Cabin rentals near Alanson, Michigan offer easy access to both inland lakes and Lake Michigan, located in Emmet County at 600 feet elevation with seasonal temperatures ranging 20-80°F. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and waterfront settings with most sites requiring reservations at least 3-4 months in advance for summer weekends. Fall camping extends into October when nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 45°F.
What to do
Beach activities and fossil hunting: Petoskey State Park Campground provides Lake Michigan beach access for Petoskey stone hunting. "The beach was so much fun. Crystal clear water, sugar sand, and tons of Petoskey stones if you know where to look," notes Laura B., while another camper shares it's "about one hour from Sleeping Bear Dunes and reservable which makes it popular."
Biking trail access: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects multiple communities around the bay. At Magnus Park Campground, Patrick S. describes "a short walk across the Little Traverse Wheelway bike trail that stretches 23.5 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix." At Wilderness State Park Camping, visitors find "great places to ride bikes outside of campground" with "a nature trail that you can take your bike."
Stargazing opportunities: The Headlands Dark Sky Park is approximately 10 minutes from Mackinaw City. Wilderness State Park is known for "fantastic dark night skies" according to Amy G., who recommends it for exploring "some gorgeous dark night skies in Northern Michigan." Tracie S. confirms it's "the only dark park in Michigan" with "beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach."
What campers like
Waterfront access: At Young State Park Campground, visitors enjoy direct access to Lake Charlevoix. "Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," writes Tracie S. Matt K. mentions, "Some of the spots are a little close, but the park makes up for it with its amazing beach and proximity to Boyne City."
Clean facilities: Camp Petosega receives high marks for maintenance. Samantha D. raves about the shower building: "One of the best showers I've had while camping, all concrete, nice vent fans, heater to keep you warm, detachable shower head and overhead one." The campground is described as "one of the best places I've ever camped" with staff that are "wonderful and down to Earth."
Multiple accommodation options: Indian River RV Resort offers various site configurations. One reviewer mentions they have "back-in and 'pull-through' options, plus 'buddy sites' so families and friends can face each other," along with "premium sites that include options like concrete/brick patios, paved sites, pergolas, BBQ grills, etc."
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Locations near lakes may have seasonal flooding. At Young State Park, reviewers noted that "waterside sites were flooded due to the high lake levels." At Magnus Park, one camper found "sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping."
Reservation timing considerations: Most cabin rentals and improved campsites fill quickly. For Petoskey KOA, visitors suggest booking well in advance for premium sites. One camper advises, "Be sure when you book that you put down the correct size of your rig as they have site management down to a science."
Seasonal challenges: Bugs can be problematic in early summer. At Wilderness State Park, Brittany B. warns of being "very buggy in June, come prepared." At Petoskey State Park, multiple reviews mention "poison ivy everywhere" that requires caution when setting up campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Indian River RV Resort offers a large heated swimming pool. One visitor describes it as "very kid-friendly, including a large playground, a large heated swimming pool, plus volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, basketball and pickleball courts."
Halloween events: Several parks host special seasonal activities. At Wilderness State Park, Jenafer P. shares, "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun." Similarly, Craig F. enjoyed Petoskey KOA's Halloween festivities: "They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest."
Beach quality considerations: Different lakes offer varying swimming experiences. Aloha State Park provides clean beach areas, but a visitor cautions about "millions of dead fish flies in the water and shore line" during certain periods. At Wilderness State Park, families appreciate the "true rustic sites, where you have to hike into, usually a little over a mile."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Mackinaw City KOA provides complete services for larger rigs. A reviewer confirms "most are pull through" with "full hook-up with cable and WiFi (which worked well at our site)." Another visitor appreciates that "camping spots are shady" making for comfortable summer stays.
Navigation challenges: Several parks have narrow interior roads. At Young State Park, Nancy W. notes "the roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam." Similarly at Magnus Park, sites are "extremely close together" according to Martha L., though "spaces were level" per other reviews.
Shuttle services: Transportation options exist to nearby attractions. At Mackinaw City KOA, Julia H. mentions "both major ferries will transport you for free - this KOA provides you information for Shepler's Ferry" to reach Mackinac Island, a popular day trip for RVers staying at cabin rentals near Alanson.
