Leelanau Pines, near Cedar, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy a lakeside camping experience. With its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to kick back and soak up the natural beauty of the area.

The campground boasts direct access to Lake Leelanau, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just lounging by the water. Many visitors have raved about the beautiful views and the well-kept swimming area, with one camper noting, “The water was practically a sand bar along the shoreline.” You’ll find sites equipped with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits, ideal for evening gatherings around the campfire.

If you’re up for some exploration, you’re in luck! Leelanau Pines is close to local attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes and several charming towns, including Sutton's Bay and Leland. Campers have enjoyed nearby wineries and scenic drives, with one mentioning, “We went to several wineries... it was a beautiful drive.” 

While the sites can be a bit close together, the welcoming vibe and the abundance of activities make it a great choice for families and friends alike. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Leelanau Pines offers a memorable camping experience.

Located on the beautiful Lake Leelanau and just a short drive from Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Empire, and more, Leelanau Pines Campground is one of the best camping destinations in all of Michigan. With 7 different RV site types located along the lake or in the pines, there's a spot for every kind of camper! Enjoy our lakefront access and swimming area, playground, nature trail, and more. Open May 6 - October 16.


A Family Camping Resort on Beautiful Twenty-One Mile Long "Lake Leelanau".

Close to Traverse City, Leland, Suttons Bay, Casinos and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

Leelanau Pines Campground

Cedar is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Cedar. Discover great camping spots near Cedar, reviewed by campers like you.

Cedar

The Best Camping Near Cedar, Michigan

My husband and I plan a Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Traverse City area each year. My uncle told us about this campground so we wanted to try it. I absolutely loved it. When we pulled in, the office staff were wonderful! 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. I was so happy because one thing that I am not good at, is directing my husband in to a site! The campground was fairly large and there is a swimming area that was nicely kept and looked enticing (it was too cold to swim when we stayed here). The bathrooms were VERY clean. The smelled nice and were clean each and every time I entered the building. We love to explore the areas we camp in and this campground was close to everything we wanted to do (i.e. rock hunting in Leland, lighthouses, casino, scenic drives, etc). We will definitely return to this campground. In fact, we ended up staying an extra night because we loved it so much! Check it out!

Awesome place and friendly service!

We were greeted by a very friendly lady at check-in.  She had our reservation ready and explained the best route to our site.  The owner then pulled up in a golf cart and led us to our site.  The sites are nice and very level, but a little close together.  There are several trees throughout the campground that are decorated with green LED lights and create a nice ambience.  The campground is directly on Lake Leelanau.  They have a boat launch and a swimming beach.  

Very friendly!

Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but  also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit) 

Beautiful views of Lake Leelanau

We stayed here for a week &amp; loved it. We were close to the water, we had a big site nice green grass with a big area with a fire pit behind the camper. There was a little creek behind up with a bridge you could walk over. The staff was so helpful when they escorted us to the site &amp; helped us back in they had levels they brought &amp; put under one side of the travel trailer to level us. There is a boat ramp, a beach with a swim area &amp; you can walk along the shore under tress nice &amp; shaded.  There are some good sites on the water. They have a laundry room which was well needed for us. 

  

We launched the kayak &amp; 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. Nice lake big houses along it.

  

We went to several wineries Boathouse Vineyards was nice you could do the wine tasting then sit out back facing the river &amp; have a glass of wine. They had a entertainment playing, and brought Pizza in. People came by boat &amp; docked there to enjoy the place too. We went across the street &amp; ate at Dicks.

  

Sutton is a cute town with some great shopping.We went to a few wineries Loved Chateau De Leelanau good wine &amp; hard cider.Next door to there was another winery Fires it was good more expensive though. 

  

We drove to Sleeping Bear Dunes it was a beautiful drive. I can't believe people walk to the bottom it takes at least 2 hours to climb back up. Nice view from the top of the dunes. There are several viewpoints.

Beautiful area great campground

We were late arriving but they had friendly staff that met us to check us in and guide us to our site (T). 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. 

We were stationed near the boat ramp and had a beautiful shaded view of the lake. Our neighbors, most of whom were permanent campers, were nice. Daily visits by the local duck families were entertaining. 

We enjoyed visiting the Sleeping bear dunes, Leland where we found a nice small quiet beach to swim in Lake Michigan. We also did two small trips to the light houses nearby and north of Travers City. 

Friendly Camping

We stayed at this campground for 4 nights in early September 2020. This is a great location based around Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes areas.

  

We stayed on a small camper site near the lake ( spot 22 if you look on a map) although we had nice view of the lake, the spot where we camped was next to the area where your allowed to bring your dog to go to the bathroom, so theres a decent amount of foot traffic in that particular area. That spot was also near the boat ramp. There weren't any boats coming in/out during the time we were there, it might be annoying if it were early spring or later in the camping year when people remove their boats.

  

Bathrooms and showers were clean and there was someone cleaning them a couple times a day if needed. 

  

Each site had electric and water connections, each site also had a picnic table and fire pit. 

  

Theres a small store near the office area, they sell basics, wood, ice, etc. 

  

Overall, id recommend this place in a heart beat and had a great time there.

Very nice campground, friendly staff

WOW! My first time staying at a private campground vs. state campgrounds and I cannot speak highly enough of this oasis 🤩 There are a lot of seasonal campers who are all friendly, and the office staff are very warm and welcoming. There are not too many kids here, which is great for those of us with no kids. Very quiet park with lake access campsites! 

Lake Life Camping!

The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake. All the sites were full hookup. There was a laundry, playground and swimming area in the lake. The owners and people working in the office were really nice. We enjoyed exploring the area, especially Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sutton's Bay, Leland and Northport. The bike paths from Sutton's Bay to Traverse City and from Pyramid Point to Empire were fantastic!

Great campground situated on a Lake Leelanau

We only stayed for two night during the week. It’s quiet and lots of seasonal campers already here. The sites are very close to each other, but the view is so beautiful and my kids have fun at the playground, and the beach area. Our puppy had a great time, too. Staff are very friendly and healthful. The site is very clean and convenient. 

Clean and beautiful 

My husband and I stayed here over the weekend. 6 hours drive was totally worth it. 

Clean Campground, friendly campers, Lake front, and great location!

We brought our kayaks on the lake. Also great for swimming! The water was practically a sand bar along the shoreline. Bonus that it's Close to local wineries and restaurants.

Photos of Leelanau Pines Campground

Real photos from real campers