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114 campgrounds and RV Parks near South Boardman, MI. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
114 campgrounds
9107 campsites
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From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near South Boardman, MI
Vista Green RV Resort
South Boardman, MI (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Kalkaska RV Park and Campground
Kalkaska, MI (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+7
Fox Run Family Campground and RV Park
Michigan (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+5
Log Lake Campground
Kalkaska, MI (10 miles away)
Timber Ridge Resort
Traverse City, MI (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(197 sites)
+14
Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
Manton, MI (13 miles away)
Traverse Bay RV Resort
Michigan (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(217 sites)
+4
Everflowing Waters Campground
Michigan (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+3
Traverse City State Park Campground
Traverse City, MI (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(343 sites)
+8
The Campground
Manton, MI (17 miles away)
Northwestern Michigan Fair Assoc Campground
Traverse City, MI (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(133 sites)
+5
Holiday Park Campground
Traverse City, MI (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(214 sites)
+9
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Grills Dump station Playground Toilets Showers Firewood Internet Laundry
Campgrounds near South Boardman, Michigan
South Boardman is an unincorporated community in Kalkaska County in northern Lower Michigan, positioned between Traverse City to the west and the Manistee River corridor to the east. The area sits within a humid continental climate zone, surrounded by state forest land, small inland lakes, and the Boardman River watershed. It functions as a quiet base for RV travelers who want proximity to Grand Traverse Bay attractions without staying in a busier resort town.
RV options within a short drive include Vista Green RV Resort in South Boardman itself, Kalkaska RV Park and Campground and Log Lake Campground near the village of Kalkaska, Fox Run Family Campground and RV Park, and Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground to the southeast. Private parks in this corridor tend to offer full hookups and family amenities, while nearby state forest campgrounds provide more rustic sites.
Kalkaska County contains extensive public land, and the North Country Trail passes through the surrounding forest, giving guests trail access from several campgrounds.
Things to do near South Boardman
Water activities anchor most itineraries. Log Lake supports swimming and fishing, and the area offers golf courses, canoe liveries, and fly fishing on nearby rivers. The Boardman River is one of the top ten trout streams in Michigan, with 36 river miles designated as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, and sections are a state-designated Natural River, drawing paddlers and anglers.
Traverse City sits roughly 30 miles northwest and offers Lake Michigan beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore day trips, and the region's wineries and cider houses. Turtle Creek Casino is a short drive from the Kalkaska area.
For land-based activity, the region has extensive ORV and snowmobile trail networks, mountain biking through state forest, and access to the North Country Trail. Families often combine a beach day at Grand Traverse Bay with an afternoon on a smaller inland lake closer to camp.
Camping spots and RV parks near South Boardman, MI
Seasonal patterns and camping windows
- spring
March - May
50° / 34°F 65 mmParks reopen mid to late spring; cool nights
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 85 mmPeak season; weekends book months ahead
- fall
September - November
54° / 39°F 85 mmFall color early to mid October; wettest stretch
- winter
December - February
27° / 16°F 55 mmDeep snow; most private RV parks closed
Peak season runs from late June through Labor Day, when daytime highs reach the mid-70s Fahrenheit and inland lakes warm enough for swimming. Private parks in the South Boardman and Kalkaska corridor fill quickly on summer weekends, and holiday weekends around Independence Day and Labor Day book out earliest.
Late spring and early fall are quieter. May and September deliver cool nights and warm afternoons, and fall color typically peaks in early to mid-October, drawing leaf-peepers to the hardwood ridges around the Boardman and Manistee rivers. Early fall tends to be the wettest stretch, so rain gear is worth packing.
Winter is long and snowy. Kalkaska County averages 101 inches of snow per year, and most private RV parks close between mid-October and mid-April. Some state forest campgrounds remain accessible in winter for trail users, though services are minimal.
Top Hosts near South Boardman, 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
Cobe2 trips - Joined Jun 2026
Great experience!!!!
Travis S. - Aug 2026
How to book campgrounds in the area
Private RV parks near South Boardman, including Vista Green RV Resort, Kalkaska RV Park and Campground, Fox Run Family Campground and RV Park, and Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Summer weekends and cherry-festival dates in Traverse City should be booked as early as possible, often several months out.
