Bear River Retreat

Great 4 or 5 camp sites on a little river setup very nice. Very clean porta potty on site. 1 cute shower room for everyone to share (1 or couple at a time). Only negative is that the campsite is close to a road and you can hear cars until late. You’d never know it was there, except for the sound (visually it looks very remote).

Recommends

· September 2026

100/10. Would HIGHLY recommend

Tent ·

We absolutely loved camping here at Karens property! First off, Karen was extremely sweet, we got to chat a few times and she is a very kind person. The sites are nice and spacious, plenty of room in between where you dont feel like you are intruding in someone elses space, unlike some state park campgrounds. The campsite area has a porta potty, as well as a flushing toilet in the shower area. We unfortunately didn't get to try the shower room though, as it was Labor day and the campgrounds were full. Every time we went to try, people were already waiting outside with their kids in tow to take 20 minute showers lol. No fault on Karen's AT ALL, just some inconsiderate fellow campers, but I felt I should mention it in case anyone has that worry. We are definitely going to have to come back before it gets too cold to go kayaking!

Recommends

· September 2026

Tent ·

I had a wonderful time at Bear River Retreat! It was so peaceful and lovely, and Karen was an excellent host!

Recommends

· September 2026

Tent ·

Enjoyed my stay here ~ beautiful place. Very peaceful. Would definitely return.

Recommends

· September 2026

Tent ·

Great spot! Very clean and lovely accommodations! Nice to have other campers around! We will definitely be back!

Recommends

· September 2026

22 ft Class B · With pets ·

Lovely spot- wonderful host! Mostly tents but was able to accommodate my van. The bathhouse was great! Perfect location to unwind but also close to explore Petoskey

Recommends

· September 2026

Great Base for Paddling & Hiking

Tent ·

Really enjoyed our stay at Bear River Retreat. The campsites are close to the river, with a shared little beach area for getting on the water or hanging out. Karen also owns the canoe/kayak/paddleboard rental right across the street, which was super convenient. We brought our own paddleboards and she gave us a shuttle upriver, with a couple different options depending on how long we wanted to paddle. The North Country Trail is right across the street too. We walked it about 4 miles into downtown, which was a great little adventure. Otherwise, town is only about a 10-minute drive. The property is really well taken care of and you can tell they put a lot of care into it. There’s also a shower and flush toilet, though the bathroom building is a bit of a walk from the campsites. Totally fine for us, but worth knowing if mobility is an issue. Great spot for camping, paddling, hiking, and exploring the area. We’d stay again.

Recommends

· August 2026

Tent ·

Cute place and great location for several Michigan areas of interest. I stayed at the rivers edge site and loved the little beach area. The bath house was beautiful, super clean and definitely a perk! Communication with Karen was clear and timely. I would def stay here again.

Recommends

· August 2026

26 ft travel trailer ·

It was a very nice campground. Clean and well kept. Probably geared for singles or couples without Childern. No play area available. But nice and relaxing spot.

Recommends

· August 2026

Tent ·

Beautiful propery in a great location! There was an outhouse near the tent sites and the washroom is lovely -- shower, toilet, sink, and changing area. The washroom is single use only, so guests may have to factor in a wait time if it's occupied. Also, the washroom is at the top of a hill, which may be challenging for people with disabilities. Neither was an issue for me, just something to be mindful of. Would definitely stay here again

Recommends

· August 2026

26 ft travel trailer ·

Karen has a real gem here. We're blessed that she decided to share this piece if paradise. We enjoyed the tranquility and look forward to returning.

Recommends

· August 2026

Peaceful place

Tent ·

. Rustic camping with a bathhouse and coffee bar. Very clean and well maintained. Karen was attentive and quick to respond. Would definitely stay again.

Recommends

· August 2026

Outstanding!

Tent ·

We really loved everything about Karen's amazing place on the Bear River just outside of Petoskey. Our host was very accommodating and made our stay extra special! We really didn't want to leave and hope to go there again, one day! The convenience to town and bike trails was appreciated and the scenery outstanding.

Recommends

· August 2026

Great find!

Tent ·

Fern gully

Karen and the spot were both great. She was incredibly hospitable and had no problem with us staying for an extended period of time. The location was close enough to Petoskey to get all the essentials, but far enough away to truly feel out in nature. Being both beautiful and peaceful, and with how packed and fully booked most campgrounds get this time of year it was a great find. We would definitely come back again.

