Best Cabin Camping near West Branch, MI

Several cabin accommodations exist near West Branch, Michigan at campgrounds like Outdoor Adventures Lake of the North Resort and Rifle River Campground. Cabins typically include basic furniture with various levels of amenities, from rustic options with minimal facilities to more modern units equipped with electricity and indoor plumbing. Outdoor Adventures Lake of the North Resort offers cabins with electricity, running water, and access to modern shower facilities. "This camp ground has everything you need here and more. From activities, pool, a small store, boat rental and more. We loved our stay here," notes a visitor about the Lake of the North Resort. Arrowhead Lake Camp provides lakeside cabins with scenic views and proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Rustic cabins are available at Rifle River Recreation Area, while more developed cabin options can be found at private campgrounds like River View Campground & Canoe Livery. Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people with varying sleeping arrangements, typically including bunk beds or a combination of beds and futons. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months when cabins book quickly. According to a review from Arrowhead Lake Camp, "We stayed in the Lakeside cabins. Amazing views! The staff are fantastic. If we needed anything, they were there in minutes." Pet policies vary by location, with many campgrounds allowing pets in designated cabins for an additional fee.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities range from basic fire pits with grates to more equipped kitchenettes in deluxe cabins. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, cabins at some locations like Outdoor Adventures Rifle River Resort offer additional amenities that make longer stays more comfortable. On-site camp stores are available at several locations including Lake of the North Resort and River View Campground, offering firewood, ice, and basic provisions. For more substantial grocery needs, the town of West Branch provides access to supermarkets and supply stores. Visitors planning extended cabin stays should bring food, cooking supplies, and personal items as cabin amenities are often basic.

Best Cabin Sites Near West Branch, Michigan (46)

    1. Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "He provided good directions, and helped us with our Rec Pass. The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too."

    "Rifle River Recreation Area is located directly east of Houghton Lake within the AuSable State Forest, near the city of Lupton. The RRRA offers several camping areas within its borders."

    2. Rifle River Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2556

    "There is a cluster of quiet sites, a track of sites tucked away in some pines, and then the modern sites. The campground itself is large and has a couple lakes to go fishing in."

    "If you book at the right time, you can get a spot right by the river which is super appealing."

    3. Outdoor Adventures Lake of the North Resort

    1 Review
    West Branch, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 871-9953

    "From activities, pool, a small store, boat rental and more. We loved our stay here."

    4. Grousehaven Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Lupton, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 473-2258

    "Not rustic by any means, but a great spot for kids and multiple families to have a good time."

    "I’m happy to have booked here as it’s a smaller well shaded campground. We were in the lower unit and stayed on site 3. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind."

    5. River View Campground & Canoe Livery

    5 Reviews
    Alger, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 654-2447

    "It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground.  The campground is huge and offers so much!"

    "Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground. Also love that there are a lot of trees to provide shade during the hot days."

    6. South Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Roscommon, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6374

    "Higgins lake is beautiful. The water is less than waist deep for about 100 yards out and then drops off to about 90' deep. The water color is amazing when the sun is out."

    "Stayed here before the 4th of July for the weekend and was really impressed with the facilities and size of spaces at the campground."

    7. Arrowhead Lake Camp

    1 Review
    Lupton, MI
    13 miles
    +1 (313) 510-4399

    $50 - $300 / night

    "We stayed in the Lakeside cabins. Amazing views! We went kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. The wildlife is plentiful and the lake is full of fish. The staff are fantastic."

    9. North Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Higgins Lake, MI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 821-6125

    "Little more privacy than the rest. We stayed at 137 which backed up to the woods which was lovely. This is a very bustling and full campground with lots of groups and families."

    "It is in a nice location with lakeside swimming and picnic tables while having the camping site close by. Campers are respectful and it is nice and quiet at night. Terrific park!"

