Family-friendly camping options surround Rutland, Michigan with seasonal operations generally spanning April through October. Most campgrounds in this area occupy rural settings with varying levels of tree cover. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons see cooler 50-65°F conditions with occasional frost near season boundaries.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Three Seasons Campground, guests can enjoy water recreation right at the campground. "Rent kayaks and paddle boats" and visit their "new beach," according to camper Beckie G., who also noted the campground's weekend activities for children.
Golf course camping: Tyler Creek offers a unique camping experience on a golf course. One camper mentioned, "It's on a golf course which is something new and exciting!" The campground also features weekend entertainment with "a live band there on the Saturday night we were there, they were AMAZING! As good as some of the singers I've seen in downtown Nashville."
Casino access: For campers interested in gaming, Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park provides a convenient base. "It's super close to the casino, you get discounts at the water park! 4th of July fireworks the best and so close!" reports Renee C. The campground offers a shuttle service to the casino, making it easy to enjoy gaming without driving.
What campers like
Kid-focused amenities: Hidden Ridge RV Resort earns praise for its extensive children's activities. Melissa M. shared, "Kid friendly! This park always finds away to having something fun for the kids to do. Pool, splash pad, arcade, bounce pad, playground, outdoor sports area, hayrides, crafts, store, pond for fishing, golf cart rental." These amenities make it popular for families seeking structured activities.
Woodland setting: Crooked Lake Campground offers more rustic camping with natural surroundings. Angie H. noted, "Our campsite was huge and mostly private." Another camper highlighted the area's recreational opportunities: "This area is great for paddling. You can start at Crooked Lake and follow a little water trail to Pickerel to swim at a small beach."
Themed events: Several campgrounds host special weekends with dedicated themes. At Woodchip Campground, one visitor shared their experience: "We came here for a fall camping weekend. Kids loved going on wagon ride to find the pumpkins and then decorating them. They really enjoyed the glow wagon ride. Root beer floats Saturday night were great!" This campground continues seasonal activities into late autumn, with one guest noting they "Heat pool till end of October. Does trick or treating."
What you should know
Visitor fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for day visitors. At Alice Springs RV Park, one camper reported, "I had my aunt come in and she was handicap she parked close up to my camper... they were charging them $5 per person to get in."
Site spacing varies: Campgrounds in the region offer different levels of privacy. At Crooked Lake, sites are described as "huge and mostly private," while at Woodchip Campground, campers report "Sites are small" and "Spots are tight."
Reservation policies: Always check cancellation terms when booking. One guest at Alice Springs shared their experience: "We had a trip planned here for during the summer. Unfortunately, we were caught in the Arkansas 3.5 inch hail and wind storms. Our truck is severely damaged along with damage to the Camper... I called to explain this... Management repeated over and over the cancellation policy."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreation programs: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort visitor David D. noted the campground is "Very laid back. Family oriented. Plenty of things for the kids to do."
Consider proximity to amenities: When camping with children, access to facilities matters. At Hidden Ridge, one camper observed, "Some of the things they have to do are swimming pool, playground, basketball courts, fishing, kayaking, jump pad, and lots of paved roads for bike riding."
Check for rental options: Many families appreciate campgrounds that offer equipment rentals. A Hidden Ridge guest mentioned, "We rented a golf cart from them, which our kids had a blast just going for rides around the campground."
Plan for pool access: Swimming pools are particularly valuable for family trips. A visitor to Woodchip Campground shared, "We love this as an easy getaway close to home... The bathrooms are clean, the pool is great, and they always have fun activities for the kids! We love the jumping pillow and sand too!"
Tips from RVers
Site surface matters: Concrete pads make for easier leveling. David D. at Camp Turkeyville noted, "Spacious sites. Concrete patio at each site. Daily trash pickup at campsite."
Check power options: Most RV parks in the area offer 50-amp service, though availability varies by campground. Visitors to Three Seasons Campground have access to both 50-amp service and sewer hookups from April through September.
Consider shade availability: Tree coverage varies widely between parks. At Hidden Ridge, a camper observed, "One downside to this place is there is not much shade. Most of the bigger trees are around the perimeter so most sites are in the sun all day."
Trash disposal varies: Some campgrounds provide at-site pickup while others require central disposal. A Hidden Ridge visitor noted, "I found it odd the there isn't trash pickup at the site. And the only trash bin we could find was at the entrance of the grounds (which was quite a distance from our site)."
