RV Campgrounds In East Jordan, Michigan -- Find RV Parks

45.1581° N, 85.1242° W

Quick Overview

East Jordan sits where the Jordan River meets the southern tip of Lake Charlevoix, creating a charming small-town atmosphere with big water access. This northern Michigan destination puts you right in the heart of Antrim County's outdoor playground, where crystal-clear lakes and rolling hills define the landscape. The town's main street leads straight to a public beach, while marinas and boat launches make it easy to get on the water. You'll find authentic northern Michigan character here without the tourist crowds of nearby Petoskey or Traverse City.

The camping scene around East Jordan includes several RV parks and campgrounds, with some free options available for budget-conscious travelers. Most parks cater to RVers looking for full hookups and modern amenities, though you'll also find more rustic options that emphasize the natural setting. Several campgrounds sit directly on Lake Charlevoix or nearby inland lakes, giving you waterfront camping with swimming and fishing right outside your door. The parks here tend to be smaller and more intimate than the massive resorts you'll find in other Michigan vacation areas.

From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore the Chain of Lakes region, including Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, and dozens of smaller inland waters. The Jordan River offers excellent trout fishing and canoeing through cedar swamps and hardwood forests. Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands ski areas are just 20 minutes away, transforming into mountain biking and golf destinations during summer months. Petoskey State Park and its famous Petoskey stone beaches are a quick 30-minute drive north. Downtown East Jordan hosts the Red Flannel Festival each October, celebrating the town's history as a lumber and manufacturing center.

RV camping styles here range from lakefront resorts with full amenities to simple county parks with basic hookups. If you're traveling in a big rig, several parks offer pull-through sites with 50-amp service and sewer connections. Tent campers and smaller RVs will appreciate the more natural settings at places like Barnes Park, where mature trees provide shade and privacy. Many campgrounds here are family-owned operations that have been serving RVers for decades, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.

Summer brings the warmest weather and fullest campgrounds, with July and August requiring advance reservations at most parks. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures but fewer crowds, plus excellent fishing as trout and salmon run the rivers. Winter camping is limited but possible for hardy RVers who don't mind snow and freezing temperatures. Most seasonal campgrounds close from November through April.

Our directory includes detailed information for each of the several RV parks and campgrounds in the East Jordan area, helping you find the perfect spot for your northern Michigan camping adventure.

Top Rated Dump Stations in East Jordan

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All Dump Stations Near East Jordan

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Six Mile Lake Campground	5.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Chain Of Lakes Camp (Six Mile Lake)	5.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Whiting Memorial Park	5.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Wooden Shoe Campground	5.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Charlevoix County Whiting Park	5.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Thurston Park And Campground	9.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Boyne Country RV Park And Campground	9.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Fisherman's Island State Park South Campground	13.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor	14.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Chain-O-Lakes Campground	16.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to East Jordan by RV

US-31 provides the main north-south route to East Jordan, connecting the town to Grand Rapids (180 miles south) and Petoskey (25 miles north). The highway handles RVs of all sizes without issues, though you'll encounter some hills and curves as you approach the area. From the west, M-66 brings you in from Interstate 75 at Gaylord, offering a scenic 45-minute drive through farmland and forests. This route includes several moderate hills but nothing challenging for modern RVs with adequate power.

The most scenic approach follows the Lake Michigan shoreline on US-31 from the south, passing through Traverse City and Charlevoix before reaching East Jordan. This route adds about 30 minutes compared to inland highways but rewards you with stunning water views and charming lakeside communities. RV drivers should note that downtown Charlevoix has narrow streets and tight turns, so plan to bypass the city center if you're pulling a large trailer.

Fuel stops are readily available along US-31, with several truck stops offering RV-friendly diesel pumps and parking areas. The Meijer store in Petoskey provides groceries, propane, and basic RV supplies, making it a good final stop before reaching your campground. For more specialized RV needs, Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa, is about four hours south but worth the drive for major repairs or parts.

Cell phone coverage is generally good throughout the area, though some campgrounds in heavily wooded areas may have spotty service. Download offline maps before leaving main highways, as GPS signals can be unreliable in dense forest areas around some of the more remote camping spots.

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Dump Station Costs in East Jordan

Nightly rates for RV camping around East Jordan typically range from $35-45 for basic sites with electric and water hookups, while full-hookup waterfront sites run $55-75 during peak summer months. Budget-conscious travelers will find the most affordable options at county parks and smaller family-owned campgrounds. Premium lakefront resorts with amenities like pools and recreation centers can reach $80-100 per night during July and August.

Free camping opportunities are limited in this area, with a portion% of the several total campgrounds offering no-cost options, while a portion% charge fees. The closest free camping is in state forest lands about 30-45 minutes away, requiring completely self-contained rigs. Most travelers find the modest fees at established campgrounds worth paying for the convenience and lakefront access.

Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with summer rates often double the spring and fall prices. Many campgrounds offer weekly and monthly discounts for extended stays, making them popular with snowbirds heading south in fall or returning north in spring. Some parks close entirely from November through April, while others stay open with reduced rates for winter camping enthusiasts.

Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide 10-50% discounts at several area campgrounds, easily paying for themselves with just a few nights' stays. KOA Value Kard holders will find savings at the Petoskey KOA about 25 minutes north. Grocery costs run slightly higher than urban areas, but reasonable considering the resort location. Gas prices typically match state averages, with competitive options along US-31.

Free: 4 stations (67%)

Paid: 2 stations (33%)

Contact station for pricing details.

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

What RVers Are Saying About East Jordan

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Best Time to Visit East Jordan by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

15-35°F

Crowds: Low

Most campgrounds closed; limited winter camping available with frozen water lines possible.

🌸

Spring

March-May

35-65°F

Crowds: Low

Campgrounds reopening; excellent trout fishing but muddy conditions and variable weather.

☀️

Summer

June-August

55-80°F

Crowds: High

Peak season requiring advance reservations; perfect weather but crowded lakes and higher rates.

🍂

Fall

September-November

40-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Beautiful fall colors and salmon fishing; cooling temperatures with some campgrounds closing early.

Explore the East Jordan Area

Barnes Park offers the best combination of location and value, sitting right on Lake Charlevoix with a public boat launch and swimming beach. The sites are spacious enough for big rigs, and the mature trees provide excellent shade during hot summer days. Book early for waterfront sites, as they fill up quickly during peak season. The park also connects to walking trails that follow the lakeshore for several miles.

Boondockers should check out the Pigeon River Country State Forest about 45 minutes east, where primitive camping is allowed in designated areas. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient, but the trade-off is free camping in Michigan's largest wilderness area. Elk viewing opportunities are excellent here, especially during early morning and evening hours.

Downtown East Jordan is easily walkable from most campgrounds, with several good restaurants within a few blocks of the lake. The Twisted Fish Gallery serves fresh lake trout and whitefish, while Jordan Valley Outfitters can set you up with fishing gear and local knowledge. The East Jordan Iron Works museum showcases the town's industrial heritage and is worth a quick visit on rainy days.

Dog owners will appreciate the off-leash area at Barnes Park, plus the extensive trail system throughout Antrim County. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, but always check specific policies before booking. The Jordan River pathway offers easy walking for older dogs, while younger pups will enjoy the more challenging trails at nearby Boyne Mountain.

For the best sunrise photos, head to the east side of Lake Charlevoix early in the morning. The calm water creates perfect reflections of the surrounding hills and forests, especially during fall color season.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in East Jordan

What are the best RV campgrounds in East Jordan?

Barnes Park offers the top combination of lakefront location, full hookups, and reasonable rates on Lake Charlevoix. The sites accommodate big rigs and provide direct lake access for swimming and boating. Whispering Waters Campground is another excellent choice with modern amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is there free RV camping near East Jordan?

Free camping options are extremely limited in the immediate East Jordan area, with most campgrounds charging fees. Your best bet for no-cost camping is Pigeon River Country State Forest about 45 minutes east, which allows primitive camping in designated areas. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient with no hookups available.

What is the best time of year to camp in East Jordan?

Late June through early September offers the warmest weather and best lake conditions, though this is also peak season with higher rates and crowds. May and October provide excellent value with cooler temperatures, fewer people, and great fishing opportunities. Fall brings spectacular color changes throughout the surrounding forests.

Are there full hookup RV parks in East Jordan?

Yes, several campgrounds offer full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Barnes Park and most private RV parks provide 30 and 50-amp electrical service suitable for big rigs. Many also include cable TV and WiFi, though internet speeds can be limited in more remote locations.

Can I boondock near East Jordan?

Boondocking opportunities exist in the Pigeon River Country State Forest and other state forest lands within 30-60 minutes of town. These areas require self-contained RVs with no hookups available. Jordan River State Forest also allows primitive camping, but you'll need to check current regulations and obtain any required permits.

What activities are available from East Jordan RV campgrounds?

Lake Charlevoix provides excellent fishing, swimming, and boating right from many campgrounds. The Jordan River offers world-class trout fishing and canoeing through scenic wilderness areas. Nearby Boyne Mountain provides mountain biking, golf, and scenic chairlift rides during summer months. Downtown East Jordan features shops, restaurants, and the historic Iron Works museum.

Do East Jordan campgrounds allow pets?

Most RV campgrounds in the area are pet-friendly with reasonable policies requiring leashes and cleanup. Barnes Park includes an off-leash area for dogs, while extensive trail systems throughout Antrim County provide excellent walking opportunities. Always verify specific pet policies when making reservations, as some parks have size or breed restrictions.