Northern Michigan's Copemish region sits at an elevation of around 900 feet above sea level within the Manistee National Forest. The area experiences cold winters with lake effect snow and warm summers, creating distinct camping seasons from May through October. Unpaved access roads become challenging during spring thaw, with sandy soil conditions affecting tent stake stability at several camping locations near Copemish.
What to Do
Water activities at Crystal Lake: Located about 15 miles from Copemish, this crystal-clear lake offers excellent swimming and boating options. As one visitor to Northern Exposure Campground noted, "With sites right on the water remember to bring your kayak! Trails in forest give opportunity to explore, and just down the road from Mesick also."
Hiking nearby trails: The surrounding Manistee National Forest provides extensive trail networks for day hikes. A guest at Tippy Dam Recreation Area shared, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple rivers and lakes offer fishing within a 20-minute drive. "The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night," says a visitor about Northern Exposure Campground, making it convenient for anglers to enjoy multiple water bodies.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: While glamping close to Copemish, Michigan offers modern amenities, campers still appreciate separation between sites. At Twin Oaks RV Campground, "We tent camped and loved how our site was surrounded by trees. The owners were wonderful as well!" This campground maintains natural buffers between sites.
Clean facilities: Reliable bathrooms and showers consistently earn praise from visitors staying in the Copemish area. A camper at Betsie River Campsite shared, "Nice campground with well maintained restroom/shower facilities. The owners were really great hosts! Some tent sites have electric hookups, which is always a must for us."
Proximity to attractions: The strategic location near both natural areas and towns appeals to many campers. "Camp staff very friendly and park is well maintained. Nice hiking trails nearby and a 20 minute drive to a whole lot of entertainment!" noted a visitor to Northern Exposure Campground, highlighting the convenient access to regional attractions.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Copemish area operate May through October. According to a guest at Duck Lake Campground, "The beach here is ideal for children, staying very shallow out to the buoy markers for the swimming area. The sandy soil seems to be keeping the mosquito population in check."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "It's a smaller camp ground right on tippy damn. Steps go right down to the river. Good fishing," explains a Tippy Dam visitor, suggesting early booking for prime fishing spots.
Site conditions vary: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that affects setup. A camper at Duck Lake noted, "Typical rustic camper, so camping close to others is not my typical cup of tea. First up - Park Staff at check-in. 6/5. Incredibly helpful. Campsites - be prepared to deal with sloping ground."
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment and scheduled activities. At Holiday Park Campground, "We went for the Halloween weekend. We had fun. The wooded sites were wonderful. There were a lot of play grounds as well," making it ideal for families seeking organized activities.
Swimming access options: Not all beach areas are equal for children. "The beach is beautiful but has swimmers itch," warns a Duck Lake visitor, suggesting families should research water conditions before planning swimming activities.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize family-friendly evening programs. "Great place to take a camper with family. The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night," reports a Northern Exposure Campground guest.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Betsie River Campsite noted, "Water hookup at each site, some sites only have 20 amp service," highlighting the importance of confirming specific power needs before arrival.
Maneuverability considerations: Not all glamping options near Copemish accommodate large rigs. At Orchard Beach State Park, one RVer observed, "This was an awesome campground but was kinda tight getting camper into our campsite. It's really nice that it's a short trip down the road to Manistee."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling blocks. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," reported a Duck Lake camper, suggesting RVers should bring adequate leveling equipment for most campgrounds in the region.
