A short trip from home, this was a great weekend getaway! The camp site was spacious but tucked back in a bit (we tent camped on an RV site). The campground was quiet as well.
We did a 7 mile loop hike and then went to Battle Alley Brewing in Holly (10 min away).
No grate on the firepit so be aware of that.
Would definitely come back - it’s like being up north but you’re under an hour from home.
Went with my in laws who have a camper (I typically camp rustic). The site we were at was smaller and narrow. There was also a lot of noise from the I-94 freeway nearby while trying to sleep.
While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity.
Overall I’d do a day trip for the hiking and beach, but stay elsewhere.
Took my girlfriend camping for the first time - she requested a must have bathroom/shower.
While I prefer more rustic and forested camping this spot did the trick. You’re right on the lake shore (no beach and not great for swimming). No tree coverage but great sunset view and right next to the lighthouse. Very RV heavy with about 6 ‘rustic’ sites which basically meant just no electric. Picnic table and fire pit included.
This was my first solo camping experience - I went up on a Thursday and the area was empty. It was super clean and the spots were large. I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river.
Long Lake Wexford was a great little spot. The first come - first serve sites are large an spacious. Some are tree covered and more forested while others are open, grassy and lakeside. Although it’s near an ORV trailhead it was quite (expect for the sandhill crane calls!). On a peaceful lake but a very weedy lake - caught a few fish though.
First time at Ossineke but plan to be back! The camp spots were spacious and all were either on the water or had a path to the water. One downside was the fire pit was so tall (like over 2 ft off the ground)…you had to stand up to feel the heat from it.
Great locations as you’re close to Alpena (hiked Besser Nature Area) and Tawas area (hiked Lumbermans Monument).
Driving down from MI to meet some friends from PA for a weekend of hiking in Cuyahoga Valley. There were a few suggested campgrounds online and with the only open spots we ended up at Nimisila.
Nothing to write home about. Decent fire pits and space. Picnic tables were chained down so we couldn’t move them closer to the fire for seating. Also there was no water spigot or well which wasn’t cool.
The reservoir itself was nice to look at but fairly weedy at the launch area. People were kayaking for sure.
This campsite was also a good 25-30 minutes from the park. We knew this going in but, if I return to this area, I would for sure look somewhere else.
Also technically a dry campground.
Rustic first come first serve sites. Well water pump and vault toilets. No shower. We started on spot 8 but moved to 21 after one night - 8 was near the toilets and you get the occasion whiff of poop while 21 is on lake and more secluded. All the spots are very large with picnic table and fire pit. No grate for cooking so be sure to pack. The lake is small but good for kayak & paddle boarding. Areas of sand but fairly murky. We swam and floated for a few hours in tubes. My friend did catch a handful of bluegill.
Got into the park late (around 1030) but it was a great clear night. Spacious campsites with both a bench and picnic table. Bathroom with showers was clean. Great views and access to the lake but much closer to Hwy 27S than we thought…could hear cars starting in the AM. Also the Park Ranger Sam was very nice and stayed open a few minutes past close so we were able to register. Thanks!
While I typically prefer more rustic camping, this was a fantastic and easy way to enjoy Traverse City. The campground was very family oriented and offered plenty of amenities - power outlets, bathrooms (including showers). The camp sites were large and spacious (we fit 3 tents on one) with a picnic table and fire pit. While we didn't have time, the campground is located directly across the street from Lake Michigan. There is a pedestrian bridge for easy crossing.
I'd highly suggesting bringing your bicycles. There is a paved path right from the campground into downtown TC (about 20-30 min ride). You avoid parking and have access to the fantastic food and breweries in town.
If you're looking to for more of a more rustic, nature-oriented camping experience this may not be the best option for you. You could hears the cars from the road and the airplanes started flying overhead at 7am sharp.
Spent 5 nights camping at this hidden gem. It was one of the best campgrounds I've stayed at in a long time. It was clean and spacious, with great access to Lake Michigan. The dunes were great for relaxing and offered speculator sunset and star gazing views. A few trailheads led right into the camp- one trail led right into Nordhouse Dunes, which was a beautiful area.
Although there were no showers, you can easily go for a swim in Lake Michigan or we found a small store a few miles away with a$5 shower room. There is a bathroom though.
While there was no cell service at the campground itself, it was located only a 15-25 min drive from downtown Ludington(south) and Manistee(north).
Already planning another trip back with some friends for the fall.
Spent 2 night in the Aspen Loop tent camping. Minus the silk/inch worms in the trees it was great. Fire pit was large and bathrooms were clean. We did a 6 mile hike and some fishing. Great easy quick weekend away.
The location was great. Right near Ash Cave and Cedar Falls with easy access to main highways.
Check-in process was fine, but the attendant was short with our group and failed to mention they have WiFi at the campground office. Zero cell service in the entire Hocking Hills park so that would have been great to know.
They failed to enforce the 11 pm - 8 am quite hours. Could hear people talking and playing loud music into the night. The showers were also pretty dirty.
If you're looking for a good rustic camping experience this is not the place for you. There was a dirty pool and pond with a run-down putt course and a few pool tables.
I would not stay here again.
Spent one night camping here. While I was hoping for a more wooded area, our spot was great and we had a water spout right next to us. The area lacked fire wood so be sure to bring your own. Hiked a bit through Hartwick Pines and plan to come back for a full weekend soon.
We stumbled upon this little gem and camped there for 3 nights. We opted for the rustic campground which still allowed access to the bathroom and showers, but was secluded from the cabin and RV area. The lake access was great! Warm water and good fishing. The staff was fantastic and even offered us a cold beer. Although we wanted to disconnect, the WiFi access near the office was great for mapping directions or checking the weather.
Great location and very close to Lake Michigan. Glen Arbor and Traverse City were close by as well. Enjoyed morning walks on the beach and a nice refreshing swim. It was also a nice campground to walk through with a few side trails. The camp sites were spacious and well kept.
But the reason I am giving it a 3 is because of the poison ivy. I am not allergic but did touch a log for our fire that had come in contact with the plant. My girlfriend ended up with the rash and we were later told that DH Day is known for having poison ivy.
Only spent one night here, but it was a beautiful spot. Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right? It was also very empty for a Thursday night in the middle of a Michigan summer.
I plan to re-visit it this summer. Keep in mind that cell service was very limited in this area (AT&T).