Dispersed camping opportunities near South Boardman, Michigan offer access to multiple lakes, hiking trails, and forest settings within the Traverse City region. The area's forested landscape sits within the northwestern Lower Peninsula at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Kayak the Manistee River: Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides direct river access for paddlers. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one," notes Tee Jay M.
Explore hiking trails: The North Country Trail runs through Spring Lake State Forest Campground, connecting to the Fife Lake Loop. "This is a first come, first serve campground. No reservations can be made. However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop," explains Mark M.
Fish for bass: Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground offers productive fishing waters. "All the usual stuff, vault toilet, hand pump and a fire ring BUT, the lake is completely uninhibited and great for kayaking and fishing," reports Tom B.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Whitewater Township Park Campground features larger campsites with views. "The sites are beautiful and spacious. The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend," Sarah S. mentions.
Privacy in wooded settings: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers secluded sites among trees. "The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," reports Michelle S., while Jay J. adds, "There are trails if you want to get away from all the action."
Clean facilities: Kalkaska RV Park & Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Facilities were very very clean and well kept. The owners are awesome and very friendly and super willing to help if you need assistance," writes Tammey B.
What you should know
Navigational challenges: Finding some campgrounds requires planning and possible GPS backup. At Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites, "We struggled to find this place and knew with the reviews it was possible. We ended up googling it on Google maps because the location on here was off," explains Rachael T.
Varying levels of site privacy: Sites at Traverse City State Park Campground can feel crowded during peak season. "Super lively campground with lots of people and campsites close to each other. The airport is nearby as is the main road so don't expect much peace and quiet," notes Aakifah A.
Seasonal considerations: Most state forest campgrounds operate from May through October, though some remain open year-round. "We car camped in February to hike the NCT. Clean toilets, gorgeous wooded setting, nice flat spot," shares Michael M. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused options: Traverse City State Park Campground provides family-friendly amenities and access. "Great place to camp in traverse! Basic state park facilities, with a fire ring and picnic table combo at every site, as well as electric. There are three loops with a bathhouse centrally located in each loop," reports Emma W.
Recreational variety: Timber Ridge has numerous options for children. "Huge Resort...There is a lot to do in this park, zip line, pool, walking trail, lake. Golf cart rentals. Lots of kid activities, in fact there was a Halloween party as we pulled in," Barbara P. shares.
Lake access with facilities: Whitewater Township Park offers lake swimming with convenient amenities. "Set on Elk Lake with a boat launch and pavilion. The camp sites are surrounded by pine trees. They offer electric, some are seasonal," notes Jennifer B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, plan for distance to utilities. "Site is gravel and dirt. It is a pull through site that required us to do quite a bit of leveling. The hookups are rather far away so we needed extensions," advises Hope C.
Size considerations: Old US-131 has limitations for larger rigs. "Do not recommend coming in with a long trailer as it was tight driving through. We had our pick-up and 22-foot trailer," warns Amy D.
Navigating pull-through sites: Timber Ridge offers convenient pull-through options. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones," Michelle S. explains, which makes setup easier for less experienced RV campers.
Traveler
