Campsites near Pellston, Michigan provide access to both smaller inland lakes and Lake Michigan shorelines. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level and experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 70-80°F. Fall camping extends through October with cooler temperatures in the 40-60°F range. Winter access to many sites is limited due to snow accumulation that averages 120 inches annually.
What to do
Dark sky viewing: Wilderness State Park Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities designated as a dark sky park. "Best star gazing in the LP," notes Ted B. The beach areas provide unobstructed viewing for astronomical events. "Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows," according to Tracie S., who recommends planning visits around meteor shower dates.
Watercraft exploration: Aloha State Park Campground connects to the Inland Waterway chain, allowing boats to travel between multiple lakes. "Indian River is the best area to cruze on the water," mentions Edmund P. The park includes boat launches with direct water access from campsites and docking areas for overnight mooring.
Cycling adventures: The paved North Country Trail runs along Little Traverse Bay, connecting multiple communities. "There are great places to ride bikes outside of campground. From the campground, there is a nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the North Western State Trail," reports Julia H. about Mackinaw City KOA. The trail network extends from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix with multiple access points.
What campers like
Lake views with bridge visibility: Campsites at Tee Pee Campground provide distinctive shoreline perspectives. "Great beach with a view of the Mackinaw bridge," mentions Laikyn C. This location balances natural settings with infrastructure visibility. "The beach front has a good view of the bridge," notes Amanda F., highlighting the unique visual experience combining natural and engineered landmarks.
Large camping spaces: Burt Lake State Park Campground offers unusually spacious sites. "Lot sizes are huge! Nearly every lot down the hill (west loop) has a nice view of the lake," reports Kerry P. This provides more privacy than typical established campgrounds. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65," confirms Myron M., noting the above-average dimensions allow for larger setups and group activities.
Beach accessibility: Multiple campgrounds maintain direct shoreline access with gradual water entry. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so)," explains Myron M. about Burt Lake. The sandy shorelines allow for extended wading and safe swimming conditions for various skill levels.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Mosquitoes and other insects vary significantly by season and location. "Very buggy in June, come prepared," advises Brittany B. about Wilderness State Park. Some locations experience periodic fish fly hatches. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there," notes Jessica S. about Aloha State Park, recommending early summer or fall visits to minimize encounters.
Site selection strategies: Straits State Park Campground and others require advance planning for preferred locations. "The site we had was really small and close to others," observes Michael Z. at Magnus Park. Campground maps often indicate site sizes that vary considerably within the same facility. At Maple Bay, "The sites were a good size. Firewood bundles are $4 in the campsite near the entrance," according to Randall M.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during summer months. "Book early—it fills up fast!" warns Laura B. about Petoskey State Park. State parks typically open reservation windows 6 months in advance, while private campgrounds often allow bookings 12 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Wilderness State Park Campground hosts special seasonal activities. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," shares Jenafer P. These themed weekends typically occur in late September and October with trick-or-treating, site decorating contests, and group activities specifically designed for children.
Fossil hunting opportunities: Petoskey State Park and surrounding beaches contain the distinctive Petoskey stones (fossilized coral). "We visited during summer, had a blast searching the shore for Petoskey Stones! The kids had a great time and we left with a good collection," shares Becky P. Morning searches after overnight storms often yield the best results when new stones have washed ashore.
Swimming conditions: Shallow water areas provide safer swimming zones. "The beach was clean and the water was as well," notes Jessica S. about Aloha State Park. Water temperatures vary significantly, with inland lakes typically warming faster than Lake Michigan shorelines. Peak water temperatures occur in August, reaching mid-70s in inland lakes and mid-60s in Lake Michigan.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Petoskey KOA offers different site configurations based on RV requirements. "We were in Site #98. We had full hook-up with a gravel pull-through," explains Julia H., noting that site selection impacts amenity access. "Be sure when you book that you put down the correct size of your rig as they have site management down to a science," advises Chris R., emphasizing the importance of accurate vehicle measurements.
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookup locations may require additional equipment. "Bring extension cords for the electric service," suggests Brenda M. about Magnus Park, noting the unusual placement of power pedestals relative to standard parking positions. Leveling blocks are also frequently necessary as "somewhat unlevel but blocks worked," according to Barbara P. who found that minor terrain variations could be addressed with standard equipment.
