4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Cabin accommodations near Wellston include a variety of options with different amenity levels. Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins provides wooded cabin sites with electricity and proximity to trails and rivers. Peterson Creek Cabins offers spacious layouts with full hookups and modern amenities including shower facilities. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground features cabins overlooking a pond with water and electric hookups. Many properties maintain clean facilities with basic furnishings, though specific interior amenities vary by location. "This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. Bonus is unlike State Forest campgrounds you get a rustic site with the benefit of hot showers!"
Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when fishing and outdoor activities are popular. Northern Exposure Campground offers cabin rentals from May through November, while Tippy Dam Recreation Area maintains year-round availability for its cabin units. Pet policies vary by property, with most allowing dogs for an additional fee. Cabin sizes range from small rustic units to larger family accommodations with separate sleeping areas. One visitor remarked, "Place is brand new, I was able to pull my 40 foot toy haul in at ease. You can hit the trails from this site. People are super friendly. Very nice bathhouse and heated pool."
Basic cooking facilities are standard in most cabins, typically including fire rings with grates outside and limited indoor equipment. Matson's Big Manistee River Campground and Irons RV Park & Campground provide cabin guests with picnic tables and access to shower buildings. Bedding and linens are rarely included, requiring guests to bring their own sheets, pillows, towels, and toiletries. Several campgrounds operate small camp stores selling firewood, ice, and basic supplies. Visitors should bring all food items, cooking utensils, and personal items. A camper noted, "The owners got up later and helped me in the store because I forgot some water, they were super accommodating!"
"Ideal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric."
"This is a clean and beautiful campground nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan however due to high water levels there is no longer beach access. You need to drive to the beach."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $120 / night
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
"If you are looking for rugged, wilderness / secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem. Nice spots both on the river show and across the road. "
from $30 - $45 / night
"This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites!"
"Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."
Available next weekend
from $11 - $90 / night
"Nice views, bathrooms will be a bit rustic for some. But we loved the area and space the campground provides. The worms dropping from the trees were crazy."
"Firewood and ice sold on site for good prices. Decent restrooms and showers with pit toilets around if needed. Large shaded sites and AMAZING people visiting each year."
"Campsites along the lake are high overlook campsites with narrow trails down to the water. Minimal swimming area but ours had a small sand bottom."
"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. Tumble at your own risk."
from $20 - $100 / night
"Tent sites are right on the river, they have a boat launch with rentals for boats, kayaks, and even a little fishing charter type deal if you'd like."
"The owners got up later and helped me in the store because I forgot some water, they were super accommodating! The bathrooms were clean, sites well maintained and gorgeous right on the River!!"
from $24 - $40 / night
"Office, pool, bathroom, showers and laundry facilities are spotless. Grounds are maintained. Family and dog friendly."
from $36 - $39 / night
"This gem of a state park is phenomenal. Camped here in cabins three times over two winters. Cabins with bunks (will sleep 5 total), mini fridge, electricity and heat. Outside pit toilet."
"Great cabin for winter camping. Electricity, heat, microwave, mini fridge. 2 sets of bunks, sleeps 5. Table with chairs. Wonderful hiking."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $60 / night
"You can hit the trails from this site. People are super friendly. Very nice bathhouse and heated pool."
from $45 - $48 / night
"July 2026, Rustic camping with large mostly level sites. The boat launch area separates the 600 (north) vs the 700 (south) sites."
