Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
from
/ night
0 sites
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
Campers also viewed...
from
/ night
0 sites
Reviews
95% Recommend187 ratings · 125 reviews
This campsite offers a mixed experience for campers. While many guests appreciate the peaceful setting and its proximity to Torch Lake and Traverse City, there are some concerns about maintenance and privacy. The site provides access to a beautiful river for kayaking and has a clean port-a-potty, but some amenities like the dock and cornhole boards need attention. Its location right off a busy road might not appeal to those seeking complete solitude.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
It was a perfect basecamp this week for us and our dogs. We had plenty of privacy and quiet. We enjoyed a campfire each evening. It's close to main road. This made it easy to take day trips to visit different points along lake Michigan.
Fawn W.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Griff’s River Lot
Very close to the sandbar and nice river in the back.
A
Amber R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Nice place for car camping; thank you for the peaceful stay in the woods.
Steven S.
3 reviews
Amazing Adventure in the woods! This is the perfect trip if you want a true Forest camping experience. We loved exploring the endless trails of the hillywoods, it was such a joy to find all of the Gnomes and fairies and other Hidden Treasures. The Porta-Potty nearby was a real convenience and we had tons and tons of firewood readily available. I definitely recommend choosing one of the wooded campsites if you want some real solitude. You just drive into the woods and choose where you want to set up camp. We will definitely be back here, best camping trip of the summer so far
M
Mandi S.
5 reviews
Bill’s place was an excellent place to stay. We really enjoyed the beautiful valley, peace and privacy. Bill was very generous and made sure we knew our way around. Would highly recommend. We’ll be back!
M
Maria F.
4 reviews
Last year we stayed at the River Lot and it was great, everything was well kept and in order. This year it looked pretty much abandoned. Port-a-potty did not seem to have been serviced. The cornhole boards were destroyed, the kayaks were all over and the rack had fallen down. Disappointed. We still had a good time at Torch Lake but it could have been a better site. (Last year we were very happy with how it was kept)
Joshua P.
4 reviews
Some of the reviews are a bit over exaggerating on this place, its a great plot of land that gives you privacy unlike most campgrounds in the area. Being just a minute or two from the lake is fantastic, as well as being so close to traverse city is a win-win. Having direct access to the Rapid River that connects to the sandbar is great, especially with the provided kayaks and canoe, the group I was with was able to paddle to the lake no problem!
A few things to note, it is right off the road next to other peoples homes so the road can get a little busy but that should be expected. There are two campsites at the lot, the fire rings are a little close to each other but its not to bad and there is only one picnic table. The only real complaint that I have is that the Porta-Potty on site needs to be serviced more frequently.
Even with some minor complaints, I would totally recommend staying here if you want direct access to Torch Lake with a bit more privacy
H
Harlan P.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· June 2025
Tent ·
Griff’s River Lot
There are photos of the lot but non include the main road right next to the site. Along with the water being 6 inches deep and the hammock and everything else poorly maintained. The hammock is broken and fallen into the water. And the chairs are burned, and fire pits are full of ash.
V
Vincent F.
5 months on Hipcamp
Only downside were the sand bars to use canoe and kayaks but it’s beautiful and peaceful
N
Nicole G.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Perfect spot for privacy, didn’t have any issues…if you want rustic camping with privacy this is a good spot
K
Kristy H.
2 reviews
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.
D
Danielle S.
3 reviews
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.
J
John N.
2 reviews
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!!
L
Lynsey R.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· August 2024
Nice spot, communication lacking.
16 ft 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.
S
Susan M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
21 ft 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!
S
Sam J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Site 3 - Griffs Back 40
Our camping experience here was phenomenal. The campsite offered plenty of space and was clean and well-maintained. There were numerous wooded areas to explore, and Torch Lake was just a 10-minute drive away. Conveniently, a mini market is located about 5 minutes from the site, perfect for picking up any forgotten items. Bill, presumably the campground manager, kindly checked in on us to ensure everything was satisfactory. His thoughtfulness was much appreciated. This campground will definitely be my go-to spot for future visits to the Torch Lake area.
