Fall Camping in Michigan for the Best Fall Color

Top Places for Fall Camping in Michigan to Enjoy Fall Colors and Harvest Events

Fall color season is slowly starting here in our magical mitten state. It’s no secret, fall is one of the best seasons to explore Michigan. Crisp air, colorful autumn leaves, and quieter, less crowded campgrounds make it ideal for hiking and camping.

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Michigan campgrounds and Michigan State Parks for fall camping to enjoy Michigan’s fall leaf change. Many of the campgrounds listed have fall harvest events and Halloween activities occurring at their location or in the nearby vicinity. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing fall retreat or a fun family camping trip with fall themed activities, we’ve got you covered. Make sure you pin and save for later.

Things to Take Into Consideration While Fall Camping in Michigan

• Colors are more vibrant inland rather than along the shores of the Great Lakes.

• Start in the Upper Peninsula and then work your way South. Following the colors is a great camping experience.

• The Michigan State Park website has a list of fall harvest and haunt events occurring at tons of state parks this year. If you’re interested in attending the fall event weekends, book 6 months in advance since they fill up fast.

• Go North of M-55 for more color in mid Sept. Generally Northern lower Michigan will be full of color near the end of September or first week in October, give or take a few weeks.

• Fall color can be hard to predict, since it depends largely on the weather throughout the year and whether it’s been wet or dry, and if the trees have been stressed.

• Beware that weather can change fast. One day you can go from a lovely fall day to white snow. Choose camping locations carefully because the brisk winds off the lake can be quite cold, especially without tree protection.

Here is a map we created from Wanderlog Travel Planner, which will help you get a feel for some of the best fall campground locations in Michigan.

This map was created with Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

Upper Peninsula

If you can make the drive to the Upper Peninsula, you won’t be disappointed! A quiet retreat with stunning colors await during the fall months in Michigan. Weather is quite unpredictable so plan accordingly with warm clothing and gear. Opt for mid September through October for optimal weather and fall leaf color.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Ontonagon

At least once in your life every Michigander needs to visit the Upper Peninsula. Although, I’m convinced once you’ve experienced the wildness and beauty of the UP, it won’t be your last time. In my opinion, there is no better time to visiting the immense wild “Porkies” than the early Autumn. What a lovely time to take the long road trip over the Mackinac Bridge to the far West end of the Upper Peninsula with scenic drives and incredible hikes at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

This park is definitely worth the drive to experience this secluded area on Lake Superior with stunning views right from your campsite. Hikers will have miles of colorful trails to pick from during their stay. During the fall months the views from Lake of the Clouds and Presque Isle Waterfall Loop are unbelievable and we highly recommend these hikes.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise

Known as the Niagara of Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls is especially breathtaking in Autumn. Enjoy 35 miles of trails throughout the state park and views of both the Upper and Lower Falls. One wonderful advantage of the park is that the Lower Falls is handicap accessible from the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the area.

The campground offers modern sites at Rivermouth Modern for travel trailers, but the Rivermouth rustic is a great spot for tent campers. Choose sites near the backside for more privacy. This family-friendly campground host a harvest festival on Sept 30, 2023, so make sure you book 6 months in advance to secure your sites.

Lower Peninsula

Petoskey State Park | Petoskey

By far one of the loveliest scenic drives in the fall is the Tunnel of Trees. Nearby Petoskey State Park is an ideal place to stay to enjoy this area.

Rock hounds adore Petoskey State Park’s one mile beach on Little Traverse Bay, where you can try your luck at finding Petoskey stones. The park has two campground loops with 168 sites, which include both tent and modern campsites. Those who enjoy biking can explore scenic views along the Little Traverse Wheelway, which extends for 26 miles through several towns.

Petoskey is in a central location to take easy Michigan fall day trips to nearby towns like Harbor Springs and Charlevoix and convenient for visiting the Scenic Byway Tunnel of Trees. Make sure to stop at nearby Pond Hill Farm during your visit for fun fall activities with hayrides, pumpkin smashing, donuts, hard ciders and wine, plus kids can go on a whimsical gnome hunt. Don’t forget to venture over to Boyne Mountain’s Sky Bridge and experience one of the newest attractions in the area. The red, gold and copper colors of the changing trees create exquisite views as you traverse across the longest wooden sky bridge in Michigan.

Otsego Lake State Park | Gaylord

This beautiful Northern Michigan State Park is a favorite for fall campers. This inland lake provides a beautiful backdrop for brilliant fall colors. With large wooded sites and crystal clear waters, it’s a perfect getaway for fall camping. With tons of fun local activities nearby like the elk viewing, multiple golf courses, and scenic country roads, you’ll get your fill of time outdoors enjoying the fall colors. Children will love visiting a local farm for hayrides and fall activities at Flemming’s Farm.

Hartwick Pines State Park | Grayling

October is stunning at Hartwick Pines State Park. The woods will be ablaze in color as you spend time hiking the trails to the two lakes, Bright Lake and Glory Lake. Fishing is also popular at this state park. During your stay venture across the road to the visitor center to walk the many trails. Hartwick Pines State Park offers full hookups, as well as tent sites in open and wooded locations. The park is clean and a wonderful place to enjoy quiet and solitude, especially because there is little cell service. If camping later in the fall, choose sites in the trees rather than the sites with few or no trees since they can be chillier, especially if there’s wind. Also take note, they may turn the water off if it gets below freezing.

