RV camping near Glen Arbor, Michigan offers convenient access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore while providing modern amenities for motorhome travelers. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level with distinct seasonal patterns - summer temperatures average in the mid-70s with higher humidity, while fall brings cooler temperatures and stunning color displays. Cell service remains strongest along M-22 and M-72 corridors with variable coverage in more remote camping areas.
What to do
Canoeing nearby rivers: Manton Trails RV Park provides convenient access to the Manistee River for paddling enthusiasts. "Very close to Manistee River and canoe/raft liveries, very fun family togetherness activity," notes one visitor from Manton Trails RV Park.
Winery visits: Multiple vineyards within 15-20 minutes of Wild Cherry RV Resort offer tastings and tours. "The park is on the Leelanau Peninsula which is one of Michigan's most well-known and revered wine region and there are three wineries within a couple of miles (one is just across the street from the entrance)," reports a camper.
Golfing options: Vista Green RV Resort provides access to nearby courses. "Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the shops (Front Street) & water activities in Traverse City, the local wineries/vineyards, and the DNR Outdoor Shooting range (5 miles away & free to the public)," mentions one visitor who explored the area.
Local music events: Several campgrounds host entertainment during peak season. According to a Manton Trails visitor, "Our first time there was 4th of July weekend, they have a large building for events...over the weekend they had a concert! Live band and food truck...free to all campers and their friends!"
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Bathhouse quality matters to many RV campers. "These are kept very clean," reports a Vista Green visitor, while another at Kampvilla Park notes "Very clean bathrooms, a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate room to spread out. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, "Sites are either pull-in (which we had) or back-in. There are no pull-thrus. Set back in a wooded area are a scattering of rustic tent sites, rental cabins and yurts with potable water, grills, fire pits, and picnic tables."
Recreational amenities: On-site activities enhance the camping experience. Timber Ridge offers "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."
Proximity to attractions: Location matters for Indigo Bluffs RV Park visitors. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it's located in our favorite vacation destination! The location is close to many nearby attractions, M22, outdoor adventures, beaches, lake, boating rentals, rivers, restaurants, wineries, quaint lakeside towns."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Early booking is essential, particularly for peak season. "Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), they sites book up a year in advance," warns a Traverse Bay RV Resort visitor.
Campground rules: Pet policies vary significantly between parks. At Traverse Bay RV Resort, "You are limited to 2 dogs, and they are very strict about leashes and picking up poop. But, that keeps the place looking nice."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks operate from May through October with limited availability in shoulder seasons. "We visited Wild Cherry RV Resort on the recommendation of some friends and found the park to be nicely maintained, sites were well-spaced, and we LOVED the area."
Bathroom facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full bathhouse services. As noted at Wild Cherry, "While most RV campgrounds have centralized bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and showers, this one is lacking those amenities."
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation options. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled."
Playground options: Kampvilla Park provides child-friendly amenities. "There are all the toys to play in sand, basketballs, volleyballs and such sitting out for all the kids to play with. The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature pools or water access. "There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids," notes a visitor to Lake Leelanau RV Park.
Family-friendly scheduling: Plan around peak activity times. "The campground is a great stepping off point for exploring Leelanau (wine, Sleeping Bear Dunes, small lakeside towns). There is a wonderful creek to kayak in at nearby Cedar and a little town with ice cream, cafe and coffee shop."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider the type of setup for your specific needs. At Indigo Bluffs, "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies between providers. According to Manton Trails visitors, "Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being 'in the woods;' internet is always a challenge. Most of our group had AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, the best service seemed to be Verizon in the morning and Sprint at night."
Level sites: Many travelers note the importance of properly leveled pads. Kampvilla visitors report, "To start we are tent campers and this is an RV park…it has great spots for tents! Just electric hookup or primitive (even nicer spots)."
Local dining options: Explore nearby restaurants when taking a break from camp cooking. "We ate at Yankee Boy where all of the locals hangout. Excellent food (no alcohol served)," recommends a Vista Green camper who explored the area.
