Honcho Rest RV Park Introduce
honcho rest campground
Welcome to Honcho Rest RV Park, a truly quaint and delightful retreat nestled on the tranquil shores of Bass Lake in Elk Rapids, Michigan. For Michiganders seeking a peaceful and friendly getaway in the beautiful northern part of our state, our campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and comfortable amenities. We understand that finding the perfect spot for your RV can make all the difference, and Honcho Rest is designed to be that ideal choice for a relaxing escape. Whether you're looking for a short vacation, a family reunion base, or a seasonal home away from home, you’ll find a welcoming community here.
At Honcho Rest RV Park, we pride ourselves on creating a serene atmosphere that feels "almost like a neighborhood," as noted by delighted guests. Our commitment is to provide a quiet, friendly, and well-maintained environment where you can unwind and enjoy the best of Michigan's outdoors. We are primarily an RV-exclusive campground, offering 97 full hookup sites, along with a few water/electric only sites, and also have 6 cozy camping cabins for those without an RV. The general consensus from visitors highlights the clean facilities and the welcoming nature of the park, making it a place you'll "absolutely stay here again." We invite you to experience the charm and tranquility that make Honcho Rest RV Park a true "nice find" in Northern Michigan.
Honcho Rest RV Park is perfectly situated at 8988 Cairn Hwy, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, USA. This prime location in the charming village of Elk Rapids offers exceptional accessibility and a true Northern Michigan experience. Our campground is uniquely positioned along 900 feet of beautiful Bass Lake frontage, providing many sites with direct lake access or picturesque views. While enjoying this peaceful lakeside setting, you're also conveniently close to a wealth of local attractions.
For those traveling with large RVs, we recommend approaching via Kalkaska and following directions from there, as some routes from US-131 can be winding and hilly. However, once you arrive, you'll find our location provides easy access to everything you need. The campground is just a short walk from a nearby marina, offering additional water-based activities, and a variety of local restaurants and shops are easily accessible. Downtown Elk Rapids, with its historic charm and many good eats, is just down the road. Furthermore, you're only about 20 minutes from the vibrant city of Traverse City, known for its cherries, wineries, and cultural attractions. For craft beer enthusiasts, Short's Brewing Company is an easy walk from the campground. This blend of lakeside tranquility and convenient access to local amenities and popular regional destinations makes Honcho Rest RV Park an exceptionally well-located choice for any Michigan camper.
Honcho Rest RV Park is committed to providing a full range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all our guests, whether you're bringing your own RV or staying in one of our charming cabins.
- Full Hookup RV Sites: We offer 97 full hookup sites, providing 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service, water, and sewer connections at each site. Many sites also feature concrete pads and patios for added comfort.
- Water & Electric RV Sites: Additionally, we have 7 sites available with water and electric hookups (sites 103-110) for those who may not require sewer at their spot.
- Camping Cabins: For non-RV campers, we offer 6 well-kept camping cabins. These "very cute" cabins are located directly across from clean bathhouses, ensuring easy access to facilities (note: pets are not allowed in cabins).
- Free WiFi and Cable TV: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the campground (though for heavy internet use like work-from-home, bringing your own hotspot is recommended). Cable TV is also provided at RV sites.
- Clean Bathrooms & Showers: Our facilities are consistently described as "clean" and "very well kept up," with well-lit paths to ensure comfort even at night.
- On-Site Laundromat: A convenient laundromat is available on-site, allowing you to refresh your clothing during your stay.
- Propane Sales: Propane can be purchased at the office (by appointment), ensuring you have fuel for your grill or heating needs.
- Row Boats & Canoes Available: Campers are welcome to borrow our row boats and a canoe for use on Bass Lake, perfect for a relaxing paddle or some fishing.
- Garbage Pickup/Disposal: The grounds are generally well-maintained and clean, facilitating easy waste disposal for guests.
Honcho Rest RV Park stands out with several key features and highlights that contribute to its "quaint" charm and make it a highly recommended destination for a Northern Michigan getaway.
- Lakeside Location on Bass Lake: Our park boasts 900 feet of frontage on Bass Lake, a "great for fishing, boating, or kayaking" lake, with "a number of sites that are right on the lake" offering beautiful views and direct water access.
- Quiet and Friendly Atmosphere: Described as "Very quiet and friendly for kids" and "Almost like a neighborhood," the park fosters a peaceful and welcoming environment, making it ideal for families.
