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101 campgrounds and RV Parks near Bellaire, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
101 campgrounds
9864 campsites
40 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near Bellaire, MI
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Bellaire, MI (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(89 sites)
+9
Antrim Meadows Campground
Mancelona, MI (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+10
Six Mile Lake Campground
East Jordan, MI (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
+6
Starlight Campground and RV Park
Mancelona, MI (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+9
Honcho Rest Campground
Elk Rapids, MI (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+7
Blue Lakes Adventure Camp
Elmira, MI (12 miles away)
Barnes Park Campground
Eastport, MI (12 miles away)
Log Lake Campground
Kalkaska, MI (15 miles away)
Kalkaska RV Park and Campground
Kalkaska, MI (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+7
Everflowing Waters Campground
Michigan (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+3
Traverse Bay RV Resort
Michigan (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(217 sites)
+4
Boyne Country RV Park & Campground
Boyne City, MI (20 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Grills Dump station Playground Toilets Showers Firewood Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near Bellaire, Michigan
Bellaire sits in Antrim County in northwest Lower Michigan, at the center of the Chain of Lakes region that links Lake Bellaire, Torch Lake, and Elk Lake through a connected waterway system. The area sits at approximately 600 to 700 feet above sea level in Michigan's Chain of Lakes region, creating a microclimate that extends the fall camping season later than many northern Michigan locations. The village is a common RV base for families exploring Shanty Creek Resorts, Short's Brewing Company, and the surrounding lake system.
RV renters have a mix of private and public options within a short drive. Chain-O-Lakes Campground sits just south of town on M-88, while Antrim Meadows Campground, Starlight Campground and RV Park, Six Mile Lake Campground, and Honcho Rest Campground extend the search radius north toward Charlevoix and south toward Mancelona. Chain-O-Lakes Campground offers 98 sites with full hookups for both tent and RV camping directly in Bellaire, while Starlight Campground and RV Park in nearby Mancelona provides 136 sites with similar amenities.
Antrim Meadows Campground rounds out the mid-size options on the south side of the county. Its 25 sites range from full hook-up RV pads to rustic tent sites, with 30-amp electrical and sewer hook-ups, showers, restrooms, laundry, a general store, propane, and a dump station on site.
Things to do near Bellaire
The Chain of Lakes is the main draw: swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing across a connected system that includes Lake Bellaire, Intermediate Lake, and Torch Lake. Grass River Natural Area offers boardwalk trails through wetlands, and the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area provides several miles of mountain-bike and hiking loops just outside town.
Families often combine campground stays with day trips to Grand Traverse Bay for Petoskey stone hunting, and to Shanty Creek Resorts for golf and chairlift rides. Guests can also explore the Antrim Chain of Lakes water trail or visit the Grass River Natural Area, roughly eight miles from Antrim Meadows Campground.
Downtown Bellaire adds a rainy-day option, with Short's Brewing Company, small shops, and a walkable main street. At Antrim Meadows, the Gathering Place has free popcorn and coffee and games or videos for rainy days, and the on-site Basecamp Vibes Stage hosts local musicians on summer weekends.
Camping spots and RV parks near Bellaire, MI
Seasonal camping patterns in Bellaire
- spring
March - May
48° / 34°F 70 mmCool and muddy; most parks open by mid-May.
- summer
June - August
77° / 55°F 85 mmPeak season; book lakefront sites months ahead.
- fall
September - November
57° / 39°F 90 mmWettest season; strong fall color in late September.
- winter
December - February
28° / 18°F 60 mmFreezing and snowy; most private campgrounds closed.
The private campground season in Antrim County generally runs from spring through mid-October, tracking the ice-out and first-frost pattern typical of northwest Lower Michigan. Antrim Meadows Campground, for example, is open from April 1 to October 31, while Chain-O-Lakes historically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day in its main season. Peak demand falls between late June and Labor Day, when Chain of Lakes water temperatures are warmest.
Late June through mid-September is the sweet spot for RV camping in Bellaire. The warmest time of year is generally mid July, where highs are regularly around 80.7 F with temperatures rarely dropping below 56.8 F at night, ideal for Torch Lake swimming and Chain of Lakes paddling. Late September into early October is a local favorite for fall color tours, when the maples and oaks around Glacial Hills turn red and gold. Shoulder-season nights can drop into the 30s Fahrenheit, so RV renters should confirm the furnace works before departure.
Winter closes most private campgrounds, but the region remains active for skiing and snowmobiling around Shanty Creek. Water hookups at most sites are shut off by mid-October to prevent freeze damage, and dump-station access becomes limited after that point.
Top Hosts near Bellaire, MI
Sean16 trips - Joined May 2021
We had a great experience with this rental! It was perfect for our week on Torch Lake. Sean was responsive, helpful, and keeps his vehicle in great condition. Would definitely rent from him again!
