Cabin camping near Hale, Michigan centers around the Au Sable River watershed with elevations ranging from 600-800 feet above sea level. The area features a mix of pine forests and hardwood stands with seasonal temperature fluctuations that can vary 40°F between day and night in spring and fall. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s while winter lows can drop below freezing, requiring cabin renters to prepare for variable conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on local waterways: Rifle River Recreation Area offers multiple lakes for paddling sports. A camper noted, "Each is unique, offering different sights and sounds. We were fortunate enough to see mink, beaver, muskrat, loons, eagle, osprey and three swan...so it was a treasure trove for us."
Hiking the observation tower: Visit the Rifle River Recreation Area for trails and viewpoints. "The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look," according to one visitor.
Beach activities on Lake Huron: Tawas Point State Park offers swimming and shoreline relaxation. A camper mentioned, "The pet friendly beach is fantastic for dogs as the water is very shallow and lets them be active."
Rock hunting along shorelines: Searching for Petoskey stones and fossils can be rewarding at area beaches. One visitor to Rifle River Campground shared, "We found amazing flowers blooming like yellow and pink lady slippers I even found Agates, fossils if you're a rock hunter."
What campers like
Shallow, warm water for paddling: The Old Orchard Park Campground receives praise for its river access. A visitor noted, "The views and access to the River are spectacular," making it ideal for paddlers seeking calm waters.
Privacy between campsites: Devoe Lake Rustic Campground provides more seclusion than some alternatives. One camper stated, "Devoe campground was very private sites are open and surrounded my trees."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin renters can spot diverse wildlife from their accommodations. A visitor to Rifle River Recreation Area explained, "We could drag or carry our canoes/kayaks from lake to lake with the exception of Grebe Lake and Jewitt. So we simply tossed them on the van and went to our next destination."
Clean facilities despite rustic setting: Grousehaven Campground maintains high standards. A camper reported, "The campground was always well maintained and had some of the cleanest bathrooms and showers of any campground I have stayed at."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds affect availability: Peak times require advance planning. A visitor to Old Orchard noted, "We have driven all the way there before and not been able to get in. There was another time that we drove there and there was one reservable site that we stayed on the first night and then had to move the next day."
Cell service limitations: Many cabins lack connectivity. An Old Orchard camper warned, "It doesn't work for me if there's no cell service to work."
Variable site conditions: Alcona Park has inconsistent site quality. A camper observed, "Sites are clean and many have good space for larger campers," but another mentioned, "Some rustic sites could use some dirt to level them up but manageable."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings require packing for multiple conditions. A visitor to Tawas Point recommended, "If you're more of a night owl, sunsets are equally as great looking over the bay."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations offer dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Old Orchard Park mentioned, "I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach."
Consider paddle-only lakes for safety: Northern Bear Paw RV Park provides calm water access. A camper noted, "Pulling into the campground you notice a warm and welcoming couple greeting you, as if your were long lost cousins."
Check campground bike-friendliness: Some locations have ideal setups for cycling. One Tawas Point visitor mentioned, "There is a bike trail that goes into town."
Plan for bathroom proximity: Family-friendly sites often have strategic layouts. A Tawas Point camper explained, "We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too close and not too far either."
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions before booking: Many parks have mixed accommodations. A Grousehaven visitor shared, "We were in the lower unit and stayed on site 3. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind."
Check hookup locations: Older campgrounds may have inconvenient utilities. A camper at Old Orchard warned, "Water and electric are poorly located. Need extra hose/cords."
Consider seasonal rental options: Some campgrounds allow extended stays. An Old Orchard visitor noted, "We had our camper on one site for three months but had to pay for 3 weeks at a time."
Look for dishwashing facilities: Some campgrounds offer specialized amenities. A Tawas Point camper mentioned, "On the opposite side of the bathroom, there's even a full dishwashing sink, something I have yet to see at another campground."