- Spacious RV Sites for Big Rigs: While some sites may be "a little on the small side," there are "plenty of room for big rigs" overall, with large back-in sites accommodating various RV sizes.
- Seasonal Camping Options: We cater to a large number of "seasonal campers that leave their RVs there," fostering a strong community feel, while also having spots for "transients" (short-term visitors).
- On-Site RV Rentals: A unique highlight is the ability to rent one of our RVs, which guests found "very pleasantly surprised at how nice and spacious it was," comfortably sleeping "four large adults" or more. This is ideal if you want to experience RV camping without owning a rig.
- Playground & Recreation: Features include a "small playground with a climbing wall," a swim area, and other activities "to occupy your time" like basketball and horseshoes.
- Proximity to Local Attractions: We are across the street from the Elk Rapids Public Golf Course, and just a couple of miles from the Elk Rapids Marina on Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake, providing easy access to larger bodies of water and golf.
- Walking Distance to Amenities: Guests appreciate being within walking distance to the quaint village of Elk Rapids, which offers "many good eats, shops," and even Short's Brewing Company.
- Pet-Friendly (RV Sites Only): We welcome your "4 legged family members" in RV sites, ensuring they are leashed and waste is picked up, making it "Very pet friendly."
For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Honcho Rest RV Park, please do not hesitate to contact us. We encourage booking in advance, especially for lakefront sites and cabins, due to their popularity.
Address: 8988 Cairn Hwy, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, USA
Phone: (231) 264-8548
Mobile Phone: +1 231-264-8548
Honcho Rest RV Park is a superb choice for locals in Michigan, particularly those residing in the Lower Peninsula, seeking a peaceful and amenity-rich camping experience in the heart of Northern Michigan. For families and individuals looking to escape the hustle and bustle without traveling too far, our Elk Rapids location offers an accessible and charming retreat. You can easily enjoy the tranquility of Bass Lake, engage in outdoor activities, and still be just a short drive from the conveniences and attractions of Elk Rapids and Traverse City.
The blend of a quiet, friendly atmosphere with "excellent staff" and a variety of services, including full hookups, clean facilities, and even RV rentals, makes Honcho Rest an ideal local getaway. Whether you're a seasonal camper or just looking for a weekend escape with the kids, the "quaint park" provides a comfortable and engaging environment. Choosing Honcho Rest means embracing the best of Michigan's natural beauty and community spirit, making it a perfect, convenient spot for creating lasting family memories right in your home state. We look forward to welcoming you to your lakeside haven in Elk Rapids.
Honcho Rest RV Park Photos










Honcho Rest RV Park Location
Honcho Rest RV Park
8988 Cairn Hwy, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, USA
Honcho Rest RV Park Reviews
Such a quaint park! Very good choice for a northern Michigan getaway!
Jun 27, 2025 · Lenore CooleyWe stayed here for four days during a family reunion. They have a large area for RVs with a large number of seasonal campers that leave their RVs there. Very quiet and friendly for kids. Almost like a neighborhood. There are a number of sites that are right on the lake. There is a nearby marina and restaurants. We would absolutely stay here again. We rented one of their RVs instead of bringing our own. Very pleasantly surprised at how nice and spacious it was. Had no issue sleep our four large adults but could have slept more if needed. Really a nice find if you are looking for a campground.
Jul 23, 2023 · Sean & Kristin ParsonsThis campground was one of the quietest places I have ever stayed, complete with sunset views over Bass Lake. Many seasonal campers occupy about half of the sites, but they are well-kept and tidy, with nice decks, landscaping, and flowers. Campers sit quietly around their fires or around their picnic tables, and the kids really enjoy the playground, plus I was happy to see campers respecting leash laws for dogs of all sizes. The sites are level and the hook ups are well maintained. The bathrooms and showers were very clean as well. Very peaceful campground, I would stay again.
Aug 24, 2020 · Nancy BullockHoncho is always great! We're a seasonal rental, and confidently invite all family/friends to visit or rent the cabins. There is so much to do for both adults and kids in the area. Highly recommend.
Sep 12, 2023 · Andrew MartinbiancoGreat RV park. The bathrooms were very clean. Could use additional hanging hooks in them. Make sure you have at least a 12 foot hose to reach the water hookups. Spaces are tight but why are you hanging out at the campsite? There's a beautiful lake right there.
Jul 03, 2017 · JB T
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