Cabin accommodations near Ashley, Michigan range from rustic to modern with varying seasonal availability. Most cabin rentals in Ionia and Bay City areas require advance booking during summer months. Weekend availability becomes especially limited from May through September when temperatures average 75-85°F, making waterfront properties particularly desirable.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers excellent fishing conditions with one visitor noting, "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge bluegills." The park features a lake stocked with various fish species accessible from shoreline or small watercraft.
Kayaking and canoeing: Maple River Campground provides direct river access for paddlers, with sites positioned along the water. A reviewer mentioned, "September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. The amount of nature was overwhelming. Lots of turtles and ducks to be seen."
Hiking trail access: Trails range from beginner-friendly to moderate difficulty across the region. A camper at Sleepy Hollow explained, "The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach." Another visitor highlighted, "Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many cabin visitors prefer locations directly on water. At Maple River Campground, one reviewer shared, "We were able to park the camper with the door facing the river. It was great for fishing, and our dogs had a great time too." These riverfront sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but provide direct water access.
Clean facilities: Bay City State Park Campground maintains high standards according to guests. "The restrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach. The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream," noted one visitor. Another mentioned, "Updated bathrooms are well spaced between the campsites, and have showers along with some vending machines outside of them."
Family activities: Scheduled events enhance many cabin stays in the region. A camper at Bay City State Park shared, "They have campground hosts that facilitate free activities organized by the park. We did a kids craft and enjoyed hot cocoa or coffee Saturday morning and then returned after dinner for Back-to-School bingo and popcorn."
What you should know
Electricity considerations: Power accessibility varies significantly between cabin locations. At Bertha Brock County Park, cabins have limited electrical options with more rustic accommodations. One Sleepy Hollow visitor warned, "Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension cord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas."
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity peaks from June through August. "Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray!" advised a Bertha Brock visitor. Another noted that "flies were an issue and bug spray was needed" at another property.
Reservation timing: Most cabin rentals require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. A Bay City State Park camper explained their experience: "Can book day of until 8pm online. Easy to get into late at night. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Leisure Lake Family Campground provides multiple water recreation options as described by a visitor: "Nice family campground on a man-made lake. Lots of things to do for kids. Fishing, swimming, playgrounds, jump pads. They also rent row boats, paddle boats, kayaks, tubes, three wheeled bikes and golf carts."
Play facilities: Most cabin locations offer playgrounds with varying equipment. Bay City State Park has "a huge timber playground, beautiful sandy beach along Lake Huron, sandy swim area, geocaching, pavilions, well kept bathrooms and changing rooms," according to one family.
Daily programming: Children's activities vary by day of week and season. "They have a separate Activity Center for kids. There are tons of scheduled activities for kids like wagon rides, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, etc. Activities are scheduled all day from 9am to 8pm," explained a visitor to Frankenmuth Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabins near Ashley for larger RVs, consider specific site limitations. A visitor to Snow Lake Kampground advised, "Each rv/trailer site is full hookup! Has both 50&30 amp. Tent sites also have water and electric."
Accessibility issues: Some cabin locations have challenging terrain for larger units. One Sleepy Hollow visitor explained, "They say they can only fit 30 foot RVs but I was able to get my 33 foot in 2 sites. About 5 sites I seen can accommodate larger RVs."
Extension cords: Pack electrical adapters and extensions when visiting older cabin facilities. A Bay City State Park visitor noted, "Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor's site through a bunch of bushes."
