Camping areas near South Boardman, Michigan provide access to several lakes and forest settings within 30 miles of Traverse City. The region sits in the northwest Lower Peninsula where dense pine forests surround small inland lakes at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights around 55-65°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: The North Country Trail runs through Spring Lake State Forest Campground, connecting to the 10-mile Fife Lake Loop. "The north country trail runs right through the campground and you can also hike the fife lake loop here," notes a camper who visited in June 2025.
Fishing opportunities: Bass fishing is productive at Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites where clear, undeveloped lakes provide ideal conditions. A 2023 visitor shared: "Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count. Like every other cast."
Water recreation: Multiple lakes offer kayaking access including Elk Lake at Whitewater Township Park Campground. "Set on Elk Lake with a boat launch and pavilion. The camp sites are surrounded by pine trees," explains a camper. The location provides direct water access: "Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake."
What campers like
Lake proximity: Campers appreciate waterfront sites at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground where the shoreline remains undeveloped. A recent visitor noted the "gorgeous" lake and mentioned they "backpacked about 3 miles in and camp in the rustic hike in sites. Well worth the hike as we got a waterfront site on a smaller lake."
Privacy between sites: At Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, tree coverage creates natural separation between campsites. "The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," reports one camper, while another noted: "our campsite (although surrounded by RVs) was perfect size and spot for 4 of us camping with 2 tents."
Convenient locations: Traverse City State Park Campground offers easy city access via public transportation. "Can catch bus for ride into town where there are lots of shops, breweries, etc - very nice town," explains a visitor. Another camper added: "We love Traverse City and being able to camp somewhat near downtown. One of our favorite things is being connected to the bike paths."
What you should know
Water conditions: Some lakes in the region develop swimmers' itch during summer months. At Green Lake Rustic South, a camper reported: "Swimmers itch in the lake. Easy check in. Nice bathrooms and showers. But sometimes the water pressure is not too good."
Campsite availability: Many rustic campsites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. At Old US-131 State Forest Campground, a visitor found "it was super quiet when we were there" but also warned about access: "Do not recommend coming in with a long trailer as it was tight driving through."
Noise factors: Campgrounds near highways experience road noise. Spring Lake State Forest Campground sits "right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic," according to a recent review. Similarly, Traverse City State Park experiences "traffic and plane noise" due to its location near major transportation routes.
Tips for camping with families
Resort amenities: Kalkaska RV Park & Campground provides family-focused facilities including a heated pool. "Very family friendly with lots of children. Campground is clean and well maintained," reports one visitor. Another camper noted they "sprayed for bugs so the bugs were not much of a nuisance."
Activity options: Families find entertainment at Timber Ridge where organized activities run throughout the week. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here," writes one family. Another visitor adds: "Kids loved the activities they had scheduled."
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer lake swimming, though conditions vary. Whitewater Township Park provides lake access via "a big dropoff hill" with "clear blue water," according to a visitor, who added it "made it perfect for hammock camping!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should come prepared for uneven grounds at some campgrounds. At Kalkaska RV Park, a visitor in a 40-foot motorcoach noted their "site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in the region. Kalkaska RV Park "only have 15 full hookup sites" according to a reviewer, but they "have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time" for those without sewer connections.
Size restrictions: State forest campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. Old US-131 State Forest Campground has tight driving paths: "Do not recommend coming in with a long trailer as it was tight driving through. We had our pick-up and 22-foot trailer."
