4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tippy Dam State Recreation Area houses distinctive glamping accommodations along the shores of the Manistee River near Brethren. These luxury canvas structures offer spacious quarters with comfortable beds, electricity, and private outdoor spaces. Northern Exposure Campground also features upscale glamping options with modern amenities including hot showers, drinking water, and picnic areas. Both locations maintain a balance between comfort and natural surroundings with spacious sites that provide easy access to water activities. The glamping units are strategically positioned to maximize views while maintaining privacy between accommodations. One visitor noted, "Beautiful quiet campground with lovely waterfront sites that provide convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam."
Seasonal glamping experiences at Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins showcase premium canvas accommodations from April through late October. Guests have direct trail access to the Pine River for kayaking, canoeing, and world-class fishing opportunities. The surrounding Manistee National Forest offers extensive hiking and mountain biking opportunities at nearby Big M Recreation Area. Betsie River Campsite extends the glamping season through fall with heated units that feature kitchenettes and private fire rings for evening gatherings. The locations provide ideal bases for exploring Lake Michigan beaches just 30 minutes away or visiting local attractions in Manistee and Frankfort. According to a camper, "The sites are large and you will definitely find a spot for a hammock, plus unlike State Forest campgrounds you get a rustic site with the benefit of hot showers and convenient access to rivers."
"Pretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited."
"Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $120 / night
"If you are looking for rugged, wilderness / secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. "
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
"Campsites are very clean and big, with nice trails to explore. Just a heads up, the sites with "lake access" don't actually have lake access - it's a steep drop to the water. Tumble at your own risk."
"Beautiful quiet campground without electricity. Off the beaten path. Lovely waterfront site."
from $20 - $100 / night
"This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites!"
"And while I will say it's not very hidden away from the other sites it was still plenty relaxing and served the purpose of somewhere to hang my hat at the end of the day."
Available next weekend
from $11 - $90 / night
"Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table. See photo. "
"Rustic, but with a modern bathhouse including showers. Only complaint was the pricing... $32 seems pricey for rustic."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $105 / night
"A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan. Take a stroll on the sandy beaches or wade into the sandy-bottom cool waters of the lake."
"Lake MI Rec area is a perfect spot for rustic camping close to Lake MI. Sites are nicely sized and well spaced from each other. A 10 minute-ish level walk leads to a beautiful Lake MI beach."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $115 / night
"We opt for the hike-in sites because they're very spacious and private, with easy access to Lake Michigan. There are 10 backcountry sites, which share two pit toilets and a water pump."
"Cabins with bunks (will sleep 5 total), mini fridge, electricity and heat. Outside pit toilet. Hiking trails are some of the best."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $60 / night
"All sites have electric. They have lots of little cute cabins through the park as well. They have a small simple playground that my kids loved! Super close to Lake Michigan and the river."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
from $33 - $85 / night
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
"The staff were absolutely wonderful. We came on bicycles and they let us stay only one night even though the typical minimum stay is 2 nights."
ScoutVery rustic and remote. Bring wood or a saw there are tons of down trees but not a whole lot of places to get wood. For pit toilets they where clean and well kept. If your in need of help it comes within 45 mins (bring solar chargers) out of the way enough to not have a good cell signal (what we where looking for) but enough signal to call for help...we killed our car battery charging phones.. must check out if your into remote areas
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerIt’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
GuideCute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
ScoutI had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
ScoutNice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
GuideIdeal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
GuideInterlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
ScoutI have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
Brethren, Michigan sits near the Manistee River in the northwestern Lower Peninsula at approximately 800 feet elevation. The area receives about 35 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F. The surrounding Manistee National Forest creates a unique camping environment with mixed hardwood forests and access to both river and lake activities.
Hiking the Big M Recreation Area: Located near Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins, this area offers extensive mountain biking and hiking trails through the Manistee National Forest. "Great place to camp if you are looking to fish or canoe the local rivers. Was a little dusty," notes a visitor to Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins.
Lake Michigan beach access: Most campgrounds in the area are within 30 minutes of Lake Michigan beaches. At Lake Michigan Recreation Area, "You can even camp off season so the facilities were closed but still a nice campground, great beach, hiking trails," according to one camper.
Riverside fishing: Many campgrounds provide direct access to the Manistee River. A visitor at Tippy Dam State Recreation Area notes, "The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There's also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam."
Biking the local trails: Several campgrounds connect to paved biking paths. At Betsie River Campsite, "It's right on the local paved bike trail that goes into the town of Frankfort or out in the other direction. Easy for kids and adults alike."
Spacious rustic sites: Campers appreciate the balance between wilderness and convenience. At Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins, "This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites! The sites are large and you will definitely find a spot for a hammock."
Clean facilities: Northern Exposure Campground gets high marks for cleanliness. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here," mentions one reviewer.
Waterfront access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Northern Exposure Campground, one visitor noted, "Great place to take a camper with family. The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night. With sites right on the water remember to bring your kayak!"
Proximity to towns: Campers enjoy the balance between seclusion and access to nearby towns. "The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes," writes a visitor about Betsie River Campsite.
Site differences can be significant: The quality and layout of sites varies widely across campgrounds. At Tippy Dam State Recreation Area, "Campsites along the lake are high overlook campsites with narrow trails down to the water. Minimal swimming area but ours had a small sand bottom. A common area with stairs down to the water and a dock is available."
Reservation needs: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back," notes a Northern Exposure Campground visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some campgrounds offer modern facilities while others are more rustic. At Tippy Dam Recreation Area, one camper noted, "When we were there the toilets were in need of a pump out desperately."
Weather considerations: The area can experience significant temperature swings. A visitor to Insta-Launch Campground mentioned, "It was alright. Standard RV dirt camp. Had good ice cream," suggesting visitors should be prepared for varied camping conditions.
Easy access activities: Some campgrounds offer amenities specifically designed for children. At Northern Exposure Campground, "Great site for first time campers or when you want to just get away quickly without having to take lots of equipment and supplies. Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities."
Beach options for children: Look for campgrounds with protected swimming areas. "This campground is perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. If you are looking for rugged, wilderness/secluded camping it's probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. Easy water access for very little children," notes a Northern Exposure visitor.
Group camping considerations: Some sites work better for multiple families camping together. "We booked three neighboring sites on the interior of the loop for some group tent camping. The sites were generous, clean, grassy, with moderate tree cover," writes a camper at Orchard Beach State Park.
Evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "My kids had a blast, paved roads, beaches, camp store. I think next time we will get one of the lake front sites. The view is amazing," shares an Insta-Launch Campground visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped. Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table," notes a Sand Lake Campground visitor.
Electric and water options: RV sites have different hookup configurations. "A 30 Amp electric only, water & dump available site costs $30 a night plus an $8 reservation fee," writes an Orchard Beach State Park camper.
Security considerations: Be aware of your valuables. "Our neighbor in site 29 had put his generator under the trailer and locked it with a steel cable. It was visible from the road. At some point during the day someone cut the cable and stole the generator," cautions a Sand Lake Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Brethren, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Brethren, MI is Orchard Beach State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 55 glamping camping locations near Brethren, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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