Carp River Campground

Easy in and out, easy to find and clean and well kept campground.

It was quiet for being close to a highway. Carp river was too shallow at spots to kayak, but it was July and we knew the water would be low. Still fun though, had to carry the kayaks over some downed trees too.

Nice enough and clean campground. But they were out of campfire wood and it was not clearly stated that you really could not access the river from the camp sites. Once you get down to it, there is a steep drop off that would be a struggle for most to get back up. If they make it down safely at that.

Clean and very quiet. The camp host was very nice and helpful.

Our overall impression was disappointing. Although the campsites were private and well-designed for dispersed camping, the Carp River itself is a rather ugly brown due to the tannins in the water. It's not very scenic, after experiencing the lovely greens and blues of the Great Lakes. It is, however, a great place for mosquitoes, who were quite aggressive.

The other downside to the campsite was that there aren't any trailheads or unique features to make your stay something to write home about. It's also within hearing distance of the Interstate, not that it was loud, but it was there. It wasn't a horrible experience, but it wasn't that great, either. Perhaps it is good fishing (?), but it was not what we were hoping for.

Good campground, it was nice a clean, sites need to be a little softer ground for tents had a hard time setting stakes but other than that great campground

Great location, the hosts are awesome, and sites are well spaced out and private. Carp River is a beautiful place to set up a base camp for Mackinaw and St Ignace activities. There are some good local trails and a rope swing over the river where a nice swimming hole is.

Be warned, there is no electric hook-up, nor are there any dump stations. Water is available via a pitcher pump.

Bathrooms were very clean. Campground maintained well, Host was friendly.

Loved it. Bathrooms were clean and campground was quiet. Close to town, but still felt away. We learned from the host there is a useable role swing into the river a short way away, but we didn’t get a chance to try it out! Wading in the river to cool off was a delight. Just a beautiful, relaxing space.

Carp River Campground is well situated near St. Ignace and Mackinac Island and the sites are well proportioned, spaced out and private. It has few amenities (firewood for sale, water and pit latrines) but it very good as a jumping of point for other destinations and a great destination in it's own right. Nice calm place to return to after a day out. We swam in Carp River (coldr but nice) and hiked a bit through the woods there which are birch & pine and beautiful. Our site was clean as a whistle and raked out when we arrived to boot.