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camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature

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Property grounds
Property grounds
Shower
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

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PETOSKEY, MI
  • Place, Bear River
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Odawa Casino
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Petoskey

This campground places you next to Bear River and within a 3 miles (5 km) of Bear River Park.
View more RV Parks in PetoskeyOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Bear River - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Odawa Casino - 6 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital - 7 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area - 17 min drive - 12.4 miles
  • Boyne Mountain - 18 min drive - 16.8 miles

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mi Tequila - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Julienne Tomatoes - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lucky’s Prime Time - ‬7 min drive

About this property

camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature

5 minutes to downtown Petoskey and Lake Michigan . great food and shopping. situated on bear river, must be self contained, includes garbage removal, has a shared shower house with full amenities, no power or sewage hook up in camping area. canoe kayak and paddle board rentals a few minutes away- or bring your own. 5 campsites available,Whispering pines : tent or small camper- Rabbit Run: tent or small camper, Little Bear Bend large camper or tents, Fern Gully, Rivers Edge.these are very spacious lots . Grills ,fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Available May-October.water available at barn, see your host also port o john on perfect for small campers or tents

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Crown Choice Inn & Suites Lakeview & Waterpark
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6.4 out of 10, 1,009 reviews
$88 nightly
The price is $95
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Things to do

  • Kayak

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 12:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 12:30 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this campground?

This campground is located in Petoskey within a short 2-minute walk of Bear River. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Odawa Casino within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this campground?

No, this campground doesn't offer parking.

Is this campground adjacent to a casino?

No, this campground is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this campground?

No, there is no indoor pool at this campground.

Does camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this campground.

Does this campground offer breakfast?

No, this campground doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this campground allow pets to stay for free?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this campground.

Where is the closest airport to this campground?

The closest major airport to this campground is Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional), which is 21.5 mi away (31 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature.

camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quant camping site with a great vibe! Shower room was very nice with a space heater, needed for a cool September morning. We will stay here again, when in the area. Close to all the things to do in the area. Great communication from the host.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kellie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
The stay here was great. The loacation to town was great. The noise was a little bothersome because you could hear the road but wasn't a huge deal. The river was nice to dip our toes in but is fast moving so couldn't really swim in it. The size of the camp site was great. We had it all to ourselves this week and the porto potty was nice and clean. The shower house was awesome. It was clean and the heater was a nice touch for a chilly night while showering. It was great to have a grill and picnic table and campfire ring all there to be used. Check in instructions could be a little clearer in the email. You enter in the driveway right across frm the canoe rental not the driveway the gps has you go to. Overall we would recommend this place. My kids loved it and want to come back again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haeden

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice camp site, feels secluded/private. Good spacing between other campers. You’ll have fun!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Liked: Cleanliness
This spot is close to downtown Petoskey, yet far enough that you feel away from it all. We rented a canoe and did 5 miles down the Bear river, which brought us back to the camp site. Beautiful scenery and peaceful. The bathroom/shower house was clean and had plenty of hot water. Don't forget the bug spray, being close to the river did bring mosquitoes. We had a great anniversary weekend and would definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nemo G.

Liked: Cleanliness

An unexpected surprise!

My Uncle, Mother and I were just looking for a simple place to set up our tents while we rode our bikes down the East coast of Lake Michigan, but this place blew our expectations out of the water.Coffee, a clean and very nice shower, a nice riverside retreat! Only wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexi M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun Camping Spot

My friends and I stayed here for 2 nights. The campsite was clean and easily accessible.We loved having a bathroom and shower nearby. Reeled in a lot of small fish on the river by the campsite.Remember to bring bug spray! We also went kayaking across the street. That was awesome!! Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colton C.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Karen is quick at responding. The location is perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the hottest day of the summer so far but the river was right there to cool off in.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome hidden gem

Karen was great! Greeted us at check in and had prompt communication when we needed her. Awesome spots right next to the river!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammi A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peace

Nice place to get away from it all but yet be close enough to it all! We enjoyed the quiet of the property and the river after sightseeing during the day. Karen was very pleasant when we talked with her. Only negative is the distance from the campsite to the bathhouse. But not a deal breaker for us.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great boondocking site

Great stay. A nice private camping spot with just a few other campers. The owner was very helpful with greeting us and providing information anytime we had a question. There is some road noise since it is close to a road, but being from the city, it did not bother usus
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn T., Cedarburg, Wi

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good location

Great location 8 mins from town. Karen and her husband where very welcoming. Great shower room. Would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Little piece of heaven!

What a wonderful stay we had here! Karen is so accommodating and kind. We had a beautiful spot by the river, and loved kayaking on this river. They are close to downtown and yet you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. I highly recommend camping here! Terry and Nancy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Review

Host was available and accommodating. Nice bathroom and campsite. Enjoyed the experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wow what a lovely little private camp site. We were the only campers at this sweet site. Our tent was set up within feet of a lovely flowing river. Shared bathroom was very clean, warm and walkable from our campsite. Coffee was available in the morning which was perfect. Remember to bring an extra blanket or two as the evenings are cool and sometime a bit damp. Loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Little Bear Bend

Our family loved this getaway! Karen was an excellent host and very responsive. The grounds and bath house were very clean. Everything we needed and close proximity to everything.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Petosky

Nice to have an actual shower!! Good proximity to many nearby attractions. Just an hour to the mackinaw ferry and an hour drive to rent a boat for torch lake. Lovely hostess!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quick camping getaway

Excellent stay! Karen was an exceptional host. Enjoyed the property and the bathroom set up to allow for showers. The fall colors were stunning. Enjoyed the canoeing as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful setting

Everything was amazing! I only wish with only 1 bath house that there was a porta John or something in the rustic part. 4 different rentals sharing 1 bathroom can be a bit difficult
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike S., Woodstock, Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness

Rural Petoskey

Beautiful location just outside Petoskey.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clint D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful campsite on the Near River

We loved our stay at this location! There are two sites and a cabin (separated by a path through the woods) but we had the privilege of having the whole place to ourselves. The bathroom/shower is quite nice and even had a heater for cold northern nights. The host was wonderful and quite attentive when we had questions. The ground is plant covered and the dirt is easy to put stakes in. Lots of little fish in the river. We didn't catch anything large, but my boys had fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Camp

The property is beautiful and in a great location for exploring petosky. Karen was very nice and helpful. She also owns a canoe livery across the street which could be a fun thing to explore while staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023