Angeline D. - Aug 2026
Sean and the camper we rented were great. He was on time and flexible with our schedules. The camper was in great condition and super clean as advertised and had fun extras were weren't expecting like games, hammocks, nice cookware, etc. We had a great family trip and made lots of memories. Will definitely rent again for another trip and recommend Sean to others!
John P. - Aug 2025
Kenny4 trips - Joined Jul 2024
Kenny and his wife did a great job setting up the camper and explaining all the features. We spent a wonderful worry-free weekend at Burt lake state park. I highly recommend renting from kenny looze
Eugene G. - Oct 2024
Booking a campsite near Bellaire
Private campgrounds around Bellaire take direct reservations through their own websites or by phone. Summer weekends fill early, especially around Independence Day, Short's Brewing anniversary events, and the National Cherry Festival in nearby Traverse City. Chain-O-Lakes Campground and Antrim Meadows Campground should be booked several months ahead for July and August weekends.
For state-managed sites in the region, reservations go through the Michigan DNR. Campsites, lodging and harbors can be reserved up to six months in advance, or shelters up to 12 months in advance, and most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This rolling window means that each day, another day six months out becomes available for booking, and popular locations and dates can be booked within minutes of becoming available.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state park and state forest campgrounds and can be added to a vehicle registration or purchased at the gate.
What to expect on the ground
Terrain around Bellaire is rolling glacial hills covered with hardwood and pine. Interior sites tend to be shaded and buggy in early summer, while lake-adjacent grounds are more open and breezy. Camping sites near Bellaire, Michigan offer a variety of terrain from dense pine forests to waterfront locations along the region's numerous inland lakes.
Hookup quality varies by property. Chain-O-Lakes caters to both RV travelers and tent campers with a robust selection of hookup options including 30 and 50-amp electrical service, full sewer connections, and water hookups. Antrim Meadows offers 30-amp electrical and sewer hook-ups on its full-service sites, along with showers, restrooms, laundry, a general store, propane, and a dump station.
Cell coverage is generally reliable along M-88 and U.S. 131 but can drop on the back roads between lakes. Drivers towing large rigs should stick to numbered highways rather than two-track routes that appear on some map apps.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Bellaire, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Bellaire, MI?
Renting an RV in Bellaire is more affordable than most people expect, especially compared with Traverse City just 35 miles west. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $95 to $165 per night, while Class C motorhomes range from about $185 to $325 per night, and luxury Class A rigs sit higher. Booking midweek or shoulder season (late May or September) is the smart move for a cheap RV rental in Bellaire, since rates climb during the August Rubber Ducky Festival and peak Torch Lake weekends. Pro tip: filter by Delivery on RVezy and skip a tow vehicle altogether: your host can drop the RV right at Chain O' Lakes Campground or Shanty Creek for you.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Bellaire%2C%20MichiganWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Bellaire, MI?
Good news: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Bellaire, Michigan. The State of Michigan does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers, so your everyday license works for Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, and even larger Class A coaches on the RVezy platform. RVezy approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and the platform verifies your ID securely during checkout, no paperwork shuffle at pickup. Visiting from overseas? Pair your home license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you are ready to explore the Chain of Lakes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Bellaire protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Bellaire booked through RVezy includes a protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit M-88 with real peace of mind. You choose your protection level during checkout, not the host, so you can match coverage to your trip. The plans help cover physical damage to the RV from collision, weather, and on-road incidents, giving you meaningful financial protection beyond what a standard host listing offers. Pro tip: if you are planning to tow a kayak trailer to Grass River Natural Area or Lake Bellaire, mention it to your host through RVezy messaging so add-ons like hitch wiring are sorted before pickup.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Bellaire RV trip?
Booking your Bellaire RV trip is low-risk because RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and it includes a money-back grace period right after you book. The exact refund depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. Because Northern Michigan weather can swing fast, especially in shoulder season, this standardized flexibility is a real perk. You will not see cancellation terms on individual listings since they are set by RVezy: just review them at checkout. Pro tip: book early for Short's Brewing Company anniversary weekend, then relax knowing you have a clear refund policy to fall back on.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Bellaire, MI?
Yes, Bellaire is a great dog town and pet-friendly RV rentals in Bellaire are easy to find on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you will see hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots (some charge a small pet fee, listed up front on the listing). Once you are here, dogs are welcome on-leash at the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area trail system, the boardwalks of Grass River Natural Area, and the sandy shore of Barnes Park on Grand Traverse Bay. Pro tip: Chain O' Lakes Campground just south of town on M-88 allows leashed pets at most sites, making it an easy first stop for a family RV trip in Bellaire with the pup.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Bellaire%2C%20MichiganCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Bellaire?
