Cabin rentals near Glen Arbor, Michigan provide access to the Leelanau Peninsula's diverse natural attractions throughout the year. Winter temperatures average 27°F with summer averages of 70°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Most cabin properties in the area stay open from May through October, with limited winter availability at select locations requiring advance planning.
What to do
Hiking trails access: 45 minutes from Traverse City State Park Campground to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. "It is right across from the bay so its easy to go swimming. It is also close to all of the wineries which was awesome," notes Sarah P. The campground connects to a bike trail providing car-free access to town attractions.
Kayaking options: 3 miles from Betsie River Campsite to downtown Frankfort via paved bike trail. "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," explains Chris W. The campground's location along the Betsie River offers direct water access for paddlers.
Winter recreation: Seasonal activities available near camping cabins around Glen Arbor include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. "We stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around. Loved it. It's remote, rustic and the lakefront is scrubby and unspoiled," shares Mary H. about Leelanau State Park Campground.
What campers like
Morning meals: Breakfast service at select campgrounds provides convenient start to exploration days. "There is a DELICIOUS little café serving up inexpensive, filling breakfasts each morning," describes Allison H. about Betsie River Campsite, highlighting an amenity not common at most cabin locations.
Privacy variations: Site layout at Rustic Retreat offers secluded cabin experience compared to more developed properties. "Beautiful secluded cabin... Gorgeous property with a huge canopy of maple trees, lovely campfire spot and a cute cabin," writes Andrea D., emphasizing the private setting.
Pet policies: Dog-friendly cabins available at select locations with specific rules. "It's dog friendly and the staff is always helpful and friendly too. The location is close to many nearby attractions, M22, outdoor adventures, beaches, lake, boating rentals, rivers, restaurants, wineries, quaint lakeside towns," comments a visitor at Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
What you should know
Shower availability: Limited facilities at many cabin locations with some offering no shower access. "We had a hard time keeping hot water," mentions Stephanie about Traverse City State Park Campground. Some properties like Wild Cherry RV Resort have "NO shower facilities except for porta john and tent shower in the rustic camping section."
Noise considerations: Traffic patterns impact sound levels at different properties. "The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet. If noise isn't an issue, this campground is clean, fun, and cozy," advises Aakifah A. about Traverse City State Park.
Water access variations: Swimming conditions differ significantly between properties. "The beach is beautiful but has swimmers itch," warns Joie V. about Duck Lake Campground, while other locations have rocky shorelines or require walks to reach swimming areas.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Shallow water areas best for younger children. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," notes Edward C. about Duck Lake Campground, providing important safety information for families.
Activity scheduling: Campground programs vary seasonally with some offering structured events. "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," explains Allison H. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
Local town visits: 10 minutes from most cabin properties to small towns with family-friendly amenities. "There is a wonderful creek to kayak in at nearby Cedar and a little town with ice cream, cafe and coffee shop," recommends a visitor staying at Lake Leelanau RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Corner locations provide additional space at many properties. "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," explains Nancy W. about Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Hookup variations: Water placement affects setup requirements at different properties. "The water, sewer, and electric were all placed appropriately in the site so no extended hoses were needed," notes a reviewer at Wild Cherry RV Resort, while others mention uphill sewer connections requiring special arrangements.
Off-season advantages: Lower rates and quieter experience available during shoulder seasons. "We were here off season, daily rate was $40. There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake," shares Barbara P. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
