House of Bear

99%

241 reviews

· Grawn, Grand Traverse, Michigan · 97 acres

Hosted by Bear N.

4 RV/tent sites

Best in Michigan: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Bear is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

The House of Bear is located on a spectacular 97-acre, fourth generation working Tree farm in Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse County. Stunning Northern Michigan wildlife with creeks and an old natural beaver pond, what a wonderful place to relax, and soak in the surroundings. Step out of the hectic stress of the everyday and take a moment at one of the many areas to soak up what you have disconnected from. Feel the wind across your skin, the Earth beneath your feet and the Sun shining down. Hear the birds singing, the trees swaying in the wind and what animal was that? See the deer frolicking, birds flying, trees growing and how nature all comes together. Smell the Earth, the Pine from the trees and the wild flowers. Take some time and wonder, lose yourself in Nature and get refreshed. Natural Rustic Camping, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, listen to the birds singing away, with the chance of seeing any of Northern Michigan’s awesome wildlife. Sunsets are spectacular with so many different colors, and on a Clear night look up at the stars without the lights of a big city.The House of Bear is located on a spectacular 97-acre, fourth generation working Tree farm in Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse County. Stunning Northern Michigan wildlife with creeks and an old natural beaver pond, what a wonderful place to relax, and soak in the surroundings. Step out of the hectic stress of the everyday and take a moment at one of the many areas to soak up what you have disconnected from. Feel the wind across your skin, the Earth beneath your feet and the Sun shining down. Hear the birds singing, the trees swaying in the wind and what animal was that? See the deer frolicking, birds flying, trees growing and how nature all comes together. Smell the Earth, the Pine from the trees and the wild flowers. Take some time and wonder, lose yourself in Nature and get refreshed. Rustic Camping, wake up to a beautiful sunrise, listen to the birds singing away, with the chance of seeing any of Northern Michigan’s awesome wildlife. Sunsets are spectacular with so many different colors, and on a Clear night look up at the stars without the lights of a big city.

RV details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 10 meters allowed

Pull-through site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Grass or field

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

No Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs

Generators allowed

but ask not at dark unless supper quiet, we also ask to respect others with the noise

No electrical hookup

Can charge batteries at the house

No water hookup

at at the sites, but can be refilled at the house

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

10 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firepit, communal. Fire safety is a must, Fires are permitted in fire areas

Toilet available

Pit toilet. Porta Jon at main camp area

Pets allowed

Potable water available

Bottled water or jugs. Can bring from house

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, communal. outdoor rustic, Camp stoves and other items available

No showers

Pack it out

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 1:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 18 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

99% Recommend297 ratings · 241 reviews

Nestled close to Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Bear's campsite offers a welcoming and secluded experience. Campers appreciate the privacy of the well-spaced sites, along with the peaceful ambiance surrounded by nature's beauty. The host, Bear, receives high praise for his hospitality and helpfulness, making guests feel at home. While some mention the occasional distant sound of trucks, the overall experience remains serene, with plenty of wildlife and starry nights.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent

Bear has a honest, welcoming demeanor. Very kind. Potable water is a big plus! Sites are varied- more isolated in forest setting or under open sky. You can hear truck acceleration from the local SR but it quiets after sunset. It is a really lovely property. No Picnic tables. I stayed at the pond- really isolated feeling. 35-45 mins from Sleeping Bears Dunes. 20 mins to Travis City. closest grocery/convenience 5 min.

Maggie H.

8 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent

I always love coming back to Bear's it is a great place for an escape!

Marie B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Nature-rich, great location for fun

Tent · With kids

We enjoyed our stay on Bear’s land. He was welcoming and had great suggestions for activities around the Traverse City area, many of which we explored! The location is fabulous for a weekend of beauty, biking, hikes, beaches, food, and a great art scene. Bear’s land felt deep in nature, but was only 10-15 minutes away from Traverse, we were able to have privacy (good for when you have a baby who periodically wakes up and screeches), the sites were nicely sized, it was hot the weekend we were there, so we didn’t make use of the fire ring, but Bear provided us with a bucket of water to douse the fire (especially if it started to wander). Some of the sites were grouped together, great if you were traveling with a larger party. We’ll keep this place in mind for that! We had a fabulous weekend and we would definitely stay here again!

