Northern Michigan's Alden region sits near the 45th north parallel where the topography blends rolling hills with scattered lakes and dense woodlands. RV parks near Alden, Michigan typically operate from May through October due to harsh winter conditions that make camping impractical. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer averages 75-85°F with occasional evening temperatures dipping to 50°F.
What to do
Water activities on Bass Lake: Honcho Rest Campground in Elk Rapids offers access to Bass Lake, perfect for fishing and kayaking. According to a visitor, "Bass Lake which is great for a quick paddle around, fishing, etc., but if you are seeking larger bodies of water, the Elk Rapids Marina on Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake are just a couple miles away."
Visit local wineries: Wild Cherry RV Resort is centrally located for winery exploration. "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the town of Glen Arbor are a 20 minute drive."
Outdoor shooting range: Nearby activities include free public shooting areas. One camper at Vista Green RV Resort noted "Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the shops (Front Street) & water activities in Traverse City, the local wineries/vineyards, and the DNR Outdoor Shooting range (5 miles away & free to the public)."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds maintain on-site nature trails. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding. Lots of great fishing, cycling, and hiking in the area, too."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kalkaska RV Park & Campground receives praise for cleanliness. One camper shared: "Nice beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level. We didn't even have to use leveling blocks."
Friendly atmosphere: Antrim Meadows Campground creates welcoming environments. A motorcyclist noted: "From the minute we pulled in, we were welcomed by the owner and the other campers. It was as if we arrived at our own family reunion. We love these smaller campgrounds."
Swimming options: Several Alden area RV parks feature pools or water access. A visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort commented: "There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake. Golf cart rentals. Lots of kid activities."
Landscaped sites: RV accommodations range from basic to premium. At Traverse Bay RV Resort, "the sites are individually owned (and leased out) and many of the owners have made their lots very nice. The park is limited to Class A, Fifth Wheels and Class C only."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter months. Wild Cherry RV Resort operates "May 1 to October 31," with similar seasons at other parks across the region.
Advance bookings necessary: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. According to a reviewer at Starlight Campground and RV Park: "Unfortunately we were only able to spend one night here. The place is clean and well kept. Showers were amazing."
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality and size differ between parks and within individual campgrounds. A camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park observed: "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing."
Utilities placement: RV hookup locations can present challenges. At Kalkaska RV Park, one visitor noted: "Site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions."
Tips for camping with families
Activity centers: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation spaces. At Starlight Campground and RV Park, "We camped here and it was an amazing experience! The park was clean and the staff were very nice. They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends."
Playground access: Some parks provide specific children's areas. At Honcho Rest Campground, "Though the campground is filled with friendly, older seasonal residents, they have a few spots for 'transients' as well as things for families with kiddos to do, including a small playground with a climbing wall."
Scheduled events: Many campgrounds organize activities. A visitor to Timber Ridge noted: "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family."
Bug control measures: Some parks actively manage insects. According to an Indigo Bluffs visitor: "They spray for bugs so there's not too many creepy crawlies or biting bugs in the campground. Plus there's no poison ivy!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV parks in the region have uneven sites. A visitor to Kalkaska RV Park & Campground shared: "The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level. We didn't even have to use leveling blocks."
Dump station services: Some parks offer scheduled waste removal. At Traverse Bay RV Resort, "We have appreciated the amenities very much. Great wifi, curbside garbage pickup, trails, dog park, and many others."
Premium RV site options: Several campgrounds offer upgraded sites for larger rigs. At Vista Green RV Resort, "We were in Site #4A (premium site). We had Full hook-up with a blacktop pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep."
Pet policies: Rules regarding animals vary between facilities. A Traverse Bay RV Resort visitor noted: "You are limited to 2 dogs, and they are very strict about leashes and picking up poop. But, that keeps the place looking nice."
