Beyond the popular luxury glamping options in Petoskey, more rustic glamping in Good Hart, Michigan and surrounding areas offers travelers access to the region's natural attractions while maintaining creature comforts. The area sits along Lake Michigan's northeastern coastline at approximately 650 feet elevation, creating a cool microclimate influenced by the lake. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer highs typically range from 70-80°F.
What to Do
Bike the trails: The area features extensive cycling options with campgrounds providing convenient access. At Petoskey KOA, one visitor noted, "Cycling dream trails" while another guest mentioned, "We wanted to figure out the best scenic bike route to get into Petoskey and beyond toward Charlevoix to go along the shorelines as much as possible. Customer service is amazing and they printed of a map for us as well."
Explore Mackinac Island: Many campgrounds offer ferry connections to this car-free island destination. At Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, "If you choose to visit Mackinaw Island there is a shuttle van (free) that comes to the campground and will transport you and your bikes to the ferry."
Enjoy water activities: Lake access provides swimming and water recreation opportunities. "Our site was just steps away from Lake Huron, so we got to enjoy swimming right from camp, which was such a bonus," noted a Mill Creek visitor, while another mentioned the "beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening."
What Campers Like
Waterfront access: Many prefer sites with direct lake views. At Young State Park Campground, "Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," observed one camper. Another mentioned, "The park has a large beach area with a camp store/concession stand that has food and items for rent. It is really convenient that you can rent beach chairs/umbrellas/watercraft instead of having to bring them."
Local exploration: The location provides convenient access to nearby towns. A visitor to Magnus Park Campground noted, "Located down town Petoskey this small campground is perfect for those who also like being in the city." Another camper shared, "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay."
Night sky views: Some campgrounds offer excellent stargazing opportunities. "Also recommend visiting the Headlands Dark Sky Park about 10 mins away, awesome views of the stars over Lake Michigan," mentioned a visitor to Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities operate within limited timeframes. "We visited Young State Park in the summer but in talking to locals this place is wonderful in the winter and great for cross-country skiing with trails that wind through wooded areas," noted one visitor.
Site layouts vary widely: Campground designs differ significantly. At Leelanau State Park Campground, "Our site had nice distance between the next camp but others are closer together. We had lots of room—enough so that the dog didn't even get disturbed by other campers. Our camping area was beyond the car—think a straight line back the opens up into a circular camping area."
Amenities fluctuate by property: Facilities range from basic to comprehensive. "There is a small pool that was ALWAYS packed. One night we were there, they put up a bounce house, but the teens who were supposed to be supervising just sat on their phones," shared a Petoskey KOA visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Look for sites near play areas. At Mackinaw Mill Creek, one visitor mentioned being "a short walk away from the bath houses (private and clean), the playground, pool, and camp store." Another camper at Leelanau State Park noted, "The new playground was a hit for the kids, one of the best playgrounds we have experienced at a state park."
Beach proximity: Select sites with easy water access for children. Young State Park features "a large beach area with concessions, boat launch (located in the Terrace Campground loop), picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and fishing pier."
Holiday programming: Some campgrounds offer special seasonal events. At Petoskey KOA, "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest. And we got second place so they gave us a nice goodie bag."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Understand electrical and water access before arrival. At Magnus Park, "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay. Great area to relax and explore the area and perfect for our four legged camper. This is a city park, small but nice for a few night stay."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. At Petoskey RV Resort, "The site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons. "Since we were camping in the fall the pool was closed and there were plenty of back in sites available. I would recommend," shared a Petoskey KOA visitor who went during Halloween festivities.
