Recreational vehicle parks near Carp Lake, Michigan serve as convenient bases for exploring the Great Lakes region and the Mackinac Straits. Located in the northernmost part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the area features mixed hardwood forests, inland lakes, and accessible Lake Michigan shorelines. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F with cool nights in the 50s, while spring and fall bring variable weather with occasional rain. Some campgrounds maintain height restrictions due to mature tree coverage.
What to do
Water recreation on nearby lakes: The inland waterways near Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offer swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. "We stayed at site 155 with a rented RV, and wow—what an incredible experience! Our site was just steps away from Lake Huron, so we got to enjoy swimming right from camp, which was such a bonus," reports one camper.
Visit Mackinac Island: Many campgrounds provide convenient access to Mackinac Island ferries. "You buy your ferry tickets to Mackinaw Island at the camp store and it's 10 minutes to get there with boats leaving every 30 minutes. The island is amazing and worth a day of your life to ride around it on a bike and get some good food and fudge," shares a visitor at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Sunset viewing: Evening activities along Lake Michigan shorelines include watching the Mackinac Bridge lights. "Build a fire in one of the many fire pits on the lake shore and watch the spectacular sun set and the bridge light up!" suggests one camper. Several sites offer dedicated sunset viewing areas with community fire pits.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Lakefront sites remain the most requested option in rv parks around Carp Lake, Michigan. At Loons Point RV Park & Campground, "Waterfront campsite are very nice... Some are a bit small but overall very comfortable... Awesome friendly people run the place!" according to a returning visitor.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds strategically located near regional attractions receive high marks. "This is a nice family-friendly campground. We appreciated that they squeezed us in on a weekend, short notice! Although busy, it was very quiet at night and we slept well," notes a camper at Indian River RV Resort. "It was centrally located to Mackinac Island and Petoskey, etc."
Well-stocked camp stores: Several parks maintain comprehensive stores with supplies and regional information. "The camp store is one of the nicest I have been in. It is stocked with all of your camping wants & needs," reports one visitor, while another notes, "They also have a beautiful and well-stocked camp store, a coffee shop, and lots of ice and firewood for sale."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Due to high demand, early booking is essential for the most desirable sites. One camper at Lakeshore Park Campground advises, "Book early as it is a small campground. We have stayed here a few times on our way through and always enjoyed ourselves."
Site assignment inconsistencies: At some campgrounds, reservation systems may not guarantee specific site locations. A visitor notes, "Upon calling the office, the very young woman who answered, first of all, could not locate our reservation even though a packet and map were waiting outside for us." Another mentions, "Our spot was also pretty hidden so with no map (because it wasn't in self check in folder) it was hard to find our site."
Seasonal considerations: Most rv parks near Carp Lake, Michigan operate seasonally. "We were passing through the area at end of season (it definitely dumped snow and sleet all over us!) Grateful to have a place to stop, and to be able to stay hooked up!" reports a late-season camper at Lakeshore Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, parks with playground facilities provide valuable recreation options. Mill Creek Camping offers "huge playground, pool, beach, great store, lots to do," according to a recent visitor.
Swimming facilities: Dedicated swimming areas vary widely between parks. "We took a scenic walk over to the bridge view side of the campground and were blown away by the views of the Mackinac Bridge," says one Mill Creek camper. "This place has something for everyone—whether you're relaxing by the water or adventuring around the grounds. Plus there is a pool!"
Bike-friendly environments: Many parks offer biking opportunities for families. "Definitely bring your bike if you can! It makes exploring the park so much easier. But if you forget, no worries—they have rentals available on-site too," shares one Mill Creek visitor. Some campgrounds provide shuttle services for bike transport to ferry locations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers frequently comment on site leveling issues across rv parks near Carp Lake, Michigan. At Tiki RV Park & Campground, a visitor noted: "Rustic campground on a steep hill overlooking Lake Huron. We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome."
Size accommodations: Larger rigs require careful site selection at most parks. "This is a pretty decent campground. It met our needs for a day trip to Mackinac Island. Most of the sites are partially shaded and fairly spacious. We stayed in site 32 which worked out perfectly for our 36' trailer," reports one RVer at Tiki RV Park.
Satellite and connectivity issues: Tree coverage affects satellite reception and internet connectivity. "We never got connected to the Wi-Fi in the site we were in," mentions one camper, while another points out, "The sites are tight in this campground but with our teardrop we had no problem."
