Camping options near Kingsley, Michigan range across the Boardman River Valley with elevations between 900-1,200 feet. The area offers access to the Manistee National Forest and over 200 miles of multi-use trails. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures dropping to the low teens from December through February, while summer averages hover around 78°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
ATV trail access: At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, campers can ride directly from their sites to surrounding trails. "Access right to trails. Only 10 mins from the great wine tasting!!" notes Jason C., highlighting the convenient location for outdoor adventures.
Kayaking and fishing: Turtle Lake provides calm waters for novice paddlers and fishing enthusiasts. "The lake is great for kayaking or small fishing boats. Office staff super nice. Small, but nice beach," reports Stacey R. The lake earned its name for good reason, as one camper noted: "When my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times."
River tubing: The Boardman River near Scheck's Place State Forest Campground offers natural water recreation. "The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down," shares Gemma G., who appreciated the rustic setting and water access from camp.
What campers like
Large, private campsites: Whitewater Township Park offers spacious sites overlooking Elk Lake. "Nice quiet township park between Traverse City and Charlevoix. Clean restrooms and spacious lake view sites," mentions Patty W. The layout provides a sense of privacy uncommon at more crowded facilities.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt...this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground. The bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" explains Ann D. about Turtle Lake Campground.
Activity options: Northern Exposure Campground balances nature with structured recreation. "Great sites right on the water! The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night," shares Dalton B., highlighting the variety of activities without leaving camp.
What you should know
Campsite selection tips: Site location significantly impacts your experience. At Whitewater Township Park, "Get site 7, 8, or 9 for an unobstructed view of the lake," recommends Sarah L., who discovered that RVs can sometimes block lake views at other sites.
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. The Traverse City KOA has defined quiet hours: "They have what they call a strict 10pm-8am quiet hours," notes Chris R., though enforcement may vary throughout the day.
Location reality check: Despite names suggesting proximity to larger towns, some campgrounds require driving. "Park is named Traverse City KOA but it is actually a half hour south of Traverse City so I would choose a different campground if you plan regular activities in Traverse City," shares Daniel S.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront options: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming areas for children. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," notes Edward C. about Duck Lake Campground at Interlochen State Park.
Structured activities: Family-focused campgrounds schedule regular events. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," shares Cassondra P. about Timber Ridge.
Dedicated play spaces: Holiday Park Campground maintains multiple play areas. "We went for the Halloween weekend. We had fun. The wooded sites were wonderful. Sites were stone and not muddy (it did rain). There were a lot of play grounds as well," mentions Craig F., highlighting the all-weather facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds offers mixed utilities. "Some sites are electric only, some include water. Not busy and quiet," explains Ron S., with another camper adding: "Water on all outside sites, interior sites share water hookups."
Site conditions: Prepare for varied terrain at campgrounds. "Our first site was pretty unlevel but we were able to move without issue," notes Barbara P. about Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, showing the importance of checking site conditions upon arrival.
Pull-through convenience: Some locations offer easier access for larger rigs. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," shares Michelle S., describing the practical RV-friendly layout at Timber Ridge.
Ranger