Yes, RV delivery in Bellaire is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts in the Antrim County area will deliver and set up the rig at popular spots like Chain O' Lakes Campground, Shanty Creek Resorts, Barnes Park on Grand Traverse Bay, or even a private cottage driveway on Lake Bellaire. They'll level it, connect the hookups, run through systems with you, and pick it up at the end so you never have to drive or back it in. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy and check the host's delivery radius and fee, most cover anywhere within 30 miles of Bellaire for a flat rate.
michigan.org/city/bellaireHow far can I drive on a Bellaire RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got plenty of road to explore, and RV rentals with unlimited mileage do exist on RVezy in Bellaire, you'll see them flagged right on the listing. Most hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) with a small per-mile fee beyond that, which is more than enough for typical loops around the Chain of Lakes. From Bellaire it's about 35 miles to Traverse City, 30 miles to Charlevoix, 60 miles to Petoskey, 75 miles to Mackinaw City, and 105 miles to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pro tip: if you're planning a longer RV road trip from Bellaire toward the Upper Peninsula, filter for unlimited-mileage listings before you book.
michigan.gov/mdotWhere are the best campgrounds near Bellaire, MI to park my RV?
Bellaire is spoiled for great RV camping options, all within a short drive of downtown. Chain O' Lakes Campground at 7231 S M-88 is the closest, with 89 sites, full hookups, and direct access to Intermediate Lake. Honcho Rest Campground on Intermediate Lake is a quiet, family-run option with shaded sites. Barnes Park Campground in Eastport (about 20 minutes west) sits right on Grand Traverse Bay with sandy beach access and Petoskey stone hunting. For more amenities, Whispering Woods RV Resort in Mancelona offers full hookups and a pool. Pro tip: reserve Chain O' Lakes 4 to 6 months ahead for July and August weekends, it fills fast for Short's Brewing events.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parksWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Bellaire?
Late June through mid-September is the sweet spot for RV camping in Bellaire, with warm days in the 75 to 82 F range and cool sleeping weather around 55 F at night, ideal for Torch Lake swimming and Chain of Lakes paddling. Late September into early October is a local favorite for fall color tours when the maples and oaks around Glacial Hills explode into reds and golds. Winter is a real season here too: Shanty Creek's ski runs and Antrim County's groomed snowmobile trails (over 100 miles) make a winter RV rental in Bellaire an actual adventure if your rig is four-season equipped. Pro tip: book around the August Rubber Ducky Festival for the best town vibe.
weather.gov/apx/I've never driven an RV before. Is Bellaire a good place to start?
Bellaire is one of the most beginner-friendly RV destinations in Michigan, so first time renting an RV here is a smart call. The roads around Antrim County, M-88, US-31, and County Road 593, are wide, well-maintained, and refreshingly free of big-city traffic. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through the propane, water, slide-outs, and dump procedure so you're not guessing later. You can also message your host straight from the listing with questions before you book. Pro tip: ask for a travel trailer or Class C under 25 feet for your first trip, they're easy to park at Chain O' Lakes and turn around on the narrow lake roads near Clam Lake.
michigan.gov/sos/license-id/driver-educationWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Bellaire trip?
You are covered: every RVezy booking in Bellaire includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you are stuck on M-88 or out near Torch Lake. Roadside support handles flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to a qualified service center. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app for quick troubleshooting on quirks specific to their rig. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number in your phone before you leave the driveway. Cell service is solid in downtown Bellaire and along US-31 but gets patchy on the back roads near Grass River Natural Area.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Bellaire RV rental on an interstate or cross-border road trip?
Yes, an RV road trip from Bellaire opens up some of the Midwest's best driving. Popular routes include the 30-mile run to Charlevoix and Petoskey along US-31, the 105-mile haul to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the 75-mile drive over the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula, and the 200-mile loop down to Ludington State Park. Cross-border travel to Canada is sometimes allowed depending on the host and their insurance, message the host directly through the listing to confirm before booking, and bring your passport. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: the M-22 scenic loop from Bellaire through Leelanau Peninsula is bucket-list driving in October.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat should I budget for fuel on a Bellaire RV trip?
Fuel is a manageable part of the budget for most Bellaire RV trips. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, and larger Class A coaches sit around 6 to 10 MPG. Michigan gas prices in the Bellaire area tend to track close to the state average, often slightly higher in summer tourist months. For a typical 4-night loop covering 300 miles in a Class C, plan on roughly $120 to $180 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Mancelona or Kalkaska on your way in, prices there are usually a few cents cheaper than the stations right in downtown Bellaire.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Bellaire?
