Forum Discussion

jabres's avatar
jabres
Explorer II
Feb 24, 2018

Petoskey RV Resort, or Yogi Bear South Haven? Michigan

Finally have it narrowed down between two campgrounds. Any opinions on which place we would enjoy more? Trip would be end of July, and would be two families, and 5 total kids. Oldest being 6, and youngest being newborn.
Yogi Bear South Haven would be 3 hours less of a drive.. But Petoskey seems like a nice place. Yogi seems to have more for children to do... Its a toss up! Petoskey is actually tad bit cheaper also!
Anyone been to either place? Wasn't sure if Petoskey is much of a tourist area, and young children friendly?
Thanks in advance!!!
  • Lar_s's avatar
    Lar_s
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2018
    Petoskey and Charlevoix plus Mackinac Island are all fun, but with kids, I'd go for Holland. Been in both places and I'd choose Petoskey for myself, but seldom made it a destination with our grandkids.

    My 2 cents worth.
  • jabres's avatar
    jabres
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2018
    Lar's- Thanks for the advice! Anything in particular as a "must see" in south haven for the kids? Or Holland? Staying in Holland isn't an option, we needed a cabin and campsite next to each other, and could only find this in two listen campgrounds
  • ericosmith's avatar
    ericosmith
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2018
    I'm not sure either city has a lot for younger kids but I think in your place I'd go for South Haven. They have a maritime museum which offers rides on an sailing schooner and a nice beach on Lake Michigan. Not too far south there is a Children's Museum in St. Joe which might work, at least for the older kids. To me, South Haven is more laid back small town and Petoskey more upscale and larger.
  • jabres's avatar
    jabres
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2018
    Ericosmith- Any beaches in Petoskey? Thanks for the info, its appreciated!
  • dalenoel's avatar
    dalenoel
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2018
    Petoskey has the beaches also and the access to Lake Michigan for day trips. For the state park it is different. I had a 34' trailer and had a hard time in most of the sites. Would not take my motorhome there as we would not get into most sites.

    Yogi will have more for the kids. You could go to Muskegon and tour the submarine also.
  • hornet28's avatar
    hornet28
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2018
    Muskegon also has the LST with Normandy Invasion history and now this year a River Patrol Boat of the Vietnam era
  • LowRyter's avatar
    LowRyter
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2018
    The wife and I have made a point at going to (South Haven) Van Buren State Park twice now. We went after camping at the Indy 500.

    It's right on the lake and has a nice sandy beach. Just a gorgeous place. It's a scenic drive to Saugatuck. Both towns offer boat tours, shopping and beaches. Just a lovely area. Pretty neat little bar & grill, The Curve. Also Gilmore car museum in Battle Creek.

    One of my favorite places to camp.
  • hornet28's avatar
    hornet28
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2018
    The Gilmore Museum isn't in Battle Creek it's at Hickory Corners closer to Plainwell
  • ericosmith's avatar
    ericosmith
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2018
    As I recall, the only beach in Petoskey is the State Park. I'm not sure how far that is from the campground you're looking at. South Haven has two City beaches as well as the State Park. The City beaches are pretty much a straight shot about 6 miles down the road from the campground.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Feb 25, 2018
    If you are going to be anywhere near Petoskey see if the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band is performing during your stay. An amazing musical treat.

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