RV campgrounds near Frederic, Michigan are situated in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. This area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters with heavy snowfall. Many campgrounds in the region provide direct access to Michigan's extensive ORV trail network, making it a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts.
What to do
Trail access: At Manton Trails RV Park, campers can ride directly from their sites to the ORV trails. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," notes one visitor.
Waterfront activities: Lake Billings RV Park provides swimming and fishing opportunities directly on-site. "They have a really nice area whether it's fishing or swimming, playground or just plain camping, etc," shares a recent camper. The park maintains a shallow swimming area ideal for children.
Traverse City excursions: Timber Ridge RV Resort serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby Traverse City, approximately 25 miles away. "The location is good, as it can be a good jumping off point to explore Traverse City and the surrounding area," says one reviewer who used the campground as a hub for day trips.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kalkaska RV Park earns praise for its well-maintained restrooms and showers. "Beautiful campground situated in a nice woods setting. Sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance. The camp sites are a nice firm gravel and pretty level. Facilities were very very clean and well kept," reports one satisfied camper.
Recreational amenities: Campgrounds in the area offer various on-site activities. At Starlight Campground, "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers," according to a family who stayed there.
Wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at Kalkaska RV Park. "Nice wooded campground 1/2 hr outside Traverse City. Nice away from the busy areas. We enjoyed the hiking provided onsite," notes one reviewer who valued the quieter location compared to busier tourist areas.
What you should know
Wi-Fi availability: Internet access varies across campgrounds. At Vista Green RV Resort, "There is free WiFi. They do not offer Cable TV but there are many local channels," reports one camper. However, at other locations, "Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being 'in the woods,' internet is always a challenge."
Seasonal operations: Most rv campgrounds near Frederic, Michigan operate from spring through fall only. Lake Billings RV Park runs from April 15 to October 15, while Antrim Meadows Campground opens from mid-April to mid-October. Starlight Campground has an even shorter season, typically from May through early September.
Site conditions: Terrain and leveling requirements vary significantly between parks. One camper at Vista Green noted, "We had Full hook-up with a blacktop pull-through. The site was easy to level." At Lake Billings, however, a visitor mentioned, "The sites themselves are small, ours had massive roots that made walking and setting up outside a challenge."
Tips for camping with families
Theme weekends: Honcho Rest Campground organizes special activities for families. "They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time," shares a parent who appreciated the organized entertainment.
Playground options: Several campgrounds provide play areas specifically for children. At Timber Ridge, families find "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."
Swimming facilities: For families seeking water recreation, pool quality matters. At Starlight Campground, "This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers. Park is all shorter pines so if your looking for a wooded/forest feel this might not be your park," notes one visitor, highlighting the more developed nature of the facility.
Tips from RVers
Extension needs: At some rv campgrounds in Frederic, Michigan, the hookup placement may require additional equipment. "Pull through full hook up, everything worked great. Nice level gravel spot," reports one RVer at Kalkaska RV Park, though others have noted varying experiences with hookup distances.
Big rig accessibility: Indian River RV Resort accommodates larger vehicles with attentive service. "Owners lead you to your site and assist getting your rig lined up with water/sewer connections. Great pool, separate area for boat/trailer parking," mentions one RVer who appreciated the extra help with positioning.
Pump-out services: For sites without sewer hookups, some campgrounds offer alternatives. Kalkaska RV Park provides "a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time" when full hookup sites aren't available, allowing extended stays without relocating to dump stations.
