Camping sites near Beaverton, Michigan encompass a mix of rustic forest settings and developed recreation areas within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at roughly 800 feet elevation with sandy soil typical of central Michigan's glacial plain terrain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall can bring significant temperature variations and occasional frost.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trout Lake offers multiple shoreline fishing spots with lake access sites. "Great spaces, sites are usually pretty clean. There is plenty of fishing and exploring. Also amazing berry picking in the grow season," notes a visitor to Trout Lake.
Water recreation: Many campers use Secord Lake Campground as a kayaking base. "The Lakeview Campground is a great spot for water lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy the campground's updated amenities," according to a review of Secord Lake Campground.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail systems. At Gladwin City Park & Campground, "It attaches to the city's river walk which makes walking into town safe and easy," reports one camper. The park also features tennis courts, basketball courts, and playground facilities.
Biking options: The Pier-Marquette Rail Trail provides paved cycling opportunities about 1.5 miles from Herrick Recreation Area. This converted rail corridor offers miles of flat, family-friendly biking through the countryside.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers highlight the generous site sizes. At Herrick Recreation Area, "Campsites are spacious and wooded. There is a lake for swimming ability to fish and put in a kayak. Sites have electric with shared water," according to one review.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at several campgrounds. A visitor to Countryside Campground & Cabins stated, "Countryside is the cleanest, most impeccably maintained campground I have ever visited. There are activities for the kids, a playground, heated pool, hiking/bike trail, and even a baseball field."
Water access: The Cedar River provides swimming areas at multiple locations. "River is nice for swimming, mostly shallow, good for kids, canoeing and kayaking also," notes a camper at Gladwin City Park.
Wooded campsites: Pine stands at several campgrounds create natural shade and atmosphere. "The ones beyond that are in a beautiful pine stand, lots of space, and all around comfy area," reports a visitor to Isabella County Herrick Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited winter access. Trout Lake remains open year-round but with minimal winter services.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. One camper at Gladwin City Park recommended, "Call to reserve. I had a little lack of communication with the online reservation system but the park made up for it."
Rustic accommodations: Several campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Black Creek State Forest Campground, "Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night."
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience road sounds. "Campsites are pretty close together and you can hear traffic nearby most of the day. Sites are well kept and toilets were nice and clean. Easy to get in and out but doesn't really feel like camping with all the traffic noise," reports a Black Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several locations offer child-friendly water access. "River is nice for swimming, mostly shallow, good for kids," notes a Gladwin City Park camper, while Countryside Campground offers a heated pool.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. At Sanford Campgrounds, visitors report it's a "Great place to take your younger kids!!"
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular family events. At Countryside Campground, one visitor shared, "They offered hay rides Saturday evening. Had a foam party (my 5 year old loved this)."
Safety considerations: River access points vary in current strength and depth. The Cedar River at Gladwin City Park offers gentler swimming areas appropriate for children while maintaining adult supervision requirements.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utilities require planning. A Gladwin City Park camper advised, "May want to bring extra water hose as water hook ups can be farther away than expected."
Site leveling: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Herrick Recreation Area, "Site #24 was fairly ideal and very roomy. Electric hook up was fine." Another camper noted, "Site 78. It's slightly sloped but leveling is easy. Biiiig sites here."
Dump station access: Some facilities have specific approach directions. At Herrick, "One septic station, enter it from the pines side as the hole is on the East side."
Power limitations: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service with few 50-amp options. At Countryside Campground, one RVer noted, "It was the perfect RV park. The staff is very accommodating and the amenities are amazing."
