Cabin camping near Buckley, Michigan provides access to the region's mixed northern hardwood forests and rolling terrain at elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet. The area has distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters dropping below freezing, making cabin rentals particularly valuable during spring and fall when temperatures fluctuate. Most cabin accommodations cluster along waterways or recreational corridors within 30 minutes of Buckley.
What to do
Fishing at Hodenpyle Dam Lake: Pat's RV Park provides cabins near this tranquil fishing location. "Hodenpyle Dam lake is a great, quiet area. It's close enough to several places which makes it convenient to get in some sight seeing in Traverse City, Frankfort and Manistee," notes a visitor who camps here regularly.
Kayaking the Manistee River: Northern Exposure Campground offers river access with cabin accommodations. "With sites right on the water remember to bring your kayak! Trails in forest give opportunity to explore, and just down the road from Mesick also," recommends a camper.
Biking to nearby towns: The Betsie River Campsite cabins connect to paved bike trails. One reviewer explains, "It's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do."
Winter activities: Some cabins remain open year-round. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort provides cabin options with seasonal activities. "We were here off season, daily rate was $40. There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere in wooded settings: Coolwater on the Pine River Campground offers cabins in a secluded environment. "Sites are bigger with lots of trees/shade. Nice views, bathrooms will be a bit rustic for some. But we loved the area and space the campground provides," shares one guest.
Lake access: Cabins with waterfront locations are highly rated. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, children's playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here," notes a visitor to Northern Exposure Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Being centrally located to multiple destinations is valuable. "Location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes," says a guest at Betsie River Campsite.
Camping store conveniences: On-site supplies save travel time. "The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night," a Northern Exposure Campground visitor mentions.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Check opening dates before booking. "Open 5/29/2020 - 10/18/2020" is noted for Traverse City KOA, while most other cabin rentals operate May through October.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some cabin areas have modern restrooms while others are more basic. "The bath houses on the end we like are very dated and are usually clean but still show their age! The other end had nicer newer shower/bath houses," explains a camper about Traverse City State Park.
Noise levels differ: Some cabin areas are quieter than others. "Super lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet," cautions a Traverse City State Park visitor.
Site dimensions: Cabin sites often include outdoor areas of varying sizes. "Sites are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric at site (134) and centrally located bathhouse with hot water and well kept."
Tips for camping with families
Group sites available: Coolwater offers larger cabin areas for family gatherings. "We have been staying here since 2010 and usually book a larger lot with a big group. We try to make annual trips on the pine river and this has been our place to stay each time."
Kid-friendly amenities: Duck Lake Campground provides cabin options with shallow swimming areas. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the buoy markers for the swimming area," reports a visitor.
Scheduled activities: Some locations offer organized events. "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," shares a Northern Exposure Campground camper.
First-time camping: Some cabins cater to novice outdoor families. "Great site for first time campers or when you want to just get away quickly without having to take lots of equipment and supplies," mentions a reviewer about Northern Exposure Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: Even cabin sites require planning. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," warns a Betsie River Campsite visitor, suggesting bringing leveling equipment for any portable furniture.
Utilities at cabins: Check what hookups are available if bringing additional equipment. "Sites are close together with not a lot of trees. Activities for the kids are numerous and they really enjoyed the large jumping pillow. Cable hooked into the RV didn't work," notes a Traverse City KOA visitor.
Off-season benefits: Manton Trails RV Park offers cabins with fewer crowds in shoulder seasons. "Our first time there was 4th of July weekend, they have a large building for events... over the weekend they had a concert! Live band and food truck... free to all campers and their friends!"
