Camping cabins near Bath, Michigan offer seasonal options with varying amenities in a region characterized by rolling hills and mixed forests. The rural landscape features small lakes and the Maple River watershed, creating opportunities for water recreation from spring through fall. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing with periodic snow accumulation limiting some camping operations.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, campers can catch "largemouth bass, and huge blueguils" as one visitor noted, making it "good day excursion" for anglers looking to spend time on Lake Ovid.
Hiking trails: Explore the trail system at Pinckney State Recreation Area, which includes a "35 mile hiking trail runs through the entire area with small day trails branching off to points of interest, all with corresponding camp sites." The area offers good isolation while remaining accessible.
Kayaking options: Maple River provides excellent paddling opportunities. One camper at Maple River Campground reported: "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."
Disc golf course: Beyond typical camping activities, some recreation areas include disc golf. At Waterloo, "the course is mowed down and easy to navigate" with "picnic tables, fire ring, primitive tent sites available" nearby.
What Campers Like
Cabin variety: Taylor's Beach Campground in Howell provides multiple accommodation options with amenities for families. As one camper mentioned, it has "all the amenities of home but feels like you are away from it all," making it ideal for those seeking cabin camping near Bath without roughing it completely.
Beach access: Many campers appreciate designated swimming areas. One visitor to Portage Lake in Waterloo Recreation Area noted: "The lake has a nice beach!" while another mentioned "our grandkids love the play area!" This provides water recreation options without venturing far from your cabin.
Play facilities: Family-friendly amenities enhance cabin stays. A camper at Myers Lake observed it has a "great lake for swimming and fishing, arcade for rainy days and tons of other activities." Another noted it's "a good mix between a rustic campground and a modern 'pack them in like sardines' campground."
Private sites: Site layout matters for cabin and tent campers alike. At Sleepy Hollow, a camper reported: "We stayed during very hot weather at the beginning of July 2020... Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right."
What You Should Know
Electrical access: Some campgrounds require preparation for power access. At Sleepy Hollow, campers should "be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas."
Seasonal operation: Several cabin rentals operate on limited schedules. Myers Lake Camping & Cabins runs from "May 1 - Oct 15," requiring advance planning for spring through fall visits.
Beach conditions: Water quality varies between locations. At Portage Lake, some visitors find that "the beach area is very mucky and dirty. Seaweed just flats around and gets tangled around your legs and arms all the time."
Reservation requirements: Popular cabin locations book quickly, especially for special events. One camper at Sleepy Hollow noted: "Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach alternatives: Holly State Recreation Area offers diverse water recreation options. One camper noted it "features a campground, 3 lakes, tons of trails, and even a splash zone for kids. The campground has it all, electric, cabins, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc..."
Cabin selection: When booking accommodations with children, consider proximity to activities. At Pinckney, a visitor explained: "There are multiple camping opportunities with a variety of camping styles. Yurt rental, to hike-in rustic sites, there's good camping for anyone."
Activity planning: Balance outdoor time with backup options. A camper at Taylor's Beach noted: "We camped w kids... We fished and had a blast!" while others mentioned playgrounds and splash pads at various locations that provide alternatives when hiking isn't possible.
Distance considerations: Assess facility locations before booking. One Holly visitor shared: "Downside is that the campground and stuff to do, are far apart. Bring a bike or drive. Beach is nice. Has a water park on the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabin or RV sites, consider shade and layout. At Waterloo Sugarloaf, a camper noted: "The trees offer shade, but are spaced out enough that a group can pull their campers around for privacy."
Hookup limitations: Water access varies significantly. At Waterloo, campers mentioned "no water hookups on site," requiring preparation with filled tanks or alternative water sources.
Accessibility: Pay attention to site surface details when booking. One camper at Portage Lake noted: "We stayed for the weekend tent camping, getting to the site was a little crowded (alot of kids on bikes) our site was pavement but had some space to set the tent on the grass."
Extension needs: Prepare for electrical connection challenges. A visitor at Bishop Lake advised: "This is a larger state park with full size sites for RVs. There is electric on each site along with fire rings and picnic tables."
