Camping options near Alanson, Michigan center around the inland waterway system connecting Burt Lake, Mullett Lake and Crooked Lake. The area sits within the sandy glacial hills of northern Michigan at approximately 600 feet elevation. Regional campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, though winter opportunities exist at several locations with limited facilities during snow season.
What to do
Water sports access: At Burt Lake State Park Campground, the beach provides opportunities for swimming and kayaking with gradually sloping shoreline. "Easy to find. Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," notes Kerry P. from Burt Lake State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Aloha State Park Campground provides direct access to Mullett Lake with multiple fishing spots. "Fishing was nice off the pier. The sites along the canal tend to have a good amount of goose poop by them as the geese were there daily," shares Jessica S. The park includes boat launch facilities and shore fishing areas.
Biking trails: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects multiple communities and passes near several campgrounds. "There is a great paved biking trail located nearby that runs from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs," notes one visitor to the area. Petoskey KOA offers easy trail access, as Cody S. mentions, "The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner."
What campers like
Beach quality: Burt Lake State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its waterfront. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3 feet or so). Bring your kayaks too," suggests Myron M. The sandy shoreline and gradual depth make it suitable for families.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer larger-than-average sites. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," reports Myron M. about Burt Lake. Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more space than private facilities.
Fossil hunting: Petoskey State Park Campground provides access to Lake Michigan shoreline where visitors search for Petoskey stones (fossilized coral). "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," explains John K.
What you should know
Midges and insects: Several campgrounds report seasonal insect activity. "Beware of poison ivy—it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site—but our site was fantastic," cautions Laura B. about Petoskey State Park. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "Rustic features. The water pumps here did not drain well, the nearby dumpster did smell like a dead animal... Just understand the bare necessities of this campground with a beautiful view," notes Brittny B.
Site reservations: Booking requirements vary significantly. State forest campgrounds like Maple Bay operate first-come, first-served, while others require advance planning. "Reserve in advance," advises Anna E. about Burt Lake State Park, noting its popularity during summer months.
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing," reports Brenda M. about Burt Lake. Most campgrounds closer to towns like Petoskey have stronger signals, while those in more remote forest settings have limited coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a large playground," notes Kerry regarding Indian River RV Resort. When selecting a campsite near Alanson for family trips, prioritize locations with dedicated children's facilities.
Beach safety: Indian River RV Resort provides family-friendly swimming areas. "If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location," suggests Brenda M. Parents report the gradual entry shoreline at most inland lakes makes swimming safer for young children.
Winter activities: For families camping during colder months, Wilderness State Park remains open year-round. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," shares Jenafer P., highlighting the seasonal programming that extends beyond summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "Campsite was level, shaded, and close to the facilities, as we are van campers this was nice," notes Art W. about Petoskey KOA. Wilderness State Park Camping offers both modern and rustic sites, but reviewers note preparation is needed: "Can be pretty loud. On the plus side, the campsite was relatively clean of physical trash, but the closeness of the neighbors on all sides made it difficult to enjoy the environment."
Electric service: Power connections vary between campgrounds. "The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises Brenda M. regarding Burt Lake State Park. Most state parks offer 30-amp service while private campgrounds more commonly provide 50-amp options.
Utility access: For full hookup needs, "We stayed at site 145 which was large but there is a path to the beach right next to it so it's not very private," reports Don B. about Burt Lake State Park. Dump station facilities are available at most established campgrounds in the region, though not at rustic forest campgrounds.