This campground, being the 3rd largest in Lower Michigan is known for it’s hike to the Chapel in the old growth forest area, where you can walk amongst white pines and red pines that are over 350 years old. During your stay, visit the logging museum within the state park. Bring bikes and head for a day trip to Mackinac Island, which is just over an hour away.

Another activity you may enjoy is canoeing or kayaking down the AuSable River, one of Michigan's top rated rivers for paddle trips. Just note, most outfitters like Carlisle Canoe Livery close mid October, depending on weather.

South Higgins Lake State Park | Roscommon

This beautiful Michigan state park is located on an inland lake campground, which is ideal for enjoying the colorful fall trees reflected off the water. With a mile of shoreline on the lake, it’s a great area to relax with your family and pups since there is a dog beach area. Marl Lake Trail has water views around each turn as it follows the Lake.

Each year South Higgins Lake State Park host several spooktacular fall events. On Sept 29-30 and Oct 6-7, 2023 there are family fun activities occurring at the ball field and around the campground. Fellow campers go all out decorating their sites at South Higgins Lake and it’s a fun time for all. One word of caution when choosing a site, remember that sites right on the lake can be windy in the fall.

Mitchell State Park | Cadillac

There is so much to love at Mitchell State Park by Cadillac, with it’s wooded natural areas and nearby hiking. Enjoy the changing leaf color with all the Maples in the park and the miles of scenic drives. Pack your bikes for gorgeous paved trails around the lake on the 7 mile Cadillac Foot and Bike Path, showcasing the rich fall colors of the trees mirrored off the two lakes. Here is a Trip Guide for Visiting Mitchell State Park. Kids will inevitably enjoy the playgrounds and bike trails around the lake, while families will appreciate intown camping with tons of restaurants and activities nearby. Enjoy several golf course or take time to drive the Cadillac intown fall color loop, which consists of 18 miles of colorful fall overlooks, hiking trails, boutiques and farm markets. Nearby Hudson Farm has its annual Fall Fest Oct 7 & 14 from 11-4 with fun fall activities, animals, crafts, a maze, food and wagon rides.

Orchard Beach State Park| Manistee

On the West side, you’ll love camping at Orchard Beach State Park. Located 3 miles North of the town of Manistee, it’s well known for it’s spectacular sunsets on Lake Michigan and colorful fall foliage. An ideal place to camp in the Autumn since it’s situated on the peak of a 100-foot bluff with lovely views of Lake Michigan. The South end, especially, is beautiful in the fall with the lake views. Want to really embrace the outdoors, hike along the Manistee River Trail to be immersed in the beauty of the fall season.

Some local fall activities on the weekends in the Manistee area include climbing aboard the haunted Ghost Ship, which has been turned into a creepy haunted house. Participate in classic fall activities at Calvin Lutz Farms including pumpkin picking, tractor rides, a corn maze and cider & donuts. Another breathtaking way to savor the fall foliage in October is by experiencing the Scenic Air Tour from the Manistee County Blacker Airport for $40/person.

Ludington State Park | Ludington

With 21 miles of the most beautiful trails in Michigan, its understandable why Ludington State Park is so popular. A favorite for our family, this park is nestled between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan so you can enjoy stunning sunsets, the Big Sable Lighthouse and fishing at the Hamlin Dam. Bring your bikes for lots of great paved trails throughout the wooded campground. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all the leaf-peeping as you explore this Michigan State Park.

Wondering which trails to hike, we highly recommend Lost Lake Island Trail and Skyline Trail to view fall foliage at it’s finest! Here is a full Guide to the 21 Miles of Trails at Ludington State Park. As you plan your fall camping trip, check out this thorough Camping Guide for Ludington State Park .

Bonus, there are tons of harvest activities occurring nearby from STIX Biergarten Fall Fest on Oct 21, 2023 to local campground trick-or-treating. Join in on family- fun activities with horse drawn hayrides, music, cider and donuts at Ludington State Park Autumn’s Harvest Festival on October 7, 2023 from 11-3pm.

Sleepy Hollow State Park | Lansing

Centrally located in Michigan and known for their spooktacular Halloween and fall camping activities for kids, Sleepy Hollow is a favorite spot for Michigan fall camping. They host two different fall events, the harvest fest is the weekend of Oct 6-7 and on Oct 13-14, 2023 is the Ichabod Crane Weekend with fun family events.

Sleepy Hollow State Park features Ovid Beach, plus tons of hiking, biking & horse back riding trails. We love the huge modern playground and large activity area which has a gaga ball pit, basketball courts and pavilion for groups and families to meet up. Conveniently located near Lansing, you can spend a day visiting the state capital, the Impressions 5 Science Center or Potter’s Zoo. During your visit to the area, we highly recommend exploring the gorgeous Ledges Trail, which is a spectacular fall hike in Grand Ledge. Continue reading here for a full Review and Trip Guide for Sleepy Hollow State Park near Lansing.

