RV camping near Northport, Michigan offers visitors access to both wooded sites and lakeside camping on the Leelanau Peninsula. Most campgrounds in this area operate from May through October, with nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s even during summer months. The peninsula features multiple water access points with Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Traverse Bay to the east.
What to do
Wine tasting tours: The Leelanau Peninsula is a renowned wine region with numerous vineyards within easy driving distance of most campgrounds. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, campers can access nearby wineries. "Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery has a great walking/mountain biking trail in addition to a nice selection of very accessible wines, a great atmosphere, and super friendly staff! Hang out on their porch or play cornhole and bocce ball while you enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate."
Fishing opportunities: Bass Lake provides good fishing options for campers. According to visitors at Honcho Rest Campground, the lake "is great for fishing, boating, or kayaking." Another reviewer mentions that "Honcho Rest Campground is a little gem on Bass Lake in Elk Rapids, MI."
Lighthouse tours: The peninsula offers several historical lighthouses to explore. A visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort reports, "We chose to visit 4 lighthouses and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Buy some cherries when in season!"
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within short driving distances from campgrounds. One reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park notes its proximity to outdoor activities: "The location is close to many nearby attractions, M22, outdoor adventures, beaches, lake, boating rentals, rivers, restaurants, wineries, quaint lakeside towns."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptionally well-kept bathroom facilities. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, "The bathrooms are absolutely immaculate and each family bathroom includes a toilet, sink, and shower. There is a very nice laundry room with multiple washers and dryers."
Lakefront access: Direct water access ranks high among visitor preferences. One camper describes Lake Leelanau as "a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding."
Well-maintained grounds: Campers frequently mention the upkeep of facilities. A visitor to Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort observed that "The campgrounds were easy to navigate and even with all the activities available it never seemed too busy or too crowded or too loud."
Spacious RV sites: Many campgrounds provide ample room between sites. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, "sites are gravel with paved patios with the average lot being 45x70 (according to their brochure). There are nice grassy areas between sites that is very well-maintained."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. According to Lake Leelanau RV Park information, they operate from "May 1 to Oct 31." Plan accordingly when scheduling visits.
Pet restrictions: Many RV parks have specific rules regarding pets. At Petoskey RV Resort, they are "very dog friendly" but limit guests to two dogs per site with strict leash enforcement.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, advance booking is essential. One visitor noted, "Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), the sites book up a year in advance."
Campfire regulations: Some high-end RV resorts don't allow traditional campfires. A visitor to Petoskey RV Resort mentions that there are "no fire rings" at sites, while other campgrounds provide them as standard amenities.
Varied hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups at every site. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, "They only have 15 full hookup sites and none were available for our time frame. They have a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity spaces: Certain campgrounds offer specialized areas for children. At Starlight Campground and RV Park, families enjoy "Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers."
Consider theme weekends: Some campgrounds organize special events. One reviewer mentioned, "They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time."
Check for playground facilities: Not all campgrounds have play equipment. A visitor to Timber Ridge notes it has "lots of kid activities" including "a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds can be louder. A reviewer observes Timber Ridge "can be rather loud at times" but "is great for the active family."
Tips from RVers
Road width variations: Campground access roads differ significantly in size. At Wild Cherry RV Resort, "the roads are very wide and there are not too many trees so maneuvering big-rigs is not a problem."
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require more adjustment than others. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, a 40-foot motorcoach owner reported their "site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling."
Extension cord needs: Hookup placement varies between parks. One RVer noted, "The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach."
Connection quality: Cellular and WiFi access differs by location. At Starlight Campground, "Cellphone service with Verizon was great and WiFi was available at the campground."
