The area surrounding Wolverine, Michigan features a mix of dense northern forests and inland lakes with elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall bring cooler weather with frequent rain showers. Campers often note the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region.
What to do
Golfing at Thunder Bay: The Thunder Bay Golf And RV Resort in Hillman combines camping with golf access. "There are several 'packages' including camping and golf (if that's what you enjoy) and at times you can take a horse drawn Elk tour or participate in a Murder Mystery weekend," notes one reviewer. The resort features a challenging course with cart paths that campers can walk during off-hours.
Beach access on Lake Michigan: Visit Lakeshore Park Campground for waterfront activities. "There is a beachfront on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Cozy campground that is well maintained with clean Bathhouse," according to a camper. Another guest mentioned, "We had some great views of the mighty mack bridge and even saw the northern lights one night!"
Trail access for ORVs: Many campgrounds provide direct access to regional trail systems. At Starlight Campground, one camper noted, "Great campground for a family! Swing set, walking trail, ORV trail, pool, volleyball, pickle ball court and other games!" This makes it easy to connect with nearby riding areas without trailering vehicles.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Starlight Campground and RV Park receives high marks for family amenities. "We camped here and it was an amazing experience! The park was clean and the staff were very nice. They have an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends," a visitor reported.
Personalized service: Many campgrounds near Wolverine offer attentive service. At Indian River RV Resort, a camper noted, "Owners lead you to your site and assist getting your rig lined up with water/sewer connections." Similarly, a visitor at Antrim Meadows Campground shared, "From the minute we pulled in, we were welcomed by the owner and the other campers. It was as if we arrived at our own family reunion."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on camper priorities. One visitor to Kalkaska RV Park stated, "Facilities were very very clean and well kept. The owners are awesome and very friendly and super willing to help if you need assistance." Another camper at Starlight Campground mentioned, "The place is clean and well kept. Showers were amazing."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Wolverine operate from spring to fall. Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort runs from "April 1 to October 31" while Starlight Campground has a shorter season, operating from "May 20th and close September 5th" according to their information.
Site specifications vary: Campgrounds differ in size and leveling requirements. At Kalkaska RV Park & Campground, a camper noted, "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."
Reservation timing: Book early for prime sites. One Kalkaska RV Park visitor mentioned, "They only have 15 full hookup sites and none were available for our time frame. They have several long term tenants."
Campsite spacing: Space between sites varies significantly. A visitor to Lakeshore Park Campground observed, "My only complaint is that the sites are VERY narrow, putting you right next to your neighbors." Conversely, at Indian River RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "Nice wooded campsites with back-in and 'pull-through' options, plus 'buddy sites' so families and friends can face each other."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Honcho Rest Campground offers amenities for children. "Though the campground is filled with friendly, older seasonal residents, they have a few spots for 'transients' (as they call them) as well as things for families with kiddos to do, including a small playground with a climbing wall," noted one visitor.
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer water access for family fun. At Honcho Rest, one camper mentioned, "It is situated on a small lake that is great for fishing, boating, or kayaking." Similarly, Starlight Campground provides a pool that families appreciate during hot summer days.
Theme weekends: Some campgrounds offer special event weekends. A Starlight visitor mentioned they have "an app you can download and do everything from ordering firewood and ice to seeing what's going on during their theme weekends. They kept my kids busy while still allowing for relaxing time."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RVers note leveling difficulties at regional campgrounds. At Petoskey RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Our site had a nice paved pad, but it wasn't level and the concrete was painted so we were slipping off the levelers."
Hookup placement: Check hookup locations when booking. A camper at Kalkaska RV Park noted, "Our site required us to pull through in such a way that the hookups were on the opposite side of our coach."
Alternative dump services: Some campgrounds offer solutions for non-sewer sites. Kalkaska RV Park provides "a pump out service twice a week for $10 each time" according to a camper.
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on specific needs. At Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort, a visitor recommended, "We chose pull through site 7, which we chose for our second stay because of the course view. The sites are decently spaced in this small CG."