Northern Michigan's varying terrain makes camping near Ellsworth practical year-round, with most private campgrounds operational May through October. The area sits within Antrim County, where elevation ranges from 580-1,150 feet, creating diverse microclimates for campers. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F with overnight lows in the 50s, while spring and fall can bring unexpected temperature swings.
What to do
Bass Lake fishing: Honcho Rest Campground in nearby Elk Rapids offers fishing opportunities on Bass Lake. "The campground sits on the shores of Bass Lake which is great for a quick paddle around, fishing, etc., but if you are seeking larger bodies of water, the Elk Rapids Marina on Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake are just a couple miles away," notes reviewer Shari G.
Wine tasting tours: The Leelanau Peninsula features numerous wineries within short driving distance of local campgrounds. A camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort shares, "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the town of Glen Arbor are a 20 minute drive."
Trail systems: Several RV parks connect to hiking and biking networks. "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action," mentions one reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, which also features "bike trails, ATV trails," making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Lake Leelanau RV Park earns consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathroom here is VERY clean and updated -much nicer than most campgrounds," writes Allison H. Another camper adds, "Level Cement sites. Well mowed grass."
Family-friendly activities: Many parks offer organized events and amenities for children. At Timber Ridge, families appreciate the "small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Quiet atmospheres: Smaller, family-operated campgrounds provide peaceful settings. At Starlight Campground, one camper noted, "Guests were all very polite and quiet during our visit as well." This sentiment echoes across several of the area's more intimate camping options.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campgrounds differ greatly in site size and privacy. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, campers note "the spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites," while others describe some areas as "a parking lot with trees."
Reservation timing matters: Peak season (June-August) fills quickly. Many campgrounds have limited availability for short stays. As one Indigo Bluffs reviewer advises, "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing."
Amenity differences: Basic services vary between campgrounds. At Vista Green RV Resort, "They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster. This can be a long distance for some." Compare facilities before booking as some parks lack bathhouses or other expected conveniences.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Several rv sites near Ellsworth, Michigan offer swimming options. Starlight Campground and RV Park receives high marks from families: "Great campground for a family! Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games!"
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. At Starlight, "They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time."
Bathroom convenience: For families with small children, clean and accessible facilities matter. Honcho Rest Campground offers "clean bathrooms with showers, and a laundromat on site," with one reviewer noting the bathrooms are "SO clean you never have to worry about anything."
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Some RV parks have challenging utility connections. A visitor to Kalkaska RV Park reports, "The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach."
Leveling requirements: Many campsites near Ellsworth require adjustment. "Our site was a pull through that required us to do quite a bit of leveling," notes one RVer at Kalkaska RV Park. At Petoskey RV Resort, a camper mentioned "our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
Seasonal considerations: Northern Michigan's camping season typically runs May-October. The majority of RV campgrounds close during winter, with variable opening dates depending on spring conditions. Petoskey RV Resort operates "May 1 to October 1" according to their listing information.
