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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
