Waterways Campground

Hello, fellow Michiganders! Are you dreaming of a tranquil camping experience where the gentle flow of a river leads you to expansive lakes, and the opportunities for fishing and boating are right at your doorstep? Look no further than Waterways Campground, a charming and highly-regarded destination nestled along the picturesque Cheboygan River in Northern Michigan. This isn't just a place to park your RV or set up a tent; it's a true haven for water enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in one of our state's most beautiful regions.

For those of us in Michigan who cherish our vast network of lakes and rivers, finding a campground that perfectly blends land-based comfort with direct water access is a significant find. Waterways Campground excels in this regard, offering a unique "camping and boating together" experience that appeals to a wide range of outdoor adventurers. This article is crafted to give you a comprehensive overview of what makes Waterways Campground a premier choice for your next Northern Michigan getaway. We'll explore its strategic location and unparalleled accessibility to the Inland Waterway, the array of services and amenities it provides, its distinctive features and highlights, and how you can easily connect with their friendly team to plan your unforgettable trip. Our aim is to provide you with all the factual information needed to confidently choose Waterways Campground for your family's next Michigan adventure.

Imagine waking up to the quiet sounds of the river, with the promise of a day filled with fishing, kayaking, or boating right from your campsite. That's the promise of Waterways Campground. Let's delve into the details and discover why this Cheboygan gem is perfectly suited for locals seeking both relaxation and exhilarating water-based fun.

Waterways Campground is perfectly situated at 9575 M-33, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA. This prime location places it directly on the banks of the picturesque Cheboygan River, which serves as the eastern gateway to Michigan's famous 42-mile Inland Waterway. Cheboygan itself is a vibrant city in Northern Michigan, known for its rich maritime history, charming downtown, and as a hub for outdoor recreation.

The campground's address on M-33 ensures excellent accessibility for travelers from across Michigan, whether you're coming from the lower or upper peninsulas. M-33 provides straightforward navigation, making it easy to arrive with an RV or trailer. Despite being near a main road, the park maintains a quiet atmosphere, although one review noted "road noise is an issue early am." However, the overwhelming sentiment from campers is one of peace and tranquility, especially away from peak traffic hours. Its proximity to Cheboygan means that guests are just a few miles from local amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and charming shops. Most significantly, the direct riverfront access makes it an ideal base for exploring the Cheboygan River, Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and beyond, providing unparalleled convenience for boaters and paddlers.

Waterways Campground is dedicated to providing a comfortable and well-equipped camping experience, offering a range of services and amenities tailored for RVers, tent campers, and boating enthusiasts:

• Full Hookup Sites: The campground offers full hookup sites, including water, electric (30 and 50 amp), and sewer connections. They accommodate a variety of RV sizes with both pull-through and back-in options.
• Sanitation Station: A convenient sanitation station (dump station) is available on-site for RV waste disposal.
• Free Wi-Fi: Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the park, ensuring connectivity during their stay.
• Clean Restrooms and Tidy Showers: Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, noting that "The bathrooms were always clean" and that they are "clean restrooms, and tidy showers."
• Boat Launch and Docking: A major highlight, the campground features an on-site boat launch and docking facilities, providing direct and easy access to the Cheboygan River and the Inland Waterway.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: Essential camping supplies are available for purchase, including firewood for campfires and ice for coolers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for outdoor dining and evening gatherings.
• Game Room with River View: A game room is available for entertainment, offering scenic views of the Cheboygan River.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area is available for children, ensuring fun for younger campers.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure (standard leash rules apply).

Waterways Campground truly stands out with its unique features and highlights, primarily centered around its exceptional access to Michigan's renowned Inland Waterway:

• Direct Cheboygan River Access: The most significant highlight is being "nestled along the beautiful Cheboygan River," offering "easy access to the river, boat launch and docking." This allows campers to enjoy fishing, kayaking, tubing, and pontooning directly from the campground.
• Access to Inland Waterway: The Cheboygan River provides a gateway to 42 miles of continuous inland waterways, connecting to Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and Crooked Lake. This makes it an ideal base for extensive boating and paddling excursions.
• Outstanding River Fishing: Reviews emphasize that "The fishing in the river is outstanding." Campers have reported catching walleyes, perch, salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout, bass, and sunfish. Fishing is particularly good during weekdays when pontoon boat traffic is lower.
• Quiet Park Atmosphere: Despite some early morning road noise, the overall ambiance is described as a "quiet park," promoting relaxation and a peaceful outdoor experience.
• Friendly Owners and Staff: The owner, Mark, and the staff receive high praise for being "fabulous," "super friendly and helpful," and accommodating, even allowing a grandchild to fish off the docks and visit with the owner's dog. This personal touch enhances the guest experience.
• Scenic Views: The campground offers "scenic views" including the "old steel bridge crossing over the river," adding to the aesthetic appeal of the location.
• Proximity to North Central State Trail: The park is "right next to the North Central trail," a popular 64-mile paved trail ideal for hiking and biking, providing additional recreational opportunities beyond the water.
• Nearby Attractions: Waterways Campground is strategically located near numerous Northern Michigan attractions, including the Cheboygan Opera House, the National Shrine of the "Cross in the Woods," the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Fort Michilimackinac, and various local beaches, golf courses, and restaurants.

Ready to embark on your next riverside adventure at Waterways Campground? Here's how you can get in touch to plan your visit:

Address: 9575 M-33, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA

Phone: (231) 627-7066

Toll-Free Phone: (888) 882-7066

Email: waterwayscampground@gmail.com

Website: www.waterwayscampground.com

It is highly recommended to visit their official website or call directly to check current rates, availability, and to make reservations. Given its popularity, especially for those interested in the excellent fishing and boating opportunities, booking in advance is advisable, particularly during peak seasons. Their website also provides a mission statement from the owner, Mark Underwood, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a family-friendly and well-maintained park where "camping and boating come together."

For Michiganders, Waterways Campground in Cheboygan stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. Its prime location directly on the Cheboygan River and at the gateway to the Inland Waterway is a huge draw, offering unparalleled access to fishing, boating, kayaking, and exploring 42 miles of interconnected lakes and rivers right from your campsite. This makes it a dream come true for water-loving locals who appreciate the convenience of launching their boats or dropping a fishing line just steps away.

The campground's commitment to providing excellent amenities, including full hookups, clean restrooms and showers, and on-site essentials like firewood and ice, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The consistently positive reviews highlighting the "fabulous" and "super friendly" owners and staff, particularly Mark, underscore a level of personalized hospitality that truly resonates with the "Up North" Michigan charm. This personal touch creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and a strong sense of community among campers, even if some seasonal residents are less outwardly welcoming.

Furthermore, its strategic position allows for easy exploration of Cheboygan's local attractions and the wider Northern Michigan region, including Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Despite some early morning road noise, the overall quiet ambiance and the undeniable allure of the river and its outstanding fishing opportunities make Waterways Campground a highly recommended "yearly visit" for many. It truly offers a quintessential Northern Michigan camping experience, blending relaxation with abundant outdoor activity, making it a perfect choice for any local looking for an unforgettable getaway.

Waterways Campground

9575 M-33, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA