Lively Acres Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Michiganders seeking a harmonious blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and a touch of local charm, Lively Acres Campground in Empire, MI, stands out as an exceptional choice. Located at 3801 W Empire Hwy, this welcoming campground offers a diverse range of accommodations, from spacious RV sites to cozy cabins and traditional tent spots, making it ideal for various types of campers. What truly sets Lively Acres apart is its unique integration with the Lively NeighborFood Market and a working organic farm on the same property. This provides campers with unparalleled access to fresh, local produce, prepared foods, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Nestled near the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and within an easy drive to Traverse City, Lively Acres Campground serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Michigan's most breathtaking landscapes and popular attractions. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the peaceful environment. Whether you’re looking to plug in your RV, set up a tent under a canopy of stars, or enjoy the comfort of a cabin, Lively Acres Campground promises a relaxing, enjoyable, and distinctly Michigan outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Lively Acres Campground enjoys a prime location at 3801 W Empire Hwy, Empire, MI 49630, USA. This strategic address places it just east of the charming village of Empire and within minutes of the globally renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. For Michiganders, accessibility to this campground is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive along well-maintained state highways like M-72, which runs directly past the property. This excellent connectivity means that while the campground offers a peaceful, rural setting, it remains incredibly convenient to both major natural attractions and vibrant local communities. Traverse City, a popular destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment, is an easy drive away, approximately 20-25 minutes to the east. This proximity allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature during the day and easily access urban amenities for an evening out. The easy booking process, as noted by visitors, further enhances the overall accessibility. Whether you're coming from downstate Michigan or a nearby community, Lively Acres Campground's location provides the perfect balance of serene outdoor living with the convenience of nearby towns and world-class natural attractions, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free Michigan getaway.

Services Offered

Lively Acres Campground is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient camping experience, offering a range of services designed to meet diverse camper needs:

• Variety of Campsites:
  • RV Sites: Offers approximately 25 spacious RV sites, including 14 pull-through sites (with 50/30/20-amp power in areas like Blue Sky Lane and Sunset Row) and 11 back-in sites (with 30/20-amp power in Sunrise Shelter). These sites typically feature level gravel pads, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Note: There are no water or sewer hookups at RV sites, but water fill stations and pump-out services are available.
  • Tent Sites: Provides 11 rustic tent spots (in areas like Farm Grove and The Retreat), offering a more traditional camping experience with no power but including a fire pit and picnic table.
• Rustic Cabins: Offers two charming rustic cabins, each with power and heat, and noted for comfortable mattresses and pillows, providing a cozy alternative for those without camping gear. Extra cots are available for rent.
• Clean Port-a-Johns: Multiple clean and well-maintained Port-a-Johns are available throughout the campground.
• Potable Water Fill Stations: Two stations are available for refilling water tanks for RVs and for general use.
• Motorhome Pump-Outs: Pump-out service for RVs is available upon request, offering a convenient solution for waste disposal.
• Solid WiFi Access: Reliable WiFi is provided at each site, allowing campers to stay connected if desired.
• Lively NeighborFood Market: A significant on-site amenity, this market functions as a camp store, offering:
  • Fresh, local farm-to-table produce from the adjacent organic farm.
  • Grab-and-go foods, prepared meals, and specialty items.
  • Coffee and basic camping essentials like firewood.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly listed on all public data, many modern campgrounds of this caliber often offer laundry facilities. It's advisable to confirm directly with the campground.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome, though they must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. A designated off-leash dog run is planned for mid-summer 2025.
• Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is typically on-site to assist guests and ensure a smooth experience.
• Flexible Booking & Rates: Easy booking for cabins and campsites, with daily, weekly, and affordable monthly rates available.

Features / Highlights

Lively Acres Campground is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for Michiganders:

• Co-Located with Lively NeighborFood Market and Organic Farm: This is a standout feature. Campers have direct access to a "hyper-local farm stop" offering fresh produce, gourmet grab-and-go foods, and coffee. It provides a unique farm-to-table experience right at your campsite.
• Proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Located just minutes from the nationally acclaimed Sleeping Bear Dunes, campers have easy access to world-class hiking, stunning Lake Michigan beaches, scenic drives, and iconic dune climbs.
• Convenient to Traverse City: The campground's location offers a short and easy drive to Traverse City, allowing campers to enjoy the city's vibrant culinary scene, breweries, wineries, shopping, and cultural events.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Reviews consistently highlight the "beautiful dark sky at night," making it a perfect spot for stargazing and astronomical observation, away from urban light pollution.
• Spacious Campsites: Campgrounds are noted for having "some of the largest in Northern Michigan," providing ample space for relaxation and privacy between sites.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Visitors frequently praise the "great staff" and owners for being "very friendly and helpful," contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Clean and Comfortable Cabins: The rustic cabins are highlighted for their cleanliness, comfortable mattresses, and pillows, offering a great option for those seeking a more amenity-rich stay.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its convenient location, the campground maintains a serene and tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding.
• Community-Focused: The presence of the market and farm, along with plans for potential music concerts under the stars, fosters a sense of community and local connection.

Contact Information

To book your stay, inquire about specific site availability, or learn more about Lively Acres Campground and its unique offerings, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3801 W Empire Hwy, Empire, MI 49630, USA

Phone: (231) 994-9339

Mobile Phone: +1 231-994-9339

Given the popularity of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and the unique amenities at Lively Acres, it is highly recommended that Michiganders book their cabins or campsites in advance, especially during peak season. Calling directly allows you to confirm current rates, inquire about specific site features (like amperage for RVs), or ask any questions you may have about the on-site market or upcoming events. The friendly staff is known for being very helpful in assisting with planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lively Acres Campground is an outstanding choice for Michiganders looking for a convenient, comfortable, and uniquely engaging outdoor experience right in their home state. For locals, its strategic location near Empire offers unparalleled access to the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a true Michigan treasure, allowing for day trips to world-class beaches and trails without extensive travel. The easy drive to Traverse City further enhances its appeal, providing a vibrant urban counterpoint to the natural serenity. What truly makes Lively Acres perfect for Michiganders, however, is its distinctive on-site Lively NeighborFood Market, offering fresh, local farm-to-table produce and prepared foods. This provides a taste of Michigan's rich agricultural heritage right at your campsite, a convenience and experience rarely found at other campgrounds. Whether you own an RV, prefer tent camping, or desire the comfort of a rustic cabin, the diverse range of spacious and well-equipped sites caters to every preference. The consistently friendly staff, pristine dark skies for stargazing, and overall peaceful atmosphere, as attested by numerous positive reviews, create a welcoming and relaxing environment. By choosing Lively Acres Campground, Michiganders can effortlessly blend outdoor adventure with local culinary delights, all while enjoying the scenic beauty and warm hospitality that define a true Up North Michigan getaway. It's more than just a campground; it's a vibrant slice of local life infused with natural splendor.

Lively Acres Campground

3801 W Empire Hwy, Empire, MI 49630, USA