Cabin accommodations near Empire, Michigan range from rustic structures with minimal amenities to more developed rental units with full amenities. Cabins typically cost between $60-120 per night depending on amenities, location, and season. Most cabin rentals require advance reservations with many properties booking 3-6 months ahead for summer peak season.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Betsie River Campsite, visitors find opportunities along the nearby Betsie River. "There are many places to put into the river" if you bring your own kayak, notes one visitor who recommends exploring the water trails. The campground serves as a starting point for kayaking excursions with dedicated river access points.
Winery visits: Several cabin rentals place you within minutes of local wineries. The region between Empire and Traverse City features numerous vineyards with tasting rooms. "Wineries abound in the area," mentions one camper who stayed at Wild Cherry RV Resort, though they chose to "visit 4 lighthouses and Sleeping Bear Dunes" instead during their stay.
Biking trails: Many cabins connect directly to regional biking paths. According to a Betsie River Campsite guest, "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." These trails offer convenient access to waterfront areas without driving.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many cabin guests appreciate the private or updated bathroom facilities. A visitor at Lake Leelanau RV Park noted "The bathroom here is VERY clean and updated - much nicer than most campgrounds" which can be a significant advantage over tent camping options.
Convenient location: Cabins serve as a base for exploring multiple destinations. "Our site was a full hookup" with a location that "was a good spot for a two night stay as it's close to the Sleeping Bear National Dunes and also many local wineries," reported one visitor who used their cabin as a central point for day trips around the region.
Quiet environment: Campers frequently mention appreciating the peaceful settings. At Rustic Retreat, one guest noted they "slept like a baby" in their cabin, while another described it as a "beautiful secluded cabin" with "a huge canopy of maple trees" providing natural surroundings.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most cabin rentals in the area operate from May through October, with limited year-round options. Traverse City State Park Campground remains one of the few facilities offering heated cabin accommodations during winter months.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer season (June-August), cabins often require booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays. A guest at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort noted they were "searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked."
Varying amenity levels: Cabins range from primitive structures to fully-equipped units. "This is a very large campground... There are some seasonal sites, a small 'village' of tiny houses, yurts, and a lot of RV/tent sites," explains one reviewer about Timber Ridge, highlighting the spectrum of accommodation types available.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: For families with children, cabins with lake access provide built-in activities. At Duck Lake Campground, "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area." This makes water activities safer and more enjoyable for families with young children.
Multi-generational accommodations: Cabins can accommodate family members who don't typically camp. One visitor noted some properties have "a couple small cabins with bunks, electricity and grills" which allows non-camping family members to join the outdoor experience with more comfort.
Evening activities: Fire rings and picnic areas provide gathering spaces for families. A Rustic Retreat guest appreciated their "lovely campfire spot" next to the cabin, creating a natural gathering point for evening activities and shared meals.
Tips from RVers
Nearby cabin options: Many RV parks offer cabin rentals for overflow guests. "Indigo Bluffs RV Park offers furnished cabins with 30-amp electrical hookups and water connections" according to campers familiar with the property, providing options for RVers traveling with non-RV guests.
Site selection considerations: Location within the property affects the experience. A review of Indigo Bluffs RV Park notes "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing." Similar positioning applies to cabin locations, with some offering more privacy than others.
Off-season availability: Cabins may have better availability during shoulder seasons. "We stayed out here for an art retreat and loved it," mentioned one fall visitor to Rustic Retreat, finding the property less crowded during autumn months while still enjoying comfortable accommodations.
