Glamping options near Levering, Michigan provide varied accommodation styles on a stretch of coastline with views of the Straits of Mackinac. The area sits at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, approximately 20 miles from the Mackinac Bridge. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with cool evenings, while fall brings temperatures between 40-60°F and vibrant foliage.
What to do
Water activities at Burt Lake State Park: The park features a sandy swimming beach with gradual entry points ideal for families. Paddlers can access the Inland Waterway system connecting multiple lakes. "The lake is beautiful! If you have a boat, travel through the channel to Mullet Lake. Great location. Park store is nice, or grocery store is 1 mile away," notes Brenda M.
Cycling on nearby trails: Multiple paved paths connect the region's coastal communities. Petoskey KOA offers direct access to regional cycling infrastructure. "Cycling dream trails," states Geri Lynn P., while another visitor mentioned the nearby "nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the North Western State Trail."
Stargazing at dark sky sites: The area's northern location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Visitors to Mackinaw City Campground note its "excellent for stargazing because it's so open," according to Julia C., who found the campground "super friendly and accommodating."
Explore Mackinac Island: Most campgrounds offer shuttle services to ferry docks. "We took a week long motorcycle trip! The young lady was very helpful! Cute little beach with views of the bridge," shares Brooke L. about Tee Pee Campground, which is "close to downtown Mackinaw City."
What campers like
Lake Huron shoreline access: Beachfront sites provide direct water access with unobstructed views. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping features a "beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening," according to Greg S. The campground has "a short walk away from the bath houses (private and clean), the playground, pool, and camp store."
Well-stocked camp stores: Many campgrounds maintain comprehensive on-site stores with camping necessities and regional products. Julia R. noted about Mill Creek Camping: "The camp store is one of the nicest I have been in. Super well-stocked, clean, and genuinely fun to browse."
Private wooded sites: Tiki RV Park & Campground offers "small but wooded sites with mature landscaping," according to Stacia L. Another camper noted sites are "relatively private" despite the campground's convenient location. The park sits "on a steep hill overlooking Lake Huron" providing scenic views.
Free transportation services: Most area campgrounds coordinate with ferry services. "The shuttle for the island ferry picks you up right at the campground," notes Tom M. about Tee Pee Campground. Similarly, at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA, "the shuttle they have to the island ferry's is great. They even haul your bikes there for you," reports David G.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Lake view sites fill quickly and can differ significantly in quality and privacy. At Aloha State Park Campground, "The sites along the canal tend to have a good amount of goose poop by them as the geese were there daily," reports Jessica S., though she found "the park was clean and the sites were a good size."
Seasonal weather considerations: Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer insects. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there," notes one Aloha State Park visitor, while Sarah B. at Cheboygan State Park found the campground "pretty damp. Bring a few extra towels and bug repellent."
Water and sewer hookups vary: Not all sites offer full services. At Burt Lake State Park, "There is no water or sewer hook up. The lot lines are strange, they run on an angle. Bring extension cords for the electric service," advises Brenda M.
Cell service fluctuates: Coverage varies by location and carrier. At Cheboygan State Park, visitors report "2-3 bars and only occasional dropouts" with Verizon, while at Burt Lake State Park, one camper noted "Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Multiple locations offer dedicated recreational facilities. Cheboygan State Park Campground features "nice hiking trails" and "a lovely accessible beach right in the campground" with "racks on the beach for your padddleboards and kayaks," according to Sarah B.
Consider rustic cabin options: Alternative glamping near Levering provides greater comfort for families with young children. Cheboygan State Park offers rustic cabins where Mike S. reports his family has "been going yearly to the cabins for many years and have stayed at each cabin they offer. All of them are great, vault toilet and hand pump for water, drive up."
Look for playgrounds and pools: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA has "a nice pool and mini golf was well maintained," according to Bret S., while Tee Pee Campground visitors noted the "great beach with a view of the Mackinaw bridge!"
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Sites fill quickly during peak periods. "Reserve in advance," advises Anna E. about Burt Lake State Park, where staff was "helpful, neighbors were friendly, bathrooms were clean, and it's right on the lake!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Burt Lake State Park, Kerry P. found "lots were easy to back into. Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake."
Water hookup distances: Some sites require extended hose lengths. At St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA, Erin A. noted: "Had to share the electric box in the adjacent site. Bring a long cord." Another camper mentioned "the water hook ups were shared (which is tough for a pull through) so we needed three hoses to hook up."
RV-specific restrictions: Size limitations apply at some campgrounds. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping visitors advise you "definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you're planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they'll put you in a good spot."
Off-season advantages: Late season camping offers reduced crowds. Craig F. visited Petoskey KOA "for the halloween weekend. Since we were camping in the fall the pool was closed and there were plenty of back in sites available."
