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115 campgrounds and RV Parks near Kalkaska, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
115 campgrounds
9436 campsites
57 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Kalkaska, MI
Kalkaska RV Park and Campground
Kalkaska, MI (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+7
Log Lake Campground
Kalkaska, MI (2 miles away)
Vista Green RV Resort
South Boardman, MI (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Antrim Meadows Campground
Mancelona, MI (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+10
Chain-O-Lakes Campground
Bellaire, MI (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(89 sites)
+9
Starlight Campground and RV Park
Mancelona, MI (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+9
Traverse Bay RV Resort
Michigan (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(217 sites)
+4
Everflowing Waters Campground
Michigan (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+3
Timber Ridge Resort
Traverse City, MI (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(197 sites)
+14
Honcho Rest Campground
Elk Rapids, MI (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+7
Traverse City State Park Campground
Traverse City, MI (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(343 sites)
+8
Fox Run Family Campground and RV Park
Michigan (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Grills Dump station Playground Toilets Showers Firewood Laundry Internet
Campgrounds near Kalkaska, Michigan
Kalkaska sits in the northern Lower Peninsula, roughly 25 miles east of Traverse City, surrounded by the Pere Marquette State Forest and a network of inland lakes, trout rivers, and off-road-vehicle trails. The village is known as the Trout Capital of Michigan, and the town works well as an RV base: full-hookup private parks operate within and just outside the village, while rustic state forest campgrounds cluster along nearby lakes and the Manistee and Boardman river corridors.
RV travelers typically choose between two styles of stay. Full-service parks such as Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, Vista Green RV Resort, Antrim Meadows Campground, and Chain-O-Lakes Campground provide electric, water, and sewer hookups, showers, and dump stations. County and township options like Log Lake Campground offer a middle tier with electric sites and lake access.
Every vehicle entering a state-managed park or forest area requires a Recreation Passport, which is typically purchased during annual license plate renewal, so factor that into any trip that mixes private and public sites.
Things to do around Kalkaska
Water defines most itineraries. The Chain of Lakes watershed drains toward Grand Traverse Bay, and its connected lakes are navigable by kayak or small boat, while the Manistee and Boardman rivers draw fly anglers targeting trout. Rustic state forest campgrounds around Kalkaska sit on lake and river shorelines and support boating, paddling, and fishing.
Land-based options are just as strong. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the area and ORV routes cross many of the surrounding forest roads, giving RV travelers access to hiking, mountain biking, and off-road riding from camp. Traverse City, less than 30 minutes west, adds beaches on Grand Traverse Bay, Sleeping Bear Dunes day trips, cherry farms, and downtown dining for evenings off the grill.
Camping spots and RV parks near Kalkaska, MI
When to visit Kalkaska
- spring
March - May
50° / 34°F 65 mmParks reopen in April; overnight freezes linger into May
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 85 mmPeak season; hookup sites fill on weekends
- fall
September - November
55° / 43°F 75 mmFall color peaks late September to mid-October
- winter
December - February
28° / 16°F 55 mmSnowy and cold; most private parks closed
Most private campgrounds in the Kalkaska area operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, opening once overnight freezes ease and winterizing again as hard frost returns. State forest campgrounds along the Manistee and Boardman corridors generally follow a similar window, with a handful of rustic sites accessible year-round for winter camping.
July and August are peak season. The National Trout Festival is held in Kalkaska on the last weekend in April to celebrate the opening of trout season in Michigan, drawing early-season crowds, and Traverse City's Cherry Festival in early July fills hookup sites well in advance. Late June and the first two weeks of September are the sweet spot for warm days, cooler nights, and easier availability. Fall color typically peaks from late September through mid-October across the surrounding hardwoods.
Shoulder-season RVers should pack for cold snaps. April averages a high near 9 C with a low around 1 C, and May highs reach about 18 C with lows near 7 C, so overnight freezes remain possible into late spring.
Top Hosts near Kalkaska, 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
Victoria3 trips - Joined May 2024
Tori and Dalton were so wonderful to work with! The camper was extremely clean and had everything in it that we needed. This was my first experience renting a camper and would recommend working with them to anyone! Thanks again, you two!
