Ithaca, Michigan sits at the heart of Gratiot County, with an elevation of around 760 feet above sea level. The area's climate includes warm summers with daytime highs averaging 82°F from June through August and cold winters where temperatures can drop below 15°F. Camping options in this region typically feature a mix of riverside locations and small lake access points, with most private campgrounds operating on a seasonal basis from spring through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing for bass and bluegill: Sleepy Hollow State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities on Ovid Lake. According to one visitor, "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge bluegills. Lots of traffic being so close to City, but good day excursion" (Michael P.).
Kayaking on the Maple River: Maple River Campground serves as both a launch point and landing spot for river paddling trips. A camper who organized a group outing noted, "September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. It was a great little location that even had some river side cabins you could rent" (David F.).
Hiking nearby trails: The region offers several hiking options, particularly at Sleepy Hollow State Park, where one reviewer mentioned it has the "Best hiking trails within 1hour drive of the state capital" with additional activities including "fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available" (Jacob B.).
What campers like
Clean, accessible facilities: The campgrounds near Ithaca typically maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At River Ridge Campground, visitors appreciate the comprehensive amenities: "This is a great family campground. There are Sites right on the river, kayak rentals, pool and hot tub, and a separate swimming hole with sandy beach and inflatable toys!" (Katie J.).
Water recreation options: Many campsites near Ithaca, Michigan offer water activities beyond swimming. Just-In-Time Campground features "a nice private beach and they even have floating trampoline to play on. I think the lake is fully private so no license required to fish. and it's stocked" (David F.).
Riverfront camping: For those who prefer waterfront sites, several campgrounds offer direct river access. One camper at Maple River Campground shared, "loved this place! had a beautiful riverfront spot where we were able to put our camper parallel to the water instead of backed in! it was beautiful" (karen).
What you should know
Extension cords needed at some parks: Many campgrounds in the region have electrical hookups positioned inconveniently far from some sites. One camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park advised, "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" (Nathan V.).
Beach access varies significantly: Not all campgrounds have convenient beach access from campsites. At Lake of Dreams Campground, water activities may require additional fees: "The high lights are the large blow up toys in the lake! The kids love them! Be sure you bring extra money, there is a charge and it's not cheap!" (Karen P.).
Cash or check payment systems: Some smaller campgrounds have limited payment options and staffing. At Saginaw Chippewa Campground, "Make sure to have cash or a check as the office is only staffed part time. You can do a self check in and leave in the drop box. No reservations here all site are fcfs" (William D.).
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Several campgrounds in the area cater specifically to families with children. At Lake of Dreams Campground, one visitor was "impressed with this campground and how many activities that they had for children. I can't wait to go back. There rates were very reasonable and if you wanted to do the activities but the day was ending they even provided you with discounted rates" (Chassidy M.).
Consider the proximity of amenities: When camping with kids, the distance between your campsite and facilities matters. At Leisure Lake Family Campground, families can enjoy "Fishing, swimming, playgrounds, jump pads. They also rent row boats, paddle boats, kayaks, tubes, three wheeled bikes and golf carts" (Clint).
Plan for longer walks to beaches: Many campgrounds separate swimming areas from camping sections. At Sleepy Hollow State Park, "There is a beach and playground, but it is quite the walk from the campground. Plan to drive or bike ride if you have trouble walking long distances" (Stephanie C.).
Tips from RVers
Check site layout for hookup accessibility: The positioning of utilities can create challenges. One RVer at Sleepy Hollow State Park explained, "Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension" (Nick W.).
Consider weather impacts on facilities: Hot weather can strain older electrical systems at some campgrounds. An RVer at Sleepy Hollow State Park noted during a July heatwave, "We had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. We were in the midst of a heat-wave though and it was much appreciated. The park needs to upgrade the electrical system as this was putting a strain on their electrical equipment" (Amy D.).
Look for level sites to minimize setup time: Some campgrounds offer better-prepared RV sites than others. At Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park, campers appreciate the "Clean, level sites, nice fire pits, personal grill and sewer in site 8" though note it's "Not shady, all sun for now" (Renee C.).
