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.
Glamping near Empire, MI
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort and Camp Squid Off The Grid house upscale glamping accommodations for travelers seeking luxury in the wilderness near Empire, Michigan. Timber Ridge features yurts equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, and climate control options just minutes from Traverse City attractions. Camp Squid offers a more secluded experience with glamping tents and yurts among 100 sites in a natural setting with amenities including picnic tables, shower facilities, and drinking water. Both locations provide easy access to Lake Michigan beaches and nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. According to a camper, "The sites were nice and grassy. While I understand dirt comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground."
Betsie River Campsite, located along the scenic Betsie River, complements its vintage rental campers and glamping options with a dedicated bike trail leading to downtown Frankfort. The paved path provides direct access to Lake Michigan beaches, local restaurants, and shops just 2 miles away. Guests appreciate the on-site café serving affordable breakfasts and the well-stocked general store with local merchandise and camping supplies. Many visitors use these glamping campsites as base camps for exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes, wine tasting at regional wineries, and enjoying the abundant outdoor recreation throughout Leelanau Peninsula. One reviewer highlighted, "They have several cute cabins and vintage campers sprinkled among the campsites that are available for rent, and a nice bike path runs right in front of the campground."
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Empire (31)
1. 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."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
Check Availabilityfrom $33 - $85 / night
2. Turtle Lake Campground
"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
3. Lime Lake
"little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove"
"Trails and a sizeable lake made it even better. Great location and only about 15 minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes."
4. 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"
"Just spent 5 nights at site 185 that borders along the north trail. Had an issue with noise one night but a ranger took care of it. Buildings were clean and staff was very nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $27 - $90 / night
5. Holiday RV Park & Campground
"Campground has lake access on silver lake, very nice. Rented a pontoon boat from an outside company and spent the day on the beautiful lake. Staff is friendly and helpful."
"Was able to check in early...because campers had checked out early and they had time to check the site...very clean...close to all the great sites around Traverse City...the only thing was where our site"
6. 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."
"Staff was all Great. Had a well stocked camp store."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $260 / night
7. Nature
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $180 / night
8. Camp Squid Off The Grid
"Kendra and her team have created a unique glamping experience in northern Michigan. They have thoughtfully designed spaces that are comfortable and fun."
"Stayed here for a few night whilst visiting friends at Crystal Lake. The Camp Squid team were at hand to solve and issues."
Check Availabilityfrom $135 - $499 / night
9. Leelanau State Park Campground
"I stayed in Cedar Cabin, sleeps 5, with heat, lights, fridge, microwave. Love that this cabin has a covered awning porch. Very short walk to Lake Michigan- you can even see if you have a clearing."
"Close to town Fire pits No hook up at the tent sites"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
10. Wild Cherry RV Resort
"All sites have picnic tables but not all have fire pits (if you have your own you are allowed to use it). "
"This was a great campground, quiet and peaceful in the cherry orchard area of west Michigan, near Glen Arbor and Traverse City."
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 Glamping Photos near Empire, MI
12 Photos of 31 Empire Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Empire, MI
238 Reviews of 31 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.
Devin T.TravelerRainbow Camp
Rainbow Camp
It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
- GGayle B.
GuideTurtle Lake Campground
RV park not great for tent camping
Cute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
- LLaura H.Scout
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Great Place to Relax
I had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
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.
Guide to Empire
Campgrounds near Empire, Michigan offer rustic tent sites to upscale glamping options throughout the Leelanau Peninsula. The region averages 120 inches of snowfall in winter with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-80°F. Access to Lake Michigan shoreline and inland lakes creates diverse camping environments with seasonal considerations affecting availability.
What to do
Kayak on Silver Lake: Holiday Park Campground provides direct lake access for water activities. "There is a small lake that is fun for short kayak/canoe rides and fishing. It's called Turtle Lake for obvious reasons- when my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times," notes a visitor from Turtle Lake Campground.
Explore local bike paths: "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," shares a camper at Betsie River Campsite. The trails connect multiple destinations for cyclists seeking car-free travel options.
Visit nearby lighthouses: The Leelanau peninsula features historic lighthouses within short driving distances. "We walked over to the lighthouse. They give tours and have a camp store/gift shop. There aren't really any trails there but you can get to the water in a bunch of places," describes a visitor at Leelanau State Park Campground.
What campers like
Family-friendly activities: Timber Ridge offers diverse recreation options for families. "This campground feels like campgrounds should! It is a small, family-run place. The sites are a little small and close together, and with fewer trees than I prefer. But everything else about it makes it on my list to return annually!" reports a repeat visitor at Betsie River Campsite.
Clean facilities: "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" mentions a reviewer at Turtle Lake Campground.
Central location: "Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing," notes a camper about the strategic positioning for area exploration from Camp Squid Off The Grid.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate May through October. "There is a 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," shares a visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, highlighting summer activity options.
Water quality considerations: "The water front is very rocky, and full off a brown sticky film that smelled bad, if you went over to the lighthouse it got better but still nasty. Nearest beach was a 5 minute drive and a 2 mile hike," warns a camper about conditions at Leelanau State Park Campground during certain periods.
Limited hookups at rustic sites: "Nice campground with well maintained restroom/shower facilities. The owners were really great hosts! Some tent sites have electric hookups, which is always a must for us," notes a camper about the amenities at Betsie River Campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: "They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade. We will definitely be staying here again! They also have a separate equestrian camping area that have water and electric hookup sites," advises a visitor about the family-friendly setup at Turtle Lake Campground.
Kid-friendly meal options: "The camp store and little outdoor cafe are great and serve a delicious breakfast. Bathrooms were clean and had great ventilation (important when camping during a pandemic like this summer)," mentions a family from Betsie River Campsite.
Wildlife education opportunities: "Betsie river runs behind the campground. Wildlife is present in area. Beautiful," notes a camper, suggesting opportunities for nature observation with children at Betsie River Campsite.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: "We got an awesome site! Because it was after season we got to camp on someone's seasonal lot which was awesome! We had a beautiful site with a look out area and nice fire place," shares an RV camper at Holiday Park Campground.
Full hookup availability: "Long, level, pull through. A lot of wonderful things to say - but you'll have to see for yourself! Kids love it here!" notes an RVer about the practical setup at the Traverse City KOA, which provides comprehensive services for larger rigs.
Winter glamping options in Empire, Michigan: "We stayed in 2 yurts and were comfortable in the summer. Kendra is planning to add further dwellings over the next year to make winter stays more possible," mentions a visitor about potential year-round glamping accommodations at Camp Squid Off The Grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Empire, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Empire, MI is Betsie River Campsite with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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Empire, MI?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Empire, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 glamping camping locations near Empire, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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