stay here, there are also cabins available for rent at this campground. A great place to consider when camping near Houghton Lake Mi.

Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Calling all fishers! Houghton Lake is home to Trout Lake – a great place to go fishing in Michigan!
Enjoy spending time in whole private lake properties. Depending on the price point and the size of your party, you can reserve a great spot to go camping and fishing. With 43.5 acres of surface water, campers can enjoy activities like:

Fishing
Sailing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Water skiing, etc.

As for the fish in the Lake, you’ll find great fish like:

Largemouth bass
Sunfish
Rock bass
Bluegills
Crappie
Perch, etc.

This is one location to check out when camping near Houghton Lake Mi. The campground is open year-round but closes each winter when temperatures drop below freezing. During the summer, you can enjoy swimming at the beach or fishing off one of the three piers. If you’re up for a hike, check out nearby Cole Road Park or take advantage of their boat launch to go boating!

White Birch Canoe Trips & Campground

Looking for a camping spot just downstream from Houghton Lake? You’ll find it at White Birch Canoe Trips & Campground! This camping resort is home to the Muskegon River – a rare gem in Michigan when it comes to rivers. It’s a great place for:

Kayaking
Tubing
Swimming, AND
Canoeing

With spacious campgrounds, along with plenty of natural scenery, this is the ideal place to be for the summer!

Houghton Lake Travel Park Campground

Valued as a hospitable camping spot near Houghton Lake, the Houghton Lake Travel Park Campground will be sure to meet all of your camping needs! Enjoy what they have to offer at this celebrated camping spot:

Spacious camping sites
Clean restrooms
A general store
A coffee shop
A game room
A heated pool
Designated parking for campers, etc.

Reserve a spot at Houghton Lake Travel Park Campground is easy. Just give the resort a call and schedule your visit. Upon reservation, the resort will be more than happy to explain their policies, including where to park your vehicle or camper, where to park your boat, pet care, and other important stuff to remember when you visit.

Fought’s Resort

Fought’s Resort was founded in 1947, boasting over 22,000 acres of water – this makes Houghton Lake the largest inland lake in Michigan! This place offers 330 ft. of frontage (one of the largest lake frontages of any resort in Houghton Lake) and has a sandy beach and an accessible dock for lounging and sightseeing. In addition, the resort offers anchors for personal boats, yachts, etc., along with select boat rentals.

This camping spot also offers other goodies for campers staying at the cabins:

Charcoal grills
Flat-screen TVs
Modern kitchens
Free WiFi
Screened porches
Fire pits
A shuffleboard court
A basketball court
Paddleboats and kayaks
Swing sets, etc.

So, if you’re looking for history and tranquility on your next camping trip, then this is the place to be!

House Lake State Forest Campground

Want something that’s secluded and rustic for your next camping trip? Then look no further than the House Lake State Forest Campground!

Located near the Gladwin Field Trail Area, this campground has 41 campsites. At this campground, you can enjoy many activities, including:

Hiking
Fishing
Paddling, etc.

Just keep in mind: This campground allows for a maximum stay of 15 days. But don’t worry! No matter how long you stay, you’ll still get beneficial perks like:

Vault toilets
Potable water
Accommodations for vehicles and trailers (with a 40-foot measurement limit), etc.

Wooded Acres Family Campground

Located in the center (or heart) of Michigan, the Wooded Acres Family Campground is a sight to behold! With one mile from Michigan’s largest inland lake in tow, this place allows for fun and exciting fishing trips, where you’ll catch fish like:

Panfish
Pike, AND
Walleye

During your stay, you can enjoy the following amenities:

A camp store
Free WiFi
Modern restrooms
Cabin rentals
Large wooded areas
Full-service propane
Fun weekend trolley rides

Looking for recreational activities? No problem! This campground offers the following on-site:

A fishing pond
A basketball court
A volleyball court
Shuffleboard
A swimming pool
Horseshoes
A large kids’ playground

Great Circle Campground

Plan on taking the family camping? Then consider the Great Circle Campground. This camping spot is family-friendly with so much to do!

Conveniently located between Higgins and Houghton Lakes in Roscommon, Michigan, you and your family can take part in many of the following campground activities:

A kids’ playground
Hiking trails
Horseshoes (upon request)
A general camp store

At the Camp Store, you’ll be treated to food, snacks, and merchandise, including:

Food items
Drinks
Candy and snacks
Ice cream
Packs of ice
Camping and fishing supplies
Firewood
Clothing (i.e., t-shirts)
Inflatable paddleboard rentals

Also, you’ll be glad to know that this camping spot has the following amenities:

Clean showers and restrooms
A laundry room, AND
A dump station

CCC Bridge State Forest Campground

Another great option for camping a bit outside the busy Houghton Lake area is the popular CCC Bridge State Forest Campground. Set in a place that anyone will swear up and down that they’re walking into a fantasy tale, this campground is well known for its red pines and its most beautiful attraction – the Manistee River.

Here, you can take part in some of these fun activities:

Canoeing
Fly-fishing
Kayaking
Off-roading
Tubing, etc.

Believe it or not, this campground has 31 sites for tents and small trailers. While campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, there is still much to explore near the area.

If you’re looking for a camping experience that honors the past and pays homage to Michigan’s natural beauty, this state forest campground is the place for you. Located just northwest of Houghton Lake the Manistee River. This campground has everything from modern amenities to old-fashioned charm. You can stay in an RV or tent cabin, but if you choose to go primitive camping—which means no hookups—there are still plenty of options when camping near Houghton Lake Mi.

Poplars Resort & Campground

Finally, check out Poplars Resort & Campground. With friendly staff and great accommodations, you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Check out these amazing amenities:

Rentable Aqua-Cycles
A private dock and beck
Modernized rooms
A playground for kids, etc.

Poplars are also near the following attractions and restaurants:

Back Door Saloon
Goodyear Lanes
Little Boots Country Diner
MJ’s Eatery
North Shore Lounge, and The Fox Den

Final Thoughts On Camping Near Houghton Lake Mi

Houghton Lake – Photo by Craig Washington

Now, these are just a handful of sites where you can have the privilege of camping near Houghton Lake, Michigan. While there are many other amenities that haven’t been mentioned in this post, you can bet that these camping spots will deliver in helping you make your camping trip fun and exciting.

So, if you’re looking for a great camping experience this summer, then Houghton Lake is your go-to camping destination!

Happy camping!

Sara Sparrow is a writer and editor at Oxessays and UK Writings. As a content writer, she writes articles about traveling, camping, and vlogging.

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