The Buckley area offers multiple outdoor accommodations within Michigan's northwestern Lower Peninsula. Situated approximately 20 miles southeast of Traverse City, camping options near Buckley provide access to numerous lakes, rivers, and forest trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with cooler nights, making camping comfortable without excessive heat.
What to do
Trail access for ATVs and bikes: At Manton Trails RV Park, campers appreciate the direct trail access for off-road vehicles. "Great campground, larger sites, pull thru sites available. Low rates even on holidays," notes Sarah S., who also mentioned special events like concerts with live bands available to campers.
River recreation: The Boardman River provides excellent opportunities for paddling and tubing. At Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, visitors can access the river directly from camp. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," reports Gemma G., who appreciates the campground's spaciousness.
Lake activities: Silver Lake at Holiday Park Campground offers water-based recreation with minimal restrictions. According to one camper, "I've been able to check in early because campers had checked out early and they had time to check the site." Sites near water tend to be popular, so advance planning is recommended during peak season.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: At Northern Exposure Campground, the lakefront setting receives consistent praise. "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," writes Kammy H.
Family programming: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive activities for children. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc," explains Allison H., highlighting its appeal for families with elementary and middle school children.
Grassy, level sites: Turtle Lake Campground provides camping spots with grass rather than dirt or sand. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground," reports Ann D.
What you should know
Budget-friendly options: For motorcyclists or those seeking affordable glamping near Buckley, Michigan, Cycle Moore Campground offers basic accommodations. "This campground has been around a long time and is well known by motorcyclists in Michigan. It's not a fancy campground, but it is a bargain at $10. The northern loop has electric outlets," explains David M.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. The Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds campground closes during fair season (late July through early August). According to Jim, "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station."
Swimmer's itch warnings: Duck Lake at Interlochen State Park has reported cases of swimmer's itch. "Campground is nice. Crowded and clean bathrooms. Beach is beautiful but has swimmers itch," cautions Joie V., suggesting visitors consider alternative swimming locations during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Look for child-specific amenities: Duck Lake Campground features a beach especially suited for younger children. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," notes Edward C., highlighting the safety advantages for families with small children.
Consider seasonal camping: At Northern Exposure Campground, some families return annually. "Best place for a family vacation!!" exclaims one reviewer simply identified as K, while another camper, Nikki M., shares: "This is where we went when I was a kid. My first camping experiences. With all my cousins."
Book for special events: Camping facilities often host scheduled activities throughout the season. Manton Trails offers weekend programming, including movie nights, while Timber Ridge schedules parades, crafts, and sports tournaments appropriate for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Holiday Park Campground, RVers should carefully consider which sites to book. "We got an awesome site! Because it was after season we got to camp on someone's seasonal lot which was awesome! We had a beautiful site with a look out area and nice fire place," shares Cassondra P.
Pull-through availability: For those with larger rigs, certain campgrounds offer easier access. "What I liked best was that most of the sites are pull-through ones," mentions Michelle S. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, a feature particularly helpful for those with limited towing experience.
Hook-up variations: Water and electric services vary between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet," according to Ron S., making it important to verify specific site utilities when booking.