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Cabin Reviews near West Branch, MI

226 Reviews of 46 West Branch Campgrounds


  • Kathie M.
    Jun. 20, 2020

    North Higgins Lake State Park Campground

    Overnite stay in cabin

    One nite stay in cabin. Cabin had electricity, mini fridge, electricity and bunk beds. Only complaint was cabin was close to fairly busy road.

  • Amanda L.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling

    Themed Weekends!

    I love going to the Halloween themed weekends with trick-or-treating at the campground. People decorate their sites, dress up, and hand out candy. Great campground filled with wonderful staff, a cute camp store, hiking and biking trails, wild berries, mini golf, a pool, and plenty of activities! Afforable, easy to find, and I’ll definitely be back.

    One of my favorite parts is the outdoor cartoon theater. You sit on logs, blankets or camp chairs if you're in the back and watch cartoons on the big screen. It reminds me of the drive-in movie theaters. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll even run into Yogi Bear himself!

    Tent, RV, Camper, Cabins and Cottage sites/rentals are available with bathrooms, showers, and a dump station.

  • Rodger M.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

    Spacious, Quiet, Relaxing

    We were greeted at the gate by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. He provided good directions, and helped us with our Rec Pass.

    The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too.

    The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings. Listen for the woeful call of the loons. What a treat!

    Word of caution, the raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down. Make sure your food and trash is adequately covered/contained.

    Campground has vault toilets. We never used them but good to know they have them.

  • Joe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

    Very nice grounds and amenities

    Paved roads good for bike riding. Nice and level site. Well maintained grounds, with a fire pit and picnic table. State park, so no WiFi. AT&T is 1 bar. Restroom and showers are updated and clean.

  • Brittny B.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park & Resort at Grayling

    Perfect family campground

    This campground has very nice amenities for families. There is a pool, outdoor movies, horseshoes, inflatable blob (kids love the blob), putt putt, sand box, small bikes to rent and a nice store and lodge on site.

    We actually stayed here in a cabin to celebrate our anniversary. It is a nice campground with well spaced out sites. I would recommend the single room cabins, they are affordable and have a cute front porch - the bed was even comfortable.

  • Emily F.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Close sites

    Nice and clean. I’m in the inner loop though and the sites are very close together. If I came back I would definitely try to stay out the outer loop. Electric, fire pit, and picnic table on site. No grate. Showers and bathrooms available.

  • Macy M.
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Herrick Recreation Area

    Quiet, wooded sites

    Nice little county campground, under the canopy of trimmed pine trees. Lots were large, no issues with backing in our 36’ TT with 2 slides (make sure to clean your slides from the pine needles before you go). Fire pits were small And installed in ground, electrical was up to 30amp, and sites were all dirt for most part. They do have sites in front of the park (outside the loops) that is grass but in full sun. It is pet friendly. They have a few spots for fishing, but if you would Luke to swim, you will have to go across the street to the day use (still included with your stay) beach. Only real issues we had (just me) was starting around 9:30-10, the rangers would drive around the loops every 10-15 minutes until midnight (probably longer, but that’s when we turned in) and their lights from the pickup would blind us. In the back end of the park there was 4-5 loops and the loops are the size of a roundabout. So every time the truck would go into any of the loops it would constantly shine in your eyes when you are trying to enjoy the fire.

  • Rachel S.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Old Orchard Park Campground

    Great family campground

    I have been coming to this campground for many years. I bring my whole family! Very family and pet friendly. It has a playground and a small beach. There are many options to stay here! Highly recommend

  • Tony M.
    Jul. 4, 2017

    Pinconning County Park

    Great place on the lake to swim/paddle

    Great beach area with rental boats! My family of 5 stayed 2 nights. Flush toilets and shower were well maintained, fire rings provided and nicely kept grounds with observed quiet times made for a fantastic stay!!


