Best RV Parks & Resorts near Ellsworth, MI

Recent RV Reviews in Ellsworth

866 Reviews of 129 Ellsworth Campgrounds

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 18, 2025

  Roberts Landing Campground

  Feels neglected

  We looked forward to our stay at this campground so close to Mackinaw City. We arrived just before 5 pm behind another camper. Walter was having difficulty handling both of our check-ins: he couldn’t find the other camper’s reservation (apparently not a one-off) and then his computer kept freezing while processing ours. The process to get both of us checked in took almost 30 minutes. 

  The advertised group gathering gazebo seemed to have been taken over by the office; I saw no other covered gazebo. And the fire pit was horrible! It spewed toxic smoke the entire time we were checking in (I had to keep stepping outside). As Becky’s review mentioned, there was junk surrounding the “office” and close by area. 

  The RV sites did not have any separation/privacy between them. We had reserved a water/electric site but in the end, chose one of the tent sites that faced the lake. We didn’t even see a number indicating what site it was– it was mostly a large grassy area. 

  The mosquitos were horrible (I realize this is not the fault of the campground although the grass was a bit tall). 

  Although I’ve seen worse, the restrooms were just passable. The floor was wet. At least there was soap and paper towels. Did not use the shower so cannot comment on that.

  The best part of this campground is the view of Lake Huron. As advertised, there is a (far-off) view of the Mackinaw Bridge from the beach, but you have to look through the wall of mosquitoes. 

  It’s my understanding this is a city-run campground and if that is correct, we expected better. In order for me to give this more than two stars, it would have to:

  • cost less ($50 was way too much money to pay for this campground),

  • have a more efficient check-in system, and

  • be cleaned up of all the junk lying around. 

  If we would not have lost all our money, we would have ditched and looked elsewhere. We didn’t even cook in our van, opting instead to eat in town. We were up and out early the next morning.

• 

  Cody S.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 5, 2025

  Petoskey KOA

  Cozy Cabin Stay

  The KOA campground is close to Petoskey, but outside town enough to be a bit quiet.  A short drive to breweries, wineries, and dinner. 

  There are amenities that would be good for a family and also big enough for a peaceful weekend for couples.  There is a stream that runs through the  middle of the cabins for a peaceful setting.

• k

  k M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 31, 2024

  French Farm Lake Rd

  Nice, but ....

  stayed at campsite #2 twice in October. Behind the site is a full-size mattress, clothes, shoes, and a remnant of a tent - it looks like it has been there for a while. On the second visit to the same site, I found two 5-gallon pails off to the left in the brush, more trash, and a bottle with liquid in it. Also, the stump that someone left to be used as an additional table was missing. I usually pick up trash and leave the site better than I found it, but I did not dare touch the buckets or the bottle with the suspicious liquid in it. French Farm Lake Road is a beautiful area with the North Country Trail running through it but it seems some folks don't appreciate it. The other sites might be better "kept" (site #3 is sandy and looks like an RV was dragged out). Might go again because it is a nice secluded area.

• 

  Tammy C.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 29, 2024

  Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

  Hidden gem on the west side

  This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!

• S

  Sydney

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 29, 2024

  Wilderness State Park Camping

  Beautiful views, but goes down to a skeleton crew in the off season!

  We booked site 118 for the third week in October and really enjoyed our stay! A few things to note: 

  - The showers and camp office were both closed when we arrived (10/23/24). I asked a park ranger and he said they typically close around the first week in October. If this is the case when you arrive too, you check in at the camp office using the phone in the yellow box which will direct you to a park employee. You will need your reservation number and license plate number ready. 

  - Don't forget to purchase your Michigan parks vehicle pass, which is separate from your camp reservation. 

  - Surprisingly, the potable water spigot near our campsite (just a short walk away) was still on! I know there was another review on here that said it was off already by mid-October, but it was on for us! 

  - You are a stones throw away from your parking spot, although some spots do align directly with their site most are not actually on their site, but still very close.

  - Pets are not allowed on the beach during piping plover nesting season (April I believe.) 

  The beach front sites like ours are really really neat. You have a pretty good view of the water and your own private path right down to the beach. Keep in mind, you are likely to experience high winds. There were a couple days where our tent was getting buffeted around and starting a fire was challenging. 

  I know a lot of the reviews say it's a pretty loud, busy campground, which I'm sure is the case in the warmer months. When we were here it was a virtual ghost town. All the RV spots next to us were completely closed for the season and we had no neighbors at all until Friday night. When neighbors did arrive they were quiet--but that's always luck of the draw! 

  Site 118 is within view of the vault toilet, which supports around 6 sites so if it had been busier there would have been quite a few people coming and going in front of our site. I think if we went again while the showers and camp office were open we would maybe go for a different site slightly farther from the bathroom and with a bit more tree cover (122 looked quite nice if I remember correctly.) 