Molly H. - Aug 2024
Excellent communication from Victoria. The RV was delivered on time and all my questions were answered. RV came with 4 chairs to place by the fire pit as well.
Tom P. - May 2024
How to book campgrounds near Kalkaska
Private parks including Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, Vista Green RV Resort, Antrim Meadows Campground, and Chain-O-Lakes Campground take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Summer weekends and holiday periods should be booked several weeks to a few months out for full-hookup and pull-through sites.
Michigan state park camping, lodging and harbor reservations can be booked up to six months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation portal, and popular Grand Traverse-area parks sell out quickly for July and August. State forest campgrounds work differently: most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with fees and registration handled at the campground kiosk. Arrive early on Fridays if planning to use them.
What to expect on the ground
Sites at private parks near Kalkaska generally include 30 or 50-amp electric, water, sewer, picnic tables, and fire rings, with dump stations, restrooms, and coin laundry on the property. Log Lake Campground and similar county-run sites lean more rustic, with electric available at some sites and shared facilities.
State forest campgrounds are more basic still. Amenities are typically limited to vault toilets and hand-pump wells for potable water, with no electrical hookups. Rig-length limits matter here: many rustic loops were laid out for shorter units, so measure before committing and confirm site length with the managing office.
Cell coverage is spotty once you leave the village and US-131 corridor, so download maps and reservation confirmations before heading into the state forest.
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 Kalkaska, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Kalkaska, MI?
RV rental in Kalkaska is one of the better values in Northern Michigan compared to nearby Traverse City listings. Expect roughly $90 to $175 per night for travel trailers, $150 to $250 for Class C motorhomes, and $225 and up for larger Class A coaches. Weekly bookings often unlock host discounts, and shoulder-season trips in May or late September can trim 20 to 30 percent off peak summer pricing. To score a cheap RV rental in Kalkaska, filter by Instant Book, set your price range, and book 6 to 10 weeks ahead of the National Trout Festival weekend in late April when local demand spikes. A delivered travel trailer is often cheaper than driving a motorhome plus paying mileage.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Kalkaska%2C%20MichiganDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Kalkaska?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Kalkaska, Michigan. The state does not require a commercial driver's license or any RV-specific endorsement for the motorhomes and trailers available on RVezy, even for larger Class A coaches. Approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during checkout, so there's no paperwork to chase down. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home-country license along with an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. Most first-time renters in Kalkaska are surprised how quick the process is, you can usually go from sign-up to confirmed booking in under 30 minutes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my Kalkaska RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Kalkaska booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the back roads around the Manistee River with confidence. The protection plan helps cover accidental damage to the vehicle, giving you meaningful financial peace of mind. During checkout you choose from multiple protection tiers (the host doesn't pick for you), so you can match the coverage to your comfort level and trip length. If you have questions before booking, RVezy support is available before, during, and after your trip. It's the kind of safety net that turns a first Kalkaska RV trip into a relaxed one.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat's the cancellation policy if my Kalkaska plans change?
Booking an RV rental in Kalkaska is low-risk because RVezy, not the individual host, sets the cancellation policy across the entire marketplace. That means you get a consistent, transparent experience no matter which listing you choose. There is a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund options apply based on how far out you cancel. You will see the full policy details on RVezy's site during checkout, the policy is not displayed inside individual listings. Book early to lock in the best rigs for spring blossom trips or fall color weekends, knowing you have flexibility if life shifts.
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 Kalkaska?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental options in Kalkaska are easy to find on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and a curated list of dog-welcoming rigs appears. Many Kalkaska hosts welcome well-behaved pets for a small cleaning fee, and the area is a dream for dogs: leashed pups are welcome at nearby state forest campgrounds, on the Kalkaska section of the North Country Trail, and along the two-tracks of the Pere Marquette State Forest. Pack a tie-out, fresh water, and tick prevention since the woods here are thick. Message the host before booking to confirm pet specifics, and you will be set for a tail-wagging Kalkaska RV trip.
michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/state-forestsCan the RV be delivered to my Kalkaska campground or cabin?
