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.
