RV Camping near Lake Leelanau, MI

Camping near Lake Leelanau offers options between rugged outdoor experiences and modern amenities. The Leelanau Peninsula sits on the 45th north parallel, providing a temperate climate ideal for summer camping from May through October. Most campgrounds in this region feature varying levels of electrical service and hookups depending on whether you're tent camping or traveling with an RV.

What to do

Water activities on Bass Lake: Honcho Rest Campground provides access to Bass Lake for fishing and paddling. "Bass Lake 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," notes one camper.

Visit local wineries: The region features numerous vineyards within short driving distance. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, you're "within walking/biking distance of 2 local wineries (Forty-Five North and Aurora), nice restaurants, and great backroads that are off the beaten path and away from nearly all traffic."

Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths. Vista Green RV Resort reportedly has "a mowed trail to hike off of the campground (about 3 miles)," while other visitors mention exploring the nearby DNR Outdoor Shooting range which is "5 miles away & free to the public."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort receives praise for its layout. "The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," with one visitor mentioning that "our campsite (although surrounded by RVs) was perfect size and spot for 4 of us camping with 2 tents and an SUV loaded down with kayaks."

Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Lake Leelanau maintain high standards. At Kampvilla Park, visitors consistently mention "very clean bathrooms, a pool, park to play and close proximity to lots of things to do." Another reviewer noted, "Extremely clean bathrooms n showers. So much to do right here at the campground."

Family activities: The recreational options keep families entertained. "There is 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," writes one visitor about Timber Ridge.

What you should know

Site variations: Campsite quality varies across the region. Indigo Bluffs RV Park has "everything from basic tent sites to high end sites for newer Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels," though some campers note that "the 'backroads' sites are very close together. Disappointing for the cost."

Seasonal operations: Most rv parks in Lake Leelanau, Michigan operate during specific months. Wild Cherry RV Resort runs from "May 1 to October 31," while others like Honcho Rest Campground operate from "May 1 to Oct 1."

Limited amenities at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. One camper noted about Wild Cherry RV Resort: "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)."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Starlight Campground and RV Park offers numerous recreation options. "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers," notes one family.

Playground access: Some campgrounds cater specifically to children. Honcho Rest Campground features "a small playground with a climbing wall," and according to a visitor, "they have a few spots for 'transients' (as they call them) as well as things for families with kiddos to do."

Indoor options for rainy days: Consider campgrounds with covered facilities. Kampvilla Park offers "an indoor pavilion area great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!"

Tips from RVers

Extension needs: Be prepared with additional equipment. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, one RVer noted, "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."

Site leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment. "It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling," mentions an RVer at Kalkaska, while another visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort appreciated that "sites are gravel with paved patios with the average lot being 45x70."

Big rig navigation: Larger RVs need careful planning. Some campgrounds like Vista Green RV Resort provide "93 sites with stamped concrete pads," but their big rig spaces require attentive maneuvering to access properly.