Lake Leelanau, Michigan sits at the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, featuring a 21-mile inland lake surrounded by rolling hills and orchards at approximately 600 feet elevation. The camping season typically runs May through October with temperatures ranging from 50°F nights to 80°F days in peak summer months. Dispersed camping isn't permitted on public land in this region, but numerous established campgrounds offer various accommodation options within 20 minutes of the lake.
What to do
Kayaking Victoria Creek: From Leelanau Pines Campground, paddlers can explore beyond Lake Leelanau itself. "We launched the kayak & could keep it there on the grass at the lake. We kayaked the lake Leelanau then went up into Victoria Creek it was so cool. There was a duck blind in there and shore birds," notes reviewer B M.
Visit local wineries: The peninsula hosts dozens of wineries within short driving distance from campgrounds. "We went to several wineries. Loved Chateau De Leelanau good wine & hard cider. Next door to there was another winery Fires it was good more expensive though," shares a Leelanau Pines camper.
Night sky viewing: The northern location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. At D.H. Day Campground, one visitor reports, "We went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," even describing camping in late October when temperatures drop significantly.
Fall camping: For visitors seeking less crowded experiences, autumn offers colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. "Stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around. Loved it. It's remote, rustic and the lakefront is scrubby and unspoiled," notes a reviewer from Leelanau State Park.
What campers like
Access to multiple water bodies: Campers appreciate options between Lake Michigan beaches and inland lakes. At Leelanau State Park Campground, "Tent camping on the water, it does not get any more beautiful than this!" while others mention "falling asleep to light sound of waves."
Concrete pads at RV parks: Many mention the level, well-maintained sites at Lake Leelanau RV Park. "Level Cement sites. Well mowed grass," notes Aaron C., adding practical value for RVers concerned about setup.
Clean bathroom facilities: Lake Leelanau RV Park receives consistent praise for their facilities. "The bathroom here is VERY clean and updated - much nicer than most campgrounds," shares one reviewer, noting each family bathroom includes a toilet, sink, and shower.
Central location: The peninsula location puts campers within easy reach of attractions. "The location is great for visiting downtown TC or the wineries and distilleries," notes a camper from Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal campers at some parks: Several campgrounds maintain a significant seasonal population. "A large number of campers here are seasonal residents, so keep that in mind if that's not your vibe," notes a reviewer about Lake Leelanau RV Park.
Varying privacy levels: Site separation differs significantly between campgrounds. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, "While trees line the perimeter and are speckled throughout the campground, all of the RV sites are completely open to the sun, making it an RV parking lot with grass."
Limited amenities at some parks: Despite "resort" in the name, some campgrounds offer minimal facilities. Wild Cherry RV Resort has "very few amenities. There is no swimming pool, no tennis courts, no shuffleboard, no fitness center, no playground, in fact there were not even bathrooms/showers."
Advance reservations essential: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. At Platte River Campground, "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: For families with younger children, Interlochen State Park offers good options. "My family has been camping every summer at Interlochen for the past 25+ years. The employees are great, facilities are what you would expect at a campground."
Swimming beach access: Not all campgrounds provide swimming areas. At Leelanau Pines, "There is a boat ramp, a beach with a swim area & you can walk along the shore under trees nice & shaded."
Weather preparation: Temperatures can vary widely, even in summer. "Went at the end of August and lucked out to get one spot for a tent. The campground was full, so you could definitely see and hear your neighbours," reports Emmy W. about D.H. Day Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Take proper food storage precautions. At Platte River Campground, campers note, "DO NOT LEAVE FOOD OUT!! There was a bear spotted in the group area during our stay."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers full hookups with varying privacy levels. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," notes Michelle S.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete services. At Leelanau Pines, "The site had full hookups and was considered to be one of the premium sites. It included electric, sewer, water, cable, and WiFi when it worked."
Level site importance: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. One reviewer of Indigo Bluffs RV Park noted, "We had a great experience at the RV resort. We stayed on both sites 44 and 4 and both were very nice stamped concrete pads with full hookups."
Escorted site assistance: Staff at some parks help with parking. At Leelanau Pines, "When we got to our site, we were greeted with a golf cart and a staff member asking if we needed help backing the fifth wheel into the site."
