3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several cabin rentals are available near Elberta, Michigan, with options ranging from rustic cabins with no electrical hookups to modern accommodations with water and electric. Betsie River Campsite offers clean cabins with various amenities scattered throughout their family-friendly property. Camp Squid Off The Grid provides rustic cabin options with basic facilities including toilets and showers but no electrical hookups. "The campground had an old fashioned feel if that makes sense. Very quiet and does not seem to attract the party crowd," noted one visitor about Betsie River. Indigo Bluffs RV Park and Northern Exposure Campground also offer cabin rentals with water hookups and some with electricity.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. At Betsie River Campsite, cabins are popular with families visiting Lake Michigan and the nearby town of Frankfort. Reservations are essential during peak summer months when cabin availability becomes limited. Most cabins permit pets, though policies vary by location. Lively Acres Campground maintains 37 sites including cabin accommodations, while Rustic Retreat offers a single private cabin rental. According to one visitor, "They have several cute cabins and vintage campers sprinkled among the campsites that are available for rent."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely between properties - some offer only outdoor fire pits while others provide indoor kitchenettes. Campers staying at Betsie River Campsite can access their camp store for basic provisions and their café serves breakfast daily. Basic supplies can be found on-site at several campgrounds, including Northern Exposure Campground and Orchard Beach State Park, both of which maintain markets for essential items. Traverse City, approximately 30-40 minutes away, offers full grocery and supply shopping for more extensive needs.
"Bathrooms are always clean as are the showers. There's wood and ice on the property. A great little cafet. A small general store. We have so much fun here. Tge owners are amazing."
"All sites have electric. They have lots of little cute cabins through the park as well. They have a small simple playground that my kids loved! Super close to Lake Michigan and the river."
from $33 - $85 / night
"Also they have small cabins. They offer full hookups as well as 30 & 50 amp service. Nice shower and bathroom facilities, coin laundry, pool, and camp store."
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"July 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites."
"Sites had picnic table, fire-ring, electrical, and no parking pad. Restrooms & showers were clean and well maintained."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
"Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric."
"This is a clean and beautiful campground nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan however due to high water levels there is no longer beach access. You need to drive to the beach."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $120 / night
"Kendra and her team have created a unique glamping experience in northern Michigan. They have thoughtfully designed spaces that are comfortable and fun."
"Stayed here for a few night whilst visiting friends at Crystal Lake. The Camp Squid team were at hand to solve and issues."
from $135 - $499 / night
"300+ sites, pet friendly, sites for all shapes and sizes. Open year round, with heated cabins. It's a great location, just across from Traverse Bay with just across the road."
"While I typically prefer more rustic camping, this was a fantastic and easy way to enjoy Traverse City."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $100 / night
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
"If you are looking for rugged, wilderness / secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. "
from $30 - $45 / night
"July 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites."
"If you are going to this state park camp at the green lake rustic sites! These sites are bigger and more spread out. I had a spot that was great for my hammock. Some right on the lake!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
"Typical rustic camper, so camping close to others is not my typical cup of tea, but I messed up my rustic campsite reservation by week and managed to get the last open spot for the weekend in the main"
"Very low key, quiet camping."
from $27 - $90 / night
"They offer 40x50 sites, fire pits, and a picnic table. Potable water hydrants and porta-johns are available! Check them out and come back here to leave them some love."
"There were no plumbed toilets or showers. The planted trees and shrubs are young, so there is no shade or privacy between sites yet."
from $35 - $60 / night
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
ScoutWould definitely stay here again. Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake.
ScoutNice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
GuideIdeal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
GuideInterlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
ScoutI have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
GuideThe day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
LegendJuly 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
ScoutThis was our first time in orchard beach and we will definitely return! This campground was so clean, the sites were large, the bathrooms were immaculate, and the staff was kind and helpful! We had a site backing up to the fence of the drop off and we could hear the water all night. The view is absolutely beautiful, I was bummed to miss the sunset on our first night. We took away a star because of the blocked off stairs. We were under the impression that there would be water access so that was disappointing. But! We had a blast and made friends with our site neighbor and will definitely recommend this spot to friends!
Cabin camping near Elberta, Michigan offers access to the western Michigan shoreline along Lake Michigan, located at an elevation of approximately 581 feet. Temperatures range from winter lows around 10°F to summer highs near 80°F, with lake effect snow common in winter months. Accommodations in the region span from rustic one-room structures to multi-bedroom rental cabins with varying levels of amenities.
Explore lake access points: Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park provides excellent water activities with boat rentals and easy access. "Nice hiking trails nearby and a 20 minute drive to a whole lot of entertainment!" notes Kris D., highlighting the convenience of nearby attractions.
Bike local trails: Betsie River Campsite connects to paved trails ideal for family cycling. "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do," explains Chris W., pointing out the connectivity to local attractions.
Winter sports options: When the snow falls, several of the campgrounds that offer winter cabin stays provide access to snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing paths, and ice fishing. Many visitors use Traverse City State Park as a base camp during winter months due to its year-round availability.
Clean facilities: Orchard Beach State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite heavy use. "The bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and the lake views are spectacular," confirms Richard E., who stayed at the park.
Proximity to towns: Cabin campers appreciate being able to access nearby towns for supplies and dining. "Close to Empire and Glen Arbor. Campground is well maintained and office staff is friendly," reports Matt M. about Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
Morning meals: Some facilities offer convenient breakfast options on-site. A camper at Betsie River Campsite shared, "The camp store and little outdoor cafe are great and serve a delicious breakfast," making mornings easier for families who don't want to cook.
Seasonal availability: Many cabins operate from April through October with limited winter availability. Duck Lake Campground at Interlochen State Park requires early reservations during peak times.
Water access changes: Lake Michigan water levels fluctuate, affecting beach access. "Due to high waters the past few years there is no beach. This is still a family favorite and perfect if you want to go into Manistee," mentions Joie V. about Orchard Beach State Park.
Winter amenities: Rustic Retreat offers unique winter cabin options. "Gorgeous property with a huge canopy of maple trees, lovely campfire spot and a cute cabin. Slept like a log," shares Andrea D. about this single-cabin rental property that operates year-round.
Kid-friendly water areas: Certain beaches are better suited for small children. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," explains Edward C. about Duck Lake Campground.
Playground facilities: Northern Exposure Campground includes play areas designed for various age groups. "Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats/Kayaks, etc. Nicely equipped playground and evening activities," confirms Anne G.
Evening entertainment: Several campgrounds organize family activities in the evenings. "Camp staff very friendly and park is well maintained," notes Kris D. about Northern Exposure Campground, which offers structured programming for children during summer months.
Site levelness considerations: Some cabin and RV sites require careful setup. "First up - Park Staff at check-in. 6/5. Incredibly helpful. Let me do a drive by of the site to check if I would fit," shares Jonathan B. about his experience at Duck Lake Campground.
Site sizing variations: Lively Acres Campground offers generous 40x50 sites with basic amenities. "They offer 40x50 sites, fire pits, and a picnic table. Potable water hydrants and porta-johns are available!" notes Ashley F. about this newer facility.
Hookup types: Electrical connections vary between campgrounds. "Water hookup at each site, some sites only have 20 amp service," explains Kristine E. about Betsie River Campsite, important information for those with power-hungry equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Elberta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Elberta, MI is Betsie River Campsite with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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