"Sites had picnic table, fire-ring, electrical, and no parking pad. Restrooms & showers were clean and well maintained."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $120 / night
TravelerThis is a beautiful park for a getaway ( hiking, fishing and the beach. )Cell service here is VERY limited ( if at all) and little to no OTA television
ScoutIt truly feels like our home away from home, and we’ve made so many wonderful memories over the years. We wouldn’t want to spend our summers anywhere else! 🏕️❤️
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We stayed at Ivan’s Campground& Cabins in Baldwin over Labor Day weekend and had a wonderful experience. We were in Site 5 with 30-amp electric and water. The site was spacious, level, easy to get into, and had plenty of shade. The entire campground was very clean, quiet, and quaint. The bathrooms and showers were especially clean and well maintained. The campground also has a camp store, firewood available, picnic tables, and other conveniences that make your stay comfortable. What really stood out to us, though, were the owners, Melissa and CD Taylor. They are incredibly friendly and welcoming and were very present around the campground. We regularly saw them taking care of the property, picking things up, and making sure everything was in good shape. They were always willing to lend a hand or answer a question. They were also happy to share information about local fishing spots, ORV trails, and other things to do in the Baldwin area. The atmosphere is peaceful, laid-back, family-friendly, and very welcoming. If you're looking for a quiet campground where you can relax and where the owners genuinely care about their guests and their property, this is a great place to stay. We enjoyed our stay so much that we're already planning our next trip back! Highly recommend Ivan’s Campground& Cabins.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ScoutNice Park with a nice river and Lake Michigan nearby. Lovely sand dunes too. Family oriented with lots of kids having fun riding bikes etc. tents and rv’s welcome. The town of Ludington is a quintessential lake town with all the places to eat and shop you’d expect. Highly recommended.
GuideIdeal location to explore Manistee county, just north of city. The trolley bus offers rides to town and back. New bath house, updated facilities and most sites include electric. Nice hiking trails across the road, the outer loop is a 2mile walk. Just north of here are the largest sequoia trees east of the Mississippi River. Park offers Hammocks for daytime use over looking the Lk Michigan bluffline. Pet friendly.
GuideInterlochen SP is one of my favs. Very low key, quiet camping. The bath houses are clean and well kept, rangers are helpful and you're so close to Traverse City for day trips or seasonal outdoor concerts across the road at World Class Interlochen Center for the Arts. Great CG for fishing, swimming & boating on Duck Lake. I would have given them a 5 if there were someplace to fish from shore. enjoy
LegendWe love Hill and Hollow!
It’s a great campground for our group of friends who have kids in a wide variety of ages
We have kids from 5 to 16 and this allows them to do what they love - some like the go carts area, the pool, the playground or just hanging out
It’s close to pentwater and not far from ludington
The campground staff are super friendly and we have had a great experience here
ScoutI have been a returning guest at Timber Ridge RV& Recreation Resort for two years, and until now, I genuinely believed this campground would become my family’s yearly vacation spot. We enjoyed the amenities, the convenience of the on‑site store, and the community atmosphere. My husband and I even brought additional guests with us and encouraged others to stay here. The Halloween activities were especially memorable for my grandkids, and for a long time, Timber Ridge felt like a second home. Unfortunately, my recent experience with their strict cancellation policy has changed my view of the park entirely. Timber Ridge enforces a non‑refundable policy for any reservation canceled within 30 days of arrival, regardless of circumstances. This policy is applied exactly as written, with no flexibility. Even when cancellations are caused by unavoidable life events— such as work obligations or family emergencies— Timber Ridge does not offer partial refunds, reduced fees, credits, or reasonable compromises. In 2022, management exercised discretion and issued me a partial refund with a$25 processing fee, even though that cancellation was also inside the 30‑day window. That experience made me believe Timber Ridge valued loyalty and understood that life can be unpredictable. However, they have now stated that this past accommodation does not set any precedent, and they no longer consider similar situations eligible for exceptions. Their current stance reflects a strictly business‑first approach, with no meaningful consideration for returning guests or individual circumstances. I also attempted to negotiate a fair compromise that would benefit both myself and the business— including partial credit, a reduced refund, or a courtesy reschedule. My attempt at negotiation was ignored entirely, and their reply treated the suggestion as though it were inappropriate. Their emails included snide, dismissive remarks that reframed my words, minimized my reservation history, and implied I had mischaracterized my experience. This tone made it clear that customer‑focused problem‑solving is no longer part of their approach. The FAQ mentions the possibility of a one‑time courtesy reschedule, but Timber Ridge clarified that this is optional and not guaranteed. In my case, no reschedule, credit, or refund was offered. While I understand the need for clear policies, the rigid enforcement of this one— without empathy, discretion, or any willingness to work with guests— significantly impacts the guest experience. Policies that prioritize revenue protection over customer satisfaction can discourage repeat visitors and undermine the sense of community that many families value in a long‑term camping destination. Based on this experience, I will be seeking other accommodations in the future. I hope Timber Ridge considers how strictly applying this policy affects guests who previously viewed the resort as a second home.
