Northern Michigan's camping season around Gaylord typically runs from May through October, with July high temperatures averaging 79°F and January lows reaching 10°F. This four-season recreation area sits at approximately 1,348 feet above sea level, making it one of Michigan's highest cities and providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. Most campgrounds near Gaylord close during winter months due to heavy snowfall averaging 175 inches annually.
What to do
Trail access: Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort offers convenient access to nearby outdoor activities. "Our four legged camper had a great time sniffing out the local deer!" notes one visitor who enjoyed walking the golf cart paths during non-golfing hours.
Water activities: Indian River RV Resort provides a central location for exploring numerous lakes. "Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc," explains a camper who appreciated the strategic positioning for water-based recreation.
Family games: Starlight Campground and RV Park offers numerous recreation options. "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers," reports one family who visited the park.
Golfing options: For RVers who enjoy golf, several resorts combine camping with course access. "There are several 'packages' including camping and golf (if that's what you enjoy) and at times you can take a horse drawn Elk tour or participate in a Murder Mystery weekend," mentions a visitor to Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Indian River RV Resort maintains high standards that campers consistently mention. "The grounds and facilities are very well keep up," notes a recent guest who appreciated the well-maintained property.
Campground apps: Technology enhances the camping experience at some locations. "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," explains a camper at Starlight Campground.
Quiet environment: Antrim Meadows Campground creates a peaceful atmosphere despite being busy. "Although busy, it was very quiet at night and we slept well," shares a motorcycle camper who found the campground during a busy holiday weekend.
Community feel: Smaller campgrounds foster connections. "From the minute we pulled in, we were welcomed by the owner and the other campers. It was as if we arrived at our own family reunion," explains a visitor to Antrim Meadows who appreciated the social atmosphere.
What you should know
Site conditions: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers sites with varying characteristics. "There are some open sites & some in the trees. I think they are adding a few cabins," notes a camper who visited this large resort.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "We camped here for a week. (This was the average after receiving one night free for staying a week)," mentions a visitor at Vista Green RV Resort, highlighting how extended stays can reduce costs.
Wi-Fi access: Connectivity varies between properties. "Cellphone service with Verizon was great and WiFi was available at the campground," notes a reviewer at Starlight Campground, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected.
Booking requirements: Reservations are essential during peak periods. "We were searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked," explains a camper who found space at Timber Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort provides numerous options for children. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. 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," explains a visitor who found it ideal for active youngsters.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "Kids loved the activities they had scheduled. We had no complaints regarding our weekend here!" shares a parent who visited Timber Ridge.
Theme weekends: Some campgrounds offer special programming. "They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time," notes a parent about Starlight Campground's themed weekend activities.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Wild Cherry RV Resort has sites requiring some adjustment. "Our site had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks," explains an RVer who stayed at site #20.
Site specifications: Know what amenities come with your site. "We stayed in sites 82 and 83 overlooking the pond. Our sides were gravel pull in with a small concrete patio and walkway on the passenger side," shares an RVer at Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Hookup placement: Kalkaska RV Park & Campground requires planning for hookups. "The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach," notes a camper in a 40-foot motorcoach who needed to make adjustments.
Off-season pricing: Look for special rates during shoulder seasons. "We took advantage of their 'Big-Rig Special' which gave a 25% discount if you booked 4 nights. Otherwise, the price per night was $69," explains a visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort who found ways to reduce costs.