Fort Custer State Park | Augusta

Playground  at Fort Custer State Park

This massive state park is located near Battle Creek, Michigan. Our family appreciates that the campsites are situated in wooded areas with privacy between each site. With 40 miles of trails that loop around three large lakes, Fort Custer provides a scenic fall experience. Two fun ways to explore Fort Custer is by mountain bike or horseback riding on the multi-use trails. A modern playground and a sandy beach are some of the features that attract families to this beautiful state park each year. During the fall nearby, Gull Meadow’s Farms, has tons of fall family activities from apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes and cider & donuts.

Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | Metamora

Located near the Detroit area, makes Metamora Hadley Recreation Area a convenient fall camping spot for many. Choose from 214 campsites along Lake Minnewanna. A great spot for fishing for bluegill and bass amongst the brilliant colors reflected of the lake. You can also rent a rowboat, canoes, and paddle boards during your stay prior to Labor Day.

Overall the North loop is better for RV’s, while the South loop accommodates tents and smaller RVs. The South loop provides a more rustic feel with more trees, offering views of Lake Minnewanna, and is closer to the hiking trails. Bring a fall jacket and your camera to capture some stunning colors mirrored on the lake.**As of Fall of 2023 the campground will be closed for renovations.

Private Campgrounds

Indigo Bluffs | Empire

Indigo Bluffs is a private campground located near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This family-friendly campground offers modern amenities and a range of accommodations from cabins, to tents and RV sites. One of the most scenic fall hiking trails nearby is the Empire Bluff Trail. This beautiful trail is a 1.5 miles round trip hike, with ruby red maples and bright yellow birches to give gorgeous colors. This Northern trail rewards you with a dune bluff overlooking Lake Michigan below.

Empire Bluff Trail

There are endless activities along the National Lakeshore, here are the 15 unmissable activities in Sleeping Bear Dunes. With many fun towns nearby to explore, Indigo Bluffs is conveniently located for easy Michigan day trips to Traverse City and Frankfort. Plus, visit some of the best wineries in Michigan like Black Star Farm during your stay. Indigo Bluffs closes Oct 15 so book your spot early.

If you can secure a site 6 months advance, one of our all time favorite places to camp is at Platte River Campground, which lies along the National Lakeshore and is a secluded retreat with a gorgeous 1 mile hike to Lake Michigan’s stunning shoreline.

Lake Michigan Sunset at Platte River Campground

Old Orchard Campground |Oscoda

The fall season is a gorgeous time to explore Old Orchard Campground located along the AuSable River. The nice wooded area in Huron-Manistee National Forest is ideal spot to surround yourself with Autumn’s beauty and enjoy the River Road Scenic Byway.

If you really want to escape, this park will force you since there is no cell service. This large seasonal campground is open from March- November. With over 525 campsites, including primitive and modern, you’re bound to find a nice large spot, some with a beautiful lake view. There is a camp store for basic camping needs and just down the road you can visit the Lumberman's Monument and Largo Springs. There is also playgrounds for the kids and in the fall months, Old Orchard holds color tour weekend hayrides and a Halloween trunk-or-treat the weekend of Oct. 14.

Mackinaw City/ Mackinac Island KOA | Mackinaw City

Most people plan on visiting Mackinac area during the summer, but it’s a worthwhile trip in the fall, with less crowds and stunning scenery. If you want to bike to the town or take the ferry from the campground, there is a trail you can conveniently use.

The KOA has large sites for big rig with tons of amenities including a pool, cable TV, a playground, laundry facilities, dog park and Wi-Fi. A bonus is free shuttles are available to take you to the Mackinac Island ferry ports. When planning remember that they close October 15 for the season.

Mackinaw Bridge

Some unique activities on Mackinac Island during the fall season include a Fall Color Tour Flight with Great Lakes Air or a scenic carriage ride around the island. Make sure to visit the island's highest point at Fort Holmes, to get a unique aerial view of the golden hues and bright fall colors.

Here is a full guide for spending a day on Mackinac Island. Within Mackinaw City some fun fall events include Lumber jack shows and Fort Fright, when Colonial Michilimackinac hosts a weekend of scary family fun.

Final Thoughts

With so many beautiful locations to see fall color in Michigan we guarantee you’ll find an ideal place for your next fall camping trip. Make sure to book early to secure your site. Whether you’re spending a couple days or a week, your Michigan shaped heart will be full as you enjoy the golden yellows, ruby reds and vibrant oranges this season. We’re curious, what campground locations would you add to the list? If this article was helpful, don’t forget to Pin and Save this post for later and follow our Facebook page.

Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan travel recommendations and camping reviews for Michigan and beyond. We are always sharing new content so if you’re searching for ideas for your next vacation, here are some recent posts we suggest.

Featured Post You May Enjoy:

Top Michigan State Park Campgrounds for Kids

Hocking Hills, Ohio Trip Guide: Best Hikes for Families

Things to Do in Hocking Hills: Where to Eat, Sleep & Play

Waterfall & Hiking Guide to Great Smokey Mountains National Park