Platte River Campground

We love the large sites with many trees. Close to hiking and biking trails, Lake MI beaches. Good kayaking on the Upper Platte River and floating on the Lower Platte River. Wine tasting in the Traverse City area.

We have been attending Platte River Campground every year for many years. This year, unfortunately was not what we expected. We witnessed an adult patron at a camp site alone without a car, tent or supplies, sitting under a shade tent with binoculars looking out at other campers/campsites. He then proceeded to use a stick holding it like a gun and making shooting sounds at campers/sites. It was very disturbing behavior given all of the mass shootings going on in the U.S. When we told the rangers station, they stated this was a normal occurrence, "he has a TBI, he is allowed to camp too, he is shooting people in other dimensions, you're okay" and did not validate the concerns. Although I understand nothing illegal was happening...yet, it made us feel unsafe. This guy looked like he was plotting something. Maybe it was harmless, but when you're out in the woods far away from hospital/police it was very unsettling. Least they could do is ask this guy not to do this. Sure, sit and look out your binoculars, but pretending to shoot people with a stick is something completely different. Who is to say he does or doesn't have a gun. We unfortunately ended up packing up our stuff and getting a hotel in Traverse City for the last night. Maybe we over reacted, but I also would of hated to say "we told you so".

I have been going to this park for 6 years and each time has been an amazing adventure! Bathrooms are always clean and stocked with TP. Showers clean. Rangers friendly. Overall appearance of park is amazing!

Beautiful campground, but had a very noisy group by us

beautiful area, great for bike riding

There is a lot of room between campsites, it is very peaceful. There are a lot of walking and biking trails. I recommend bringing a flash light if you plan on walking to the bathroom or in the campground at night, it is very dark. The campground and bathrooms are very clean. We enjoyed the evening talks at the amphitheater. Beautiful kayaking on the lower platte

Beautiful, wooded Campground! Great sites. But, very very strict rules about coolers, container bins, things left on your picnic table and or table by your fire, and your tires on the blacktop and not on the gravel. This is very difficult if you are a tent camper in particular. Hauling coolers and Ben's up and down a hill for meals, etc., it's extremely difficult depending on your physical ability. I've never been written up ever let alone as many times as I was written up at this park. They said it was so they wouldn't attract bears. I have camped at many campgrounds around the same area and never experienced this situation before. I've also camped in the upper peninsula and again, did not experience these kind of restrictions. You cannot leave an empty beverage can on your table by your fire, no sealed salt and pepper shaker on your table, sealed and lock down coolers or bins. My tire was 2 inches off the blacktop in the gravel and I got written up. Just be prepared for a lot of rules and effort to get to your food etc.

Love the large campsites. Facilities are great. Wonderful campground. Thank you.

Awesome campground in a beautiful location. Bathrooms and showers very clean as well as entire place. Only issue would be that some branches need trimming for us larger RV’s.

Excellent campground, very well situated, with good amenities. Friendly and helpful rangers.
We took advantage of the trail to lake Michigan to get to a pristine section of beach with clear water.
Close to platte river canoe/kayak/tubing and of course sleepy bear dunes.
Site B7 is a bit close to some A sites. I recommend B5 as the most secluded site.
Clean bathrooms and showers.