For peak summer (July and August) and fall color weekends in late September, book your Bellaire-area campground 4 to 6 months ahead, especially for waterfront sites at Barnes Park or full-hookup sites at Chain O' Lakes Campground. Michigan State Parks like Fisherman's Island (35 miles north in Charlevoix) and Young State Park (40 miles north in Boyne City) accept reservations up to 6 months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system at MiDNRReservations.com. Private parks like Honcho Rest and Whispering Woods often book directly through their own websites. Pro tip: shoulder-season midweek stays (Sunday through Thursday in June or early September) usually have last-minute availability and quieter sites with the same gorgeous lake views.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parks/reservationsWhat are driving conditions like around Bellaire?
Driving around Bellaire is genuinely relaxing compared to most US destinations, M-88 and US-31 are two-lane highways with low traffic, wide shoulders, and gentle rolling hills through farmland and forest. The biggest things to watch for: deer at dawn and dusk (Antrim County has a high deer population), narrow lake roads with no shoulders near Torch Lake and Clam Lake, and seasonal frost heaves on county roads in early spring. Winter brings lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan, so if you're booking a winter RV camping trip in Bellaire, ask your host about snow tires and check MDOT's Mi Drive map before heading out. Pro tip: avoid towing a trailer down the steeper grades on Cairn Highway after dark.
mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/mapWhat hookups and dump stations should I expect at Bellaire campgrounds?
Most full-service campgrounds near Bellaire offer 30/50-amp electric, potable water, and sewer hookups at each site, including Chain O' Lakes Campground, Honcho Rest, and Whispering Woods RV Resort. State parks like Young State Park and Fisherman's Island typically have electric and water but require dumping at a central station on your way out. You can also fill fresh water and dump tanks at the Antrim County Road Commission area and several private campgrounds for a small fee even if you're not staying. Pro tip: top off fresh water before heading out to Barnes Park on Grand Traverse Bay since the rustic sites there don't have individual hookups, just a central spigot and a dump station.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parks/amenitiesWhat features and amenities come standard in a Bellaire RV rental?
Motorhome rentals in Bellaire come surprisingly well equipped right out of the gate. Expect a real bed (queen or larger in most Class C and Class A rigs), a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, propane stove, microwave, and a bathroom with toilet and shower. Most rigs include air conditioning, a furnace, a generator or solar setup, awning, and seatbelts for everyone traveling. Many hosts also throw in kitchenware, bedding, and outdoor chairs as part of the booking. Wi-Fi and TV vary by listing, so check the amenities tab. Pro tip: in Bellaire's tree-shaded campgrounds, satellite TV can be spotty, ask your host about a cellular hotspot if streaming matters during the rainy days at Grass River Natural Area.
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.93What add-ons and pickup options can I get with my campervan rental Bellaire?
Hosts on RVezy offer plenty of useful add-ons to customize your campervan rental in Bellaire. Common options include kayak or paddleboard racks (perfect for the Chain of Lakes Water Trail), bike racks for the Glacial Hills singletrack, generators, propane refills, linens and towel packages, camp chairs, outdoor grills, and pet packages. Pickup is usually at the host's location near Bellaire, Mancelona, or Kalkaska, or you can pay for delivery to your campground. Mileage policies and add-on fees are listed clearly on every listing before you book, so there are no surprises. Pro tip: ask your host for a Paddle Antrim water trail map at pickup, several hosts include them free and they make planning lake hops a breeze.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/boatingHow does payment and the security deposit work for a Bellaire RV rental?
Payment for your RV rental in Bellaire happens securely through the RVezy platform, no cash and no awkward driveway transactions. You pay your trip total with a credit or debit card at booking, and a refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card shortly before your trip start date. The deposit (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV) is released after the host confirms the rig comes back in good shape. To avoid hiccups, do a thorough walkthrough at pickup, take dated photos of the exterior and interior, and report anything new before driving off. Pro tip: keep all communication inside the RVezy app, it is your built-in record if any deposit questions come up later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksHow do I handle cold weather if I want to RV in Bellaire during ski season?
A winter RV trip in Bellaire is genuinely magical, Shanty Creek's slopes are 5 minutes from downtown and the snowmobile trails connect right into Antrim County's network. To make it work, filter for four-season RVs on RVezy: look for heated and enclosed holding tanks, a strong propane furnace, skirting options, and shore power compatibility for 30/50-amp hookups. Many Bellaire hosts winterize for the off-season, so message before booking November through March to confirm winter availability. Temperatures here regularly drop to 15 to 25 F at night in January with 2 to 4 feet of seasonal snowfall. Pro tip: book a site with full hookups at a winter-open park and use a heated water hose to keep your fresh water line from freezing.
weather.gov/apx/winterNearby cities with campgrounds
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