Cabin rentals near Frankfort, Michigan provide easy access to the Betsie River and Lake Michigan shorelines. The region features rolling hills and mixed northern hardwood forests at approximately 600-700 feet elevation. Winter temperatures average 20°F while summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, making camping cabins near Frankfort a viable option from April through October with some limited winter availability.
What to do
Kayaking the Betsie River: Multiple access points for paddlers within 3 miles of most cabin locations. "Betsie river runs behind the campground. Wildlife is present in area. Beautiful," notes a visitor at Betsie River Campsite.
Biking to Frankfort: Take advantage of paved paths connecting cabin areas to downtown. "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 from Betsie River Campsite.
Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes: Within 45 minutes of cabin accommodations. "The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes," according to a review from Betsie River Campsite.
Visit Glen Arbor: 35-minute drive with shopping and dining options. A guest at Indigo Bluffs RV Park mentioned, "Close to Empire and Glen Arbor. Campground is well maintained and office staff is friendly."
What campers like
Morning coffee service: Several cabins offer this amenity. "Kendra, the owner was super friendly and we loved the free coffee area in a morning," says a visitor at Camp Squid Off The Grid.
Proximity to waterfront: Most cabins are within a short drive to beaches. "The marina is nice to walk around, and you are able to walk out the pier to the lighthouse," notes a camper about the Frankfort area from Betsie River Campsite.
Breakfast options: Some locations offer morning meals. "The camp store and little outdoor cafe are great and serve a delicious breakfast," according to a visitor from Betsie River Campsite.
Winter accessibility: Select cabin rentals remain open year-round. "Kendra is planning to add further dwellings over the next year to make winter stays more possible," mentions a guest at Camp Squid Off The Grid.
What you should know
Site sizing varies significantly: Some cabin areas have more spacious layouts than others. "Sites are small and pretty close together but shaded with electric at site (134) and centrally located bathhouse with hot water and well kept," explains a camper from Traverse City State Park Campground.
Reservation timing: Book 2-4 months in advance for summer weekends. "This is a nice little private campground. The people are friendly and it appears to be well kept. The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so. Very. Crowded," notes a visitor to Betsie River Campsite.
Noise levels: Some cabin areas are quieter than others. "Nice campground with well maintained restroom/shower facilities. The owners were really great hosts!" according to a camper at Betsie River Campsite.
Water access limitations: Beach conditions vary by location and season. "High waters the past few years there is no beach," reports a visitor to Orchard Beach State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some cabin areas offer play equipment. "This campground is perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. If you are looking for rugged, wilderness/secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem," states a visitor to Northern Exposure Campground.
Child-friendly swimming areas: Look for shallow entry points. "Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats/Kayaks, etc. Nicely equipped playground and evening activities at the Camp Store/Office on special weekends," shares another Northern Exposure Campground visitor.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize family events. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," notes a camper at Duck Lake Campground.
Fire safety considerations: Fire ring designs vary between locations. "One tip, fire pits do not have grill tops attached and the pit opening is pretty wide," warns a Northern Exposure Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric service variations: Power options differ between cabin locations. "Water hookup at each site, some sites only have 20 amp service," points out a visitor to Betsie River Campsite.
Parking logistics: Space constraints can affect larger vehicles. "They have everything from basic tent sites to high end sites for newer Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels," explains a camper from Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," notes a Betsie River Campsite visitor.
Year-round options: Select locations accommodate winter cabin stays. "Came up here for my anniversary getaway with my fiancé... The cabin was cute and cozy, I slept like a baby," shares a guest from Rustic Retreat, a single-cabin accommodation available during winter months.
