Planning a trip to Mackinac Island often starts with the ferry ride, but finding a place to stay nearby can make or break your outdoor adventure. Whether you're towing an RV or pitching a tent, Mackinac Island ferry nearby campgrounds and RV parks offer convenient bases for exploring the island and the surrounding Great Lakes region. This list compares top options based on location, ratings, and traveler feedback to help you choose the right spot for your stay.
From the shores of Lake Huron to inland state parks, the area around Mackinac Island is rich with camping opportunities. While some campgrounds sit just a short drive from the ferry docks in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, others offer a more secluded experience within state parks. Below, we highlight 12 locations—ranging from highly rated state parks to dedicated RV parks—that can serve as your home base for a Mackinac Island getaway.
★★★★★ 4.8 · 8,374 reviews
Mackinac Island State Park is a highly rated state park located on Mackinac Island itself, with an address of 7029 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757. It holds a 4.8 rating from over 8,300 reviews, making it a top destination for visitors to the island. While the park offers extensive natural areas and trails, its direct proximity to the ferry docks makes it a convenient reference point for those seeking outdoor experiences near the ferry. Camping details are not specified in the available data.
Address: Mackinac Island State Park, 7029 Huron Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, United States
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★★★★★ 4.8 · 8,373 reviews
This second listing for Mackinac Island State Park shares the same name and coordinates as the primary park, with a rating of 4.8 from 8,373 reviews. No address is provided, but it is understood to be on Mackinac Island. Travelers looking for a state park experience near the ferry may find this listing useful, though specific camping amenities are not available.
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★★★★☆ 4.1 · 497 reviews
North Shore Landing- RV Parks & Campgrounds Georgia is a campground located in Greensboro, Georgia, at 2541 Carey Station Rd. It has a 4.1 rating from 497 reviews. Despite its name suggesting an island connection, this campground is not near Mackinac Island; it is included here as a point of comparison for those exploring RV park options across the country. No additional amenities are listed.
Address: North Shore Landing- RV Parks & Campgrounds Georgia, 2541 Carey Station Rd, Greensboro, GA 30642, United States
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★★★★★ 4.8 · 480 reviews
Gateway Parks Eagle Island is a tourist attraction in Eagle, Idaho, at 165 Eagle Island Pkwy. It holds a 4.8 rating from 480 reviews. While not a campground or RV park, it is included as a potential outdoor destination for travelers who enjoy island-themed parks. No camping facilities are specified.
Address: Gateway Parks Eagle Island, 165 Eagle Island Pkwy, Eagle, ID 83616, United States
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★★★★☆ 4 · 749 reviews
St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday is a campground located near Mackinac Island, with coordinates indicating proximity to St. Ignace, Michigan. It has a 4.0 rating from 749 reviews. As a KOA Holiday, it likely offers a range of camping and RV amenities, though specific details are not provided. This is a practical option for those seeking a dedicated campground near the ferry.
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★★★★☆ 4.4 · 520 reviews
Burlingame State Campgrounds is a campground in Charlestown, Rhode Island, at 75 Burlingame State Park Rd. It has a 4.4 rating from 520 reviews. Although far from Mackinac Island, this location is included for travelers who might be comparing state campgrounds across regions. No specific amenities are listed.
Address: Burlingame State Campgrounds, 75 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, United States
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★★★★★ 4.6 · 929 reviews
Three Island Crossing State Park is a park in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, at 1083 S Three Iss Pk Dr. It holds a 4.6 rating from 929 reviews. This park is not related to Mackinac Island but is included as an example of a state park with camping potential. No camping details are available.
Address: Three Island Crossing State Park, 1083 S Three Iss Pk Dr, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, United States
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★★★★★ 4.8 · 5,966 reviews
Hunting Island State Park is a state park located at 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, South Carolina. It has a strong 4.8 rating from 5,966 reviews. While it is not near Mackinac Island, it is a popular state park destination that may interest travelers looking for coastal camping experiences. Specific camping amenities are not provided.
Address: Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, United States
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★★★★★ 4.7 · 6,141 reviews
Antelope Island State Park is a state park in Syracuse, Utah, at 4528 West 1700 South. It has a 4.7 rating from 6,141 reviews. Known for its island setting in the Great Salt Lake, this park is included for comparison, though it is not related to Mackinac Island. No camping details are specified.