GuideThe day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
Cabin camping near Wellston, Michigan positions visitors in the heart of the Manistee National Forest where elevations range from 700 to 1,000 feet. The area's sandy loam soil supports mixed hardwood forests with moderate summer temperatures typically between 75-85°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November, with limited year-round options due to heavy winter snowfall that can exceed 100 inches annually.
Fishing access points: Matson's Big Manistee River Campground provides direct river entry for anglers. "Tent sites are right on the river, they have a boat launch with rentals for boats, kayaks, and even a little fishing charter type deal if you'd like. Manistee river is very nice to kayak and go fishing," notes Shawn M.
Hiking nearby: Coolwater on the Pine River Campground connects to several local trails. "Decent restrooms and showers with pit toilets around if needed. There's a canoe launch we sometimes use for our two day trips. Several cool beaches and things to do nearby," reports Ruby P.
Evening activities: Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park organizes social events during peak season. According to Anne G., the campground offers "evening activities at the Camp Store/Office on special weekends" and is "perfect for campers of most experience and age levels."
Clean facilities: Peterson Creek Cabins and Campground maintains well-appointed washrooms. "Place is brand new, I was able to pull my 40 foot toy haul in at ease. You can hit the trails from this site. People are super friendly. Very nice bathhouse and heated pool," writes Jacob.
Water recreation: Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins provides easy access to multiple rivers. One camper explained, "Super close to rivers and they provide a cleaning station for fish. Owners are great! This is a simple campground but remains one of my favorites."
Group camping options: Many visitors appreciate Coolwater on the Pine River Campground for its spacious sites. "We have been staying here since 2010 and usually book a larger lot with a big group. We try to make annual trips on the pine river and this has been our place to stay each time," shares Melissa B.
Booking windows: Reserve cabin accommodations well in advance during summer. According to Ben L. at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground, "The weekends seem to be a little heavy on the partying. The weekdays are super quiet. Definitely a vibe here for everyone."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours with varying degrees of strictness. One camper noted at Leisure Time Campground, "The manager was nice and accommodating. However their site generated a lot of noise well past quiet hours."
Cabin supplies: Pack all personal items and bedding for cabin stays. Twin Oaks RV Campground visitor Jon S. mentioned, "Camp store was a very nice commodity and the camp ground staff were VERY helpful and friendly. Campsite was well tended and fit my needs."
Beach alternatives: Tippy Dam State Recreation Area offers water access without crowds. "Campsites along the lake are high overlook campsites with narrow trails down to the water. Minimal swimming area but ours had a small sand bottom. A common area with stairs down to the water and a dock is available," reports James.
Playground facilities: Families with children will find Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park has dedicated play areas. Dalton B. shares, "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."
Kid-friendly events: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. "Nice little camp store and pizza restaurant on site. Great playground, evening activities. Nice mix of electric hook up, R.V. and tent sites. Boat rentals, etc. Great place for a group of families to come camp together," explains Anne G. about Northern Exposure Campground.
Site selection: Choose wooded sites for summer shade at Twin Oaks RV Campground. "I love the wooded rustic sites! The sites are large and you will definitely find a spot for a hammock," notes a satisfied camper.
Fire ring considerations: Some cabin and RV sites have non-standard fire rings. Anne G. cautions about Northern Exposure Campground, "One tip, fire pits do not have grill tops attached and the pit opening is pretty wide."
Seasonal activity planning: Different campgrounds cater to different recreation types. Emily P. mentions about Leisuretime Campground, "We really enjoyed our weekend here. We were at one of the big group sites overlooking the pond. Very affordable with water and electricity."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Wellston, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Wellston, MI is Orchard Beach State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
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