The Lake Ann region offers tent and RV camping opportunities within Michigan's Grand Traverse area. Located approximately 15 miles southwest of Traverse City, this inland region features rolling hills and dense forest surrounding numerous small lakes. Campsites near Lake Ann, Michigan provide access to water recreation while serving as a strategic base for exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore just 20-30 minutes away.
What to do
Night kayaking on rivers: Platte River Campground provides excellent access for evening water adventures. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" shares Nikki M. For wildlife enthusiasts, Joyce B. advises: "Go when they release the salmon from the hatchery - you feel all the salmon brush against your kayak as they swim upstream!"
Beach exploration and hiking: Outdoor enthusiasts visiting D.H. Day Campground can access both shoreline and trails. "Great access to walking trails and the beach. There are a few spots that are more private, but you'll likely have to book in advance," notes Emmy W. The campground's beach access remains uncrowded compared to more popular areas.
Wine tasting circuits: Leelanau Peninsula offers numerous wineries within a short drive of camping areas. "We went to several wineries. Boathouse Vineyards was nice - you could do the wine tasting then sit out back facing the river & have a glass of wine. They had entertainment playing, and brought Pizza in," explains B M. from Leelanau Pines Campground.
What campers like
Lake activities: Turtle Lake Campground provides water recreation options without large crowds. "The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Small, but nice beach," reports Stacey R. For fishing enthusiasts, be aware of what you might catch: "When my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size!"
Forested sites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp. "The campsites themselves have lots of space, privacy and a fire pit. This place is the bees knees," shares Caryssa R. Another camper notes: "Great rustic camping necessities. Outhouses near each circle, spickit with really good water, hiking trails, boat launch and even a nearby island you can kayak to."
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain excellent facilities. According to Scott D. at Platte River Campground, "Really nice paved camping sites with fire pits and tables. Sites not too close to each other. Bathroom facilities were excellent and clean. Firewood is available to purchase in the campground."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book extremely fast. "Reservations are extremely hard to get for this park. If you want a weekend campsite, you must book six months in advance!" advises Stephanie C. about Platte River Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity exists in the region. "There was a bear spotted in the group area during our stay. Bring bug spray! The ticks are bad this year," warns another Platte River camper. At Green Lake Rustic South, water recreation has its own challenges: "Swimmers itch in the lake," notes Sherrie P.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "We stayed in the rustic sites as the modern ones were closed for the season," shares Natalie S. Late fall camping requires preparation: "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent," reports Doug P.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive programming. "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 Allison H.
Beach access amenities: Holiday Park Campground provides water recreation with amenities. "Holiday Park has lake access on silver lake, very nice. Rented a pontoon boat from an outside company and spent the day on the beautiful lake," shares Patrick. The campground also features "a great playground" according to reviewers.
Educational opportunities: Traverse City State Park offers programming and accessibility. "You can catch bus for ride into town where there are lots of shops, breweries, etc - very nice town," notes Colleen S. The campground provides "pedestrian bridge to go over to the park along the bay" and "nice roads to bike on and explore."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should research specific sites before booking. "We were lucky that hardly anyone was there. You are right next to the highway so all night you hear cars and headlights come into your tent," warns Natalie S. about rustic sites.
Level sites: Many campgrounds provide assistance with leveling. At Leelanau Pines Campground, "the staff was so helpful when they escorted us to the site & helped us back in they had levels they brought & put under one side of the travel trailer to level us," reports B M.
Hookup considerations: Verify the exact amenities needed. "All sites are full hookup," shares Phil M. about Leelanau Pines. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, Kyle K. appreciated "shaded sites that are good size. We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient."
