Cabins near Clare, Michigan provide access to the Muskegon River watershed with several nearby lakes and ponds for fishing and water recreation. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through October. Winter cabin rentals are limited, with Wilson State Park Campground being one of the few year-round options.
What to do
Water activities on Budd Lake: Wilson State Park Campground offers a beach area that gets busiest in the afternoons. "The campground is beautiful and very clean with a great swim area, cute playground, and newer shower houses," notes a camper at Wilson State Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Herrick Recreation Area has multiple fishing spots with Amish horse-hitching posts nearby. "This is a really good family campground in the middle of Michigan... There is a lake for swimming ability to fish and put in a kayak," explains a visitor at Herrick Recreation Area.
Hiking and biking trails: The Pier-Marquette Rail trail is about 1.5 miles from Herrick Recreation Area. "There is the Pier-Marquette Rail trail about 1.5 miles from the campground, great for biking, running etc," reports one camper.
Kayak rentals with return service: Old Log Resort offers convenient kayak trips with transportation. "They also do kyak rentals, with drop off and you boat back to their own landing. Super convenient," says a visitor at Old Log Resort and Campground.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: The pine loops at Herrick Recreation Area provide ample shade and privacy. "If given the choice get a site in the pine loops. It's more of a walk from the lake but the other loops have no shade and seem more crowded together," advises a camper.
Exceptionally clean facilities: Countryside Campground maintains spotless grounds and bathrooms. "W.O.W. This is the CLEANEST campground I have ever been to. Seriously not 1 cigarette but or candy wrapper on my site when I arrived," shares a visitor at Countryside Campground & Cabins.
Family-oriented activities: Organized events add fun for children staying in cabins or campsites. "They offered hay rides Saturday evening. Had a foam party (my 5 year old loved this)," mentions a camper at Countryside Campground.
Riverfront cabin sites: Some cabin rentals offer direct river access for fishing and relaxation. "We stayed in site 5 and had the river as our front yard," notes a visitor about their stay at Old Log Resort.
What you should know
Site topography varies significantly: Some cabin and camping sites have challenging slopes. "Many sites are rather large, like 97, but severely sloped, also like 97... Others are flat, small, and your camper is right near the road," explains a camper at Wilson State Park.
Water hookup distances: Plan for extended water hose lengths at some campgrounds. "May want to bring extra water hose as water hook ups can be farther away than expected," advises a visitor at Gladwin City Park & Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some cabins are affected by nearby roads. "Unfortunately, it's bordered on 2 sides by 2 major roads, Old 27 and Townline Lake Rd," mentions a camper about Wilson State Park Campground.
Limited availability during peak times: Cabin reservations fill quickly from June through August. "After several hours of searching for an open campsite for the weekend mid July we found this campground online and quickly reserved our site before it got snatched up," reports a visitor at Weidman KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose cabin sites near play areas for easier supervision. "Wish we had a big playground near the camping sites, vs a swing set behind the bathroom house. Probably yell less at the kids if they had one near your campers," suggests a visitor at Herrick Recreation Area.
Beach timing strategy: Morning visits to beaches avoid afternoon crowds. "The small beach can be crowded toward the afternoon, so stake out a spot early!" recommends a camper at Wilson State Park.
Cabin alternatives for large groups: Book cabins for extended family while others use RVs. "We brought our travel trailer and my brother and his family stayed in a cabin. Very well run campground with plenty for all of our kids to do," shares a visitor at Weidman KOA.
Grocery convenience: Steve's County Market near Wilson State Park offers ready-to-eat options. "Walk over to Steve's county market, just a 5 min walk North, and get the fried chicken. Get there before 5:30 or 6:00, I forget when they stop frying," suggests a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for pine sap: Choose sites carefully if parking under trees. "The first 3 areas you pass on the way in are in sun all day, more or less. (Near the cabins) The rest are in pine stands and really is a nice place to be. As per the normal, pines bring sap, so expect that," warns a visitor at Herrick Recreation Area.
Dump station orientation: Position correctly at facilities for easier access. "One septic station, enter it from the pines side as the hole is on the East side," advises a camper at Herrick Recreation Area.
Electric service limitations: Most cabin areas offer 30-amp service only. "Power at sites, water at posts in the area. A few are full hookup. Those are in a row by the playground," notes a visitor about Wilson State Park Campground.
Slide-out cleaning: Pine needles require attention before departure. "Lots were large, no issues with backing in our 36' TT with 2 slides (make sure to clean your slides from the pine needles before you go)," recommends a camper at Herrick Recreation Area.