A
Abby S.
1 year on Hipcamp
The tent site is only somewhat secluded. There was a fair amount of traffic noise in the daytime, especially, from a nearby bridge, and the occasional car drove right past the tent site, but when we walked the very short wooden deck trail to the water, it felt very private. The host is a very cool guy and there were lots of fun extras at the river lot like kayaks, corn hole boards, and a swing. The toilet was super clean! The ground is sandy and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay.
J
Janie F.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 1 - Griff's: The Back 40
I had a great time camping here. The spot we were at had a great view of the land and was very quiet.
M
Matthew S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
16 ft car ·
Site 2- Griff's Back 40
This was a great property for watching the sunset from the top of the hill. Each spot is really private and the woods are whimsical. My husband and I enjoyed our stay.
A
Ari S.
6 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Griff'sRiver Lot
The river lot was a perfect place for a weekend away!! Highly recommended
Joshua P.
4 reviews
We had a wonderful experience. We brought our tent. The location is excellent, offering stunning views and a peaceful, secluded area. Despite the roads being a bit rough, it wasn't a major issue. The proximity to a store and numerous lakes and beaches added to the convenience. The host was very helpful and respectful, enhancing our overall stay. We highly recommend this campsite for anyone looking to enjoy peaceful and scenic camping. Good for groups or solo camping. Water spout close to camp spot . Very clean portable toilet.
A
Avella W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Site 1 - Griff's: The Back 40
Beautiful property with plenty of room to set up tent and have all the privacy you need. Very close to Torch lake. Plenty of wood for camp fires.
U
Urszula C.
1 year on Hipcamp
My husband and I loved camping in Bill’s land. The land was very spacious and beautiful. It was very close to a market/gas station and a public access to the lake.
J
Jess R.
2 reviews
The river dock was absolutely beautiful and conveniently located. We paddled down the river right to Torch Lake. My only complaint is that the other group camping at the lot was very loud and played music way too loud. It was not super private, but all in all a great experience!
Sydney B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Griff'sRiver Lot
Great little spot next to the river. Will be coming back.
Andrew R.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Bills spot was great! Easy to find, spacious and super close to Torch Lake. Bill greeted me upon arrival and gave me some insight on where to kayak on the lake.
A
Ashley H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Site 2- Griff's Back 40
Cool spot! Little confusing to get to our site, but we figured it out. One of the drives leading up was very tricky and tough to get thru but on our way off the lot we easily found another drive thats much easier to drive up. Its a big open site, surrounded by woods. far enough from the few other campers. climb up towers at your own risk!! went up one just to see the view and the platform was pretty wobbly. the only real downside to this plot is that theres apparently a portapotty somewhere in the woods but we never found it lol, no biggie tho. also youre not too far from the stores near the lake if you forgot something.
J
Jenni T.
1 year on Hipcamp
This was my son's, dog and I's first trip to Michigan. Torch Lake was our destination spot to see because of the beautiful waters. We really enjoyed camping on the river lot! We enjoyed being able to wake up in the morning and head down to the dock area to play/rest as well as a very close distance to the sandbar and public access. Definitely will be camping here for future trips to Michigan!
Hayley S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Site 3 - Griffs Back 40
Pretty neat place. Had to cut the trip short due to weather but I will return. Very nice people came to check on us make sure we were okay. 10/10
H
Heather L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Overall, we enjoyed our trip. The upper tower is not worth looking at, the lower tower grounds were occupied when we arrived, so we went into the woods. There are few spots clear enough for setting up camp and you really need a good all wheel drive vehicle to get down into the woods. This is absolutely primitive camping so bring everything you need! Or be willing to drive down the very rough Zimmerman Rd to the store around the corner. There is a port-o-potty in the woods. It was nice feeling like you are absolutely alone, without neighbors. FYI...There is no water... lake, stream, creek, river, nor hose.
H
Holly M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Location
Rapid City, Kalkaska, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Bill V.
Joined in June 2020Things to do nearby
Related Searches
- Rapid City
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.