D
Dennis R.
Traveler
TravelerLeelanau State Park Campground
Great Location, Quiet Campground
Camped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
Cabin Camping near Empire, MI
38 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Several cabin camping options exist near Empire, Michigan, ranging from rustic structures to furnished units within campgrounds and RV parks. Indigo Bluffs RV Park offers furnished cabins with 30-amp electrical hookups and water connections. Traverse City State Park Campground provides two small cabin rentals in a wooded setting across from Lake Michigan with nearby restrooms and showers. Rustic Retreat features a single cabin with electric hookups, drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables. According to one visitor, "Mini cabin is at tip of park with nice view of lake Michigan sunsets. Cabin had mini fridge, coffee pot, ceiling fan, and I think a heater for winter. 2 sets of sturdy bunk beds."
Accommodation types range from small rustic structures to more furnished units. Lively Acres Campground provides cabin rentals with electric hookups, drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables. Betsie River Campsite offers cabin options with full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and flush toilets. Most properties operate seasonally, though Traverse City State Park Campground remains open year-round with heated cabins available. Wild Cherry RV Resort includes rustic cabins among their tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. One camper noted that their campground had "a couple small cabins with bunks, electricity and grills."
Most cabin rentals provide basic furnishings like beds, tables, and sometimes small appliances, but guests typically need to bring their own linens, pillows, and sleeping bags. Kitchen facilities vary considerably - some offer small refrigerators and coffee makers while others provide only outdoor cooking options with fire rings and grills. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort features cabin rentals along with yurts and glamping options with varying amenity levels. Lake Leelanau RV Park provides cabin accommodations with water, electric, and sewer hookups plus shower facilities. Camp Squid Off The Grid offers more rustic cabin options with pit toilets and limited amenities for those seeking a more primitive experience. For cabin camping near Empire that includes full hookups and shower access, Betsie River Campsite and Lake Leelanau RV Park stand out among the available campgrounds.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Empire (38)
1. Indigo Bluffs RV Park
"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."
2. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"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."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability3. Betsie River Campsite
"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."
"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."
from $33 - $85 / night
Check Availability4. Traverse City State Park Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Lively Acres Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Rustic Retreat
"Came up here for my anniversary getaway with my fiancé, booked for two nights and the second day had an emergency come up and had to leave!"
"This cabin is a joy to stay in. Brennin, Jamie, and their dog Rue are gracious hosts."
from $55 - $75 / night
7. Green Lake Rustic North — Interlochen State Park
"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!"
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability8. Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
"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
Check Availability9. Lake Leelanau RV Park
"It's right on Lake Leelanau, and they even rent boat slips. There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids."
"Situated just a few miles from the village of Lake Leelanau is this truly immaculately kept, family-owned and operated RV park."
from $36 - $109 / night
Check Availability10. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
"There is a camp store, turbo bikes, a variety of family activities, a pool, playground, bike park, equipment and rentals, laundry facility, cabins, cottages, and yurts for rent."
"We were searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 27 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 17 min from Muskegon, MI
- 4 hrs 32 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 44 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Cabin Photos near Empire, MI
15 Photos of 38 Empire Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cabin Reviews near Empire, MI
341 Reviews of 38 Empire Campgrounds
Kathie M.
LegendLeelanau State Park Campground
Beautiful Lake Michigan front campground
My all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
Carly A.
ScoutLeelanau State Park Campground
Favorite Michigan Campground
Love this campground. I’ve stayed in the same site 3 times now. It’s the perfect blend of rustic, private but close enough to town. Bathrooms are always clean.
The raccoons are present and bold this year though. This is a first in my experiences here.
- AAnne D.Scout
Lake Leelanau RV Park
Beautiful campground
Would definitely stay here again. Our site is close to the beach. Clean and right on the lake.
Kristy W.
GuideOrchard Beach State Park Campground
Lk Michigan sunsets included
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. 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.
- Kristy W.Guide
Duck Lake Campground — Interlochen State Park
Michigan's 1st State Park
Interlochen 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
Katie S.ScoutTimber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
Do not Recommend
I 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.
- AAaron T.Traveler
Leelanau State Park Campground
Perfect beachfront campsite
I loved everything about this campsite. It had its own view and access to the beach. In fact, it was so close you could hear the waves throughout the night. I sat outside on a clear night and gazed at the stars for I don’t know how long. It was so peaceful. I highly recommend one of the sites along the water, but the other campsites looked very nice too.
Yes, sites are close, but I didn’t have a problem with lack of privacy.
At site 25, there is not a lot of cover during the day, so it can get quite hot if there’s no other shelter.
- AAngie S.Guide
Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The 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?
Guide to Empire
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin
campsite near Empire, MI?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Empire, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Empire, MI is Indigo Bluffs RV Park with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find
cabin camping near
Empire, MI?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Empire, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 cabin camping locations near Empire, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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