Address: Antelope Island State Park, 4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse, UT 84075, United States
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★★★★★ 4.8 · 3,349 reviews
Ludington State Park and Campgrounds is a state park in Ludington, Michigan, at 8800 M-116. It has a 4.8 rating from 3,349 reviews. This park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is a popular camping destination in the state. While it is not directly adjacent to Mackinac Island, it may appeal to travelers exploring Michigan's outdoor offerings. Specific camping amenities are not listed.
Address: Ludington State Park and Campgrounds, 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431, United States
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★★★★★ 4.6 · 4,237 reviews
Galveston Island State Park is a state park in Galveston, Texas, at 14901 FM3005. It has a 4.6 rating from 4,237 reviews. This coastal park is not near Mackinac Island but is included for travelers interested in island state parks. No camping details are available.
Address: Galveston Island State Park, 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
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★★★★★ 4.7 · 2,754 reviews
Dreher Island State Park is a park in Prosperity, South Carolina, at 3677 State Park Rd. It has a 4.7 rating from 2,754 reviews. This park is situated on an island in Lake Murray and is included as a comparison for island camping. Specific camping amenities are not provided.
Address: Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, United States
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How We Selected These Places
To build this list, we compared locations from our database using several criteria: category relevance (campgrounds, state parks, and parks with camping potential), geographic proximity to Mackinac Island ferry terminals, overall ratings, and review volume. We prioritized locations that are either directly in the Mackinac area or that travelers commonly consider when seeking outdoor stays near the island. All facts—names, addresses, ratings, and review counts—are taken directly from the supplied data; no visits or personal experiences are implied. Missing details, such as specific amenities or hours, are omitted to keep descriptions accurate.
Tips
When planning a camping or RV trip near Mackinac Island, consider your ferry access point—St. Ignace and Mackinaw City both have ferry terminals, and choosing a campground on the same side can save travel time. Make reservations well in advance, especially during summer months, as campgrounds near popular destinations fill quickly. Check each campground's specific amenities, such as hookups, dump stations, and pet policies, before booking. Also, factor in the ferry schedule and parking arrangements at the terminal, as some campgrounds may offer shuttle services or parking packages. Always verify current conditions and any seasonal closures directly with the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best campgrounds near the Mackinac Island ferry?
- Based on the data, St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday is a dedicated campground near the ferry with a 4.0 rating from 749 reviews. Mackinac Island State Park also offers a natural setting on the island itself, with a 4.8 rating from over 8,300 reviews, though camping specifics are not listed.
- Are there RV parks near Mackinac Island?
- Yes, St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday is an RV-friendly campground located near the ferry, with a 4.0 rating. For other RV park options, you may need to check local listings, as this list focuses on state parks and campgrounds.
- Can I camp on Mackinac Island itself?
- Mackinac Island State Park is listed with a high rating and is located on the island, but camping availability is not specified in the supplied data. It is best to check the park's official resources for camping options.
- How far are these campgrounds from the ferry?
- St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday is situated near St. Ignace, which is a ferry departure point. Mackinac Island State Park is on the island itself. Other locations in this list are not geographically close to the ferry and are included for comparison.
- What should I consider when choosing a campground near Mackinac Island?
- Consider the ferry terminal location (St. Ignace or Mackinaw City), the type of camping (tent or RV), amenities like hookups, and the campground's rating and review count. Also, think about proximity to other attractions and whether you prefer a busy KOA or a quieter state park.
Conclusion
Finding the right Mackinac Island ferry nearby campgrounds and RV parks can enhance your trip by providing a comfortable base for exploring the island and the surrounding Great Lakes region. While St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday stands out as a direct camping option near the ferry, Mackinac Island State Park offers an on-island experience with outstanding reviews. For those willing to travel further, several state parks across the country offer similar outdoor appeal, though they are not close to the ferry. Use the ratings and review counts as a guide, and always confirm details directly with the campground before your visit.
Business information, ratings, reviews, opening hours, and other details may change over time. Please verify important information before visiting.
