55 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park and Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins have elevated glamping options in Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest region. Accommodations include fully furnished canvas tents and comfortable glamping units with real beds, private decks, and climate control systems. Most glamping sites include electricity, picnic tables, and nearby access to modern shower facilities and flush toilets. Northern Exposure provides waterfront glamping with views of their private lake, while Twin Oaks offers more secluded forest settings for a true nature immersion with luxury touches. Both locations maintain clean, well-appointed facilities with convenient access to drinking water and campfire rings. One guest shared, "Beautiful campground on the Manistee River! Nice facilities too."
Glamping guests at these locations enjoy direct access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and paddling experiences. The Manistee River offers excellent kayaking and fishing just steps from several glamping campsites, with boat rentals available at Northern Exposure. Betsie River Campsite provides unique glamping experiences with easy access to river activities and nearby Lake Michigan beaches. All locations are open seasonally, typically from April through October, with advance reservations strongly recommended during summer months. Winter glamping is not available at most sites. According to a camper, "Great place for a family vacation with waterfront lots perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating right from your site." Nearby attractions include the scenic Manistee River Trail, Tippy Dam Recreation Area, and numerous forest hiking paths within short driving distance.
"If you are looking for rugged, wilderness / secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. "
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites!"
"Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."
from $11 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Campsites are very clean and big, with nice trails to explore. Just a heads up, the sites with "lake access" don't actually have lake access - it's a steep drop to the water. Tumble at your own risk."
"Beautiful quiet campground without electricity. Off the beaten path. Lovely waterfront site."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table. See photo. "
"Rustic, but with a modern bathhouse including showers. Only complaint was the pricing... $32 seems pricey for rustic."
from $40 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Pretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited."
"Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric."
from $36 - $120 / night
Check Availability"This KOA is just south of Traverse City and very centrally located to all that makes this area so awesome! Wineries, Sleep Bear Dunes, golf courses, and of course downtown Traverse City."
"Nice pool and friendly staff! Lots of kids though as they have a massive kids playground."
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Family friendly, there is fishing and canoeing, fire pits and swimming in the lake. They have a camp for horses too."
"Turtle Lake is a perfect mix of campers! Very family friendly, but spaced out well enough for privacy. They have a nice beach area and areas to fish. All sites provide a good amount of shade."
"Office, pool, bathroom, showers and laundry facilities are spotless. Grounds are maintained. Family and dog friendly."
from $36 - $39 / night
Check Availability"All sites have electric. They have lots of little cute cabins through the park as well. They have a small simple playground that my kids loved! Super close to Lake Michigan and the river."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
from $33 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Typical rustic camper, so camping close to others is not my typical cup of tea, but I messed up my rustic campsite reservation by week and managed to get the last open spot for the weekend in the main"
"Just spent 5 nights at site 185 that borders along the north trail. Had an issue with noise one night but a ranger took care of it. Buildings were clean and staff was very nice."
from $27 - $90 / night
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ScoutVery rustic and remote. Bring wood or a saw there are tons of down trees but not a whole lot of places to get wood. For pit toilets they where clean and well kept. If your in need of help it comes within 45 mins (bring solar chargers) out of the way enough to not have a good cell signal (what we where looking for) but enough signal to call for help...we killed our car battery charging phones.. must check out if your into remote areas
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerIt’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
GuideCute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
ScoutI had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
ScoutNice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
GuideIdeal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
GuideInterlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
ScoutI have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
Huron-Manistee National Forests span over 970,000 acres across Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,320 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter dropping to 15-30°F. Winter glamping options are limited in this region as most facilities close from November through April due to heavy snowfall and freezing conditions.
Fishing adventures: Lake Michigan Recreation Area offers access to prime fishing spots. "The campground was clean... lovely Victorian town of Manistee is about 15 minutes drive away," notes Annette B. The area connects to several river systems perfect for anglers seeking diverse fishing experiences.
Hiking trails: Lake Michigan Recreation Area provides extensive trail networks. "We love the trails as the campground is right next to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. They have weekly ranger programs for kids as well," shares Lisa B. Most trails are moderate difficulty with minimal elevation changes.
Water recreation: Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park provides lakefront recreation options. "Camp staff very friendly and park is well maintained. Nice hiking trails nearby and a 20 minute drive to a whole lot of entertainment," writes Kris D. Kayak and canoe rentals typically cost $25-40 per day depending on watercraft type.
Beach access: The shoreline areas offer swimming during summer months. "The beach is clean and the swimming is amazing!" states Lisa B. Water temperatures remain cold early season (50s-60s°F) but warm to more comfortable levels (65-75°F) by mid-July through August.
Large campsites: Lake Michigan Recreation Area features spacious sites. "Campsites are HUGE! No showers, but you have the lake! No electricity either but this is how we like it," says Liz S. Sites average 40-60 feet in width, providing adequate space between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Tippy Dam State Recreation Area maintains well-kept facilities. "The campsites are spacious and feature trails that lead directly to the Tippy Dam Backwater. There's also convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam," reports J B. The park provides regular maintenance to all facilities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-focused campgrounds offer play areas. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails," explains Kammy H. about Northern Exposure Campground.
Privacy options: Wooded sites provide seclusion. "We tent camped and loved how our site was surrounded by trees. The owners were wonderful as well!" shares Cheyann B. about Twin Oaks. Most secluded sites require advance booking, especially during peak summer months.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping close to Huron-Manistee National Forests operates seasonally. "Lake Michigan Campground at Manistee a nice wooded rustic campground. Bathrooms very clean. Flush toilets a plus," explains Kathie M. Most facilities close between late October and early May.
Wildlife awareness: The forests contain diverse wildlife. "Mosquitoes out in full force!" notes Kathie M. about Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Ticks are also common during warmer months, requiring regular checks and preventative measures.
Bathroom variations: Facilities range from rustic to modern. "This campground has the cleanest restroom/shower facilities of any campground I have been too," says Anne G. about Northern Exposure. Some campgrounds offer only vault toilets while others provide modern facilities with hot showers.
Water access considerations: High water levels can affect beach areas. "Water was very high this year so not much of a beach, but posting up on the dunes themselves was fun," mentions Rachael S. Lake Michigan water temperatures remain cold even in summer months, typically 55-70°F.
Beginner-friendly options: Traverse City KOA provides amenities for new campers. "This KOA is just south of Traverse City and very centrally located to all that makes this area so awesome! Wineries, Sleep Bear Dunes, golf courses, and of course downtown Traverse City," explains Chris R. Most sites include water and electric hookups.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. "Great site for first time campers or when you want to just get away quickly without having to take lots of equipment and supplies. Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities," explains Anne G. about Northern Exposure.
Playground access: Multiple locations offer play structures. "Very nice campground with lots for the kids to do... jumping pillow, jumping pad, pool, etc," notes Marc W. about Traverse City KOA. Most playgrounds are centrally located within campgrounds for easy supervision.
Educational opportunities: Rangers provide learning experiences. "We love the trails as the campground is right next to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. They have weekly ranger programs for kids as well," shares Lisa B. Programs typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Site selection advice: Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins offers varied site options. "This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites! The sites are large and you will definitely find a spot for a hammock," advises Joie V. Corner sites typically provide more privacy.
Storage considerations: Some campgrounds provide additional services. "They have on site laundry. They also have a freezer for guests to freeze fish and ice packs," adds Joie V. about Twin Oaks. These amenities eliminate the need to travel off-site during your stay.
Access limitations: Road conditions vary throughout the region. "The campground is very well laid out and easy to maneuver any size rig," says Chris R. about Traverse City KOA. Some campgrounds have limited access for larger RVs, particularly at rustic sites within the national forests.
Utility connections: Water and electric service varies by location. "I do believe they have a few full hookup sites but all sites have electric and water," notes Macy M. about Northern Exposure. Most RV sites provide 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Huron-Manistee National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Huron-Manistee National Forests is Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park with a 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Huron-Manistee National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 glamping camping locations near Huron-Manistee National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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