Camping near Brutus, Michigan offers options for RVers within proximity to both Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The region sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with sandy, well-draining soils supporting northern hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-80°F while fall color season brings cooler temperatures alongside vibrant foliage displays.
What to do
Hunting for Petoskey stones: Walk the Lake Michigan shoreline at Petoskey State Park Campground where "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils."
Biking local trails: Access paved paths directly from Antrim Meadows Campground where one visitor noted, "Rode by on a bike packing trip. Wasn't sure it was open at first glance but the owners were incredibly nice and welcoming!"
Day trips to Mackinac Island: Stay at Tiki RV Park for convenient ferry access. "This is a pretty decent campground. It met our needs for a day trip to Mackinac Island. It's within biking distance to the Shepler's Ferry dock which is super nice if you're planning to take bikes along."
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings. A camper at Lakeshore Park Campground mentioned, "Right on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Fall asleep listening to the waves. Lots of bike trails and beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan."
Northern lights viewing: Some waterfront campgrounds provide opportunities for aurora viewing. At Lakeshore Park Campground, campers reported, "We had some great views of the mighty mack bridge and even saw the northern lights one night!"
Family-friendly recreational activities: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer multiple recreation options. At Starlight Campground and RV Park, visitors appreciate the "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For RV parks near Brutus, Michigan, booking well in advance is necessary, especially for summer holidays. At Indian River RV Resort, one camper shared, "This is our second stay, and we have already booked our stay for next year. A first-class staff delivering a first-class experience in a beautiful setting!!"
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have width limitations. At Petoskey State Park, "The spots are really wide, like really wide! But not very deep. Some were close to the neighbors in the rear."
Off-season availability: Most RV parks in the Brutus area close by mid-October. Lakeshore Park Campground notes specific closing dates, with most sites shutting down "May 1 to Oct 15."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated kid zones: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas and activities. Starlight Campground offers "Great campground for a family! Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games!"
Choose campgrounds with themed weekends: Some RV parks Brutus, Michigan area host special events. At Petoskey KOA, "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."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or wanting more comfort, cabins provide alternatives to tent camping. At Petoskey KOA, one visitor noted, "We've chosen to rent a cabin. Simple yet clean. I'm a bit fussy about having a firm mattress; no problem, I brought a firm air mattress to put over their marine covered like mattress."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional preparation. At Petoskey RV Resort, one RVer noted, "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
RV size restrictions: Carefully check park accommodations before booking. Indian River RV Resort advises, "Be sure when you book that you put down the correct size of your rig as they have site management down to a science."
Off-peak travel benefits: Consider visiting campgrounds near Brutus outside peak summer season. One RVer at Petoskey KOA shared, "Since we were camping in the fall the pool was closed and there were plenty of back in sites available. I would recommend."
