The Frankfort area sits at the intersection of Lake Michigan shoreline and dense forests of northern Michigan, with elevation changes creating diverse camping opportunities from lake-level sites to bluff-top settings. Located along Michigan's northwestern coast, RV campers will find a region with distinct seasonal changes, including warm summers around 75-80°F and fall temperatures cooling to 50-60°F by October, requiring appropriate planning for overnight stays.
What to do
Golfing near camps: Vista Green RV Resort provides access to numerous golf courses in the region, with one visitor noting, "The DNR Outdoor Shooting range (5 miles away & free to the public)" is also nearby for those who enjoy target practice.
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Lake Leelanau RV Park sits on the shores of a large lake perfect for water activities. A reviewer explains: "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding. Lots of great fishing, cycling, and hiking in the area, too."
Trail access from sites: At Manton Trails RV Park, campers can access trails directly from camp. "We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," shares one visitor, making this location convenient for those with recreational vehicles.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Kampvilla Park, visitors appreciate the room to spread out. One camper reports, "Spacious, level sites. Great family atmosphere! Very clean and well kept. Close to every kind of recreation you can think of."
Proximity to wine country: Staying near Frankfort puts campers close to Michigan's wine regions. A reviewer of Wild Cherry RV Resort states: "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the town of Glen Arbor are a 20 minute drive and Traverse City is about 45 minutes."
Entertainment options: Many RV campgrounds near Frankfort offer activities for rainy days. A camper at Kampvilla Park describes: "The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks in the Frankfort area close for winter. Wild Cherry RV Resort typically operates "May 1 to October 31," while Lake Leelanau RV Park runs "May 1 to Oct 31."
Variable bathroom facilities: Some parks have limited restroom access. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, a camper notes: "While most RV campgrounds have centralized bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and showers, this one is lacking those amenities."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer and fall. At Poncho's Pond RV Park, a visitor simply states it's "Hard to get a reservation," highlighting the need to book well in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific amenities: Some campgrounds offer designated children's activities. At Timber Ridge RV Resort, a visitor observed, "There is no shortage of activities here: 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."
Check for playground access: Not all parks have play equipment. One reviewer of Vista Green RV Resort specifically mentioned, "There is not a Playground," which might be important for families with young children.
Find educational opportunities: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers nature-based learning experiences. A camper shared: "We were searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked. I called up Timber Ridge to check if anything came available and they offered an RV site that we could use for our tents."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVers visiting Frankfort-area campgrounds, level sites matter. A visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort advised, "Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake. We never had a neighbor on the site next to us during our stay and since we were on a large corner there was nobody on that side either so we never felt crowded."
Utility placement matters: Consider how hookups are positioned. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, a camper reported: "The water, sewer, and electric were all placed appropriately in the site so no extended hoses were needed. There was no cable but sites are very open allowing for good satellite reception and we were able to get over a dozen antenna channels."
Fire restrictions vary: Some RV parks near Frankfort limit traditional campfires. At Vista Green RV Resort, "There was not a fire ring since only propane fires are allowed," making it important to check rules before arrival and bring appropriate equipment.
