Glamping accommodations near Beaverton, Michigan combine natural surroundings with modern amenities. This central Michigan region sits along the Tobacco River and features sandy soil that drains quickly after rain, making it suitable for camping even after wet weather. Most glamping options in the area are seasonal, operating primarily from May through October, though winter accommodations exist in limited numbers.
What to do
Water activities at Rifle River Recreation Area: Devoe Lake Rustic Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options with five different lakes inside the recreation area. According to one visitor, "Amazing views and great riding for all ages!" Another camper noted, "We could drag or carry our canoes/kayaks from lake to lake with the exception of Grebe Lake and Jewitt."
Fishing opportunities at School Section Lake: The lake provides good fishing for both experienced anglers and beginners. "Very nice camp with an awesome lake and great swimming area! Kids love this park!" reports one visitor. Swimming areas are clearly marked and separated from fishing zones.
Exploring local trails: North Higgins Lake State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options with varied terrain. A camper mentioned, "Easy access to the water from everywhere thanks to groomed paths." Trails connect camping areas to beaches and recreation facilities.
What campers like
Clear water at Higgins Lake: The lake is known for exceptional water clarity and sandy bottoms. A camper at South Higgins Lake State Park wrote, "The beach is clean and the water clear. The beach is great for kids to play in safely while the parents chill at the shore." Water visibility extends several feet down in most areas.
Recently renovated facilities: Wilson State Park Campground has updated its amenities. "Showers and Rest Rooms have been updated and were well taken care of. The park rangers were extremely friendly and helpful," notes one visitor. Another mentioned, "The campground is beautiful and very clean with a great swim area, cute playground, and newer shower houses."
Privacy in certain camping areas: For those seeking more secluded glamping, River View Campground & Canoe Livery offers quieter sections. "The rustic sites along the river in section 'N' were very large and spacious spots. Sections L and M seemed to be tightly packed in," according to one camper.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: At School Section Lake Veteran's Park, the terrain can be challenging after rain. A visitor noted, "I wish we had gravel verses dirt though, during the rain it gets a bit muddy." Many sites throughout the region have similar conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping sites around Beaverton operate May through October. For winter glamping, options are limited. "Make sure you bring insect repellent!" advises one camper at School Section Lake, highlighting the need for bug protection during summer months.
Noise levels at certain locations: Bay City State Park Campground can experience varying noise levels based on location within the park. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups." Midweek stays typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: South Higgins Lake State Park offers child-friendly swimming areas. "The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep. The water color is amazing when the sun is out," shares one visitor. This gradual depth change makes it ideal for families with young children.
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. At Bay City State Park Campground, "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."
Playground access: Several glamping locations feature playground equipment. "The campground is huge and offers so much! There were numerous playground areas, volleyball, horseshoes, and even an arcade area," noted a visitor to River View Campground.
Tips from RVers
Power connections: Plan your setup carefully at some locations. A visitor to Higgins Lake-Roscommon KOA mentioned, "Our water hook up was on the opposite side of the site from the power and sewer hook up so we had to have a hose running across our site; glad we had an extra hose to use as an extension."
Site sizing and leveling: Many RV sites require careful selection based on rig size. As one camper at School Section Lake noted, "You almost need 2 lots if you have a trailer that's larger than 25 ft. Especially if you have slide outs." Another KOA visitor shared, "Site 61 did take some time to get all leveled out almost didn't have enough blocks."
