Conway's camping options extend beyond the Lake Michigan shoreline, with many sites situated around inland lakes like Pickerel and Burt. The region sits at a relatively flat elevation of 650-700 feet above sea level, making most camping areas accessible for vehicles of all sizes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Biking on paved trails: The Little Traverse Wheelway connects several campgrounds with a paved path. "We went as kids and revisited a couple weeks after labor day. Quiet campsites, nice neighbors, mostly retirees, friendly staff. Lake Michigan beach, bith stones and sand, hiking trails from easy to medium hard. On bike trail that extends north to Harbor Springs and south to Charleviox - scenic and paved. Some hills but mostly flat," notes a visitor at Petoskey State Park Campground.
Hunt for Petoskey stones: The fossil-rich shoreline provides opportunities to collect these unique stones. "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection!" reports a camper at Petoskey State Park. Another camper explains: "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."
Explore local waterways: The inland lake system offers extensive boating opportunities. A visitor at Maple Bay State Forest Campground notes, "If you have a boat you can access the Indian River which takes you to Mullett lake. Also you can take the crooked river to crooked lake but you have to pay a $10 fee for the locks."
What campers like
Private beach access: Many camping sites near Conway provide direct lake access. At Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, a camper shares, "There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! it gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between."
Spacious sites at some parks: Certain campgrounds offer more room between neighbors. At Burt Lake State Park Campground, a visitor mentions, "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area." Another notes, "Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Halloween camping events: Fall campers enjoy special seasonal activities. A visitor at Petoskey KOA reports, "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. And we got second place so they gave us a nice goodie bag."
What you should know
Mosquito intensity varies by season: Early summer brings peak insect activity. At Wilderness State Park, a camper warns, "Sites are close together. Very kid friendly, not a ton of hiking trails right off campground but clean restrooms and beautiful area to stay. Very buggy in June, come prepared."
Site privacy differs dramatically: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. A visitor at Camp Petosega notes, "The campground is off the water a small walk but very nice sites with different hookup options. Can accommodate large RVs in the drive through lots and the smaller sites have nice privacy."
Reservation policies vary: Some parks have minimum stay requirements while others operate first-come-first-served. A reviewer explains, "There are approximately 32-38 campsites on a first come first serve basis" at Maple Bay State Forest Campground, while Camp Petosega has "a two night minimum."
Tips for camping with families
Beach safety considerations: Water depths can vary significantly between lakes. At Burt Lake State Park, a camper observes, "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too."
Playground availability: Many parks include recreation areas for children. Young State Park Campground offers "a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them."
Check for beach restrictions: Not all parks allow pets on beaches. One visitor at Petoskey State Park notes, "The only downside is that no dogs are allowed on the beach which is kind of a bummer. There is a great dog park however in Petosky nearby."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup variations: Power options differ between parks. At Magnus Park Campground, a visitor explains, "The park as a full array of sites, but mostly caters to RV's, I paid the same rate to pitch a tent as it would have costed to park a large RV."
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups. A Burt Lake visitor warns, "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service."
Site leveling challenges: Some parks require additional preparation. At Straits State Park, campers mention that "some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding," while at Maple Bay, a visitor notes "This campground has tiny campsites that are very uneven. We camp in a tent so that was not ideal."
