RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Alanson, MI
69 campgrounds and RV Parks near Alanson, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
69 campgrounds
6975 campsites
32 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Alanson, MI
Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort
Petoskey, MI (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(165 sites)
+7
Jellystone Park Petoskey
Petoskey, MI (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(174 sites)
+11
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort
Petoskey, MI (6 miles away)
Tannery Creek - Petoskey State Park
Petoskey, MI (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+4
Burt Lake State Park
Indian River, MI (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(306 sites)
+8
Indian River RV Resort
Indian River, MI (9 miles away)
Indian River RV Resort and Campground
Indian River, MI (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+8
Pigeon Bay Campground
Indian River, MI (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+4
Twin Bears Wooded Campground
Indian River, MI (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+11
Chandler Hill Campground
Michigan (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+5
The RV Park at Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery/Rudbeckia Winery
Petoskey, MI (14 miles away)
Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor
Petoskey, MI (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(78 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Tables Grills Pet friendly Dump station Toilets Showers Playground Firewood Internet Laundry
Camping near Alanson, Michigan
Alanson sits on the Crooked River in Emmet County, at the western edge of Michigan's Inland Waterway, a chain of lakes and rivers running roughly 38 miles from Crooked Lake through Burt Lake and Mullett Lake to Cheboygan. The village is about 15 minutes north of Petoskey and puts RV travelers within short driving range of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, and the Tunnel of Trees along M-119.
Campground options near Alanson span the full range from full-hookup luxury to state-park modern sites. Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort caters to Class A motorcoaches, while Jellystone Park Petoskey and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort focus on family amenities. State-park camping is available at Tannery Creek in Petoskey State Park on Little Traverse Bay and at Burt Lake State Park on the southeast corner of Burt Lake.
Most state-park sites are modern with electric hookups. Sanitation stations, dump access, and paved interior roads are standard at the state parks and private resorts listed above.
Things to do around Alanson
The Inland Waterway is the main draw. Boat launches at Burt Lake State Park and along the Crooked River give access to open water for fishing walleye, bass, pike, and perch, plus long cruising runs between lakes. Petoskey State Park has a sandy Lake Michigan beach on Little Traverse Bay, and the park's dunes and short trails work well for families.
Off the water, day trips are short. Downtown Petoskey's Gaslight District, the Little Traverse Wheelway bike path, and Harbor Springs are all within 20 to 30 minutes. Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Bridge, and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park are about 40 minutes north. Petoskey-stone hunting along Lake Michigan beaches is a common rainy-day activity for kids.
Camping spots and RV parks near Alanson, MI
When to visit
- spring
March - May
50° / 32°F 65 mmCampgrounds reopen in May; cool nights, blackflies late
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 80 mmPeak season; state park sites fill six months out
- fall
September - November
55° / 39°F 85 mmWettest months; fall color peaks in early October
- winter
December - February
28° / 14°F 55 mmHeavy lake-effect snow; state park campgrounds closed
The core RV season runs from mid-May through mid-October. Burt Lake State Park's modern campground typically operates May through October, and most private resorts in the area follow a similar late-spring to mid-fall schedule. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the season and one of the busiest booking windows of the year.
July and August bring the warmest, driest stretch, with daytime highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit and comfortable evenings. This is peak family season, and reservations at state parks and Jellystone properties typically go the moment the six-month booking window opens. Blackflies and mosquitoes are most active from late May into early July.
Early fall is a strong shoulder season. Hardwood color across Emmet and Cheboygan counties usually peaks in early October, and the Tunnel of Trees drive is a common reason to time a trip to that window. Snow typically begins in November and lasts into April.
Top Hosts near Alanson, MI
Karen10 trips - Joined May 2025 - Superhost
The host went above and beyond to be helpful. I would definitely recommend them again.
Kristy M. - Aug 2026
Karen and Michael were great to work with and communicating with them was easy and their response time was excellent! Highly recommend renting from them.
Janet C. - Oct 2025
Chris2 trips - Joined Feb 2026
We apreciated the clear and reassuring messages from Chris. All our questions were answered promptly and made picking up and learning about the RV relaxing and useful.
Mark H. - Jul 2026
How to book a site
Tannery Creek at Petoskey State Park and Burt Lake State Park both use the Michigan DNR reservation system. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance of the arrival date, on a rolling daily basis. The window opens at 8 a.m. Eastern, and prime waterfront sites for summer weekends often go within minutes.
