RV parks around Huron-Manistee National Forests provide camping options within the 978,906-acre forest system stretching across Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. The forests contain over 330 lakes and connect to major river systems including the Au Sable, Manistee, and Pere Marquette. Winter camping options exist but require preparation for temperatures that typically range from 10-25°F between December and February.
What to do
Trail access for off-road vehicles: Several campgrounds offer direct access to Michigan's extensive ORV trail system without needing to trailer your vehicles. Manton Trails RV Park connects directly to trails, with one camper noting, "Great campground for orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads. Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse. We will be going back!"
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds maintain private fishing ponds for guests, especially for children. Kids under 17 can fish the stocked pond at Poncho's Pond RV Park, where campers appreciate the recreation options. One visitor mentioned, "There is a stocked pond on the property but it is only for kids (17 and under) to fish in."
Live entertainment: Weekend performances create a community atmosphere at several parks during summer months. According to a camper at Manton Trails, "On Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!" Another visitor confirmed, "Over the weekend they had a concert! Live band and food truck...free to all campers and their friends!"
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Parks maintain washroom facilities with varying levels of amenities and cleanliness standards. At Kampvilla Park, reviewers consistently praise maintenance efforts, with one stating, "So very accommodating! Extremely clean bathrooms n showers. So much to do right here at the campground. Very visible and friendly."
Organized activities: Scheduled events for children and families create opportunities for social interaction. One visitor at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort shared, "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc."
Indoor recreation options: Covered pavilions and game rooms provide entertainment during inclement weather. A Kampvilla Park camper described, "The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!"
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Camping spaces range from open fields to wooded areas with significant differences in separation between sites. Indigo Bluffs RV Park offers different tiers of campsites with varying levels of space. A camper noted, "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing."
Showers may require quarters: Some facilities charge for showers while others include them with your stay. At Timber Ridge, a visitor reported, "The bathrooms were clean, but we were disappointed that the showers require quarters, as we had none."
Seasonal operation: Most parks close between mid-October and mid-April due to harsh Michigan winter conditions. Lake Billings RV Park operates from "April 15 to October 15," while Poncho's Pond runs from "April 1 to October 31," offering slightly longer seasonal availability.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Swimming facilities provide recreation for children during hot summer days. At Lake Billings RV Park & Campground, "They have a very nice swimming/play area for small children," according to one visitor.
Playground options: Parks offer various play equipment suitable for different age groups. A visitor at Kampvilla Park mentioned, "There are all the toys to play in sand, basketballs, volleyballs and such sitting out for all the kids to play with."
Holiday weekend activities: Special events occur during major holidays with additional programming. One camper at Poncho's Pond shared, "We stay during their Halloween weekend. They had all kinds of activities going on including haunted hayrides, trick-or-treating, and site decorating contest."
Tips from RVers
Site surface quality: Most RV parks near Huron-Manistee National Forests maintain level sites with various surface materials. At Vista Green RV Resort, an RVer explained, "We had full hook-up with a blacktop pull-through. The site was easy to level."
Big rig accommodation: Length restrictions vary between parks, with some offering extended sites for larger vehicles. A Poncho's Pond visitor noted, "Our site was super long (over 100') and had a nice view of the large pond."
WiFi reliability: Internet connectivity fluctuates throughout the region with some parks offering better service than others. According to a Lake Billings camper, "Great WiFi connection," while Manton Trails visitors reported, "Internet worked well using our hotspots, but, like all campgrounds, if you like being 'in the woods,' internet is always a challenge."
