RV sites near Kingsley, Michigan provide camping options across northwestern Michigan with connections to outdoor recreation. The region features a mix of wooded and open sites with elevations between 900-1,200 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping experiences across the four seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with periodic rainfall that sustains the lush northern Michigan landscape.
What to do
Trail riding access: Manton Trails RV Park offers direct ORV trail access from campsites. "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 one camper who extended their stay specifically for this convenience.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Billings RV Park & Campground provides lakeside access for anglers. The campground features "a very nice swimming/play area for small children" alongside fishing opportunities on their lake, according to recent visitors.
Water recreation: Several ponds throughout campgrounds provide additional recreation options. Vista Green RV Resort features "quite a few ponds throughout the campground" while Timber Ridge offers "a small lake with fishing" that complements their other activities.
What campers like
Family activities: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort receives high marks for its recreational 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," reports one visitor.
Entertainment spaces: Communal areas provide gathering places for campers. "There is an adult pub-style game room with poker tables, a large tv, a table shuffle board, air hockey game, foosball table, and board games," notes a visitor at Vista Green RV Resort.
Weekend programming: Manton Trails RV Park offers regular entertainment. "On Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!" shares one camper, while another mentioned attending "a concert! Live band and food truck....free to all campers and their friends!"
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Many campgrounds have specific site types. "Our site was not shaded with limited trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close," notes a Vista Green visitor, while at Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, "Site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling."
Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning. "Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), they sites book up a year in advance," notes a visitor to Traverse Bay RV Resort.
Campground layouts: Site spacing and setup differ between properties. At Indigo Bluffs, "the 'backroads' sites are very close together. Disappointing for the cost," while another visitor described it as "a parking lot with trees."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Choose campgrounds with suitable recreation for your children's ages. Timber Ridge "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."
Swimming options: Honcho Rest Campground sits "on the shores of Bass Lake which is great for a quick paddle around, fishing, etc., but if you are seeking larger bodies of water, the Elk Rapids Marina on Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake are just a couple miles away."
Alternative accommodations: Several campgrounds offer options beyond RV sites. "There are also 2 different styles of cabins available for rent," at Honcho Rest, while another visitor noted "The cabins are very well kept up, as are the bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Utility setup challenges: Some sites require extra equipment. At Kalkaska RV Park, "The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach."
Campground services: Many RV parks offer additional amenities. "They have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time," notes a Kalkaska visitor, providing an alternative to dump stations.
WiFi considerations: Internet access varies between properties. "Wifi is through a third party and very inexpensive at $2 a day," reports a Kalkaska camper, while at Lake Billings, visitors enjoyed "Great WiFi connection."
