Cabin camping near Lowell, Michigan offers options beyond typical campgrounds with forest and water access. The area sits within Michigan's Lower Peninsula where the Grand River and Flat River meet, creating opportunities for water recreation. Winter cabin rentals are available at select locations from November through April, though fewer campgrounds operate during this season.
What to do
River recreation: At Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery, visitors can enjoy the Thornapple River for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. One camper noted, "Great location and tons of fun, well priced!" The campground offers affordable canoe and kayak rentals directly on site.
Disc golf courses: Bertha Brock County Park features highly-rated disc golf among its outdoor activities. A camper mentioned, "Some of the trials are hard to find, but this disc golf here is one of the best courses I have played."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabin locations provide lake or river access for fishing. At Wabasis Lake County Park, shoreline sites allow for direct water access. A visitor shared, "Sites on the shoreline are great for fishing (although shallow and weedy) or boating in."
Hiking trails: The cabin areas near Lowell connect to several hiking paths. At Bertha Brock Park, trails showcase natural scenery with "beautiful stone bridges" and "the little views along the Hiking path are great."
What campers like
Private lakes: Some cabin locations offer exclusive lake access. At Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins, visitors appreciate the privacy and quiet. A reviewer mentioned, "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"
Indoor amenities: Several cabin sites provide indoor facilities for year-round use. One camper at Indian Valley noted, "The indoor pool was great for the preseason camping! Being there in early May, when it was rainy we were happy to have that amenity."
Golf course access: Multiple cabin locations include golfing options. At Tyler Creek, a visitor shared, "It's on a golf course which is something new and exciting! There was a live band there on the Saturday night we were there, they were AMAZING!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained cabins receive positive feedback. A camper at Scalley Lake mentioned, "Great campground! Cabins, electric and bath houses!" Another appreciated that "the staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Welcome Woods Family Campground, weekends fill quickly during summer months. Plan ahead during peak season from May through October.
Site variations: Cabin amenities vary significantly between locations. Some offer basic shelter while others include more comforts. A camper noted, "With Covid all my camping plans changed but the good part was I ended up finding this place! Close to home but feels 'up north'. They offer both rustic and water and electric sites."
Water features: Lakes near cabins may have seasonal conditions to consider. At Wabasis Lake, one camper warned, "We have loved this campground for its sites right on the park, and great beach area with park at the beach also. Lots of trails for hiking and exploring but unfortunately this summer swimmers itch got us!"
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds mention local wildlife sightings. At Wabasis Lake, one visitor mentioned, "Lots and lots of raccoons, that aren't shy at all!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations feature play areas for children. At Hungry Horse Campground, a visitor shared, "We have two young girls and they had plenty to do all week during our stay. Multiple playgrounds, toddler pool and regular pool, jump pad, and lots of room to run around."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events on weekends. A reviewer at Hungry Horse mentioned, "They also typically offer planned activities throughout the week such as wagon rides, meet and greets, and ice cream socials."
Cabin capacity considerations: Family cabins offer varying sleeping arrangements. At Wabasis Lake, cabins include multiple sleeping areas: "Each cabin had a living room, two bedrooms, kitchen work counter, dining table, microwave, and a small fridge. One of the rooms contains a queen size bed, and the other bedroom contains two sets of bunk beds."
Water safety: Lakes and rivers provide recreation but require supervision. One camper at Hungry Horse noted they have both "toddler pool and regular pool" options for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site amenities: Cabin rentals provide alternatives when RV spots aren't available. At Double RR Ranch RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that are nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals."
Power options: When cabins offer electric service, capacity varies by location. Some cabins include 50-amp service while others provide basic 30-amp connections or no power at all.
Campground layouts: Site spacing affects privacy between cabins. A camper at Welcome Woods noted, "Campsites are right next to each other," while at Double RR Ranch, cabins are described as "nestled away in the woods."
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin sites operate May through October, with limited winter availability. Snow Lake Kampground typically runs from "May 1 to Oct 1" while Bertha Brock operates from "Spring to First snow."
