Updated October 2022
A lot of folks feel more comfortable traveling and staying in their own rig, and that number seems to be on the uptick. Many are choosing to stay a whole season or for several weeks at a time at the same location. Although Memorial Day through Labor Day is generally the height of the RV season, you can still pull into a campsite during off-peak times. Even during the winter at some locations, such as the ones listed below.
Private Campgrounds, RV Parks, and RV Resorts in Michigan Who are MARVAC Members
Our members run the gamut, and you can find year-round campgrounds via the home page of our website, www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org. In the interest of time, however, we’ve compiled all of our members – using the descriptions they provided on this website – who are open around the calendar… just in case you’re looking for a quick escape or a new adventure during the early days of the year, or to start making your plans for post-season when most other campers have already packed it in. Make sure to check the member websites for more information – and photos – and request our annual directory and travel guide so that you have this info for easy reference.
Northwest Region
The Bluffs on Manistee Lake – Discover the beauty on top the bluff overlooking Manistee Lake! Michigan’s newest 55+ RV park. Extra large sites with concrete patios. Spacious clubhouse with heated pool, hot tub, laundry facilities and beautiful bathhouse. Close to Lake Michigan beaches, historic downtown, world-class fishing, Little River Casino and more.
CranHill – Just 10 min. east of Big Rapids, CranHill’s Christian family campground is focused on building strong families, connecting people, and transforming lives. Located on 2 lakes (1 all-sports). Firewood available. We offer horseback riding, petting farm, target sports, a 40-foot climbing tower, ropes course, 18-hole disc golf, beach, giant slip-n-slide, boats, aqua park, & more. Water & Electric on all sites. Full week programming June – Aug. Online registration available!
Vacation Trailer Park, Inc. – Call (800) 482-5101 for reservations. We have daily, weekly and seasonal occupancy available year-round. Located on the scenic Betsie River, 1 1/2 miles north of Junction M-115 east and US 31 or 2 miles south of junction US 31 and M-115 west.
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort – Minutes from downtown Traverse City. Large, shaded sites. Family oriented park featuring theme weekends and group activities. Swimming pool, horseshoes, dodge ball, playground, bike terrain park, basketball and volleyball courts. Miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking. Banquet/meeting facility available. WiFi. RV storage. 260 sites, 190 w/sewer. 30/50 amps, plus 40 cabins, cottages, park homes, yurts. Big Rig friendly.
Northeast Region
Sunset Bay Marina & RV Park – Relaxing getaway on Lake Huron! RV Park and Marina, 24 acres of natural beauty. Extend 1500 feet into Saginaw Bay, beautiful views of majestic sunsets. Walleye and perch hot spot. No river travel. Private beach. Updated showers and lounge. Two new boat launch ramps. Pet friendly. Seasonal & Transient RV sites/boat docks.
Outdoor Adventures, Inc. – Lakeshore resort offers a beautiful setting for fun and relaxation for the entire family. A new water fun zone with a wading pool, lazy river, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, planned activities … there is something for everyone.
Sno-Trac Village – Year-round RV park with snowmobile service center, ethanol free fuel, indoor storage, trail access, TV lounge, 60 acres, trout stream, and developer of O-TRA, a video-based trip planner for the U.P. Pull-through sites for rigs up to 100′. Phone: (989) 348-9494
Southwest Region
Indian Valley Campground and Canoe Livery – We have shaded sites along the Thornapple River, an indoor pool, and a pond. Canoe, kayak, tube, and fishing boat rentals. Dump station and firewood and bait at our camp store.
Southeast Region
Camp Lord Willing – We are open year-round, we have 100 full hook up sites, a staff of workers 24/7, and live phone 24 hours.
River Raisin Marina and Campground – “The River Raisin Marina & Campground is ideally located on the north side of the Port of Monroe Turning Basin, on the River Raisin in Monroe, MI. The Marina & Campground is owned and operated by John and Veronica with the help of their three daughters. he River Raisin Marina has 72 deep water wells. There is also a launch ramp with plenty of parking for cars and trailers. The Marina & Campground boasts 28 acres of park-like setting for boat owners and campers to enjoy.”
Harbortown RV Resort – Open all year. Go-kart track; batting cages; mini golf and arcade.
South-Central Region
Waldenwoods Resort – Waldenwoods Resort is open year-round and centered among 1500 acres on a 150-acre natural spring fed lake. We currently have 320 large grassy campsites, the majority are full hookup, 10 cottages and 3 historic lodges. We have fishing, boat usage and a water park. We offer year-round planned activities, Olympic size heated pool, Jacuzzi and a Sauna. The resort is beautiful, safe and close to home. Call now for a historical tour and free camping.
Upper Peninsula
Rippling River Resort – Open year-round with electric hookup campsites and cozy luxury cabins. Outdoor hot-tub is open all winter. Located at the base of Marquette Mountain and next to miles and miles of recreational and snowmobile trails. Heated floors, Zen Center, On-Site Bar and more!
Off-Season Packing List & Gear
If you’re camping in the off season, those months of the year are generally colder. So you need to be prepared in ways you didn’t need during the peak camping (summer) months). As it’s important to dress for the weather, you need to have your RV ready and adequately equipped, too .
Layers: Bring extra blankets so that you’re cozy during the night or have something to bundle in during the day. The same goes for your clothes. Thermal underwear, coats, sweaters, socks, hats… bring clothes that are versatile and can be layered easily. Wool and fleece are good fabrics to use.
Gas: Propane usage undoubtedly goes up when the temperature outside goes down. Bring extra propane or know as to whether the campground you’re staying at can supply it. If they can’t, then know for certain where you can find propane to refill your tank, if needed.
Insulate: Keep the heat in the RV, so check all door and window seals for cracks that may need to be covered with a new line of caulk. Drapes made from heavy fabric can also help to block the cold from permeating through the glass and into the interior of the RV. Add RV skirting to keep undercarriage components warm and to prevent them from freezing. Foam pipe insulation can also help keep pipes from freezing.
Heaters: A personal space heater may be nice to have in addition to the built-in heater in the RV. These usually run via electrical, so make sure you have electricity, whether it’s a hook-up or an off-the-grid power solution.
Gear: Shovels, scrapers, extra food and water, roadside kit, emergency supplies… you should have all of this on your packing list. Bring snow toys along, such as cross-country skis, sleds, snowmobiles, and snowshoes. Hand and foot warmers can help keep fingers and toes toasty if you’ll be out for an extended period of time.
Camping during the winter or during the off season is a unique and peaceful experience. But just like all other camping trips, you need to be prepared for what the weather could bring. Now get outside, enjoy the quieter atmosphere both at the campsite and in the woods, and relax.