For public land, Michigan DNR campsites, lodging and harbors can be reserved up to six months in advance, and most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The rolling reservation window opens at 8:00 AM Eastern time six months to the day before the arrival date.
A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks, recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds, and state trail parking lots.
What to expect on the ground
Sites in this corridor vary widely. Private parks such as Vista Green RV Resort offer full hookups, larger pull-throughs, and family amenities like pools and laundry. Log Lake Campground and other rustic state forest sites lean simple, with vault toilets, limited water, and no electric hookups. Cell service is generally reliable near US-131 and M-72 but drops off inside forested areas.
Mosquitoes and black flies peak from late May through early July, so screens and repellent matter. Deer and wild turkey are common, and bear sightings occur but are uncommon; standard food-storage practices are sufficient.
Roads into the region are mostly two-lane state highways with easy RV access. Groceries, fuel, propane, and RV supplies are available in Kalkaska and Traverse City. Smaller inland lake access points can have tight turnarounds, so scouting ahead with a larger rig is wise.
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 South Boardman, MI
How much does it cost to rent an RV in South Boardman, MI?
RV rental in South Boardman is an affordable way to explore Northern Michigan. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes run from $250 to $400 per night. Rates peak from late June through Labor Day when Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes draw crowds. For a cheap RV rental in South Boardman, target mid-May or September shoulder weeks, when nightly rates often drop 20 to 30 percent. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and look for hosts offering weekly discounts to maximize savings on your Northern Michigan getaway.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Boardman%2C%20MichiganDo I need a special license to rent an RV in South Boardman, Michigan?
Great news for first-time renters: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in South Boardman. Michigan does not require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or special endorsement for RVs under 26,000 pounds, which covers virtually every camper van, travel trailer, Class C, and most Class A motorhomes on RVezy. Approved RVezy renters are generally 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from another state or country? Your home-state license, or an International Driving Permit paired with your foreign license, works for your South Boardman RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest reasons travelers choose RVezy for a Michigan RV trip. Every booking includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're covered for most damage to the vehicle and have a real person to call if you blow a tire on US-131 or run into trouble on a forest road near Kalkaska. During booking you choose from multiple protection plan tiers based on the coverage level you want; the choice is yours, not the host's. The protection plan gives you peace of mind, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Book with confidence and focus on enjoying the lakes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my South Boardman RV rental?
You can book with peace of mind. RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every booking, not the host, and there is a grace-period window after booking where you can receive a full refund, plus structured options as your trip approaches. Northern Michigan is famous for surprise lake-effect storms, so RVezy also has provisions for major disruptions like natural disasters. Full details are available on the RVezy Help Center, which walks you through each scenario. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Traverse City area RVs, knowing your cancellation policy is built-in protection.
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 South Boardman?
Yes, your pup is welcome on plenty of adventures here. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in South Boardman, toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you will see hosts who welcome dogs (some allow cats too). Northern Michigan is dog-friendly: leashed pets are welcome at most Michigan state forest campgrounds, on the beaches at Traverse City State Park, and along the TART Trail. The Pere Marquette State Forest around South Boardman has miles of pet-friendly two-track. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees (often $10 to $25 per stay) and ask about their favorite local dog-friendly trail.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/state-parks/petsCan the RV be delivered to my campground near South Boardman?
Yes, RV delivery in South Boardman is a popular option, especially for first-timers. Many hosts will drive the RV directly to your campsite at Ranch Rudolf, a state forest campground like Guernsey Lake, or another nearby site, then level it, hook up the utilities, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees commonly run $2 to $4 per mile, and some hosts offer free delivery within 15 to 25 miles. Delivery is ideal if you are flying into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City and prefer not to drive a large rig on day one. Filter by Delivery on RVezy and message the host to confirm your campground address.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Boardman%2C%20MichiganHow does mileage work, and can I find an RV rental with unlimited mileage?
