Glamping close to Montrose, Michigan ranges from rustic to modern accommodations across a variety of landscapes. The region sits within the Saginaw Valley watershed at an elevation of approximately 750 feet, with a humid continental climate that features warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds in the Montrose area remain open from April through October, though several offer year-round facilities with heated options during winter months.
What to do
Kayaking on local lakes: At Otter Lake Park Campground, visitors can enjoy affordable boat rentals for exploring the water. According to reviewer Alyssa C., "You can rent kayaks $7/hour or a 2 person small boat for $10/hour," making water activities accessible for most budgets.
Explore nature trails: Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground offers extensive hiking paths through diverse ecosystems. Nathan V. notes, "The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach. Many options to choose from in terms of camping, from rustic, tent to fully functional cabin lodging."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide productive fishing throughout the area. At Genesee Otter Lake Campground, fishing is a popular activity, though campers should note site limitations. One reviewer warns about waterfront sites, explaining, "all of the decent waterfront sites have seasonal campers in them," suggesting advance booking for prime locations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: McGinnis Lake Modern Campground — Holly Recreation Area receives praise for its wooded sites that provide seclusion. Jennifer H. shares, "We stayed in the Maple loop which had several semi-private sites screened from neighbors by trees. I think site #1 was one of the roomiest and prettiest."
Clean facilities: Bay City State Park Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. One camper noted, "The restrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach. The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets, blue heron, sand pipers and their babies."
Shade coverage: Pine Ridge RV Campground offers mature trees that provide relief during summer months. According to Mitchell C., "Nice pull through sites, some are tight, but none are impossible. Lots of tall pines and hardwoods providing good cover."
What you should know
Booking windows: Reserve early for peak summer weekends, especially at popular glamping locations. For Covenant Hills Camp, a camper suggests planning well ahead: "We had a large group of families with varying ages and abilities. We used multiple different styles of cabins and a few RV sites, as well as various buildings for activities."
Electrical hookups: Many glamping sites require extension cords due to shared power poles. At Bay City State Park, Melissa H. recommends, "Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor's site through a bunch of bushes."
Alcohol policies: Some religious-affiliated campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. Tammy P. explains that Covenant Hills Camp is a "Nice family/Christian campgrounds... ok for those who care not enjoy alcohol beverages while vacationing, great activities set up for the kids."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and playgrounds: Groveland Oaks County Park offers numerous kid-friendly amenities. Mike N. shares, "We feel like we went up North without driving four hours. The park is well laid out and includes a ton of fun activities for young and old."
Ice cream availability: Several campgrounds feature ice cream shops as welcome amenities. David B. mentions that Covenant Hills Camp offers a "bonus ice cream store" that adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.
Structured activities: Look for campgrounds with organized events. At Genesee Otter Lake, they offer "Plenty of activities planned and structured thru the grounds to keep the whole family entertained including PUTT PUTT Golf, Arcade, Saturday Night Adult Bingo weekly, and tons more!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Wesleyan Woods Camp offers various site options for different RV sizes. Scott S. advises, "Nice place with a ton of activities. My only complaint would be that bathrooms and showers could be cleaner."
Hookup availability: Most glamping facilities near Montrose offer full hookups, but water connection locations vary. Mary S. from Pine Ridge RV Campground reports, "Each site has full hook-ups and are a good size. Nice shade trees at most sites."
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds in the area typically operate from April through October. Carol W. from Groveland Oaks recommends timing: "We travel in a 42 ft motorhome and suggest if you are traveling in a large rig, drive through the park to find an appropriate site. We had called ahead but the site they had reserved for us would not have worked."