  We had no issues at all with wildlife. 

  There is a little store called Cecil's Trading Post 5 min drive away from the campground where they have an honor system for firewood--cash only, of course. The store itself was closed while we were there, but we bought firewood from them. It looked like you could maybe also get ice on the honor system. 

  Mackinaw city is quick to get to and there were plenty of restaurants and attractions still open when we were there even though it was right on the cusp of the off season. If you want to drive over the bridge into the UP, it's a 4 buck toll each way for cars FYI. 

  We stopped at a local brewery very close to the campground called Biere de Mac, which I highly recommend--great beer, good food, big open grassy outdoor area that allows dogs, and super friendly. 

  Happy camping!

• 

  Barry E.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 6, 2024

  Traverse City State Park Campground

  Convenient and clean

  Very nice park, walkway to the public beach, paved path behind the grounds. Modern, clean bathhouse. Not a lot of privacy between spots, big mature trees all through the grounds. Right by municipal airport with lots of flight activity.

• 

  Chad H.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

  Awesome location

  We’ve stayed at Mackinac Millcreek a few times. Awesome campground, definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you’re planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they’ll put you in a good spot. Our first time to the campground was pretty funny, the whole camp ground was sold out. But they squeezed us in by the rally building and apologized about it being by the maintenance area. Turn out to be one of the best spots we’ve camped. There was a lot of partying, so it was perfect for us. But the rest of the campground is pretty chill.

• 

  David C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 18, 2024

  Haakwood State Forest Campground

  Easy access to north central bike path

  This campground is right on the north central bike path and I came to this here for that easy access. However, it is right next to the road and there is a lot of road noise during the day and early evening. It did quiet down overnight. Being next to the road also gives easy access to nearby attractions like Indian River. If you're looking for a camp site to sit around and relax during the day, this is probably not the place for you.The camp sites are spread out and many offer complete privacy. Most are shaded. The campground is only 2 miles from I 75 and is an excellent spot if you need a campsite just to stop over.

• 

  Amy D.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Barnes County Park Campground

  Beautiful Lake Access

  This Campground was very family-friendly. There is easy access to the beach with wide stairs. Many people enjoying rock collecting and watching the sunrise and sunset. The park was very clean and well kept with multiple bath houses.

• 

  Amy D.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Young State Park Campground

  Unique Trails

  The campground was well maintained. The sites had adequate privacy and space. I really enjoyed the trails through Cedar Forest along Lake Charlevoix. More unique experience than just hiking through the woods.

• 

  Austin C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 10, 2024

  Camp David

  Wonderful, quiet location

  David and Gail were so friendly and welcoming, especially for the inconvenience of a last minute stay on Labor Day weekend! I had questions during the booking process and messaged them- I had a response in minutes. We had a quiet spot and were able to get some uninterrupted sleep after a long afternoon at the beach. 

  There are several places nearby with beach access (the turquoise water of Lake Michigan is beautiful), and lakes under 5 minutes away for fishing. For rockhounding, check out the beaches near Old Mission Lighthouse. Should we find ourselves back on the road to the UP, we'll be sure stop back in. Thanks again for being so accommodating!

• r

  roy H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2024

  Otsego Lake State Park Campground

  Otsego camp ground

  Nice state park big sites on the lake

• 

  Skip C.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 7, 2024

  Chain-O-Lakes Campground

  Close to Torch Lake

  Full hookup sites, cabins were nice. Many recent upgrades to the campground

• H

  Hatcher

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2024

  Haakwood State Forest Campground

  Rustic campground

  Stayed here Labor Day weekend. It was my first time staying at a State Forest campground; it has the basics like a hand pump for water, pit toilets and a dumpster. Site 12 had a spot for my hammock. Watch out for poison ivy. The only downside is that other campers don't know how to behave at night. They think karaoke and screaming at their domestic partner at 1:42 am is acceptable.

• 

  Teresa R.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 20, 2024

  Wilderness State Park Camping

  Nice park, very big park but…..

  Don’t try to arrive early and get in. They don’t allow early entry. Check in is 3 pm period. Not real friendly, not rude either. Give the trading post 5 stars super nice well stocked. Lots of fire wood bundles to choose from. Has snack propane bottles

• 

  Erica L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 11, 2024

  Chain-O-Lakes Campground

  Will be back!

  Our time at this campground has been exceptional. The grounds are kept very clean and tidy, the camp store had what we needed, and the atmosphere is very quiet and calming. Everything on our full hookup site worked good and our site itself was level.

  Our weather wasn’t very good, 66 and rainy, but we made the best of our time by going downtown Bellaire and visiting Shorts Brewing. The little town has some cute shops and is only 8 minutes from the campground.

  We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to book again next year.

• R

  Robert T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Wild Cherry RV Resort

  Quiet and peaceful

  This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City.

  Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table.

  Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks.

  Only other negative is that there are no trees for the majority of sites for shade cover.

  This was a good spot for a two night stay as it’s close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries.

  Have fun!

• 

  Rachel S.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

  Friendly environment

  Very clean and very well ran and organized! Great staff will probably come back to this one

• L

  Lon L.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds

  close to travese city and interlockin

  Quiet, large sites, like new bath house, 7th nite free, rate$35, good location for northwestern Michigan sites Water on all outside sites. interior sites share water hookups

• 

  Gary P.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 27, 2024

  Whiting County Park Campground

  Awesome Campground

  First timers. Very pleased with our stay. Reservation system is awesome, and easy to follow. Bathhouse was clean and fresh smelling. Even with all the rain we had during the stay, the bathhouse never got overly soiled. Water has a very heavy sulphor smell, but that's the way it goes with Michigan well water. Our Tear drop camper had fresh water on-board, so we were good to go. We've stayed at Young State Park across the way. Given what I know now, Whiting Park will be our"go to" park in the future. Again, Very Pleased.

• 

  Martha L.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 27, 2024

  Magnus Park Campground

  Magus Park Great location

  Great location, right on the lake and awesome views. Also very convenient to North country Trail to ride or run up and down the Lakeshore on a paved path! Very close to town to walk in and see the sites. Stayed by the water treatment plant and I wouldn’t recommend the West End as you could smell the treatments. Bathrooms were clean and convenient location. Spaces were extremely close together! Many people stayed for the whole summer. It seemed like.

• 

  Jen L.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2024

  Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground

  Great location for orv trail access

  Great campground.  Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect.   We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite.  It’s really handy to not have to trailer over to the trsilheads.  Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!

• B

  Bob W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 25, 2024

  Grass Lake State Forest Campground

  Updated Info

  Updating this information. We live 3 miles from this camp. All MI State Forest Campgrounds are nor $20/night.

  There is not a RV dump or hookup of any kind in this campground. One could easily bring a 30 ft trailer but sites this size are limited.

  This camp is on the Betsie River and the Grass Lake Flooding. There is a gravel/sand ramp to launch smaller fishing boats. Great area to kayak and float tube. 1000's of acres of State Forest surrounding this spot with miles of trails for atv, cars, trucks and horses. There are no horst facilities at this camp.

• J

  Julia H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 23, 2024

  Vista Green RV Resort

  Large, beautiful campground

  Our site was $65.63 a night. (This was the average after receiving one night free for staying a week).

  We were in Site# 4A (premium site). We had Full hook- up with a blacktop pull-through.
  We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
  The site was easy to level.

  Our site was not shaded with limited trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.

  The lot comes with a concrete patio with picnic table. There was not a fire ring since only propane fires are allowed.

  There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are many local channels.

  There is an adult pub-style game room with poker tables, a large tv, a table shuffle board, air hockey game, foosball table, and board games. There is a community catering kitchen located in their activities center.

  They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster. This can be a long distance for some.

  You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent golf carts. It is beneficial to have a golf cart to get around since it is a large campground. We have our own e-bikes which helped.

  They do have a large heated Swimming pool and an adults only hot tub. There is a fitness center.

  They have quite a few ponds throughout the campground.

  There is not a Playground. They offer pickleball courts.

  There is not a general store nor snack bar/restaurant on site.

  The streets are paved and good for riding bikes.

  This is solely an RV park. They do not have any cabins to rent or any tent areas.

  The showers are located in the activity center. These are typical stalls. There is a great area to hang clothes and store your toiletries in the shower stall. These are kept very clean.

  There is a laundry facility. There are approximately 4 washers and 4 dryers. They allow you to use cash or an app. It is approximately $2.25 to wash and $2 to dry a load.

  They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs though.

  Bugs/gnats were a small issue and bug spray was needed.

  There is supposedly a mowed trail to hike off of the campground (about 3 miles) but I was unable to locate it.

  Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the shops (Front Street) & water activities in Traverse City, the local wineries/vineyards, and the DNR Outdoor Shooting range (5 miles away & free to the public). We ate at Yankee Boy where all of the locals hangout. Excellent food (no alcohol served).

• D

  Drew M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Petoskey State Park Campground

  Fun!

  Great spot very close to the lake and downtown Petoskey. Best of both worlds.

• D

  David C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

  Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

  Very nice and well maintained campground. Bath house facilities were very clean, and campsites were fairly spaced, giving decent privacy. There are some activities in the area related to the park. All in all a very nice State Park campground.

• 

  Nicole V.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2024

  Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground

  Nice but camp host needed

  Large campground composed or 5 loops. Many have a trail leading to the water. Hiking and biking paths within the campground along with a nice boat ramp. Trash on sites and dirty outhouses along with lots of generators and after hour noise was a downside.