Glamping close to Kewadin, Michigan offers lakeside accommodations in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where Lake Michigan meets Grand Traverse Bay. The region sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with seasonal temperature ranges from winter lows averaging 14°F to summer highs around 80°F. Camping options span from rustic tent sites to modern RV facilities, with over 45 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline accessible within a 30-minute drive.
What to do
Biking on connected trail systems: At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, visitors can access extensive bike trails directly from the campground. "Probably one of my favorite parts was the multiple bike trails that connect to the VASA trail system," notes one reviewer, while another adds, "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action, however the main campground area is usually quite busy."
Fishing and water activities: Whitewater Township Park Campground offers direct access to Elk Lake with excellent fishing opportunities. "Nice bathrooms. This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used," shares Ann D. Another visitor adds, "We just visited this campground this past weekend and it was beautiful! I loved the clear blue water down the big dropoff hill."
Touring local wine country: The Leelanau Peninsula wine region surrounds several campgrounds, with Wild Cherry RV Resort positioned near multiple wineries. "The park is on the Leelanau Peninsula which is one of Michigan's most well-known and revered wine region and there are three wineries within a couple of miles (one is just across the street from the entrance)," writes Nancy W. Another camper notes, "Only 10 mins from the great wine tasting!"
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions compared to typical campgrounds. At Whitewater Township Park Campground, Cheyanne P. remarks, "If you are looking for a no-frills secluded campground with spaced out campsites and beautiful views this is the place for you." Sarah S. adds, "The sites are beautiful and spacious. The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at parks near Kewadin. At Young State Park Campground, one reviewer notes, "Facilities were clean and the grounds themselves were a pleasure to walk around. The camp store was the best stocked one I've seen yet." Another camper comments, "Very friendly staff and clean park. Family friendly and pet friendly, beach was close by and clean."
Privacy and natural settings: Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers a more rustic experience with added privacy. "I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City," notes Jay F. Another visitor shares, "This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."
What you should know
Booking timeline: Reservations for popular sites fill quickly, especially for lakefront options. At Leelanau State Park Campground, visitors note the importance of planning ahead: "We were lucky and found an open site but they filled up by mid afternoon. Reservations might be the best way to go here." For some township parks, "Reservations are first come first serve and aren't taken until early April. So book early."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some parks have limited facilities while others offer modern amenities. At Whitewater Township Park, campers note, "They have a water and dump station along with nice restroom facilities with separate pay showers that are cleaned often." However, visitors to some glamping sites should know that "There is no swimming pool, no tennis courts, no shuffleboard, no fitness center, no playground, in fact there were not even bathrooms/showers (except for porta john and tent shower in the rustic camping section)."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. Fall visitors report, "Stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around." Summer visitors should prepare for occasional storms, as one camper notes, "A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected."
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with diverse activities: Timber Ridge offers numerous family-friendly options in one location. "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. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids," reports Allison H.
Look for family-oriented amenities: When selecting a site, check for specific family features. "Mother's Day weekend was our first trip to this park, but we'll surely be back... The sites are beautiful and spacious... There were bathrooms and showers on site; Tent & RV sites; a small playground; boat launch; hiking trails and fire rings and picnic tables at every site," explains one visitor to Whitewater Township Park.
Consider noise levels: Family campgrounds can get lively. "This definitely isn't a campground for people who like quiet and solitude, but if this is your style of camping, it's a great place," notes a Timber Ridge visitor. Another adds, "Big park but felt small, no problems with traffic and golf carts like we have experienced at other 'resort' style campgrounds."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Check dimensions and hookup locations before booking. One RVer at Wild Cherry notes, "Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table... had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper, so we had to work with the drain hose to empty tanks."
Look beyond amenities: Consider the overall experience rather than just the facilities. "This campground is great for what it is, a resort type campground with tons of activities and opportunities for fun. It is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods," explains a Timber Ridge visitor. Another adds, "The roads are very wide and there are not too many trees so maneuvering big-rigs is not a problem."
Seasonal considerations: Full-hookup sites may be limited seasonally. "We visited Wild Cherry RV Resort on the recommendation of some friends and found the park to be nicely maintained, sites were well-spaced, and we LOVED the area... We were here off season, daily rate was $40. There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake."
