Camping cabins near Millersburg, Michigan provide access to the region's dense hardwood forests and pristine lakes, including Mullett Lake and Black Lake. Located in the northeastern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the area experiences warm summers with average temperatures around 75°F and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most rustic cabin accommodations in the area require reservations at least 6 months in advance for peak summer periods.
What to do
Beach activities at Petoskey State Park: The park offers a mile-long shoreline with both sugar sand and rocky areas perfect for hunting Petoskey stones. "The beach was so much fun. Crystal clear water, sugar sand, and tons of Petoskey stones if you know where to look," reports Laura B. The beach is a short walk from all campsites.
Hiking at Hoeft State Park Campground: Explore the network of trails through dense woods that lead to various points along Lake Huron. "There are tons of trails through beautiful deep woods that lead out to various points along the lake. Great paved bike paths to Rogers City and up north," notes RA S. The bike path stretches for miles from Rogers City harbor to the 40 Mile Point lighthouse.
Fishing at Black Lake: Bring your boat to Onaway State Park Campground for access to excellent walleye fishing. "Black Lake offers great Walleye fishing if you have a boat," explains Kristy W. The park has a boat launch and kayak rentals available during the summer season.
What campers like
Lakefront sites at Onaway: Waterfront camping spots provide direct access to Black Lake. "Perfect getaway. Great sites with a strip of sites directly on the water," shares Renee R. These premium spots typically fill up first, so book well in advance.
Private sites at Twin Lakes State Forest Campground: Each site offers natural barriers for seclusion. "The sites were very nice, included a picnic table and firepit, my favorite feature though was PRIVACY, each site was surrounded by trees to separate you from possible neighbors," writes Rebekah J. The campground also features a small dock on the lake.
Cabin options at Cheboygan State Park: For those seeking rustic lodging away from RVs, the cabins provide a unique experience. "We have been going yearly to the cabins in Cheboygan State Park 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 (although the road in can be a little rough)," explains Mike S. Two of the cabins have fire pits directly on the beach for sunset views.
What you should know
Limited cell reception: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty service. At Twin Lakes, "Cell reception is spotty, no electric or showers, THIS IS RUSTIC, which is exactly what we wanted," notes Rebekah J.
Weather considerations: Fall camping offers unique experiences with fewer crowds. "Onaway SP is a quiet little park with electric pedestal at each sight. Sanitation/dump station has water to fill your fresh water tank for your visit. Beautiful colors and within 10 miles of Ocqueoc Falls and 24 miles to Lake Huron. Water is shut off Oct 10 for season," explains Kristy W.
Poison ivy awareness: Some campgrounds have this hazard. At Petoskey State Park Campground, a camper warns: "Beware of poison ivy—it is everywhere. Extremely disappointed to find it all over the campground and site—but our site was fantastic." Familiarize yourself with how to identify this plant before your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Aloha State Park Campground offers amenities for children. "The playground offers two swing sets and a small slide," notes Ann D. The park also has kayak rentals and a boat launch for family water activities.
Activities for kids at Hoeft State Park: The park organizes special programs for younger campers. "This location is the definition of family friendly. The playscape, the dunes, the lake, all are easily accessible and centrally located. The staff are wonderfully engaging, and the sites and facilities are well maintained," shares Emily S. For less crowded experiences, she recommends "a weekday trip to enjoy the seclusion."
Pet policies: Many campgrounds allow dogs but with restrictions. At Cheboygan State Park, dogs aren't permitted on the beach, which can be disappointing for families with pets. However, as Amanda O. notes, "There is a great dog park in Petoskey nearby" that provides an alternative for exercising pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Hoeft: Choose lower-numbered sites for better beach access. "The lower numbered sites are closer to beach access. Great activities for kids, nice bike paths and hiking trails," advises Kristin C. Sites numbered below 50 are typically more shaded with heavy tree canopy.
Full hookup options at Indian River RV Resort: This private resort offers complete amenities for larger rigs. "Excellent campground with even better service. Location is central to several activities; Mackinac Island, Petosky, Burt Lake, Mullet Lake etc.. 55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don't have to go all the way to front of campground for dumpsters and they collect regularly," shares Steve W.
Campsite dimensions: Many state parks have sites with specific limitations. At Petoskey State Park, "The spots are really wide, like really wide! But not very deep. Some were close to the neighbors in the rear," explains John K. This configuration works well for smaller to mid-sized RVs but may present challenges for larger rigs.
