Here is a question for you folks who have been to Ludington and Platte River campground.We are planning our very first trip to Michigan and have narrowed our destinations to two. Ludington or Platte River. I have some questions as we are planning a June 18th to 25th trip;- Would you go to Ludington or Platt River? We are planning a 7 night trip. Would you do both?- Will the weather be warm enough to enjoy the rivers and lakes?- Black Flies. What are the black flies like during that time of year?- Are there plenty of things to do?- Would you go in July rather than late June?Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

We have stayed at both. I like the Platt river campground myself. This is a federal park so you are subject to the federal park fees. Nice area to explore and enjoy the lakes and dunes. Ludington is also a good spot more to do in the way of town type stuff.another choice in between is Orchard beach state park in Manastee. I like Manistee and the little shops etc.. You can wait untill July and the weather will most likely be warmer as well as the lake temps. you will also have fewer camping choices as you will be at the peak season. I have not experienced black flies in the areas where you are considering.

Thank you. Orchard Beach looks real nice since it is right on the water. We want to canoe, swim, tube and explore the area. Do you know if that is offered in that area? I was also looking at Petoskey State Park as well.

I have stayed at all of the above campgrounds. For the best campground I would definitely recommend Poncho's pond in Ludington. If you want to stay in one place and see things from Ludington to Sleeping Bear I would recommend Little River casino campground just north of Manistee.

I would stay in whichever one you can get reservations for. And for those dates I would be on the site right now. They can be very tough to get into during the summer.

You'll enjoy either, you can't go wrong. They both have plenty to offer. If I was me, I'd choose ludington. The state park is wonderful although sites are small and dirt, the park itself had plenty of activities. Make reservations immediately.

Ludington VS Sleeping Bear / Platte River Campground

20 Replies

Opie431
Explorer
Jan 01, 2016
Platt River has sites that are large and private which is what we like. Most of the sites have electricity but one loop does not. Get your reservation in now as ever since someone came out with the information that they have the best NP sites they fill up fast,
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Dec 31, 2015
When you get to Sleeping Bear Dunes you'll know why there are no reservations left. :) It's a beauty!
michigansandzil
Explorer
Dec 31, 2015
bgradert wrote:
I made my reservation 6 months out last week. Checked it today, sold out. Crazy.

Yep, normal. There is no spontaneity when it comes to camping near Lake Michigan in the summer at a state park.
stripit
Explorer
Dec 30, 2015
This place is about 1/2 hour East of Ludington, but well worth the drive. If you can find the time to spend a night inbetween one of the other parks you decided to go to you will find an amazing place in the woods. Pere Marquette Oaks, RV Resort
brirene
Explorer
Dec 30, 2015
Actually, normal. Glad you were able to get some dates. Have a great time!
bgradert
Explorer
Dec 30, 2015
I made my reservation 6 months out last week. Checked it today, sold out. Crazy.
camperforlife
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015
You can't go wrong with either. As someone else said, plan early as getting reservations can be challenging. If you can't get in an want to stay around Ludington, Pancho's Pond is a decent alternative for a private CG.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015
bgradert wrote:
Thank you so much. ! Like Parrothead Mike said, there is always next year!

Do you know if there are any Fourth of July activities in that area? We are either thinking the last week of June or fourth of July week.

Just a note on your possible dates: The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is July 2-9, 2016. Lots of parades, air show, and the usual festival happenings.
ericosmith
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015
bgradert wrote:
Thank you so much. ! Like Parrothead Mike said, there is always next year!

Do you know if there are any Fourth of July activities in that area? We are either thinking the last week of June or fourth of July week.

Don't know if they'll do it this summer but often the SS Badger has an evening cruise along the lakeshore on the 4th which ends with viewing the fireworks from out on the lake.
bgradert
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015
Well I went ahead and booked three days in Holland and 5 nights at Platte River. Were going to save Ludington for another time!