4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camp Squid Off The Grid provides luxury glamping experiences in Michigan's scenic northwest region, offering several yurt accommodations set on 100 sites near Onekama. These stylish canvas structures feature comfortable amenities that contrast with traditional camping, including proper beds, rainfall showers, and private sitting areas. "It was amazing staying here! It was my first time camping in 10 years! I plan on staying again!" shared one enthusiastic visitor. The yurts at Camp Squid maintain their off-grid charm while providing essential comforts like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park and Betsie River Campsite also offer glamping accommodations with more conventional amenities including electric hookups, water access, and market services for guests seeking a balance between nature and comfort.
Safari tents, geodesic domes and glamping cabins in the Onekama region provide access to Lake Michigan's spectacular shoreline and outdoor activities. Camp Squid Off The Grid particularly appeals to those seeking an authentic nature experience with its shower facilities and toilets while maintaining a genuine connection to the surrounding environment. A recent visitor noted, "Beautiful clean camping area. Lots of shade trees. The bathhouse was tidy, hot showers. Plenty of room for our supplies." Hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water recreation are accessible from most glamping resorts in the area. Many sites are seasonal, typically operating from April through October or November, with some properties offering year-round accommodations. Sunset views over Lake Michigan are frequently mentioned as highlights by guests staying at glamping sites along the shoreline, with several properties situated to maximize these scenic vistas.
"Pretty standard Michigan State Park campground. Nice staff. Park maintenance is currently building a wood fence to keep folks away from steep bluff edge. Views of Lake Michigan fairly limited."
"Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $120 / night
"All sites have electric. They have lots of little cute cabins through the park as well. They have a small simple playground that my kids loved! Super close to Lake Michigan and the river."
"Location is close to so many great towns and attractions: Glen Arbor/Sleeping Bear Dunes, many Lake Michigan beaches, kayaking/canoeing/tubing river trips, great fishing if that's your thing."
from $33 - $85 / night
"A short walk from the camping loops, the dunes open to the amazing shore of Lake Michigan. Take a stroll on the sandy beaches or wade into the sandy-bottom cool waters of the lake."
"Lake MI Rec area is a perfect spot for rustic camping close to Lake MI. Sites are nicely sized and well spaced from each other. A 10 minute-ish level walk leads to a beautiful Lake MI beach."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $115 / night
"If you are looking for rugged, wilderness / secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. "
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
"The staff were absolutely wonderful. We came on bicycles and they let us stay only one night even though the typical minimum stay is 2 nights."
"We opt for the hike-in sites because they're very spacious and private, with easy access to Lake Michigan. There are 10 backcountry sites, which share two pit toilets and a water pump."
"Cabins with bunks (will sleep 5 total), mini fridge, electricity and heat. Outside pit toilet. Hiking trails are some of the best."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $60 / night
"Campsites are very clean and big, with nice trails to explore. Just a heads up, the sites with "lake access" don't actually have lake access - it's a steep drop to the water. Tumble at your own risk."
"Beautiful quiet campground without electricity. Off the beaten path. Lovely waterfront site."
from $20 - $100 / night
"It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also."
"This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites!"
"Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."
Available this weekend
from $11 - $90 / night
"Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of site is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table. See photo. "
"Rustic, but with a modern bathhouse including showers. Only complaint was the pricing... $32 seems pricey for rustic."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $105 / night
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
TravelerIt’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
GuideCute RV park, mostly people set up to stay the summer. Called ahead, was offered a “lake view” site for an extra $10. Arrived, site was at the very front, between two roads, like sleeping in a fishbowl. We were across a road and grassy patch and canoe storage from the lake. We could in fact see it, but lake view was really a stretch. Our site was at least two city blocks from a very small bath house. We camped on a site with no trees, no privacy and a hike to the shower room. Not recommended for tent camping.
ScoutI had previously read reviews about the bathrooms being less than desirable. If you’re not downwind, it isn’t so bad. They are definitely not maintained as well as other state campgrounds we’ve been to in the past.
You are central to ORV trails, so at times you can hear those passing through, otherwise a few neighbors driving through here and there and quiet the rest of the time.
The dock is out of order, but there are other ways of reaching the river.
We came for fly fishing, and were told the fish are all stopped at a damn right now. That would have been nice to know before planning a fly fishing trip for that specific river. 😫
Still rating it a four, it would have been amazing if we could have fished.
ScoutNice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
GuideIdeal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
GuideInterlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
ScoutI have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
GuideThe day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Onekama, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Onekama, MI is Orchard Beach State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Onekama, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 glamping camping locations near Onekama, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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