Lake of the North Resort

For Michigan locals dreaming of a quintessential camping experience that combines serene natural beauty with an abundance of recreational activities, Lake of the North Resort in West Branch stands as a hidden gem. Nestled on the shores of Lake George, an all-sports lake, this resort offers a unique blend of peaceful relaxation and exciting adventure. Many visitors describe it as a well-cared-for park with a friendly atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a genuine Michigan outdoor escape.

Lake of the North Resort, though perhaps smaller than some larger resort chains, leverages its size to create a more intimate and welcoming camping experience. This allows for a stronger sense of community among campers and a more personal touch from the staff, often making guests feel like extended family. This commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in the consistently positive reviews, highlighting the well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms and showers, and a wide array of amenities that cater to all ages and interests.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Lake of the North Resort, tailored specifically for Michigan residents. We will explore its prime location and accessibility in West Branch, detail the diverse services and recreational features that make it so appealing, and provide essential contact information. Our goal is to offer factual insights into what makes this resort a highly suitable choice for creating lasting memories amidst Michigan's beautiful natural landscapes. While some reviews note a potential change in ownership, the current operations continue to deliver a high-quality camping experience.

The resort's setting on Lake George is a significant draw, offering direct access to water-based activities that are synonymous with Michigan summers. From fishing to jet skiing, the lake provides endless opportunities for fun on the water. Beyond the lake, the resort ensures there's never a dull moment on land either, with amenities like mini-golf, a game room, and a swimming pool. This comprehensive offering allows for a balanced vacation where relaxation and adventure can coexist harmoniously, appealing to both active families and those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor scene, Lake of the North Resort promises a memorable visit. Its commitment to a clean, friendly, and activity-rich environment ensures a truly enjoyable experience. Read on to discover more about what makes this West Branch treasure a favored spot for Michigan locals, ensuring your next outdoor adventure is nothing short of fantastic.

Location and Accessibility

Lake of the North Resort is ideally situated at 3070 Elm Dr, West Branch, MI 48661, USA. This location places it in the heart of Northern Michigan, near the city of West Branch. West Branch is conveniently located off I-75, making the resort highly accessible for Michigan residents traveling from various parts of the state, including the lower peninsula's major cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. The drive is scenic, leading directly to a tranquil setting on Lake George, a beautiful all-sports lake.

The resort's position on Elm Drive provides a sense of being immersed in nature while still being within reasonable proximity to essential services. West Branch offers a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and local shops, ensuring that campers can easily resupply or find anything they might need during their stay. This balance between a peaceful, back-to-nature atmosphere and convenient access to modern conveniences is a significant advantage for visitors.

Furthermore, the location in West Branch opens up numerous opportunities for off-site exploration. The area is known for its summer music series, art fairs, and prime locations for fishing and hunting. Nearby attractions include the Rifle River Recreation Area, Ogemaw Hills Pathway, and the Huron National Forest, providing extensive trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. With two 18-hole public golf courses also in the vicinity, Lake of the North Resort serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse outdoor and cultural offerings of this beautiful region of Michigan.

Services Offered

• Campsites: Offers a variety of sites including full hookup campsites (42 available) and water/electric campsites (57 available), accommodating both RVs and tents.
• Rental Units: Features two rental units for those who prefer not to bring their own camping equipment.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Regularly maintained and clean bathroom and shower facilities, ensuring guest comfort.
• Outdoor Pool: A well-maintained outdoor swimming pool, open seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), perfect for cooling off.
• General Store: An on-site store for purchasing essentials like firewood, ice, LP gas, and basic camping supplies.
• Laundry Facilities: Convenient laundry services available for campers.
• Dump Station: A dedicated facility for RV waste disposal.
• Watercraft Rentals: Offers daily rentals of fishing boats, kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards, and jet skis for enjoying Lake George.
• Golf Cart Rentals: Available from mid-April through mid-October for easy navigation around the resort.
• Wi-Fi: Available in designated areas for staying connected.
• Picnic Area: Common picnic areas with grills for outdoor cooking and dining.

Features / Highlights

• All-Sports Lake George: Situated directly on the 200-acre, nearly 100-foot deep Lake George, providing extensive opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing (walleye, pike, perch, bass, trout, bluegill), and other water sports.
• Private Sandy Beach: A beautiful private sandy beach perfect for relaxation and direct lake access.
• Variety of Recreational Activities: Includes putt-putt golf, a game room with an arcade, a playground, horseshoes, and volleyball, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
• Fishing Tournaments: Hosts an annual fishing tournament, adding to the fun for angling enthusiasts.
• Community Fire Pit: A large community fire pit that encourages social interaction and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Planned Activities and Events: An energetic and fun activities staff organizes various planned activities and themed weekends (e.g., Memorial Day, 4th of July, Halloween), ensuring a lively experience.
• Pet-Friendly Community: Welcomes furry family members (with typical restrictions like leash and vaccination requirements).
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite the activities, many campers describe the resort as private and peaceful, allowing for relaxation.
• Friendly Staff and Community: Consistently praised in reviews for friendly people and helpful staff, contributing to a great camping experience.

Contact Information

Address: 3070 Elm Dr, West Branch, MI 48661, USA

Phone: (989) 460-8468 (Reservations: (989) 671-1125 or (888) 249-1995)

Mobile Phone: +1 989-460-8468

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Michigan locals, Lake of the North Resort in West Branch stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons, making it a beloved annual retreat for many. Its location on the beautiful all-sports Lake George provides direct access to quintessential Michigan water recreation, from swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach to fishing for diverse species or zipping across the water on a rented jet ski. This aquatic playground alone makes it a prime choice for families and water enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the lake, the resort’s comprehensive array of amenities and activities ensures that every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, finds something enjoyable. The presence of a swimming pool, putt-putt golf, a game room, and a playground, coupled with a lively schedule of planned activities and themed weekends, means there’s never a dull moment. This balance of active fun and opportunities for peaceful relaxation is a key factor in its widespread appeal, allowing campers to tailor their experience to their preferences.

Reviewers consistently praise the resort for being "much better cared for" than many others, highlighting the clean bathrooms and showers, which contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The friendly atmosphere, where people are described as "friendly" and quick to make you feel like "extended family," fosters a strong sense of community that many campers cherish and return for year after year. This welcoming environment, combined with the professional management, ensures a pleasant and stress-free vacation.

Its accessible location in Northern Michigan, within reasonable driving distance for many lower peninsula residents, further enhances its suitability as a local getaway. It provides an immersive outdoor experience without the need for excessive travel, allowing Michigan families to easily enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that their home state offers. Despite any potential changes in ownership mentioned in reviews, the enduring quality of the experience and the deep affection of its loyal campers underscore why Lake of the North Resort remains a highly recommended destination for Michigan locals seeking a great campground.

Lake of the North Resort

3070 Elm Dr, West Branch, MI 48661, USA