Camping near Brutus, Michigan centers around Burt Lake's waters, with several state-managed areas within 30 minutes of this small community. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with sandy loam soil that affects campsite conditions. Water access drives campground popularity with temperature variations between Lake Michigan and the inland lakes creating distinct camping microclimates.
What to do
Water activities on Burt Lake: Aloha State Park Campground offers direct access to Mullett Lake with connections to the Inland Waterway. "The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section," notes one camper. The park serves as a hub for boating between multiple lakes.
Fossil hunting: Many beaches around Petoskey feature distinctive Petoskey stones. "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection!" a visitor reported about Petoskey State Park Campground.
Dark sky viewing: The region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city lights. A camper at Wilderness State Park noted, "Best star gazing in the LP," while another mentioned it's "Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows."
Biking network: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects multiple communities. "Cycling dream trails," says one reviewer about the area. This paved path runs from Harbor Springs through Petoskey to Charlevoix, providing lake views and town access.
What campers like
Beach quality: Campers appreciate the varied beach options. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Large campsites: Many campgrounds feature spacious sites. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," noted a Burt Lake visitor. Another camper added, "The sites vary in size - some are close together. We stayed at site 145 which was large."
Proximity to towns: Campers value the balance between nature and services. A visitor to Petoskey KOA noted, "The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner."
Community beach access: Rather than limiting waterfront to premium sites, some campgrounds democratize lake access. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, "Unlike many lakeside campgrounds, the large beach area along the shore is common space, so everyone in the campground gets equal access to the water regardless of where you're camped."
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Site quality can fluctuate within campgrounds. "Beware of sandy roads and make sure to scout before pulling in with your big rig," cautions one reviewer. Another noted, "This campground has tiny campsites that are very uneven. We camp in a tent so that was not ideal."
Seasonal crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. "Book early—it fills up fast!" advises one camper. Weekends from late May through early September see the highest demand.
Insect considerations: Bug activity follows seasonal patterns. A visitor to Camp Petosega observed, "We stayed in the newer section of the park. The bathroom and shower facilities were great. The park is very quiet at night. Good trails to walk. Good cell (Verizon) service. A few negatives - some road noise, our site was really buggy."
Varying amenities: Facilities range from rustic to modern. State forest campgrounds typically offer vault toilets and hand pumps, while state parks provide shower buildings and electrical hookups. County parks like Camp Petosega offer a middle ground with some modern amenities in a less crowded setting.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a small playground for the kids. There was also a nice heated pool for them to swim in," notes a visitor to Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA.
Water safety considerations: Lake conditions vary by location. "The water has leeches which was a pain with my 2 year old. She got one every time she went in the water," reports a camper at Maple Bay. Parents should check water conditions before swimming.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds offer different family programs throughout the season. "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest," explains a Petoskey KOA visitor.
Distance to attractions: Factor in travel time when planning day trips. The Brutus area sits roughly 20 minutes from Petoskey, 25 minutes from Mackinaw City, and 10 minutes from Pellston for supplies.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," reports a visitor to Burt Lake State Park.
Electrical limitations: Check amperage before booking. "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises a Burt Lake camper.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrower roads or challenging approaches. "Getting to the site in our RV was a little tricky because of all the trees and cars parked everywhere. The site was level, paved and had a paved patio and was full hook-up with cable and WiFi."
Full hookup availability: Full hookups remain limited in state-managed campgrounds. The best places to camp near Brutus for RVers seeking full hookups include the newer section at Aloha State Park, private campgrounds like Petoskey KOA, and select premium sites at county parks.