Guide to West Branch

Cabins near West Branch, Michigan sit on the edge of the AuSable State Forest at an elevation of approximately 1,050 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers reaching 80°F and winter temperatures dropping below 15°F. Cabin accommodations range from simple structures with minimal amenities to full-service units with heating, electricity and bathroom facilities.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: The Rifle River Recreation Area features multiple lakes ideal for paddling sports. At Grousehaven Campground, "The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind. The water was warmish and crystal clear," reports one visitor. Paddling enthusiasts can access five different lakes within the recreation area.

Hiking trails: Trail systems connect many campgrounds with scenic overlooks. The Devoe Lake Rustic Campground area contains an observation tower worth visiting. According to a camper, "The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look." Most trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with elevation changes under 200 feet.

Fishing opportunities: Several lakes in the area offer productive fishing with minimal equipment required. At Devoe Lake, anglers report success with basic gear. As one visitor notes, "You can't keep the bluegills and sunfish off your hook." Early mornings and evenings typically yield the best fishing results, particularly during summer months.

What campers like

Clear water bodies: The lakes in this region are known for exceptional water clarity. At South Higgins Lake State Park, visitors appreciate the pristine conditions, with one camper stating, "The water is crystal clear. The beach is great for kids to play in safely while the parents chill at the shore." Water depths near beaches generally remain shallow for 50-100 feet before dropping off.

Cabin locations: Strategic cabin placement maximizes views and access. At Arrowhead Lake Camp, visitors appreciate the setting: "We stayed in the Lakeside cabins. Amazing views! We went kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing." Many cabins sit within 200 feet of water access points, reducing equipment hauling time.

Site privacy: Some cabin areas offer greater seclusion than others. At North Higgins Lake State Park, site selection matters: "If we stayed again - we'd pick site 101. Little more privacy than the rest." Cabins located on outer loops or corners typically provide more separation from neighboring sites.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Securing cabins requires advance planning, particularly for premium waterfront locations. At South Higgins Lake State Park, "Getting a site here during the summer can be very difficult. You will want one of the sites closer to the lake. If you want one of these sites, you will need to be ready to book the site 6 months in advance."

Cabin amenities: Bring appropriate supplies based on your cabin's amenity level. Cabins at River View Campground & Canoe Livery vary in comfort level. Most rustic cabins include only beds and basic furniture. As one visitor notes: "We stayed in a travel trailer on site 73 the week before the 4th of July week. The park and bathrooms were always clean, showers were clean and had good water pressure."

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect cabin comfort. During summer months, temperatures can reach mid-80s, making cabins without air conditioning potentially uncomfortable. One camper reports: "Sites can get messy since ground is a dirt/sand mix." Prepare for these conditions with appropriate gear and clothing.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: Many cabins near West Branch provide lake access points ideal for children. At Grousehaven Campground, "The water was warmish and crystal clear, my 2.5 y/o daughter loved playing at the beach and the shallow swimming area." Most family-friendly beaches maintain gradual depth increases for safer swimming.

Playgrounds: Several cabin locations include dedicated play areas. South Higgins Lake features "a nice beach, soft sand bottom, water was clear & cold!" Near many cabins, "There's also a camp store that sells ice cream and homemade pizza" making snack runs convenient for families.

Noise considerations: Some cabin areas experience more noise than others. When selecting accommodations, note that "This is a very bustling and full campground with lots of groups and families. Lot's of kids on bikes." Sites further from main roads typically offer quieter environments after dark.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: For those bringing RVs to cabin areas, choosing appropriate sites matters. At Rifle River Campground, "We camped in what was called a 'rustic' site. Which really meant that it was a lawn in the middle of the campground with no hookups." Research site dimensions before arrival, as some areas cannot accommodate larger vehicles.

Hookup availability: When bringing an RV alongside cabin rentals, utility access varies significantly. While some cabins and sites offer full hookups, others provide only basic electric. "There are a few sites with full hook-ups. Some of the sites are difficult to get into once you get up into the trees away from the water front." Always confirm specific amenities when making reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near West Branch, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near West Branch, MI is Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near West Branch, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 cabin camping locations near West Branch, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.