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

Campground in Petoskey

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

Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Property grounds
Interior
Property grounds
Nestled along the serene Bear River, Whispering Pines Campground is a tranquil retreat. With campsites like Whispering Pines and Rabbit Run perfect for tents or small campers, and Little Bear Bend ideal for large campers or tents, each site offers grills, fire rings, picnic tables.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

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

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

Similar properties

Exterior detail

Cute little campground -campsite in Petoskey with nature views

  • Pet friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, 3 reviews
Cute little campground -campsite in Petoskey with nature views

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

About the neighborhood

Map
PETOSKEY, MI

What's nearby

  • Bear River Park - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Odawa Casino - 6 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Mackinaw Trail Winery - 7 min drive - 6.9 km
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Crooked Tree Golf Club - 13 min drive - 10.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Back Lot - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bob Evans - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Southwoods Pub And Grill - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature pet-friendly?

Yes, this campground allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature?

Check-in begins at 12:30 PM.

What time is check-out at camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is camping on private property, feet from river, peaceful setting, lots of nature located?

Situated in Petoskey, this campground is steps from Bear River, and within 3 mi (5 km) of Bear River Park and Odawa Casino. Lake Michigan and Little Traverse History Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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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

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Haeden

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Deanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Karen is quick at responding. The location is perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Scott C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Review

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

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Mike S., Woodstock, Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rural Petoskey

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

10/10 Excellent

Clint D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

10/10 Excellent

Colton C.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023