Yes, RV delivery in Kalkaska is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who would rather skip towing a trailer down M-72 or US-131. Many local hosts will deliver and set up the RV right at your site, whether that is a private park in town, a nearby state forest campground, or a private lakefront lot. They will level the rig, connect hookups, walk you through the systems, and pick it up when you are done. Delivery fees are usually based on mileage from the host's home base. Use the Delivery filter to instantly see hosts who offer it, then message to confirm your exact address.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Kalkaska%2C%20MichiganHow far can I drive on my Kalkaska RV trip?
Mileage policies are set by each host, and you will find plenty of Kalkaska listings offering generous daily allowances, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage for road-trippers. From Kalkaska you are well positioned for short, scenic hops: Traverse City is about 25 miles west, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits roughly 60 miles away, Mackinaw City is about 110 miles north, and Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula is around 175 miles. Each listing clearly shows the included miles per day and the per-mile overage rate, so you can budget exactly. If you are planning a longer RV road trip from Kalkaska up to the Upper Peninsula, filter for unlimited-mileage rigs to keep the math simple.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Kalkaska%2C%20MichiganWhere are the best campgrounds near Kalkaska?
You have great choices for RV camping near Kalkaska. Top picks include Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, a private park in town with full hookups and laundry; Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground, a rustic site west of town with access to the Sand Lakes Quiet Area; and Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground, a quiet lakeside option north of town. For more amenities, Traverse City State Park is a 30-minute drive west along East Grand Traverse Bay. State forest campgrounds here are first-come, first-served and budget-friendly, perfect for spontaneous mid-week stays.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping/state-forest-campgroundsWhen is the best time of year to rent an RV in Kalkaska?
Late June through mid-September is prime time for a Kalkaska RV trip, with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s and warm lake water perfect for swimming at Manistee Lake. Spring (May to early June) brings the National Trout Festival and morel mushroom season, with cooler days in the 60s and chilly nights. Late September into mid-October is a local favorite: fall color along M-72 rivals anywhere in Michigan, crowds thin out, and rental rates drop. Winter rentals are possible for snowmobilers since Kalkaska sits on a major sled trail hub, just book a four-season rig with a furnace and heated tanks and confirm winter readiness with the host.
weather.gov/apx/I've never rented an RV before, will I be okay driving around Kalkaska?
You've got this, first time renting an RV in Kalkaska is genuinely beginner-friendly. The area is rural with wide, low-traffic roads like M-72, M-66, and US-131, and almost no tight urban driving unless you head into downtown Traverse City. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, hookups, slide-outs, and dumping tanks, so you are never left guessing. Class C motorhomes and smaller travel trailers are the easiest for new drivers and the most common Kalkaska listings. If you would rather not drive at all, choose a host who offers delivery and setup. Within a few miles you will feel comfortable, just take wide turns and watch for deer at dawn and dusk.
rvezy.com/blog/first-time-rv-renter-guideWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Kalkaska trip?
You're covered: 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every Kalkaska RV rental booked through RVezy as part of the standard protection plan. Whether you have a flat on County Road 612 heading to Pickerel Lake, a dead battery at Guernsey Lake, or a mechanical issue on US-131, one phone call dispatches help. RVezy's support team is also available around the clock to coordinate with your host and get you back on the road. Kalkaska has local mechanics and auto parts in town, plus full-service options in Traverse City just 25 miles west. Save the roadside number in your phone at pickup and you will have total peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Kalkaska RV rental across state or international borders?
Most RVezy hosts in Kalkaska welcome multi-state trips, which makes sense given Michigan's location, you are a short drive from Wisconsin via the UP, Indiana to the south, and Ohio to the southeast. Popular routes from Kalkaska include heading to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (about 250 miles), down to Indiana Dunes (around 280 miles), or east into Ontario. Cross-border trips into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance details, so message the host directly to confirm before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Always carry your booking confirmation, passport, and ID at border crossings.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Kalkaska RV trip?
