Griff's

96%

· Rapid City, Kalkaska, Michigan

40 acres hosted by Bill V.

1 RV/tent site · 1 tent site

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Dispersed campsites on Griffs back 40 and Griff's River Lot are great locations for vacationing on Torch Lake, about 1 mile form the lake.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Paddling

Natural features

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Suburban

Select a site

Filter by

RV/tent sites 1 site

Instant book

Site 2 - Griff's: The Back 40

100% (24)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 7 m

The Back 40 is a beautiful secluded spot for camping with the family and enjoying the great outdoors. A perfect location to explore what Northern Michigan has to offer! Just a few miles from Torch Lake Sandbar where you can cool off by dipping your toes in the crystal clear blue water. Great food is to be had at a number of local restaurants nearby which include Mico's Torch Rivera, The Blue Water Bistro, and Alden Beer Company. Explore Bellaire or Elk Rapids with many amazing restaurants and shops, both under 20 minutes away.

Tent sites 1 site

Come stay with us at Griff's River Lot less than 1 mile from Torch Lake Sandbar! Enjoy a campsite on Rapid River for fun in the sun, evening campfires, and the sounds of the crickets and the frogs. Kayak or fish the beautiful river system down to Torch Lake Sandbar! A great location to set up camp and explore what Northern Michigan has to offer or lounge and relax by the cool water and let your cares melt away! Johnny's Torch Rivera, Blue Water Bistro, and Torch Lake Beer Company are just few great establishments in the area to find a good meal. Take an evening stroll in downtown Alden only a 6 minute drive or a 15 minute drive to Elk Rapids for more amazing food and shops! Traverse City, another summertime destination is also just 35 minutes away! IMORTANT: This property is next to a road. There are close neighbors and children around. Please be respectful of noise. Quiet Hours are between 10pm to 8am. No unattended fires or burning garbage. Thank you.

3,000 ft

Reviews

96% Recommend174 ratings · 116 reviews

Griff’s River Lot offers a mix of experiences for campers. The vibrant natural setting, with access to a serene river perfect for kayaking, appeals to many visitors. However, some reviews mention concerns about the location being right off a busy road, which affects privacy and noise levels. Despite these drawbacks, the site provides amenities like clean porta-potties and available firewood, enhancing the camping experience for those prioritizing convenience and river access.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Kristy H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent ·

Site 1 - Griff's: The Back 40

Perfect spot for privacy, didn’t have any issues…if you want rustic camping with privacy this is a good spot

Danielle S.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

I loved it

Tent · Group trip ·

Site 3 - Griffs Back 40

Camped there with other 6 friends and we have nothing to complain. The place is nice ( we didn’t find the toilet but we didn’t honestly looked deeper for it) I slept in the woods ans in the morning it was very nice. Very private so we could do smores at night and no one was around. Bill was very nice in the morning since one of the car had a dead battery and he borrowed us and helped to start the car with the cables. Absolutely would go back and recommend.

John N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Camping in the woods.

Tent · With pets ·

Site 1 - Griff's: The Back 40

Bill's Back 40 is perfect for tent camping. Our site was deep enough in the woods for seclusion, but not too far from the Joy John. We found this spot last year and loved it so much that we came back this year and will be back next.

Lynsey R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Good Samaritan

Tent · With pets ·

Site 1 - Griff's: The Back 40

Me and my dog Max thoroughly enjoyed Bill’s Back 40 during Labor Day weekend. There are several camping spots to choose from on the property, and it was hard to choose just one. The views from the upper tower were gorgeous; we saw blue heron, geese, ducks, fawn, and breathtaking sunsets. Had we chose to camp in the woods, we would have had plenty of room to ourselves as the campsites are well spread out. The porta-potty was clean and located in a convenient spot for all campers to access with a short walk. Bill not only has a great space for camping, he himself is a phenomenal human! When I lost my keys while hiking 20-30min away from his property, he showed up to help me and without question or hesitation. As an out of town-er who was a complete stranger to Bill, I found his hospitality and generosity a true blessing. We will definitely be back to Bill’s in the future where we feel safe (as a solo female camper, this is important to me) and where we are surrounded by beauty <3 Highly recommend!!

Susan M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· August 2024

Nice spot, communication lacking.

4 m travel trailer · With pets ·

Griff'sRiver Lot

Our stay got of to a bit of a bumpy start, literally. We pulled our trailer up a horrible bumpy road to the only address provided. There we saw a sign for the Back Forty but that was the only one. No one was around to meet us so we had no idea where to go. I searched for the Owner's phone number and he did call back soon after I left a message. He informed me that our spot was at another location and we had to go back the way we came...down that horrid road, and after that and a few twists and turns we found our spot. It was perfect to get to the river and put our kayaks in. Not a bad place and we had a nice stay. It's close to a busy road so those with pets and/or young children may want to reconsider. I wish communication from the host would have been better. The correct address would have been great to know in advance so the road from hell could have been avoided. He never checked in with us during the stay. Not a huge deal but it would have been nice.

Sam J.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

6 m pop-up camper · With pets ·

Site 2- Griff's Back 40

I went with my partner and dog for the first time at Back 40 and had a great time! It wasn’t crowded and seemed to have plenty of spots, both at the towers and in the woods. We chose to camp at the lower tower and it was perfect, so peaceful and clean. Only saw Bill once when we arrived as he welcomed us and that’s all we needed, he let us know about the wood and water and then let us be on our own. The portable toilet was clean and stocked which is greatly appreciated! There’s public access spots to Torch Lake not too far and a cute little grocery store “next door.” Got exactly what we came there for, peace and a reset from our city life. Would definitely come back!

Location

Rapid City, Kalkaska, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking