The inland waterway route that connects Burt Lake to other northern Michigan lakes makes Indian River a strategic location for water recreation. This series of interconnected lakes and rivers spans 38 miles from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron, with diverse fishing opportunities and water access points. Winter temperatures in the area often drop below 20°F, while summer averages reach 80°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Water recreation on Burt Lake: Burt Lake offers expansive swimming areas with gradually sloping shorelines. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too," notes a visitor to Burt Lake State Park Campground.
Biking trail network: The paved North Central bike trail runs directly alongside several campgrounds. A camper at Petoskey State Park Campground shares, "On bike trail that extends north to Harbor Springs and south to Charleviox - scenic and paved. Some hills but mostly flat."
Petoskey stone hunting: The Lake Michigan shoreline offers prime fossil hunting opportunities. "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," reports a camper about their experience.
Lake boating routes: The Indian River waterway allows boats to travel between multiple lakes. "Great Park, we always try to park in the boat bison. Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water," writes a visitor to Aloha State Park Campground.
What campers like
Large campsite dimensions: Many campgrounds feature unusually spacious sites. A visitor to Burt Lake State Park noted, "Lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake. Some lots are a little off to themselves in a corner, if you want more privacy or peace and quiet."
Night sky viewing: The region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to low light pollution. "Best star gazing in the LP," writes a visitor to Wilderness State Park Camping, which is Michigan's only designated dark sky park.
Riverside sites: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront locations. At Haakwood State Forest Campground, campers report, "Rustic campground. Most sites are private. Some premium spots back up to river. Stars are amazing."
Clean facilities: Even at more rustic campgrounds, visitors note well-maintained amenities. "The shower building in Loop E is new and one of the best showers I've had well camping, all concrete, nice vent fans, heater to keep you warm, detachable shower head and overhead one," writes a camper at Camp Petosega.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Bug activity varies dramatically by season and location. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there. Fishing was nice off the pier. The sites along the canal tend to have a good amount of goose poop by them as the geese were there daily," reports a camper at Aloha State Park.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. A visitor to Indian River RV Resort reports "Excellent campground with even better service," while others note "Horrible phone service" at other locations.
Water depth variations: Lake access points have different characteristics for swimming. At Maple Bay State Forest Campground, one visitor explains, "The lake is such a large lake that finding a good fishing spot can be quite difficult. No one we talked to had luck the weekend we were there."
Town proximity considerations: Some campgrounds are more isolated than others. "Located down town Petoskey this small campground is perfect for those who also like being in the city. The sunsets are the only benefit to local campers," notes a visitor to Magnus Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety distances: Burt Lake has an extremely gradual slope from shore. "You are really close by way of a walking trail to town and the marina for boating or just to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the historical town," explains a visitor about Petoskey State Park's location advantages.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Very kid-friendly, including a large playground, a large heated swimming pool, plus volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, basketball and pickleball courts," writes a camper about facilities at Indian River RV Resort.
Educational opportunities: Local wildlife viewing opportunities exist near several campgrounds. "You're right by Michigan's only area to view free roaming wild elk! We went and tried, but unfortunately didn't see any elk. I think it was mostly due to my 7 and 10 year old talking too much, and being too loud," shares a visitor to Haakwood State Forest Campground.
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds host special seasonal activities. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," notes a Wilderness State Park visitor, while another mentions, "They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For electric hookups, specific areas are preferable. "The first 2 being older with mostly 'no camping pad' electric sites, and the 3rd is newer with gravel full hookup sites. The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section," explains a visitor to Aloha State Park.
Dump station locations: Facilities vary between campgrounds. "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises a visitor about Burt Lake State Park.
RV site spacing: Density varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites large enough for our 42 ft motor home! Level, quiet, close to shopping and a nice walk/bike trail along the bay," reports a visitor about Magnus Park Campground, while others note tight spacing at other locations.
Seasonal site availability: Off-season camping offers different experiences. "Since we were camping in the fall the pool was closed and there were plenty of back in sites available. I would recommend," shares a camper about shoulder season camping at Petoskey KOA.
