Family-friendly campgrounds surround Onekama, Michigan, with sites available from April through October when temperatures range from 60-80°F during summer months. The area sits near Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, creating diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius. Cellular coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals closer to larger towns and spotty coverage in more remote locations.
What to do
Trail access for ATVs and UTVs: Manton Trails RV Park offers direct ORV trail access from campsites. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," reports one visitor.
Water recreation on Hodenpyl Dam lake: Campsites at Northern Exposure Campground provide lake views and water access. "Beautiful campground on the Manistee River! Nice facilities too," notes a camper. The campground rents boats and features a dedicated launch area for those bringing personal watercraft.
Seasonal events and live entertainment: Weekend activities distinguish many area campgrounds. "Whether it's trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton. There is always something going on. Spacious, super clean bath house and on Saturday nights listen to live music right at your campsite!" explains a Manton Trails visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campgrounds near Onekama feature larger-than-average sites. At Kampvilla Park, guests appreciate the generous spacing. "Owners are the best!! Quiet and clean campground," notes one camper. Another adds, "Very clean and well kept. Close to every kind of recreation you can think of."
Indoor recreation options: Several parks maintain indoor facilities for rainy days. "The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do. Plus ping pong and foosball!" shares a Kampvilla visitor. This provides alternatives when weather conditions aren't ideal.
Clean bathroom facilities: Timber Ridge RV Resort and other campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom standards. "Extremely clean bathrooms n showers. So much to do right here at the campground. Very visible and friendly," notes a visitor. Modern facilities often include separate family bathrooms and regularly serviced shower areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds close between November and March. A visitor to Northern Exposure noted, "We will be back," but the park only operates "May 1 to Nov 30." Winter camping options are extremely limited in this region.
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer," explains a visitor to Timber Ridge. Many parks begin accepting reservations for the following season as early as September.
Campground terrain variations: While some parks feature level sites, others present challenges. "Our first site was pretty unlevel but we were able to move without issue," reports a camper at Timber Ridge RV Resort. Requesting specific site information when booking helps avoid setup difficulties.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options for all ages: Family-friendly activities abound at established campgrounds. At Northern Exposure, "The staff was all very nice, the grounds were clean, and our lot was huge. We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful." The park also features "Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities."
Safety considerations: Sites near water require additional planning. "Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats/Kayaks, etc," notes a Northern Exposure camper. Consider requesting sites farther from water features when traveling with toddlers or non-swimmers.
Indoor alternatives for bad weather: "The indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do," writes a Kampvilla Park visitor. Several campgrounds maintain covered recreation areas for weather disruptions.
Tips from RVers
Site surface options: Concrete pads provide advantages for RV leveling. At Vista Green RV Resort, "Our site was $65.63 a night. We had Full hook-up with a blacktop pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. The site was easy to level."
Utility placement considerations: Hookup locations impact setup convenience. A visitor to Vista Green noted, "The lot comes with a concrete patio with picnic table. There was not a fire ring since only propane fires are allowed." Some parks prohibit wood fires, requiring campers to bring propane fire pits.
Golf cart availability: Larger campgrounds often necessitate personal transportation. "You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They also allow you to rent golf carts. It is beneficial to have a golf cart to get around since it is a large campground," explains a Vista Green visitor. Electric bicycles provide alternatives at campgrounds permitting their use.