All vehicles entering a Michigan state park must display a Recreation Passport, purchased at the gate or added to a Michigan license-plate renewal. Private resorts including Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort, Jellystone Park Petoskey, and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort handle their own reservations directly and often require multi-night minimums on summer weekends and holidays.
What to expect on site
State-park sites at Tannery Creek and Burt Lake are modern, meaning electric hookups, flush toilets, and shower buildings, but no individual water or sewer at the site. A central sanitation station handles dump duties. Sites are close together in the state-park loops, with limited natural screening between neighbors.
The private resorts run differently. Hearthside Grove is a deeded-lot motorcoach community with full hookups, paved pads, and Class A length capacity. Both Jellystone properties lean into family programming: pools, splash areas, character visits, and structured weekend activities. Cell coverage across the Alanson, Petoskey, and Burt Lake area is generally good on major carriers, and grocery, propane, and RV supply stops are available in Petoskey and Indian River.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Alanson, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Alanson, MI?
An RV rental in Alanson is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy Northern Michigan's Inland Waterway. Travel trailers typically start around $95 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes run roughly $175 to $285, and larger Class A coaches sit closer to $250 to $400 nightly. Peak pricing hits during July, August, and color season in early October, so booking 2 to 3 months ahead helps lock in better rates. For a cheap RV rental in Alanson, target shoulder weeks in late May or mid-September when Pickerel Lake and the Crooked River are still beautiful but demand drops. Tip: filter for Instant Book listings closer to your dates to find last-minute availability.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Alanson,%20MichiganDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Alanson?
A standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Alanson, MI. Michigan does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for non-commercial recreational vehicles, even larger Class A motorhomes. To book on RVezy, approved drivers are generally required to be 25 or older, and ID verification is handled digitally before pickup. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home auto club along with your home license. First time renting an RV? Your host walks you through every system at pickup so you leave feeling confident.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Alanson protected if something goes wrong?
Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out toward Burt Lake or Mackinaw City with peace of mind. The protection plan covers physical damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout based on how much you'd like your deductible reduced. This is purpose-built coverage for peer-to-peer RV rentals and gives you a single point of contact if anything happens on the road. Tip: Northern Michigan deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so a higher protection tier is popular for fall color trips.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change after I book my Alanson RV rental?
Plans shift, and RVezy is built for that. Every booking is backed by the RVezy cancellation policy (not set by the host), which includes a full money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in a great rig without overthinking it. Closer-in cancellations depend on how far out you are from your trip start date, and RVezy also considers situations like declared natural disasters, which matters in Northern Michigan where lake-effect storms can occasionally affect plans. The specific terms are shown during checkout before you confirm. Tip: book early for August on the Inland Waterway, then relax knowing your spot is secured.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Alanson RV trip?
Yes, and Northern Michigan is one of the best places in the country to travel with a dog. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in Alanson, toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and message the host to share your dog's size and breed. Petoskey State Park (about 15 miles northwest) welcomes leashed pets, Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City allows leashed dogs on most trails, and Camp Petosega on Pickerel Lake permits pets at standard sites. Tip: pack a tick check kit, since wooded trails around Alanson are beautiful but tick-friendly from May through October, so a quick nightly check keeps everyone happy.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Alanson?
Yes, RV delivery in Alanson is one of the most popular options for first-timers and families who'd rather skip driving a big rig. Many local hosts will deliver and set up the RV directly at Camp Petosega, Burt Lake State Park, Indian River RV Resort, or a private cottage driveway nearby. They'll level it, connect water and power, prime the propane, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees typically run on a per-mile basis from the host's home base, with some offering free delivery within a set radius. Filter listings by Delivery on RVezy, then message your host with the exact campground address for a quote.
emmetcounty.org/parks-recreation/camp-petosega/How far can I drive on an RV rental from Alanson?
Alanson sits in the heart of Northern Michigan's most scenic loop, so a typical mileage policy of 100 to 150 free miles per day easily covers most local trips. Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge are about 20 miles north, Petoskey is roughly 12 miles west, Traverse City is about 70 miles southwest, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is roughly 100 miles. Planning a bigger Michigan RV road trip from Alanson to Pictured Rocks or down to Detroit? Look for RV rentals with unlimited mileage on RVezy, or arrange an upfront mileage package with your host. Tip: the Tunnel of Trees on M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is a must-do and only burns about 50 miles round trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Alanson,%20MichiganWhere are the best campgrounds near Alanson?
