Winter glamping options in Ellsworth, Michigan stand apart from summer activities with unique cold-weather accommodations available October through April. While daytime temperatures hover around 30°F during winter, several campgrounds remain open for all-season glamping experiences with insulated yurts and cabin rentals that include indoor heating systems. The landscape transforms with snow, making ice fishing on Lake Charlevoix and snowshoeing through forested trails primary attractions.
What to do
Boat rentals and launches: Young State Park Campground provides access to Lake Charlevoix with convenient boat launching facilities. "Young State Park has a typical rustic campground feel. The park covers 560 acres which encompasses a campground, hiking trails, a large beach area with concessions, boat launch (located in the Terrace Campground loop), picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and fishing pier," notes Nancy W.
Cycling adventures: Petoskey KOA offers direct access to regional biking trails. "Cycling dream trails," remarks Geri Lynn P. The campground connects to paved trails that extend through the region, allowing glampers to explore the northern Michigan countryside.
Fishing opportunities: Thurston Park Campground in Central Lake lets visitors fish Intermediate Lake. "Located on Intermediate lake within walking distance of a grocery store and a ice cream parlor that serves Moomers ice cream. Facilities are basic, but the town is charming and offers a lot of summer activities outdoors," says Rachel M.
Winter glamping activities: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort maintains year-round operations with activities shifting seasonally. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc," explains Allison H.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Young State Park Campground offers particularly large sites along Lake Charlevoix. "Campsites in the Spruce loop don't have a designated 'pad' so you can arrange your RV or tent any way you like. This was the case with groups of friends who had two or three sites and arranged them so they faced each other with a common area in the center," explains Nancy W.
Walking access to towns: Several glamping sites near Ellsworth provide direct walking access to small towns. At Thurston Park, a camper notes, "There's a party store and small grocery store within walking distance. There's a playground and a little public beach at the end of the property that seemed relatively quiet while we were here."
Wildlife viewing: Leelanau State Park Campground offers unique wildlife encounters. "Perfect views, secluded sites and hilariously aggressive squirrels," writes Mark L., highlighting the unexpected wildlife interactions campers might experience.
Clean facilities: Whitewater Township Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities according to reviews. "They do a great job maintaining and improving site each year. Their bathrooms are very clean daily. Very happy with our stays at this campground," shares Zebadee.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities near Ellsworth operate on seasonal schedules. "Petoskey KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet. A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner," reports Cody S., who visited during the shoulder season.
Rustic options available: Leelanau State Park offers more rustic glamping experiences. "This campground is my all time favorite. I don't think there is a bad site (51 sites plus 3 cabins). Very beautiful in the fall with outstanding forest hiking south of campground. I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave," writes Kathie M.
Weather considerations: Winter glamping requires preparation for cold temperatures. At Timber Ridge, the year-round operations accommodate winter glampers with heated accommodations, though summer activities like the "small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow" are seasonal.
Reservation requirements: Booking in advance is essential, particularly for premium sites. "Young State Park sunests revival the Carribean. Breathtaking. Huge park with three sections. Terrace is the best but hard to get," notes Tracie S.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive family programming. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," shares Cassondra P.
Beach selections: Choose sites with direct beach access for families with children. "The lake is beautiful! If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location. Park store is nice, or grocery store is 1 mile away," reports a camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground.
Playground considerations: Whitewater Township Park offers playground facilities though reviews note limitations. "The playground isn't much, but offers the kids a place to go. There are hiking trails nearby and the campground is about 15 minutes away from the quaint town of Elk Rapids and a very touristy Traverse City."
Off-season visits: Consider glamping during shoulder seasons for more availability. "We came at the very end of the season (October 4-5) and from what I could tell, the campsite was shutting down, so I'm unsure of the availability going forward until next season. Overall a beautiful spot!" notes Therese S. about Young State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Whitewater Township Park, site choices matter significantly. "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay. Great area to relax and explore the area and perfect for our four legged camper," shares Carol W. about Magnus Park Campground.
Hook-up availability: Wild Cherry RV Resort offers full hook-ups but with limited bathhouse facilities. "The park is called a 'resort' which is a little misleading because there are very few amenities. There is no swimming pool, no tennis courts, no shuffleboard, no fitness center, no playground, in fact there were not even bathrooms/showers."
Leveling requirements: Review site details before booking for RVs. "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers," reports Kim L. about Petoskey RV Resort.
