Campgrounds near Kingsley, Michigan offer versatile outdoor accommodations for weekend adventures within easy reach of Grand Traverse Bay. The region sits at a modest 980-foot elevation with sandy, well-draining soil that creates drier camping conditions than other parts of northern Michigan. Most campsites in this area provide access to surrounding state forests and lakes while maintaining proximity to Traverse City's urban amenities.
What to Do
Trail riding access: At Manton Trails RV Park, riders can access ORV trails directly from their campsites without needing to trailer to trailheads. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," notes Jen L.
River adventures: Old US-131 State Forest Campground serves as an excellent base for kayaking and fishing on the Manistee River. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one," shares Tee Jay M.
North Country Trail hiking: Several campgrounds connect directly to major trail systems. "The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing," reports Matt T. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Lake activities: The multiple lakes near Kingsley offer fishing, swimming, and paddling opportunities. Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground provides direct access to a unique five-lobed lake system. "Great lake for fishing and paddling. Lake is made of 5 lobes, high speed boating is restricted on some of them," explains John.
What Campers Like
Privacy and space: Many campers appreciate the generous site spacing at less-developed campgrounds. "Our site was spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall. There aren't very many sites and they are spaced out well. Only two other sites occupied all weekend," reports Harry B. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Urban accessibility: Traverse City State Park Campground offers exceptional city access. "One of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths so we can bike to downtown area while staying on bike trails! Campground is busy and small sites but our favorite place to camp is along the back fence with great hammock trees," writes Cassondra P.
Lakefront camping: Select sites at area campgrounds offer direct water views or access. "If you get lucky you'll get a site right on green lake," notes Syed M. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites as worth the extra planning.
Clean facilities: Higher-end campgrounds maintain modern bathhouses. "Bath house was very nice with plenty of hot showers with great water pressure. That's a number one seller for me, that and if they are clean, which they were," says Joyce S. about Manton Trails RV Park.
What You Should Know
Site reservations: The best sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. For Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, "No reservations — FCFS" according to Jay F., meaning you'll need to arrive early for prime spots.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience road or airport noise due to their location. "There is traffic and plane noise," reports Colleen S. about Traverse City State Park Campground, while another camper mentions "the busy highway 31 in front and the airport and railroad behind."
Seasonal operation: Most state forest campgrounds close by mid-October. Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Arbutus Lake operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while some private campgrounds like Timber Ridge RV Resort remain open year-round.
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the season. "Swimmers itch in the lake," warns Sherrie P. about Interlochen State Park, a common mid-summer issue in Michigan lakes.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity-focused resorts: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation options. "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," says Allison H.
Music opportunities: Unique to this region are campgrounds near music venues. At Interlochen State Park, campers enjoy "being next to a band camp too so it's fun enjoying the music in the distance while camping or around the fire," according to Jason C.
Weekend considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds become busier and louder on weekends. "Very lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet. If noise isn't an issue, this campground is clean, fun, and cozy," advises Aakifah A. about Traverse City State Park.
Shoulder season camping: For quieter family experiences, consider camping before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. "Great place to camp before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Otherwise busy," suggests John about Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through convenience: Holiday Park Campground offers well-designed sites for larger rigs. "Plenty of pull-through sites and lots of grass," notes Richard, making it easier to set up without complicated backing maneuvers.
Site selection strategies: At busier campgrounds, strategic site selection enhances privacy. "Our favorite place to camp is along the back fence with great hammock trees and the fire pit behind our trailer. It makes it feel like your not in a big busy packed campground," advises Cassondra P.
Electrical considerations: While many sites offer electrical hookups, not all provide the same capacity. Some campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger rigs while others only provide 30-amp connections, important for air conditioning needs during summer months.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We first passed by this campground on a canoe trip along the manistee river, and flagged it to return to stay another time," shares Harry B., highlighting how scouting locations in advance helps identify level sites suitable for RVs.
