Leelanau Peninsula features several RV options for those seeking camping options near Suttons Bay, Michigan. The region sits between Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan with a mix of lakefront and wooded settings for campers. RV parks operate primarily from May through October due to Michigan's seasonal climate, with peak demand during summer and fall color seasons.
What to Do
Water activities at Bass Lake: Honcho Rest Campground sits on the shores of Bass Lake, which provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. "Honcho Rest Campground is a little gem on Bass Lake in Elk Rapids, MI. The grounds are mostly well maintained and clean. Some of the sites are a little on the small side but still nice and fairly level, some have concrete pads and all of them have a concrete patio," according to a camper at Honcho Rest Campground.
Wine tasting tours: The Leelanau Peninsula is home to numerous wineries within short driving distance of most campgrounds. A visitor to Wild Cherry RV Resort notes: "The park is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Sutton's Bay. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the town of Glen Arbor are a 20 minute drive and Traverse City is about 45 minutes."
Outdoor recreation beyond beaches: Beyond water activities, the region offers hiking and biking opportunities. "In addition to water-based activities of all kinds, this campground is across the street from a large golf course and just down the road from historic downtown Elk Rapids which has many good eats, shops, etc. And, don't miss the Short's Brewing Company which is an easy walk from the campground or marina!" shares a visitor from Honcho Rest Campground.
What Campers Like
Quiet camping environments: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at certain RV parks near Suttons Bay. "Situated just a few miles from the village of Lake Leelanau is this truly immaculately kept, family-owned and operated RV park. More than half the sites are occupied by very friendly permanent, seasonal residents who have been coming up every season for 15-20 years," notes a reviewer at Lake Leelanau RV Park.
Clean, modern facilities: Quality bathrooms and amenities matter to campers. A visitor to Lake Leelanau RV Park commented: "The bathrooms are absolutely immaculate and each family bathroom includes a toilet, sink, and shower. There is a very nice laundry room with multiple washers and dryers."
Strategic location: The central location between various attractions draws campers to RV sites near Suttons Bay. "The best part of this campground is its location. It is just a couple miles from either Suttons Bay and Lake Leelanau, and within walking/biking distance of 2 local wineries (Forty-Five North and Aurora), nice restaurants, and great backroads that are off the beaten path and away from nearly all traffic," according to a review of Wild Cherry RV Resort.
What You Should Know
Site types and configurations: Different RV parks offer various site layouts and amenities. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, "This is a nice campground with many options, as far as campsites go. They have everything from basic tent sites to high end sites for newer Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels. The pool is decent and there are organized activities for kids."
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons. "We have spent six weeks at this park for the last 6 years. We attend a horse show circuit near by... Because they are such a popular place to stay during the show (July - mid August), they sites book up a year in advance," notes a reviewer at Traverse Bay RV Resort.
Varied amenities between parks: Amenities vary significantly between properties, with some offering more resort-style experiences. "This park is called a 'resort' which is a little misleading because there are very few amenities. There is no swimming pool, no tennis courts, no shuffleboard, no fitness center, no playground, in fact there were not even bathrooms/showers (except for porta john and tent shower in the rustic camping section)," explains a camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with activity options: Families benefit from campgrounds offering structured activities. "This is a very large campground that is usually full during the summer. 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," shares a visitor to Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly doesn't always mean quiet. "It can be rather loud at times. There are some seasonal sites, a small 'village' of tiny houses, yurts, and a lot of RV/tent sites," continues the Timber Ridge reviewer, adding "This definitely isn't a campground for people who like quiet and solitude, but if this is your style of camping, it's a great place."
Check for cabin options: For families who don't have RVs, some parks offer alternatives. "There are also 2 rustic cabins and 1 yurt nestled among the tent sites for those who aren't interested in roughing it as much," notes a Wild Cherry RV Resort camper.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup positioning: Some RV sites have challenging hookup configurations. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, "We camped in a 40' motor coach for a week. 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. Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach."
Consider site size and spacing: RV sites vary considerably in size and privacy across parks. "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing," notes an Indigo Bluffs visitor.
Check for vehicle restrictions: Some parks restrict the types of RVs allowed. A visitor to Traverse Bay RV Resort explains: "The park is limited to Class A, Fifth Wheels and Class C only. This park is dominated by big, very nice class A's."
