Traverse City State Park is right in town, surrounded by motels etc. It is across the busy highway from the bay beach. It always looks quite crowded. There is D.H.Day park in Glen Arbor. I don't think it has electricity etc., just the basics, but right on L. Michigan near S.B. Dunes, wonderful sand beach everywhere and a quick drive to Traverse City and up the Leelenau Peninsula. You must take the drive around the Peninsula. I would spend 3 nights in T.C. area because of the wonderful little towns, scenery, hiking trails and shopping. Hope this helps.

There is a campground on Leelanau Penn too that is more rustic but not sure if you can reserve in advance. Also there are national forest campgrounds near Glen Arbor where you can canoe or tube.

marking