Camping options near Onekama, Michigan range from rustic tent sites to comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level along the western Michigan shoreline, where summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with higher humidity levels. Most campsites in this area operate seasonally from April through October, with several campgrounds closing after the first snowfall.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Michigan Recreation Area offers access to the neighboring Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area with miles of hiking opportunities. "The trails as the campground is right next to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. They have weekly ranger programs for kids as well. The beach is clean and the swimming is amazing!" shares Lisa B. about Lake Michigan Recreation Area.
Beach activities: Most campgrounds provide access to Lake Michigan's shorelines within a short drive. "The location is great - right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes," notes Deb M. about Betsie River Campsite.
Fishing: Many campgrounds offer river or lake access for anglers. "Great sites right on the water" with "nice spot near the Pine River," mentions Hayley B. about Twin Oaks Campground, which also provides a fish cleaning station for guests.
What campers like
Lake views: Campsites with views of Lake Michigan are highly valued. "Mini cabin is at tip of park with nice view of lake Michigan sunsets," explains Amy R. about Orchard Beach State Park Campground. Many glamping sites near Onekama offer similar scenic vistas.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in reviews. "The bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and the lake views are spectacular. Plus, the cute town of Manistee is nearby with three gorgeous public beaches, tasty restaurants, and ample shopping," notes Richard E.
Access to small towns: Proximity to charming lakeside communities enhances the camping experience. "The campground is along the Betsie river and they offer a fish cleaning station. They have a nice trail to ride your bikes to Frankfort but we chose to drive this time through," reports Marc W. about Betsie River Campsite.
What you should know
Site spacing: Campsite density varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., on their sites, it seemed so very crowded," reports one camper about Betsie River Campsite, while other locations offer more privacy.
Beach access limitations: Some campgrounds advertise lake access that may be restricted. "The park is situated on a cliff, overlooking Lake Michigan, but the stairway down to the water level is closed and it appears to have been closed for some time," notes Steve R. about Orchard Beach State Park.
Glamping options: For those seeking luxury camping near Onekama, several sites provide elevated experiences. "Kendra and her team have created a unique glamping experience in northern Michigan. They have thoughtfully designed spaces that are comfortable and fun," explains Liz L. about Camp Squid Off The Grid.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "Nice sites and clean bathrooms" with "a short bike ride on the bike trail leads to the cute town of Frankfort," mentions Deb V. about Betsie River Campsite.
Consider cabins for comfort: Family glamping accommodations near Onekama provide more comfort for those with young children. "We stayed in 2 yurts and were comfortable in the summer," notes Liz W. about Camp Squid Off The Grid, which offers an alternative to traditional tent camping.
Choose campgrounds with beach access: Sand beaches are popular with families. "Sand Lake is a quiet wooded campground. Most of the sites have a good amount of trees between them, but there is a loop with fewer trees that is ideal for a group/family camp trip. The lake is clean and quiet for the most part," explains John W. about Sand Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have unlevel sites that require additional equipment. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," mentions Sharon H. about Betsie River Campsite, suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Electric hookup variations: Not all sites offer the same electrical connections. "Water hookup at each site, some sites only have 20 amp service," explains Kristine E. about Betsie River Campsite, indicating RVers should confirm power requirements before booking.
Winter accessibility: Most campgrounds in the Onekama region close seasonally. "Campground was lovely and beautiful. Other campers were respectful and even after leaving my IPhone in the restroom someone actually turned it in. If it wasn't so cold there in the winter, it would be my ideal place to live," says Kelly L. about Ludington State Park.
