RV camping near Bitely, Michigan offers unique access to the Huron-Manistee National Forest region, with sites positioned among northern hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 850-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping months, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s. Most campgrounds in the region remain operational from April through October, though exact dates vary by facility.
What to do
Kayaking at White River: Access the river directly from White River RV Park & Campground, where you can bring your own equipment or rent nearby. "We brought our kayaks and just brought one vehicle up the river to the start point to put in and got out right at the campground," notes camper Cassondra P.
Fishing at Hodenpyle Dam: Located near Pat's RV Park, this quiet lake offers excellent fishing opportunities within a short drive from Bitely. "Hodenpyle Dam lake is a great, quiet area. It's close enough to several places which makes it convenient to get in some sight seeing in Traverse City, Frankfort and Manistee," reports Steve F.
Family activities at Hill & Hollow: A 45-minute drive from Bitely provides access to Hill & Hollow Campground, offering multiple recreation options. "There is plenty to do at the campground. Outdoor pool, AJs (putt-putt golf, arcade, playground, go-karts) extra fee for AJs but reasonable priced, basketball court, volleyball court, small baseball diamond," explains Melissa M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: White River RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This campground is the CLEANEST one I have EVER seen. We went into what appears to be pit toilets, but they were flush toilets with TILE floors!" shares Shelly B. Many parks maintain bathroom cleanliness with twice-daily cleaning schedules.
Level camping pads: Concrete sites at Vacation Station RV Resort provide stability for larger rigs. "All sites are level concrete slabs and full service. Grass is trimmed around the pads, they have sprinklers that water the grass at night," notes Bob D., highlighting the maintenance standards.
Off-season value: Many campgrounds offer significant discounts during shoulder seasons. "During our stay we fell into low season and nightly rates were discounted 50%. So for $28/night we got a really nice site with lots of amenities in a great location," reports Nancy W. from Poncho's Pond RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at popular parks. "Hard to get a reservation," states Sara G. about Poncho's Pond RV Park, highlighting the need to book well in advance for peak season.
Visitor policies: Some campgrounds charge for day visitors. Hill & Hollow charges $5 per visitor, which can add up quickly for larger groups. "We had some friends show up that were camping near by. The office wouldn't let them in unless they paid $5 per person which would of cost them $30," reports Clint.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds close between mid-October and mid-April. Irons RV Park operates from April 15 to October 15, while Pere Marquette Oaks RV Park runs from April to November, limiting winter camping options near Bitely.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Sun Retreats Silver Lake provides both pool amenities and access to nearby water activities. "This place is very nice and conveniently located to the dunes and all of the local attractions. The pool and hot tub are a great way to relax after spending a day on the dunes," writes Rich F.
Playground accessibility: Several parks offer kid-friendly facilities. Hill & Hollow maintains multiple play areas, with one camper noting, "The playground on the beach is perfect for younger kids," while White River RV Park features walking trails suitable for children.
Cabin alternatives: For families without camping equipment, rental options exist. "We decided to rent a cabin this time since our toy hauler was in the shop. The cabins are very clean and up to date with modern appliances," shares Rich F. about Sun Retreats Silver Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Woods and Water RV Resort offers spacious sites for larger rigs. "Sites are spacious. Easy to back into," notes Amie R., a consideration for those with larger motorhomes or travel trailers around Bitely.
Hookup details: Most parks near Bitely offer full hookups. "We opted for a spot with electric only," explains Steve L. at Pat's RV Park, highlighting that varying hookup levels are available at different price points for those camping in the Bitely region.
Seasonal site options: Several parks offer seasonal opportunities for those wanting a more permanent setup. "This is a very nice RV resort where you can be a transit RVer or be a season RVer," explains one camper about River Ridge RV Resort, noting the flexibility for different commitment levels.
