The Leelanau Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay features mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak season. Many campgrounds sit at elevations between 580-650 feet above sea level, providing natural drainage during rainfall. Most camping options near Leland, Michigan operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Explore local vineyards: Two wineries are within walking distance of Wild Cherry RV Resort for those wanting to sample local vintages. "Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery has a great walking/mountain biking trail in addition to a nice selection of very accessible wines, a great atmosphere, and super friendly staff! Hang out on their porch or play cornhole and bocce ball while you enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate."
Visit coastal villages: Leland's historic fishing village and nearby lake towns offer shopping and dining within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, one visitor noted, "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding. Lots of great fishing, cycling, and hiking in the area, too."
Try paddle sports: Multiple lakes provide calm water recreation options for various skill levels. "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," states a camper at Honcho Rest Campground.
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: Many RV sites near Leland feature improved surfaces for easy setup. A camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort shared, "Our sides were gravel pull in with a small concrete patio and walkway on the passenger side. As a few others noted, there is no bath house or restrooms. We don't mind as we never use the facilities at campgrounds."
Proximity to attractions: The central location allows easy access to multiple destinations. "This area is one of our favorites in Michigan and we easily could have spent a couple of weeks here enjoying the area," noted one visitor about the Leelanau Peninsula's convenience to scenic spots and recreation.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high standards for comfort facilities. One camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort appreciated that "The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled. We had no complaints regarding our weekend here! Staff was all Great. Had a well stocked camp store."
What you should know
Limited winter camping: Most campgrounds close between late October and early May. While searching for campgrounds, check seasonal operation dates as most follow similar schedules of "May 1 to Oct 31" like Lake Leelanau RV Park.
High summer demand: Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for premium sites. At Timber Ridge, "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc."
Variable amenities: Some parks have limited bathroom facilities. "While most RV campgrounds have centralized bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and showers, this one is lacking those amenities," notes one reviewer about Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Pet restrictions: Different parks have varying pet policies beyond standard leash requirements. "They allow you to use personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent golf carts. It is beneficial to have a golf cart to get around since it is a large campground," notes a camper at Vista Green RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation variety: Look for campgrounds with multiple kid-friendly activities on-site. A visitor to Kampvilla Park shared, "There are all the toys to play in sand, basketballs, volleyballs and such sitting out for all the kids to play with. The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!"
Shaded sites: For summer comfort, consider wooded camping areas. "The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," mentioned a camper at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, making this an important consideration for family camping during hot summer days.
Playground access: Not all parks have dedicated play equipment. At Honcho Rest Campground, a visitor noted "they have a few spots for 'transients' as well as things for families with kiddos to do, including a small playground with a climbing wall."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Check the location of utilities before selecting a site. A camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort observed "The water, sewer, and electric were all placed appropriately in the site so no extended hoses were needed."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds cater to specific RV types and sizes. 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."
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies between campgrounds and specific sites. "Our site was a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions," noted one RVer staying at Kalkaska RV Park & Campground.
Premium sites: Consider location when booking for best views or access. "We stayed in sites 82 and 83 overlooking the pond. Our sides were gravel pull in with a small concrete patio and walkway on the passenger side," shared a camper about their site selection at Wild Cherry RV Resort.