You have flexible options. Most hosts in the South Boardman area include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with extra miles billed at around $0.30 to $0.45 each. Some hosts offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is great if you are planning a wider Michigan RV trip up to Mackinac or down to Ludington. From South Boardman, popular drives include Traverse City (about 25 miles), Sleeping Bear Dunes (about 55 miles), Mackinaw City (about 110 miles), and Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula (about 230 miles). Pro tip: use the mileage filter on RVezy and message hosts directly if you need a custom mileage package for a longer Northern Michigan loop.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Boardman%2C%20MichiganWhat are the best campgrounds near South Boardman, MI?
You have great options nearby. Top campgrounds near South Boardman include Ranch Rudolf on the Boardman River, known for tubing and trout fishing; Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground for rustic lake-view sites; and Traverse City State Park (about 25 miles north) with beach access on East Grand Traverse Bay. For a family-friendly option with a pool and activities, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park near Kalkaska is a solid pick. Interlochen State Park to the west is another popular choice with two lakes and modern sites. Pro tip: Michigan state park sites can be booked up to six months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com, and summer weekends fill quickly, so reserve as soon as your dates are locked in.
midnrreservations.com/When is the best time to visit South Boardman in an RV?
Late June through early September is prime time for RV camping in South Boardman, with daytime highs typically in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and warm lake water for swimming. A great local secret is September into early October, when summer crowds thin out, nights are crisp (40s to 50s Fahrenheit), and the surrounding Pere Marquette State Forest turns red and gold with fall color. Spring (May to mid-June) brings blossoming cherry orchards around Traverse City and morel mushroom hunting. Winters are snowy with averages well below freezing and many private campgrounds close, so summer or shoulder-season trips are easiest. Pro tip: plan around the National Cherry Festival in early July only if you love festivals, because the area gets very busy.
weather.gov/apx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay?
You'll do great, and South Boardman is one of the easier places to learn. The roads here (US-131, M-72, and county routes) are wide, lightly trafficked, and far from big-city congestion. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, showing you how to operate the generator, slide-outs, awning, water tanks, and dump valves before you leave. If you prefer to skip the driving on day one, choose a host who delivers and sets up the RV at your campsite. First time renting an RV? Go with a Class C motorhome or a smaller travel trailer (under 24 feet), which drive much like a large pickup. You'll feel confident within an hour.
rvezy.com/blog/first-time-rv-rental-tipsWhat happens if I break down or have a problem on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance with the protection plan, so whether you have a flat on M-72, a dead battery at Guernsey Lake, or a lockout outside Kalkaska, help is one phone call away. Roadside assistance covers tows, tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Your host is also reachable through the RVezy app to walk you through small issues like resetting the generator or troubleshooting the water pump. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after every trip. Pro tip: take a quick photo of the orientation checklist during pickup so you can reference it later from your campsite.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat are the best RV road trips from South Boardman?
South Boardman is a great launchpad for an RV road trip. Top routes include about 25 miles northwest to Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail, about 55 miles west to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, about 110 miles north to Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge, and about 110 miles southwest to Ludington State Park on Lake Michigan. Adventurous travelers cross the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula for Tahquamenon Falls (about 200 miles). Cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and protection plan, but Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental. Message hosts directly to confirm cross-border plans before booking.
nps.gov/slbe/index.htmWhat kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how much will gas cost?
Budgeting for fuel is easier than you think. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 mpg, Class B camper vans 16 to 20 mpg, and trucks towing travel trailers average 10 to 14 mpg. Gas prices in Michigan generally track close to the national average, with stations in Kalkaska and Traverse City being your closest fill-ups from South Boardman. A typical weekend loop (South Boardman to Sleeping Bear Dunes and back, roughly 130 miles) costs about $45 to $75 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: top off in Kalkaska before heading into the state forest, where gas stations are sparse, and use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest pumps along US-131.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near South Boardman?
For summer weekends, book as early as you can. Michigan state park and state forest campsites open for reservations six months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com, and popular spots like Traverse City State Park and Interlochen State Park can sell out within minutes of opening for Fourth of July and Cherry Festival weekends. Private resorts and Jellystone near Kalkaska also fill quickly. For weekdays or shoulder season (May, September, October), you can often book just 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Pro tip: if your first-choice state park is full, check again a few days before arrival, when cancellations frequently free up sites.
midnrreservations.com/What are driving conditions like around South Boardman?