You're spoiled for choice. Camp Petosega, just outside Alanson on Pickerel Lake, offers wooded sites, a sandy beach, and electric hookups on Emmet County parkland. Burt Lake State Park, a short drive south, has hundreds of modern sites and a long stretch of swimmable shoreline. Indian River RV Resort sits near the Sturgeon and Indian Rivers with full hookups and pull-throughs. Petoskey State Park gives you Lake Michigan sunsets about 15 miles away, and Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City delivers Pure Michigan beachfront. Tip: Michigan state parks book up 6 months out for summer weekends, so reserve as early as possible.
midnrreservations.com/When is the best time of year for an Alanson RV trip?
Mid-June through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping in Alanson, with July and August averaging warm highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, perfect for swimming in Burt Lake or Crooked Lake. Late September into early October brings spectacular fall color along the Tunnel of Trees and cooler 55 to 65 degree days, ideal for hiking with fewer crowds. May and early June are quieter and budget-friendly, though nights can still dip into the 40s. Winter RV trips are possible for adventurous travelers chasing snowmobile trails and ice fishing, but you'll want a four-season rig. Tip: time your visit for the Alanson Riverfest in summer to catch live music and the famous swing bridge in action.
weather.gov/apx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay?
You'll do great. First time renting an RV in Alanson is genuinely easier than most people expect, especially around here where roads are wide, traffic is light, and US-31 and I-75 are flat and well-maintained. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, holding tanks, propane, and the generator, and they're a text away during your trip. If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, book a campervan rental in Alanson (smaller and easier to handle), or choose a host who offers delivery and setup. Tip: practice a few right turns in an empty parking lot before heading to the Mackinac Bridge, where crosswinds can surprise newer drivers.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I break down during my trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified service center. One phone number connects you to dispatch, and they coordinate directly with providers across Northern Michigan, including shops in Petoskey, Cheboygan, and Gaylord. Your host is also reachable by message for quick questions, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Tip: cell coverage is solid along US-31 and I-75 but can get spotty in pockets of Wilderness State Park and the Pigeon River Country State Forest, so download offline maps before heading deep into the woods.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Alanson RV rental across the border into Canada?
Cross-border trips into Ontario are possible from Alanson, but they depend on the individual host's permission and insurance, so message your host before booking to confirm. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is about 105 miles north via I-75 and the International Bridge, a popular extension for travelers headed through Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan first. You'll need a valid passport (or enhanced license/NEXUS card) for every traveler. Important: travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental due to insurance limitations. Popular U.S. routes from Alanson include the Lake Michigan circle tour, the Upper Peninsula loop to Pictured Rocks, and a southern run to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Tip: declare any fresh food at the border to avoid delays.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an Alanson RV trip?
Fuel is the biggest variable, but it's easy to plan for. Expect roughly 7 to 10 miles per gallon for a Class A, 10 to 14 mpg for a Class C, 12 to 18 mpg for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer, and 18 to 22 mpg for a Class B campervan. Michigan gas prices typically run near the national average, with stations in Alanson, Indian River, and Pellston all easy stops along US-31 and I-75. A 250-mile loop covering Mackinaw City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix burns roughly $80 to $130 in fuel for a mid-size motorhome. Tip: fill up in Indian River rather than at the Mackinac Bridge plaza for noticeably better prices.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Alanson?
For summer weekends, book Michigan state parks the moment your window opens. The Michigan DNR reservation system at midnrreservations.com opens campsites 6 months in advance, and prime lakeside sites at Burt Lake, Petoskey, and Wilderness State Park can be gone within minutes of release. Camp Petosega takes reservations in advance through Emmet County. Private parks like Indian River RV Resort typically have more last-minute availability, especially mid-week. Tip: set a calendar reminder for 8:00 a.m. Eastern on the day exactly 6 months before your desired arrival, and have your account, payment, and site preferences ready ahead of time.
midnrreservations.com/What are driving conditions like around Alanson?
