Alden, Michigan sits on the southeast shores of Torch Lake at an elevation of 616 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters that create ideal conditions for both summer and winter camping opportunities. Campgrounds near Alden offer various accommodations including yurts and glamping options situated within northern Michigan's dense hardwood forests and lake country.
What to do
Kayaking on Elk Lake: Whitewater Township Park Campground provides direct access to Elk Lake with a boat launch area. According to a camper, "Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used. There are hiking trails nearby and the campground is about 15 minutes away from the quaint town of Elk Rapids and a very touristy Traverse City."
Trail access for ATV riders: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort connects directly to local trail systems. As one visitor notes, "Access right to trails. Only 10 mins from the great wine tasting!!" The resort maintains several miles of trails suitable for both ATVs and mountain bikes.
Lighthouse tours: Take a day trip to Leelanau State Park Campground where camping sites are available near the historic lighthouse. "They give tours and have a camp store/gift shop. There aren't really any trails there but you can get to the water in a bunch of places," explains one reviewer who explored beyond the campground.
Winter cross-country skiing: Young State Park offers winter activities that complement summer camping. A reviewer mentioned, "We visited Young State Park in the summer but in talking to locals this place is wonderful in the winter and great for cross-country skiing with trails that wind through wooded areas."
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers consistently mention the well-designed sites at several campgrounds near Alden. At Whitewater Township Park Campground, "The sites are nice and large" according to one reviewer, while another notes, "The sites are beautiful and spacious. The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent hygiene standards. A reviewer at Whitewater Township Park remarked, "They do a great job maintaining and improving site each year. Their bathrooms are very clean daily. Very happy with our stays at this campground."
Lake views and water access: Waterfront camping is a highlight of the region. A tent camper at Leelanau State Park shared, "Tent camping on the water, it does not get any more beautiful than this!" while another mentioned, "We had one of the waterfront sites and could hear the shore sounds all through the night."
Yurt accommodations: Wild Cherry RV Resort offers yurt camping near Alden, Michigan with units set in a wooded area. A reviewer observed, "Set back in a wooded area are a scattering of rustic tent sites, rental cabins and yurts with potable water, grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. These sites are so tucked in a wooded area that I never noticed them until the last day I was in the park."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Alden area operate seasonally. Holiday Park Campground runs from April 25 to October 25, while Wild Cherry RV Resort operates May 1 through October 31.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. For Young State Park, one visitor advised, "Reservations can be made online via the Michigan DNR site. The advantage of making reservations online is that you get a really good description of the site which includes length, width, hook-ups, amount of shade, length of site, distance to restrooms, and best of all - pictures."
Limited amenities at rustic sites: Some campgrounds offer minimal facilities. At Leelanau State Park, a camper noted, "Vault toilets and water are available. They had a sign advertising a local place offering showers for a small fee."
Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for local wildlife. One camper at Leelanau State Park mentioned their site had "hilariously aggressive squirrels," while others note raccoons can be an issue at various campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Young State Park Campground offers extensive recreational facilities. According to a reviewer, "The park covers 560 acres which encompasses a campground, hiking trails, a large beach area with concessions, boat launch, picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and fishing pier."
Organized activities: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort plans family-focused events throughout the season. A visitor observed, "This campground is great for what it is, a resort type campground with tons of activities and opportunities for fun. It is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods."
Multiple campground loops: For families seeking quieter options, consider specific camping areas. At Young State Park, "There are three camping loops – Terrace, Spruce, and Oak. Campsites in the Spruce loop don't have a designated 'pad' so you can arrange your RV or tent any way you like. This was the case with groups of friends who had two or three sites and arranged them so they faced each other with a common area in the center."
Beach and water activities: Holiday Park Campground provides water recreation for all ages. A visitor reported, "Holiday Park has everything; off of Silver Lake to swim, fish or rent a boat. Their is no reason to leave this paradise (except for groceries/drinks). The grounds are meticulously manicured with a great playground, biking/walk paths."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Timber Ridge, consider the terrain. One RVer shared, "We were here off season, daily rate was $40. There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake. Golf cart rentals. Lots of kid activities, in fact there was a Halloween party as we pulled in. Our first site was pretty unlevel but we were able to move without issue."
Hookup placement: At Holiday Park Campground, be mindful of utilities location. An RVer cautioned, "Lot 188 area very tight with campfires and neighbors septic connection near your vehicles. The hookups and fire pit layouts don't make sense...we didn't have a fire thought it was too close to neighbors trailer."
Site quality varies: At Wild Cherry RV Resort, "Sites are either pull-in (which we had) or back-in. There are no pull-thrus. Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake."
Drainage considerations: When selecting sites, check for potential water issues. One camper at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground advised, "A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected."
