RV Campgrounds & Parks In Clare, Michigan -- Find RV Parks

43.8195° N, 84.7686° W

Quick Overview

Clare sits at the heart of Michigan's outdoor recreation corridor, where the Au Sable River winds through dense forests and the Huron-Manistee National Forest stretches for miles in every direction. This small town has built its reputation around fishing, hunting, and four-season recreation that draws RVers from across the Midwest. The surrounding landscape offers everything from trophy trout streams to extensive ORV trail systems, making it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who want their basecamp close to the action.

The camping scene here includes several RV parks and campgrounds, with some offering free access to budget-conscious travelers. Most facilities cater to the outdoor recreation crowd with amenities like fish cleaning stations, boat launches, and direct trail access. You'll find a mix of full-hookup sites for big rigs and more primitive options for those who prefer a natural setting. Several parks specialize in seasonal camping, attracting snowbirds who return year after year for the fishing and hunting seasons.

From your campsite in Clare, you're perfectly positioned to explore some of Michigan's best outdoor attractions. The Au Sable River flows right through town, offering world-class trout fishing and peaceful canoe trips. Denton Hill Golf Course provides a challenging round just minutes from most campgrounds, while the Huron-Manistee National Forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking and ATV trails. Winter brings excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, with many campgrounds staying open to serve the winter sports crowd.

Camping styles here range from luxury RV resorts with pools and clubhouses to rustic forest campgrounds where you'll fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. Full-hookup sites accommodate the largest motorhomes, while tent camping areas and primitive sites attract those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Many parks offer weekly and monthly rates that appeal to extended-stay visitors, particularly during the peak fishing seasons in spring and fall.

Summer brings the busiest camping season, with advance reservations essential for weekend stays. Spring and fall offer the best fishing conditions with fewer crowds, while winter camping appeals to snowmobilers and ice fishermen. The shoulder seasons provide the perfect balance of good weather and available sites.

Our directory covers the complete range of camping options in the Clare area, from budget-friendly municipal parks to premium private resorts with all the amenities.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Clare

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All Dump Stations Near Clare

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Pettit Park	0.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Boone Campsite - Camp Rotary	8.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Taylors Lost Haven Campground	11.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
River Valley RV Park	11.3 mi	\u2014	RV Park	Free
Oakview Mobile Home Estates	11.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Hidden Hill Family Campground	11.9 mi	\u2014	RV Park	Free
Isabella County Fairgrounds Campground	12.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lake George Family Campground	12.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Outdoor Adventures Mount Pleasant Resort	13.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Calhoun Campground	13.7 mi	\u2014	RV Park	Free

Traveling to Clare by RV

Clare sits right on US-127, making it easily accessible for RVers traveling north from the Grand Rapids area or south from Grayling. This major north-south highway provides excellent access with wide shoulders and gentle grades that won't stress your rig. The drive north from Grand Rapids takes about 90 minutes through scenic farmland and forest, while the route from Grayling offers beautiful views of the Au Sable River valley.

For east-west travel, US-10 connects Clare to the Lake Michigan shoreline and provides an alternate route for those coming from the Detroit metro area. This highway offers several scenic overlooks and passes through charming small towns, though it does include some hills that larger RVs should take slowly. The intersection of US-127 and US-10 puts Clare at the crossroads of Michigan's recreation corridor.

Fuel up before hitting the trails – Clare has several truck-friendly gas stations along US-127, including a Speedway and Marathon with easy RV access. The Meijer store on the north side of town offers diesel fuel and a large parking lot that can accommodate big rigs for grocery runs. Stock up here on supplies, as options become limited once you head into the national forest areas.

Watch for increased traffic during hunting seasons, particularly in November when deer hunters flood the area. Summer weekends also see heavy traffic heading to and from the lakes region. Plan extra travel time during these peak periods, and consider arriving on weekdays when possible.

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Dump Station Costs in Clare

Nightly camping rates in Clare typically range from $25-35 for basic sites to $45-60 for full-hookup locations with premium amenities. The municipal parks offer the best value, while private resorts with pools and recreation facilities command top dollar. Weekly rates often provide significant savings, with many parks offering 20-30% discounts for extended stays.