Fuel is one of the bigger trip costs, so a quick estimate helps. Travel trailers don't burn fuel themselves but they reduce your tow vehicle's MPG by 30 to 40 percent. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes around 8 to 12 MPG, and Class A coaches roughly 6 to 9 MPG. Michigan gas prices generally track near the national average, and Kalkaska has several stations in town with RV-friendly pull-throughs. For a 300-mile round trip in a Class C, budget around $90 to $130 in gas at current prices. Fuel up in Kalkaska before heading north toward Mackinac, prices climb in the resort towns.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I reserve a campground near Kalkaska?
For Michigan State Park campgrounds with hookups, like Traverse City State Park or Interlochen State Park, book up to 6 months in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system, especially for July and August weekends since sites are released on a rolling 6-month window and the best ones go fast. Private parks like Kalkaska RV Park and Campground typically open reservations a year out and fill summer weekends by spring. The bonus around Kalkaska: rustic state forest campgrounds like Pickerel Lake and Guernsey Lake are first-come, first-served with no reservations, so mid-week or off-peak you can roll up and grab a lakeside site. Always have a backup plan for holiday weekends.
midnrreservations.com/What are the local driving conditions like around Kalkaska?
Driving around Kalkaska is pleasantly low-stress, this is rural Northern Michigan with two-lane state highways, gentle terrain, and very little traffic outside summer weekends. The main routes you will use are M-72, M-66, and US-131, all paved and RV-friendly. Watch for three things: deer (especially dawn and dusk, this is heavy whitetail country), sudden summer thunderstorms that can drop visibility, and frost-heaved pavement in early spring. In winter, lake-effect snow can pile up fast, so if you are booking a winter rig, plan flexible travel days. Avoid narrow seasonal forest roads with larger RVs. Gas stations are sparse north of Kalkaska, top off before heading into the Pigeon River Country.
mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/mapWhat hookups and amenities will I find at Kalkaska-area campgrounds?
You will find two flavors of camping near Kalkaska. Private parks like Kalkaska RV Park and Campground offer full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, hot showers, and laundry. State park campgrounds like Traverse City State Park provide electric and water, modern restrooms, and a sanitation station for dumping. State forest campgrounds (Pickerel Lake, Guernsey Lake, Goose Creek) are rustic with vault toilets and hand-pump water only, no electric or sewer, so you will rely on your RV's battery, fresh tank, and generator. For dump stations and potable water fills between trips, most private parks offer day-use service for a small fee.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping/state-forest-campgroundsWhat's typically included in a Kalkaska RV rental?
Motorhome and travel trailer listings in Kalkaska on RVezy come ready to camp. Expect a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, cookware, dishes), a bathroom with toilet and shower, real beds with linens often included, a dining area, and climate control with furnace and AC. Most rigs sleep 4 to 8, have seatbelts for travel, and include a TV; many have Bluetooth stereos. Larger Class C and Class A motorhomes usually have an onboard generator for boondocking at Pickerel Lake, and many trailers come with solar. Wi-Fi varies, cell-based hotspots work well in Kalkaska town but get spotty in the surrounding state forests. Check each listing's amenities list, hosts in this area tend to over-prepare for camping comfort.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Kalkaska%2C%20MichiganWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect when I rent an RV in Kalkaska?
RV rental hosts in the Kalkaska area offer plenty of optional add-ons to customize your trip: bedding and linen packages, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, propane fire pits, kayaks or SUPs, generators, bike racks, and even kid kits. Pickup is usually at the host's home base in or near Kalkaska, with most offering a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough. Many also offer delivery to area campgrounds for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies typically include 100 to 150 miles per day, with unlimited-mileage options available for road-trippers. Each listing clearly displays add-ons, mileage, and pickup logistics, so there are no surprises. Message the host to bundle extras and sometimes save a few dollars.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Kalkaska%2C%20MichiganHow does payment and the security deposit work for a Kalkaska RV rental?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at checkout using a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which protects you and keeps your booking under platform support. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment before the trip and released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid any deposit hiccups, snap photos at pickup and dropoff, return the rig clean with tanks emptied as instructed, refuel to the agreed level, and stay within the mileage allowance. Review the listing's cleaning and dump-station policy during your walkthrough so you and the host are fully aligned.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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