Campers near Lake Ann, Michigan have access to diverse terrain spanning hardwood forests, inland lakes, and sandy shorelines along the Lower Peninsula. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season from May through October. Winter camping options remain limited, with Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort being one of the few year-round facilities in the region.
What to do
Fishing adventures: Turtle Lake Campground offers direct lake access for anglers seeking a productive day on the water. The lake contains notable wildlife, as one visitor observed: "When my kids went fishing, they pulled up large snapping turtles both times. A bit of a surprise to see their size!" Sites include electric hookups and clean facilities, making it convenient for overnight stays after a day of fishing.
Bike path access: Betsie River Campsite sits directly on a paved recreational trail connecting to nearby towns. "It's right on the local paved bike trail that goes into the town of Frankfort or out in the other direction. Easy for kids and adults alike," notes one camper. The trail extends approximately 3 miles to downtown Frankfort and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Water recreation: Duck Lake Campground provides shallow swimming areas ideal for families with young children. "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the bouy markers for the swimming area," reports a visitor. The campground offers 30-amp electric service and modern facilities, though swimmers should note potential swimmer's itch warnings during certain seasons.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Whitewater Township Park receives consistent praise for its generous site dimensions and natural setting. A visitor commented, "The sites are beautiful and spacious. The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake." Sites at the top of the hill offer better views of Elk Lake, with sites 7, 8, and 9 specifically recommended for "an unobstructed view of the lake."
Breakfast options: Betsie River Campsite operates a small outdoor café that offers morning meals. According to one camper, "There is a DELICIOUS little café serving up inexpensive, filling breakfasts each morning." The café becomes a gathering spot for campers planning their day's activities in the surrounding area.
Clean facilities: Holiday Park Campground maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Bathroom exceptionally CLEAN," notes one reviewer, while another mentions the "beautiful landscaping" throughout the property. The campground features elevated fire pit patios with decorative lighting at select sites, creating distinctive camping spaces.
What you should know
Campground noise levels: Northern Michigan campgrounds vary significantly in atmosphere. Timber Ridge offers extensive activities but "is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods," while Turtle Lake Campground provides "a good sized campground, but doesn't have much to do there." Consider your preference for activity level when selecting glamping accommodations near Lake Ann.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful setup. At Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, "sites are level" according to visitors, while at Holiday Park, one camper cautioned about their experience on a different site: "Love the park per my first review on lot 145. Lot 188 area very tight with campfires and neighbors septic connection near your vehicles."
Seasonal considerations: Most Lake Ann area glamping options operate from May through October. Whitewater Township Park runs from May 9 to September 29, while Turtle Lake operates from May 15 to October 15. For off-season glamping, Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort remains open year-round near Traverse City.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Northern Exposure Campground offers structured recreation for children. "They have a big camp shop, excellent ice cream, flush toilets, free showers, and coin laundry! WiFi throughout the campground allowed us to watch TV from inside our tent," reports one family. The campground also features paved roads suitable for bicycle riding and evening activities during special weekends.
Site selection strategy: When glamping with children at Turtle Lake, one visitor suggests considering terrain: "What I liked best about this park was that my children were not caked in dirt. While I understand that comes with the territory of camping, this campground provides a bit more of a grassy setting and offers a nice playground."
Day trip planning: From most Lake Ann area campgrounds, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is approximately 30-45 minutes west. A Turtle Lake visitor noted, "Close to traverse city and sleeping bear dunes!" Plan for at least 3-4 hours to explore the dunes, and bring water and sun protection during summer visits.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Holiday Park Campground provides full hookup options with carefully designed sites. "Gravel and level sites" make setup straightforward according to visitors. Some sites include decorative features: "We had an elevated firepit patio, malibu lights it was so cool," noted one RVer about their experience.
Reservation timing: For glamping in Lake Ann during peak summer months, secure sites 3-6 months in advance. At Northern Exposure Campground, a camper advised: "I think next time we will get one of the lake front sites. The view is amazing." These premium waterfront glamping sites often book first at most campgrounds in the region.
Access roads: When bringing larger RVs for glamping experiences, consider Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds for easier navigation. "Power 50/30 were fine. Water is a shared spigot on most sites, but some sites have water. There is a good dump station. Sites are level," reported one visitor, noting the straightforward layout and adequate facilities for recreational vehicles.
