Camping options near Interlochen, Michigan range from full-hookup RV sites to wooded tent camping areas within the temperate climate of Northern Michigan. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings around 50-60°F. Most campgrounds in this region are set among pine forests and cherry orchards, with several properties offering pond or lake frontage for water activities.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Visitors at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort can access both on-property and nearby walking paths. "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action, however the main campground area is usually quite busy," notes reviewer Jay J. The property connects directly to ATV trails for motorized recreation.
Water activities: Many campers use Lake Leelanau RV Park as a base for exploring regional waterways. "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding," reports one camper. The park offers boat slip rentals for those bringing watercraft.
Winery visits: Multiple vineyards and tasting rooms operate within short driving distance of campgrounds. "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay. The park is on the Leelanau Peninsula which is one of Michigan's most well-known and revered wine regions and there are three wineries within a couple of miles."
What campers like
Kid-friendly activities: Kampvilla Park gets high marks for recreational options. "The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!" writes Amy Y. "There is a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do."
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate spacing at some Interlochen-area RV parks. "The sites are nice and big, they constantly ride around emptying the trash," notes Amber C. about Kampvilla Park. Site sizes vary significantly between properties, with some offering more seclusion than others.
Seasonal activities: RV parks near Interlochen often host scheduled events for guests. "The kids loved the activities they had scheduled... Had a well stocked camp store," shares Cassondra P. about Timber Ridge. Another visitor mentioned "Bingo every weekend" among regular activities at their campground.
What you should know
Showers and bathrooms: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. While most offer showers, some require quarters. "The bathrooms were clean, but we were disappointed that the showers require quarters, as we had none," notes a visitor at Timber Ridge. Wild Cherry RV Resort has a unique setup with "no bathrooms/showers (except for porta john and tent shower in the rustic camping section)."
Site types and limitations: Some campgrounds separate RVs and tents into different areas. At Wild Cherry, "Set back in a wooded area are a scattering of rustic tent sites, rental cabins and yurts with potable water, grills, fire pits, and picnic tables." Meanwhile, RV sites at many parks are "completely open to the sun, making it an RV parking lot with grass."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (July-August), advance bookings are essential. One visitor noted, "We were searching for a super last minute campground near Traverse City for Memorial Weekend and everything within a quick drive seemed booked."
Tips for camping with families
Dodgeball courts: At Manton Trails RV Park, unusual recreational amenities stand out. "The dodge ball court or ampatheater was awesome we never heard 'I am bored' or 'what can we do' ever they loved it and so did we!!" according to Mike G. Several parks offer unique play equipment beyond standard playgrounds.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water features for cooling off. "There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids," shares Allison H. about Lake Leelanau RV Park. Alternatives include "a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow" at other properties.
Entertainment for various ages: When selecting a campground, consider age-appropriate activities. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here... It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup distance issues: Some campsites may require extensions for utilities. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, reviewers mention varying site configurations. "We have a 23' travel trailer and has plenty of room. Full hook ups including sewer make it very convenient," notes Kyle K., while others mention tighter spacing: "Tight, close spacing for some of the sites. For the price I thought it would have more space."
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across rv parks near Interlochen, Michigan. Some campgrounds offer concrete or blacktop pads, while others have gravel or grass that may require adjustment. "The sites are lush with grass, but on the smaller side," notes one camper, while another mentions "Level Cement sites. Well mowed grass."
Site selection strategies: Consider requesting specific site types when making reservations. "We were in Site #4A (premium site). We had Full hook-up with a blacktop pull-through," describes a visitor to Vista Green. Another camper explains, "Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake."
