RV camping near Williamsburg, Michigan offers multiple options for camping along the Grand Traverse Bay and surrounding lake areas. This region in the northwestern Lower Peninsula sits between 600-700 feet above sea level, creating rolling terrain with pine forests and inland lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, while fall camping brings colorful foliage but cooler nights dropping to 40-50°F.
What to Do
Trail access for ATVs: Starlight Campground provides direct access to regional ORV trails. "Great campground for a family! Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games! This campground is extremely clean and has beautiful bathrooms/showers," notes one visitor to Starlight Campground and RV Park.
Wine tasting tours: The Leelanau Peninsula features numerous wineries within short driving distance of most campgrounds. "The campground is in a perfect location to explore the towns of Leland (and Fishtown), Lake Leelanau, Northport, and Suttons Bay. The park is on the Leelanau Peninsula which is one of Michigan's most well-known and revered wine region and there are three wineries within a couple of miles," according to a camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer water access for fishing, boating, and swimming. A visitor to Lake Leelanau RV Park reports, "Lake Leelanau is a large enough lake to spend the day exploring, but protected enough for swimming, kayaking, small sailboats, and paddle boarding. Lots of great fishing, cycling, and hiking in the area, too."
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom and shower facilities. A visitor to Honcho Rest Campground states, "Often times when I stay with my grandparents, I will use the campground bathrooms over the camper bathroom because they are SO clean you never have to worry about anything."
Spacious sites: Some resorts offer extra room between sites. "Our site was a pull-in that faced a large pond on a corner that overlooked a four-acre lake. We never had a neighbor on the site next to us during our stay and since we were on a large corner there was nobody on that side either so we never felt crowded," notes a camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort.
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer organized recreation. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," shares a visitor to Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. According to a reviewer at Indigo Bluffs RV Park, "We have stayed here several times with our extended family on sites near us and can't wait to go back again. The location is close to many nearby attractions, M22, outdoor adventures, beaches, lake, boating rentals, rivers, restaurants, wineries, quaint lakeside towns."
Site types vary widely: Campgrounds offer different site layouts and amenities. "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," explains a camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
Fire restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific rules about campfires. At Vista Green RV Resort, "There was not a fire ring since only propane fires are allowed," according to a recent visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities for kids: Many campgrounds feature lakes and pools. A visitor to Honcho Rest Campground shares, "The campground sits on the shores of Bass Lake which is great for a quick paddle around, fishing, etc., but if you are seeking larger bodies of water, the Elk Rapids Marina on Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake are just a couple miles away."
Organized recreation: Look for campgrounds with planned activities. "Timber Ridge has 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," notes a visitor to Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.
Bug management: Some campgrounds spray for insects. "They spray for bugs so there's not too many creepy crawlies or biting bugs in the campground. Plus there's no poison ivy!" reports a camper at Indigo Bluffs RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment. At Manton Trails RV Park, a visitor notes, "Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads. Quiet, bug spaces, huge bathhouse."
Site selection: Research site options before booking. A camper at Wild Cherry RV Resort states, "Our site, #20, had an improved gravel parking area for camper with a finished concrete pad with a picnic table. Site, and whole campground was clean and well maintained. Our site was a full hookup but had one small issue where the drain dump was slightly uphill from the camper."
Seasonal closures: Verify operating dates before planning your trip. Honcho Rest Campground operates from "May 1 to Oct 1," while Wild Cherry RV Resort is open "May 1 to October 31," important for fall camping plans.
