Camping sites near Bellaire, Michigan offer a variety of terrain from dense pine forests to waterfront locations along the region's numerous inland lakes. The area sits at approximately 600-700 feet above sea level in Michigan's Chain of Lakes region, creating a microclimate that extends the fall camping season later than many northern Michigan locations. Most campgrounds remain open from May through mid-October, with several offering rustic camping options without electrical hookups.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Barnes County Park Campground provides direct Lake Michigan access with fishing opportunities. "There are campsites here with direct access to the beach. The campsites are relatively close together but there a lot of tall trees and it was nice and quiet," notes Shelagh R. The park also features "easy access to the beach with wide stairs" according to another visitor.
Trail exploration: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive trail networks for various activities. "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action," explains Jay J., while other visitors mention dedicated bike and ATV trail access. The resort connects directly to regional trail systems, making it a popular base camp for off-road enthusiasts.
Lighthouse visits: When camping at Leelanau State Park Campground, you can visit the historic lighthouse on the property. "We walked over to the lighthouse. They give tours and have a camp store/gift shop," reports Art S. The park offers both camping and day-use areas with numerous walking paths connecting the campground to the lighthouse grounds.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Whitewater Township Park Campground. "Their bathrooms are very clean daily. Very happy with our stays at this campground," writes Zebadee. Another reviewer noted, "Clean restrooms and spacious lake view sites," highlighting multiple aspects campers appreciate.
Beach access: The direct water access at Young State Park earns high marks from visitors. "Huge park with three sections. Terrace is the best but hard to get. Lake side sites. Nice facilities and camp store. Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," shares Tracie S. The park's beach area includes concessions and rental equipment.
Privacy between sites: Several camping areas offer good separation between campsites. "Our site was easy access in and out. Clean bathrooms super close. Best of all the beach area. The views are stunning," notes Meara H. about Barnes County Park Campground. The natural tree cover provides shade and visual barriers between many sites.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Young State Park Campground, "Reservations can be made on-line via the Michigan DNR site. The advantage of making reservations online is that you get a really good description of the site which includes length, width, hook-ups, amount of shade, length of site, distance to restrooms, and best of all - pictures," explains Nancy W.
Rustic options: Some campgrounds offer more primitive experiences. At Fisherman's Island State Park, "Understand that this is a rustic campground with small sites, no electric, scattered water spigots, and pit toilets," advises Nancy W. These options typically cost less, with sites available for around $13-20 per night.
Weather considerations: Northern Michigan weather can change rapidly. "We did have our RV on this trip, 100 degrees and we have two littles," notes one reviewer about summer heat. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures, with one camper mentioning "Fall camped here. First time and it lived up to all the good reviews! Absolutely beautiful fall colors throughout the campground!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Thurston Park Campground offers convenient playground access for children. "The playground for kids is actually next to the campground," notes Ann D. Additionally, several nearby amenities make it family-friendly: "There's a party store and small grocery store within walking distance."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds organize specific children's events. "Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," mentions Cassondra P. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. Another visitor adds, "There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc."
Beach safety: When selecting waterfront sites with small children, consider safety factors. One camper advises, "Those with small kiddos may want to opt for interior site as lake sites are RIGHT ON THE WATER." Some Lake Michigan beaches have gradual entry points while others drop off more quickly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking RV sites, consider specific needs. "Sites near water are great. Far enough away but close to town if needed," suggests Mary K. about Leelanau State Park Campground. RVers frequently mention the importance of checking site dimensions before booking.
Hookup availability: Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers comprehensive hookup options. "Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level," reports Erica L. The campground provides 98 sites with various hookup configurations to accommodate different RV needs.
Navigating campground roads: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam," warns one camper. Timber Ridge offers pull-through sites that many RVers prefer, with one noting, "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones."
