Campgrounds near Pellston, Michigan provide both full-hookup and rustic options throughout northern Michigan's forested terrain. Located in Emmet County at 620 feet elevation, the area features a mix of hardwood forests and lake access points. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during peak camping season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Access Lake Huron beaches at Lakeshore Park Campground where campers can enjoy views of the Mackinac Bridge. "Right on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Great little beach for enjoying the lake. Campground is quiet and well maintained," notes Bryan R.
Trail exploration: Navigate the numerous walking trails at Starlight Campground where pine forests dominate the landscape. "Great campground for a family! Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games!" reports Jaime.
Winter activities: Most campgrounds close by mid-October, but several reopen from December through March for snowmobile access. "We were passing through the area at end of season (it definitely dumped snow and sleet all over us!) Grateful to have a place to stop, and to be able to stay hooked up!" shares Ashley I. from Lakeshore Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at campgrounds throughout the region. "The campground showers and they were clean and well maintained. Hosts were friendly and the store was stocked with most things you might need," notes Tracy K. from Indian River RV Resort.
Privacy options: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion depending on vegetation and site layout. "Small but wooded sites with mature landscaping," says Stacia L. about Tiki RV Park.
Event programming: Seasonal themed weekends provide structured activities for families. "We camped here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest," explains Craig F. about Petoskey KOA.
Moderate temperatures: Northern Michigan summer evenings typically cool to 55-65°F, making campfires comfortable. "Even with families and dogs it's very peaceful and relaxing. The vibe is contagious and all the neighbors are friendly and considerate," reports Ron and Mary C.
What you should know
Reservation timing: May through September represents peak demand, with most campgrounds reaching capacity 4-6 weeks in advance. "We appreciated that they squeezed us in on a weekend, short notice! Although busy, it was very quiet at night and we slept well," notes Tracy K.
Terrain variations: Site levelness varies significantly between campgrounds and within the same facility. "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers," warns Kim L. from Petoskey RV Resort.
Online booking systems: Most campgrounds utilize digital reservation systems with mixed reliability. "Upon calling the office, the very young woman who answered, first of all, could not locate our reservation even though a packet and map were waiting outside for us," reports Jennifer B. about Tiki RV Park.
Variable site sizes: Measurements between sites differ by campground with some offering spacious layouts while others maximize capacity. "The campground is well maintained, everything functioned properly, and the staff are friendly. My only complaint is that the sites are VERY narrow, putting you right next to your neighbors," explains Dan H.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated kids' amenities: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment and organized activities. "Very kid-friendly, including a large playground, a large heated swimming pool, plus volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, basketball and pickleball courts," notes Ron and Mary C. about Indian River RV Resort.
Pool access: Swimming pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day with limited hours. "We chose not to use the pool because it was overrun with kids and seemed way too small for the number of people in the park," shares Nancy W. about Petoskey KOA.
Budget accommodations: Yurt rentals offer an alternative to traditional camping at Tiki RV Park & Campground. "We decided to splurge on a yurt for our first camping trip of the summer. Well worth it! We stayed in 'Kai' one of the newest yurts. It's at the end of what we came to call 'the yurt village'. Complete with electricity, indoor and outdoor string lights, two deck chairs, a heater, a queen sized bed," describes Meaghan G.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RV sites near Pellston, Michigan sometimes present access difficulties due to tree placement and narrow entry points. "Getting to the site in our RV was a little tricky because of all the trees and cars parked everywhere," explains Nancy W.
Reliable utilities: Electricity supply remains stable throughout summer despite regional demand peaks. "We stayed in site 32 which worked out perfectly for our 36' trailer," reports Doug A. from Antrim Meadows Campground.
Casino access: Kewadin St. Ignace RV Park provides basic services at lower rates than surrounding private campgrounds. "I was very impressed that it was only $15 a night and we were able to use the pool and weight room at the casino! Do not get too excited as this is pretty minimal. It reminds me of a basic parking lot with water and electric," advises Stephanie C.
Site size specifications: When reserving rv accommodations near Pellston, accurately report your unit dimensions. "Be sure when you book that you put down the correct size of your rig as they have site management down to a science," recommends Chris R.