Driving here is refreshingly relaxed. South Boardman sits in rural Kalkaska County with quiet two-lane roads, gentle rolling hills, and very little traffic outside Traverse City. The main route, US-131, is a well-maintained highway that handles big rigs comfortably. Watch for two things: white-tailed deer (especially at dawn and dusk on M-72 and county roads), and lake-effect snow squalls if you are traveling November through April. Summer roads are smooth and easy. Avoid downtown Traverse City's Front Street area with anything over 25 feet during Cherry Festival week (early July), when parking and turning radius get tight. Pro tip: take the M-37 cherry-orchard route for a scenic, low-stress drive up the Old Mission Peninsula.
michigan.gov/mdotWhat hookups and amenities can I expect at South Boardman area campgrounds?
You will find a full range of options. Private RV resorts in the region offer full hookups (water, 30/50-amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, and laundry. Michigan state parks like Traverse City State Park offer modern sites with electric and water, plus a centralized dump station. State forest campgrounds in the Pere Marquette near South Boardman, including Guernsey Lake and Forks, are rustic with vault toilets, hand pumps for potable water, and no hookups, which is perfect for self-contained RVs. Free dump stations are available at most Michigan state parks for registered campers. Pro tip: fill your fresh water tank before heading into rustic state forest sites, and pack a 25-foot drinking-water hose so you can reach hookup posts no matter the site layout.
michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping-and-lodgingWhat's actually inside the RV rentals around South Boardman?
More than you might expect. Most motorhome rentals in South Boardman come fully equipped with a real bed (queen or king in the master), a full kitchen with fridge/freezer, stove, microwave, and sink, a private bathroom with shower and toilet, a dining table, climate control, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a flat-screen TV, Bluetooth stereo, and a generator for off-grid power. Class B camper vans trim things down but still pack a kitchenette and convertible bed. Wi-Fi varies: some hosts include a mobile hotspot, others do not, so ask. Pro tip: message the host to confirm sleeps count, generator hours included, and whether linens and kitchen kits come standard or as an add-on.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Boardman%2C%20MichiganWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts offer a wide range of helpful extras. Common add-ons for a campervan rental in South Boardman or motorhome rental in South Boardman include kitchen kits ($25 to $50), bedding and linens ($15 to $35 per person), camp chairs and outdoor mats ($15 to $25), bikes, kayaks, generators, and propane refills. Pickup is typically at the host's home or RV storage lot in or near South Boardman, Kalkaska, or Traverse City, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included. Some hosts allow early pickup or late drop-off for a small fee, so just ask. Pro tip: bundle the kitchen and bedding kits if it's your first family RV trip in South Boardman, since it saves a stressful supply run and gets you to the campfire faster.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Boardman%2C%20MichiganHow do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
It is straightforward and secure. Payment is handled entirely through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which keeps your transaction protected. Most hosts require a refundable security deposit, typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV. The deposit is separate from your booking payment and is released after the trip ends, assuming the RV is returned in the same condition. To avoid issues, walk around the RV with the host at pickup and drop-off, take date-stamped photos of any pre-existing dings, and return the rig with the fuel and propane levels noted in your agreement. Pro tip: keep all communication in the RVezy app so any disputes have a clear paper trail.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in South Boardman during winter, and what about cold-weather prep?
Yes, and a winter RV camping trip in South Boardman can be magical, with frosted pines in the Pere Marquette and snowmobile trails nearby. Some hosts on RVezy list four-season RVs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and propane furnaces designed for Michigan winters where temperatures regularly dip below 10 Fahrenheit. If you want a winter rental, filter for four-season or message hosts to confirm cold-weather readiness. You will want a campground with shore power that stays open year-round, plus a heated water hose to prevent freezing lines. Pro tip: ask your host about adding extra propane tanks, since a Northern Michigan cold snap can burn through one 20-pound tank in 24 to 36 hours.
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