Free camping represents a portion% of the area's options, while a portion% require payment. The dispersed camping in Huron-Manistee National Forest provides the only truly free option, though you'll sacrifice hookups and amenities for the savings. These primitive sites work well for self-contained RVs with solar power and adequate fresh water capacity.

Seasonal pricing varies dramatically, with summer rates typically 25-40% higher than spring and fall. Winter camping, where available, offers the lowest rates but limited services at many facilities. Book early for Memorial Day through Labor Day, when weekend sites can command premium pricing and often require minimum stays.

Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide 10-50% discounts at several area campgrounds, potentially saving $10-20 per night. FMCA and Coast to Coast memberships also offer benefits at select locations. Fuel costs remain reasonable compared to urban areas, with diesel typically 10-15 cents below state averages. Grocery prices at the local IGA run slightly higher than big box stores, but the convenience often justifies the extra cost for short stays.

Free: 10 stations (71%)

Paid: 4 stations (29%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Clare

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Best Time to Visit Clare by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

15-35°F

Crowds: Low

Limited campground services, but excellent for snowmobiling and ice fishing enthusiasts.

🌸

Spring

March-May

35-65°F

Crowds: Medium

Prime trout fishing season with moderate crowds and reopening campground facilities.

☀️

Summer

June-August

55-80°F

Crowds: High

Peak season requiring advance reservations, especially for weekend stays near the river.

🍂

Fall

September-November

40-70°F

Crowds: High

Hunting season brings heavy crowds, particularly during November deer season.

Explore the Clare Area

Doherty Hotel & Conference Center offers one of the most convenient camping experiences in Clare, with full hookups and easy walking access to downtown restaurants and shops. Their location puts you within a short drive of both the Au Sable River and the national forest trail systems. For a more natural setting, consider the municipal campground at Wilson State Park, which offers direct river access and excellent fishing opportunities right from your campsite.

Boondockers should explore the dispersed camping opportunities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, particularly along the forest roads north and east of town. These free sites offer complete solitude and direct access to hiking and ATV trails, though you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. Check with the Forest Service office in Cadillac for current road conditions and fire restrictions.

The best fishing happens early morning and evening, so plan your campground activities around these prime times. Many RVers set up their chairs along the Au Sable River right in town, where the fishing is surprisingly good for such an urban setting. Herrick Recreation Area offers excellent trout fishing with easier bank access for those who prefer not to wade.

For dining, don't miss the Doherty Hotel's restaurant, which serves excellent steaks and fresh fish in a historic setting. The local IGA grocery store stocks fishing licenses and basic camping supplies, while Dunham's Sports offers more extensive outdoor gear. Pet owners will appreciate the dog-friendly trails throughout the national forest, though leash laws apply in most areas.

National Parks Nearby

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Clare

What are the best RV campgrounds in Clare?

Doherty Hotel & Conference Center offers the most convenient location with full hookups and walking access to downtown Clare. Wilson State Park provides excellent river access for fishing enthusiasts. For luxury amenities, consider the private resorts north of town that feature pools, clubhouses, and organized activities during peak season.

Is there free RV camping near Clare?

Yes, the Huron-Manistee National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities on forest roads north and east of Clare. These primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency but provide direct access to hiking and ATV trails. Check with the Forest Service office for current road conditions and any fire restrictions before heading out.

What is the best time of year to camp in Clare?

Spring and fall offer the ideal combination of excellent fishing, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. May through June provides great trout fishing, while September offers beautiful fall colors. Avoid hunting season in November unless you're participating, as campgrounds and trails become extremely crowded.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Clare?

Several campgrounds offer full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Doherty Hotel & Conference Center and most private RV parks provide these amenities along with Wi-Fi and cable TV. The municipal parks typically offer electric and water only, requiring you to use dump stations for waste disposal.

Can I boondock near Clare?

Absolutely. The Huron-Manistee National Forest provides excellent boondocking opportunities with dispersed camping allowed on most forest roads. Popular areas include the roads north of Clare Lake and east toward the Au Sable River. Bring plenty of fresh water and plan for no cell service in remote locations.

What outdoor activities are available from Clare campgrounds?

The Au Sable River offers world-class trout fishing and canoeing right from downtown Clare. Extensive ATV and hiking trails wind through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, while winter brings excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Several campgrounds provide direct trail access, eliminating the need to trailer your recreational vehicles.