Driving an RV around Alanson is refreshingly relaxed. US-31, M-68, and I-75 are flat, well-paved, and free of mountain grades, so even larger motorhomes handle the area easily. Things to watch for: white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk (especially along M-68), occasional summer thunderstorms off Lake Michigan, and the Mackinac Bridge, which restricts high-profile vehicles during high winds. Snow and ice from November through April make winter travel a serious commitment. The M-119 Tunnel of Trees is stunning but narrow with no centerline, best for smaller RVs and campervans. Tip: check the MDOT Mi Drive map before heading out to see construction on US-31 north of Petoskey.
mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/mapWhere can I dump tanks and fill fresh water near Alanson?
You're well covered. Most campgrounds near Alanson, including Burt Lake State Park, Camp Petosega, Indian River RV Resort, and Petoskey KOA, offer dump stations and potable water fill, free for guests and usually a small fee for non-guests. Many full-hookup sites mean you may not need a dedicated dump trip at all during a 3 to 5 day stay. State park dump stations are open seasonally, typically May through mid-October, after which water lines are winterized. Tip: dump in the morning before checkout when lines are shortest, and always rinse with non-potable hoses (usually green) to keep your fresh water hose safe.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/campingWhat's included inside a typical RV rental in Alanson?
More than you'd think. A typical motorhome rental in Alanson sleeps 4 to 8, with a queen bed, convertible dinette, galley kitchen (fridge, freezer, propane stove, microwave, sink), a wet bath with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, furnace, and a propane/electric water heater. Many rigs include a TV, and newer units often have solar panels, inverters, and onboard generators for off-grid stays at places like Wilderness State Park. Class B campervan rentals in Alanson are more compact but still pack a bed, kitchenette, and portable toilet. Wi-Fi is hit or miss, so plan to use your phone hotspot. Tip: ask your host about their kitchen kit and bedding policy when you message, since many include linens, plates, and pots at no extra charge.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Alanson,%20MichiganWhat add-ons can I get with my RV rental in Alanson?
Hosts in Alanson love making your trip turnkey. Common add-ons include linen and towel packages, kitchen kits, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, generators, bike racks, kayak or SUP carriers (huge on the Crooked River and Burt Lake), portable grills, fire pit kits, and Starlink internet. Mileage policies usually include 100 to 150 free miles per day, with extra miles billed at a per-mile rate set by the host. Pickup is typically at the host's home, but delivery to Camp Petosega, Burt Lake State Park, or your rental cottage is often available for a per-mile fee. Tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a kayak rack into one package so you arrive at the campground to find everything ready and ready to enjoy day one.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Alanson,%20MichiganHow does payment and the security deposit work?
It's all straightforward and handled through RVezy, so no cash or checks change hands with the host. You pay the rental total at booking using a credit or debit card through the secure RVezy platform, and a refundable security deposit is collected separately from the booking payment before pickup. Deposit amounts vary by rig. Assuming the RV comes back in the same condition and within mileage and generator-hour limits, the deposit is released after your trip. To avoid surprises, do a video walk-around with your host at pickup and dropoff. Tip: snap photos of the propane gauge, generator hours, and odometer at both ends of the trip and you'll breeze through dropoff at your Alanson RV rental.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksHow do I prep for a cold-weather or shoulder-season trip in Alanson?
With the right rig, a chilly Alanson RV trip is magical. Late September through October is peak fall color along the Tunnel of Trees, and even early May has crisp 40 to 60 degree days that are perfect for fishing on Crooked Lake. For cool weather, look for RVs with a working furnace, heated holding tanks, and shore power (30 or 50 amp) so you can stay plugged in at Camp Petosega or Indian River RV Resort. If you're chasing a true winter adventure for snowmobiling or ice fishing, message hosts directly to find a four-season rig with insulated underbelly and skirting. Tip: bring a small ceramic space heater for shore-power nights to save propane, and pack layers since lake breezes off Burt Lake can drop the felt temperature fast.
weather.gov/apx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Standish, MIBridgeport charter Township, MIGreilickville, MIHoward City, MINorth Muskegon, MIOak Hill, MISt. Nazianz, WIInterlochen, MIOnaway, MIBenzonia, MILuxemburg, WIMunising, MITraverse City, MIMount Pleasant, MIMidland, MIRoosevelt Park, MIEssexville, MISuttons Bay, MIBoyne City, MIElk Rapids, MIFremont, MICharlevoix, MIGrayling, MIMarinette, WI