The Leelanau Peninsula offers multiple yurt camping options near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located on Michigan's northwest Lower Peninsula, this region features glacial landforms with sandy beaches along Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during peak camping months from May through September, with cooler evenings typically in the 50s.
What to do
Water activities on Elk Lake: Whitewater Township Park provides access to clear blue water for boating and swimming. "Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used," notes one visitor, adding that the campground is "about 15 minutes away from the quaint town of Elk Rapids and a very touristy Traverse City."
Lighthouse exploration: Leelanau State Park Campground sits near the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. A camper shares, "Stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around. Loved it. It's remote, rustic and the lakefront is scrubby and unspoiled." The park offers walking trails around the lighthouse complex.
Cycling on paved trails: Betsie River Campsite connects directly to local bike paths. "There is a paved trail that runs by the campground, and it's less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do," reports one visitor.
Wine tasting: Multiple vineyards surround the camping areas. "We visited 4 lighthouses and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Buy some cherries when in season!" advises a visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort, which sits near several local wineries.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campsites offer direct water access. A camper at Whitewater Township Park Campground explains, "Get site 7, 8, or 9 for an unobstructed view of the lake... The location is amazing, right on Elk lake and 20min from Torch lake, 5min from the bay, and 30min to WINERIES."
Rustic camping with amenities: Leelanau State Park provides a balance of wilderness and comfort. "I don't think there is a bad site (51 sites plus 3 cabins). Very beautiful in the fall with outstanding forest hiking south of campground," notes a visitor who stayed in a cabin there.
Family-run operations: Local ownership creates welcoming atmospheres. According to one visitor, Betsie River Campsite "feels like campgrounds should! It is a small, family-run place. The sites are a little small and close together, and with fewer trees than I prefer. But everything else about it makes it on my list to return annually!"
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards for shared spaces. A camper at Holiday Park Campground reports, "Bathroom exceptionally CLEAN" and notes "We had an elevated firepit patio, malibu lights it was so cool."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak summer months require advance planning. Most campgrounds open May through October, with some offering limited shoulder season availability. "Book early," advises a camper about Whitewater Township Park, where "reservations are first come first serve and aren't taken until early April."
Spacing between sites: Layout varies significantly between campgrounds. At Turtle Lake Campground, "the thing I didn't particularly like is how close you are to other sites. You are practically on top of each other."
Shower facilities: Options range from modern to rustic. "Bathrooms were redone and are very nice!" notes a Turtle Lake camper, while a Wild Cherry RV Resort visitor mentions, "As a few others noted, there is no bath house or restrooms."
Weather considerations: Seasonal variations affect camping experience. "Stayed here on a chilly late September weekend with very few other campers around," reports a Leelanau State Park visitor, highlighting the appeal of shoulder season camping with fewer crowds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers extensive recreation. "There is no shortage of activities here: a small pond/beach, pool, jumping pillow, dodgeball, bike trails, ATV trails, crafts, parades, etc. It's great for the active family, particularly those with elementary & middle school age kids."
Swimming conditions: Water quality varies across locations. A Whitewater Township Park visitor notes the campground is "situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake," offering scenic swimming, while a Leelanau State Park camper cautions about lake conditions: "The water front is very rocky, and full of a brown sticky film that smelled bad."
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer lower-cost alternatives. One visitor to Cycle Moore Campground describes it as "not a fancy campground, but it is a bargain at $10. The northern loop has electric outlets. The southern loop is rustic camping."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. A Leelanau State Park camper mentions, "Lighthouse is breathtaking. Rangers friendly," referencing the on-site historical landmark that offers tours.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Holiday Park Campground offers well-maintained RV sites but with limitations. One RVer notes, "Lot 188 area very tight with campfires and neighbors septic connection near your vehicles. The hookups and fire pit layouts don't make sense."
Full hookup availability: Wild Cherry RV Resort provides comprehensive services for larger rigs. A visitor reports, "All sites have picnic tables but not all have fire pits (if you have your own you are allowed to use it)... The water, sewer, and electric were all placed appropriately in the site so no extended hoses were needed."
Leveling requirements: Terrain challenges exist at some locations. "Sites look level but it's deceiving," warns a Betsie River visitor, while another notes at Duck Lake Campground, "be prepared to deal with sloping ground."
Seasonal restrictions: Weather impacts accessibility. Most RV-friendly sites close by late October, with Wild Cherry RV Resort operating "May 1 to October 31" and Holiday Park Campground available "Apr 25 - Oct 25," meaning winter camping options for RVs are limited in this region.