Lea S.

7 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Great experience

Tent

Camping on Bears land was great! Plenty of privacy and he was a great host!

Bart M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent

Large property with private camping sections. Outhouses well placed. Use of potable water upon entry invaluable during heat wave. Very friendly and helpful. I was the only camper in the back area and evidently an imposition on wildlife. Kept awake by something large that was used to human noises, including a barking dog.

Katherine K.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Private camping with dogs!

Tent · With pets

Totally dog friendly, plenty of trails to walk, beautiful sunrises and sunsets and plenty of birds! Best of all, I felt like I was completely alone in the woods. Bear treated me upon arrival and helped me find the perfect site for my tree tent!

Sara B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · With kids

There are few different styles of campsites Bear has to offer which made the selection when we arrived easy to best meet our equipment and set up. We found a nice flat spot near the creek and enjoyed seeing swans, ducks, and geese. We were treated to a chorus of toads to close out our day. Close to many great spots for day trips in and around Traverse City. Bear was a welcoming and friendly host.

Mel D.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

A Godsend!

Tent · With pets

House of Bear was exactly what my friends and I asked for! We planned on some disperse camping but had an incredibly hard time finding a place that would allow us. We were in a really tough spot when we found House of Bear and are so grateful! The grounds are so cheap and Bear was so interesting to meet! It was last minute and we were able to book two days. Bear was completely okay with our four dogs, the portapotties were frequent in the trail around the camp grounds and super clean, and there were plenty of options. We were so lucky to have found these campgrounds and met Bear and we will 100% be back!

Sydney H.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

17 ft campervan · Group trip

What an amazing spot! Rustic and lots of space to yourself, beautiful sight of the stars and lots to explore. 10/10 would stay again

Kayla R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Great campsites!

20 ft campervan · With pets

Bear was very welcoming and the property was beautiful. We will definitely come back!

Derek K.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · Group trip

Bear was awesome and if you’re into rustic camping, this property was it! We chose the campsite that was overlooking the creek and it was so peaceful. Bear welcomed us with water and ice cream sandwiches and truly made us feel welcome. We will definitely be back!

Natasa C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Libby Scott

34 ft campervan · With pets

Great camping spot! Thank you Bear!! Our spot was super private and located super close to Interlochen!

Elizabeth S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent

We loved camping at The House of Bear!! Directions were easy to follow and Bear was a gracious host telling us about the lay of the land and different recommendations in the area. The campsites were well maintained and the portapotties close by. The stars at night were beautiful and we saw so many birds, bunnies, and deer! The perfect spot close to Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Allison B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Great place to camp with dogs.

16 ft car

This weekend was my first time using Hipcamp. I’m not a big fan of campsites too many people, and not much relaxing. Me and my two dogs are always trying to find a nice spot to just relax and let them be off leash. Bears property did not disappoint. Camping here was great! There are several camp spots you can choose from with a good distance apart to make you feel like you are out there all by yourself. Host was very welcoming, willing to help if need be, and it was definitely a pleasure to meet them. Definitely would recommend.

Kelley S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Bear is awesome!

Tent · With pets

Bear was an excellent host! Great place to camp solo or with friends. Close to Traverse City, you should not run out of things to do. Lots of land for dogs to roam. I will be back!

Tim M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent

My boyfriend and I tent camped for Labor Day weekend and had the time of our lives. It was so peaceful and secluded. Close to a small river and beautiful acreage of trees and forest surrounding you. There are port a johns on the property as well if needed. Access to hose water at the main house. There is an apple tree on the property off the road and I picked apples to bake over the fire. Multiple farmers stands nearby where we got fresh corn and jams. Very central location to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Crystal Lake right down the road. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay and better hosts. Bear and his father took great care of us!

Jamie H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Amazing place for peace and quiet!!

Tent · With kids

This past weekend was our first time as hipcampers! We are so happy that we chose Bears property! It was a last minute trip on a holiday weekend. We do not like campgrounds…too crowded and loud. We prefer solitude, peace, and quiet. Bears property did not disappoint!! He was very responsive from the very first message! Property was very easy to find. His dad met us as soon as we got there with a smile, a map, and some fantastic suggestions since we’re not from the area. We did everything that he recommended and it was amazing! I could have talked with him all night. So very sweet! The campsite was perfect! We had the view of the house perched up on the mountain, watched the sun rise with my youngest and the deer running around. We tucked our tent in the woods just off the trail. All we heard was the trees in the wind and the crickets. The skies were so clear and beautiful. The boys loved finding the constellations. The property just goes on and on! We’ll definitely be back to see more!! There are bathrooms that were very clean and a hose to get water. A bucket of water is dropped off at your site in the evening to extinguish your campfire. Town is just down the road a piece if you need anything. Plenty of fire wood available at little stands on the roadside. We had a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing your property with our family! We can’t wait to come back and stay longer!!

Jaclyn B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Camping options with dogs

Tent · With pets

Thank you so much bear for allowing people to camp on your property. This is the first time I used the hipcamp app and am so glad my husband and I found you for an option. It was so beautiful and peaceful and bathrooms were place at good spots from all camp areas. We also brought along our two aussies, and it was nice to meet and talk with your dad twice. Appreciated him stopping by with water to put out our campfire and to make sure if we were settled in and needed anything. Again thank you and hope all is well. Will def. Be coming back

April D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent

This was a great camping experience. The land is beautiful and location is great to get to sleeping bear and traverse city.

Brady W.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Great camping spot!

Tent

Camping here was great! There are several camp spots you can choose from. Very welcoming host. Fire pits, porta potties near the sites, which was awesome! 10/10 would camp here again!

Kristin K.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

16 ft car

Incredible experience on Bear’s land. “Check in” was easy and the land is beautiful. I will be back!

Tina H.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent · Group trip

We had a great time! Only one other group was there so we had our own space. The land was beautiful and seeing the stars at night was a highlight of the trip. Bear and his family are so kind, they helped show us where to go at check in, and brought us water to put out our fire. Would definitely recommend this place!

Whitney H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Great place!!

25 ft pop-up camper · With kids

There was lots of space! We were very happy for the bathrooms and water availability. Peaceful. Nice fire pits. We’ll definitely be back.

Andrea W.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Great camping spot!

Tent · With kids

We had a wonderful time camping here. It was quiet and serene, big camping space, nice fire pit and porta potty. We loved being able to explore the property and the pristine creek and pond. Bear was very welcoming and helpful.

Nancy E.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Rustic and cheap camping!

Tent · Group trip

scenic and quiet property. specious camp sites and Bear was super friendly and a great host.

John A.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Nice Stay

Tent

Lovely site. We were tucked away in the woods by the pond for a few nights. The second night there was a group of campers with four cars a number of sites away. Even though they were having a grand old time, we heard faint laughter and music. Fresh water by the entrance. Clean porta-potties with toilet paper and sanitizer. Fire ring. Downed word to get your logs started. Trumpeter Swans I. The pond along with cranes and ducks. Some bugs as one would expect. We will definitely visit again next summer.

Josh G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2023

Perfect camping!

Tent

The House of Bear is highly recommended for anyone looking to camp out. The camp next to the pond in the woods was beautiful. Great host and amazing property. Will definitely stay again.

Lucas R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2023

You must vist Bears Property!

Tent · With kids

Throughout our stay, our host was available to help, offered us advice on places to visit in thr area, and greeted us upon arrival. I cannot say enough positive things about this property! We were so blessed to be able to hike the forest and explore! It was beautiful and isolated. There was only one other camper there and we didn't even see them. We already plan on returning sometime in thr future! And we cannot wait! Our pupper loved the freedom she got while roaming the area and our camp and we got to enjoy watching her joy as she led the hike and found thr lake and stream. The joy she radiated all weekend was an unexpected bonus of our trip! Truly. Thank you Bear for opening your property to people like us to enjoy!

Kimberly B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

A Great Den at the House of Bear!

Tent · With pets

My husband, pup, and I loved our time at the House of Bear. Bear and his dad are so friendly and knowledgeable about the land and area around it. Our campsite was so serene and even with campers nearby, it felt secluded and private. Bear recommended a lake that fewvisit to reach our dog to swim. It was the perfect spot and a beautiful lake to swim in! Overall, if you're camping in the area, definitely come to the House of Bear!