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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."
"This is a clean and beautiful campground nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan however due to high water levels there is no longer beach access. You need to drive to the beach."
"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. "
"Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities. Nice mix of electric hook up, R.V. and tent sites. Boat rentals, etc."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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 - $78 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $11 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"Office, pool, bathroom, showers and laundry facilities are spotless. Grounds are maintained. Family and dog friendly."
from $36 - $39 / night
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LegendWinter camped in Pines Mini Cabin. Bunk beds with one a double- sleeps 5 total. Heat, electricity, mini fridge, microwave, table and 4 chairs. Well built and very clean. Outside fire pit and BBQ grill for summer. Awesome trails for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Lots of phenomenal snow this year!
RangerWe were directed here after learning the state park was closed. I was hesitant about this campground at first, but it was an excellent stay! 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. The manager even gave us a few dollar discount for our site.
It was a particularly difficult day of biking and I was in a bad mood when we arrived, but after securing a site and talking to the manager, I was smiling and laughing the rest of the night. The employees are kind folks who care about the quality of your stay.
They have a big camp shop, excellent ice cream, flush toilets, free showers, and coin laundry! Wifi throughout the campground allowed us to watch tv from inside our tent. There was an electric hook up at our site with a drinking water spout too!
The tent sites are right off the river with docks to fish from and launch your boat from. One of the wonderful things about this campground was that because it is privately owned, it was very reasonably priced. It was significantly cheaper than the state parks. Of course, you are trading off beach access for price, but with a Lake Michigan beach under three miles away, it is worth it. Overall, it was a lovely stay and by far my favorite campground in Michigan for the price.
TravelerPark had vacancy when I called late Friday afternoon for Saturday. So if you want to stay in the Ludington area but can't get into the State Park, this is good. Just about 2 miles from the State Park beaches and less than 2 miles into downtown. There is a designated paved trail that runs right through the campground. You can easily ride bikes downtown where there is a large variety of restaurants and/or brewery. The whole downtown area is very cool with city parks/beaches/marina/shops. Office staff was very friendly and professional. We camped in the "rustic" section, meaning no electric or running water on site. Bathroom was relatively clean and near our site. Crowd was not too rowdy and pretty chill. Lots of kids ;-) and dogs ;-(. Best features are location (at nothing, but near everything). Worst features mentioned by others - there is no fence between the campground and the busy road, road noise, the cemetery does not bother us. Ludington State Park has MANY excellent opportunities hiking, biking, watercraft, beach bumming. Highly recommend the State Park....but it is very hard to get into in the summer. Stay here instead and you'll be half way between the State Park and Downtown.
RangerCampsite is located 2 miles from downtown Pentwater, adorable small town on the water. Mears state park is 2 miles from the campground as well, Lake Michigan beaches. The playground on the beach is perfect for younger kids. There is a pavilion that serves hot food and ice cream ( hot food ends at 5pm/ ice cream till sunset.) Our kids loved walking in town and heading to the beach.
With that said, 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, tennis table, general store, shower house by pool ( very clean), private bonfire pits ( most campsites).
Seasonal’s were very friendly and helpful with local things to do. RV camp, Tent camp, or tent cabin.
Dump station available, firewood for sale, ice for sale, general store has several camping items, 15 minutes away is meijer in ludington. 2 minutes away gas station 2 minutes to Lake Michigan beaches 2 minutes to Pentwater downtown shopping
TravelerThis campground is perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. 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. Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats / Kayaks, etc. Nicely equipped playground and evening activities at the Camp Store/Office on special weekends.
This campground has the cleanest restroom/shower facilities of any campground I have been too. Also the staff is very friendly and helpful.
One tip, fire pits do not have grill tops attached and the pit opening is pretty wide.
GuideLudington offers both modern campsites and backcountry hike-in sites. 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. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, and the park offers firewood delivery daily so you don't have to hike with it. If you need showers or flush toilets they are a 1 mile hike away in the main campground. The hike to the sites is very easy as it's also the sand path to the Big Sable Lighthouse. Crossing the path and going over a small sand dune will land you right on the beach. These sites are very popular because they're so great, so I would highly recommend reserving 6 months in advance for any summer weekends.
TravelerI've been there several times. This campground has been around a long time and is well known by motorcyclists in Michigan. It's located behind their motorcycle repair shop. It's not a fancy campground, but it is a bargain at $10. The northern loop has electric outlets. The southern loop is rustic camping (groups usually camp there). Restrooms, showers and a pavilion. Pay the $10 at their shop. If the shop is closed either someone will come around or you can settle up in the morning. Firewood available on site. Village is 1.5 miles away to get supplies.
RangerThis is not my normal kind of camping but I will pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this place. Sites are close together. 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. We had fun exploring the area. Bathrooms were clean and had hot water. I loved that we could buy a good breakfast right on site at the little cafe they have. The campground had an old fashioned feel if that makes sense. Very quiet and does not seem to attract the party crowd. I thought rates were very reasonable. We took a day trip to Empire and the Point Bestie Lighthouse.
LegendThis gem of a state park is phenomenal. Camped here in cabins three times over two winters. Cabins with bunks (will sleep 5 total), mini fridge, electricity and heat. Outside pit toilet. Hiking trails are some of the best. Beautiful lighthouse, dunes, beach, inland lake (Hamlin Lake), river and Lake Michigan. Very quiet and snow-covered in winter. Gets very busy in summer. So many activities for all ages. Kayak rentals in summer. Great fishing. Guided snowshoe tours and lamp light snowshoe hikes in winter are awesome. Camp store. Several playgrounds. Beautiful new beach house.
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 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Brethren, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 glamping camping locations near Brethren, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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