Mixed feelings

· August 2026

Tent · With pets ·

Overall its not a bad place. The site I booked says its for up to 10 people but in communication with the owner, after booking, all sites are only for 4-6 people. We ended up needed to book an extra site to have a 3rd vehicle. Responses were fast but some were a bit.... excessive when it came to amenities, some of which were difficult to find.

Mixed feelings

· August 2026

Look for rules not in rules section

Tent ·

Brook-Hi. I just made an error my daughter already booked through you in the whispering pines that fits 12 people. Can I cancel this site? Karen- None of my sites fit 12 people. I think you are on the wrong page. All my sites clearly state four people I do have five campsites but you cannot expect for $45 per night to come up to my shower house. Use my property and all my amenities that is ridiculous and people need to rethink that for $45 a night you could put 12 people on one campsite not Brook-(shared screen shot where it says 10 people we had 6) That is fine. Didn’t mean to step on your toes. Never been to your area. Might want to fix the other listing though. Karen-Nope, no electric. The toilet is up on the hill off the barn at the shower house Porta potty at the campground potable water up at the house also and you carry it back to your campsite. Not my issue probably a platform issue. My instructions are very clear. My toes are fine. Hope yours are too. A simple no I can’t cancel would have been enough,.. This is also very close to a busy road. It just on the other-side of the river. Make sure to plan on where to find wood. That was a challenge. I have never been to a campground that doesn’t sell it. There is just a porta potty near by. Someone hosed it. That was fun. The flush toliet/bath house is a long ways away. I never did find the water spigot. If u have kids bring sandbox toys for the “beach” there isn’t a playground. I still haven’t found the max 4 is in rules

Recommends

· August 2026

Tent · Group trip ·

such a beautiful property, kept very well and host was very helpful!

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· August 2026

Camping with a little river.

Tent · With kids ·

Very accommodating and I loved her quiet little secluded campsite by the river. We caught a lot of baby trout and enjoyed the privacy. Definitely will be back again.

Recommends

· July 2026

Tent ·

The rabbit run location is great! The plant growth around the fire pit stops nearly all the wind so we didn't have to deal with smoke in our face at all last weekend! The shower house is also very nice and so well stocked, not something I expected from a campsite but it was very welcomed!

Recommends

· July 2026

Tent ·

Great spot! Quick drive from downtown. Much calmer than staying at the state park. Very clean. Lovely host! Would definitely camp here again.

Recommends

· July 2026

Tent · With kids ·

I enjoyed camping on this site. The little beach area was really sweet. Even caught some fish.

Recommends

· July 2026

Hot Summer Weekend

Tent · With pets ·

Clean campground with campsites away from the road lights and near the river. Each site has a fire ring and table, bbq grill, shared portapotta by the tent area. Main bathhouse a little walk away was nice and clean. Took a dip in the river on a hot day. Host is very hospitable.

Recommends

· July 2026

Tent · With kids ·

Beautiful camp site (near the river, wooded area) with amenities (clean bathroom with a shower, coffee/tea in the morning). Karen is an excellent & communicative host.

Recommends

· July 2026

15 ft travel trailer ·

Fantastic bath house. It was so refreshing and clean that I did not need to wear flip flops in the shower!

Recommends

· July 2026

Cute, cute, cute!!

Tent · With kids ·

Karen went above and beyond to make sure her guests were taken care of and spaced out during the busy 4th of July weekend. Cute property, coffee bar, and a shower house! Perfect for a quick access to Petoskey and only an hour from Mackinac for a day trip. Our kids loved playing in the creek and have asked to return again <3

Recommends

· June 2026

Adorable campsite!

Tent ·

This is an amazing spot to tent camp by the creek! Karen was very communicative and accommodating. There is an adorable covered outdoor kitchenette area that includes electricity, and a full bathroom that is very clean and well-maintained (complete with a flush toilet, sink, clean towels, and a changing area). There is also a clean outhouse in the campsite area for more immediate use. Although I did not float in the river this time, Karen also runs a canoe and kayak rental, which was conveniently located just across the road. Everything feels very safe and welcoming ~ I would absolutely camp here again!

Recommends

· June 2026

Tent ·

Absolutely beautiful place and an amazing host! Me and a buddy stopped for the night while motocamping and couldn’t been happier! The facilities are super nice and clean as well! Highly recommend and plan to be back in the future!

Recommends

· May 2026

30 ft travel trailer ·

Beautiful place , very nice shower/ bathroom. Camp site is very secluded while being only a couple minutes from the town of petoskey. I was the only camper on site when I was there so it was peaceful but sites are quite close together more like a state campground. But very friendly owner and very clean all around

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent ·