RV Parks In Beulah, Michigan
44.6319° N, 86.0909° W
Quick Overview
Beulah is a small village at the east end of Crystal Lake in Benzie County, right in the heart of northern Michigan's cottage country. It's the kind of place RVers plan whole summers around, because you're minutes from Crystal Lake's clear water and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The headline campground here is Platte River Campground, the National Park Service site inside Sleeping Bear Dunes over in Honor, about 15 minutes from town. It runs wooded sites along the Platte River less than two miles from Lake Michigan's beaches, takes rigs up to 40 feet on back-in and pull-through sites, and has electric hookups on many sites plus flush toilets and hot showers. There are no full hookups there and no water or sewer at the site, so you use the dump station, and you book it through Recreation.gov. When you want full hookups, you go private. Turtle Lake Campground is an established family campground near Beulah with full RV hookups and 30/50 amp service, and Crystal Lake Campground offers standard and full-hookup sites from May 1 through October 15. If you'd rather stay right in the village, the Beulah RV Park sits between Crystal Lake and the Betsie Valley Trail, walkable to downtown, the beach, and dinner. Need to empty your tanks? See our guide to RV dump stations in Beulah. Reserve early no matter which you pick. Summer weekends near Sleeping Bear Dunes fill weeks ahead, and Platte River's electric sites go the morning the window opens. You can plan the national lakeshore side of your trip straight from the Sleeping Bear Dunes park site before you commit, then line up a full-hookup base at Turtle Lake Campground or Crystal Lake Campground so you have sewer and 50-amp power to come home to after a long day on the dunes and the beach.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Beulah
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All Dump Stations Near Beulah
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Llovely Meadows Campgrounds | 1.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Vacation Trailer Park | 2.0 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Timberline Campground | 2.9 mi | 4.6 | RV Park | Free |
| Frankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort | 5.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Turtle Lake Campground | 9.0 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kampvilla RV Park | 10.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Holiday Park Campground | 20.7 mi | 4.5 | RV Park | Free |
| Traverse City KOA | 21.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Traverse City Koa Holiday | 21.2 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pat's RV Park | 23.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Llovely Meadows Campgrounds
1.4 miVacation Trailer Park
2.0 miTimberline Campground
2.9 miFrankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort
5.4 miTurtle Lake Campground
9.0 miKampvilla RV Park
10.4 miHoliday Park Campground
20.7 miTraverse City KOA
21.2 miTraverse City Koa Holiday
21.2 miPat's RV Park
23.6 miTraveling to Beulah by RV
Getting to Beulah is straightforward on good paved roads, which is a relief after some of northern Michigan's back-country routes. US-31 and M-115 are the main arteries into Benzie County, and M-22 runs the scenic shoreline if you don't mind a narrower, twistier drive. From US-31 you drop right into Beulah at the foot of Crystal Lake. Traverse City, the region's big hub for fuel, propane, groceries, and RV supplies, is about 40 minutes east, so stock up there before you settle in. Frankfort and Honor are just minutes away for smaller runs. Platte River Campground in Honor is an easy 15-minute hop and handles 40-foot rigs on paved roads, though the national lakeshore access roads get crowded on summer weekends, so arrive early in the day. If you're heading up to the Dune Climb or the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, expect slow traffic in July and August. The roads to Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground are rig-friendly too. Fill your fresh water and fuel before you point toward the dunes, since services thin out once you leave the main highways.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Beulah, Michigan, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Beulah
Camping costs around Beulah split by hookup level, same as most of northern Michigan. Platte River Campground, the National Park Service site, is a mid-range value: electric sites generally run in the $30s per night and non-electric sites less, and you get a beautiful riverside setting for the price, minus full hookups. That's the sweet spot if you can handle a dump station instead of sewer at your site. Private full-hookup parks like Turtle Lake Campground and Crystal Lake Campground cost more, generally landing in the $45 to $70 per night range depending on the site and season, with lakeside or premium sites at the top. The village-run Beulah RV Park sits in a similar middle band and buys you an unbeatable in-town location. Peak summer near Sleeping Bear Dunes carries the highest rates and the tightest availability, so shoulder-season stays in June or September stretch your dollar. Watch for extra-vehicle fees, and note that the national park charges a separate entrance pass on top of camping if you plan to explore the dunes.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Beulah
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Best Time to Visit Beulah by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
20F - 28F
Crowds: Low
Freezing, snowy, and windy; private parks are closed and only Platte River offers limited primitive winter camping.
Spring
Mar - May
38F - 50F
Crowds: Medium
Cool and frosty early, parks reopen around May, quieter and much easier to book before Memorial Day weekend.
Summer
Jun - Aug
61F - 71F
Crowds: High
Comfortable highs near 70 but heavy Sleeping Bear Dunes crowds; Platte River and private parks book weeks out.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42F - 55F
Crowds: Medium
Fall color and the Platte River salmon run draw anglers; crisp nights and most private parks close by mid-October.
Explore the Beulah Area
Here's what we've picked up camping around Crystal Lake. First, if you want a summer site at Platte River, set an alarm for the morning the 6-month Recreation.gov window opens, because July and August book out almost instantly near Sleeping Bear Dunes. Second, don't overlook the village-run Beulah RV Park, it's not fancy, but you're walking distance from downtown, Beulah Beach, and the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail, which is a great flat bike ride. Third, come in fall if you can, the Platte River salmon run is famous, the color is excellent, and the crowds thin out fast after Labor Day. Fourth, Crystal Lake really is that clear, so pack the paddleboards and swim gear, and the public beach access in town is easy with a rig parked nearby. Fifth, save an evening for The Cherry Hut, a Beulah institution since 1922 for cherry pie, and Five Shores Brewing for a patio beer with a lake view. Bring layers, even summer nights up here cool off quickly, and mornings by the water can be downright chilly before the sun climbs.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Beulah
What RV campgrounds are near Beulah, MI?
Beulah sits near several good options. The standout public choice is Platte River Campground inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Honor, about 15 minutes away, with electric sites and a dump station. For full hookups, Turtle Lake Campground and Crystal Lake Campground are established private parks near town. If you want to stay right in the village, the Beulah RV Park sits between Crystal Lake and the Betsie Valley Trail, walkable to downtown. Together these cover national-park scenery, family resorts, and in-town convenience within a short drive of Crystal Lake.
Does Platte River Campground have full hookups?
No, Platte River Campground does not have full hookups. As a National Park Service site inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it offers electric hookups on many sites, along with non-electric, walk-in, and group sites, but no water or sewer at the individual sites. Instead there's a central dump station plus flush toilets, hot showers, and a dish-washing room in the bathhouses. It handles rigs up to 40 feet on back-in and pull-through sites. If you need full hookups with sewer at your site, choose a private park like Turtle Lake or Crystal Lake Campground instead.
How do I reserve a site at Platte River Campground?
You reserve Platte River Campground through Recreation.gov, the National Park Service booking system. Reservations open on a rolling window up to six months in advance, and for July and August you'll want to book the morning your dates become available, because sites near Sleeping Bear Dunes sell out almost immediately in peak summer. Have your dates, rig length, and site preferences ready before the window opens. If you miss out, keep checking for cancellations, which do pop up, or fall back to one of the private parks near Beulah that book directly and sometimes have more flexibility.
Which campgrounds near Beulah have full hookups?
For full hookups, go private. Turtle Lake Campground is a long-established family campground near Beulah with full RV hookups and 30/50 amp service. Crystal Lake Campground offers both standard and full-hookup sites and runs May 1 through October 15. The village-run Beulah RV Park also has hookup sites right in town. The national park option, Platte River Campground, only has electric hookups and a dump station, no sewer at the site, so if running your AC and dumping at your site matters, one of the private parks is the way to go.
Can big rigs camp near Beulah?
Yes. Platte River Campground accommodates rigs up to 40 feet with both back-in and pull-through sites, and the roads in and out are paved and rig-friendly. The private parks near Beulah, including Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground, also handle larger RVs. The main routes into Benzie County, US-31 and M-115, are good paved highways. Just be aware that M-22 along the shoreline is narrower and twistier in spots, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes access roads get busy in summer, so plan your route and try to arrive during daylight and off-peak hours.
When is the best time to camp near Beulah?
Summer, roughly late June through August, has the warmest, most comfortable weather with highs near 70, but it also brings the biggest crowds and the tightest bookings thanks to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Fall is our favorite for a quieter trip: the color is excellent, the Platte River salmon run draws anglers, and crowds thin out after Labor Day, though private parks start closing by mid-October. Spring is cool and can be frosty early, with parks reopening around May and much easier availability before Memorial Day. Winter is essentially off for RV camping here.
What is there to do near Beulah while camping?
A lot, which is why RVers keep coming back. Crystal Lake is right in town for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout, bass, and perch. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a short drive for the famous Dune Climb, Lake Michigan beaches, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail is a flat, scenic bike ride from downtown. Add the Point Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort, salmon fishing on the Platte River, cherry pie at The Cherry Hut, and a patio beer at Five Shores Brewing, and you've got a full week easily.
Is there camping right in the village of Beulah?
Yes. The Village of Beulah operates the Beulah RV Park, an in-town campground located between Crystal Lake and the Betsie Valley Trail. Staying there puts you within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants, Beulah Beach, and the trailhead, which is a rare convenience up here. It's a village-run lot rather than a resort, so amenities are simpler, and you book through the Village of Beulah. Check size limits for your rig before you commit, since in-village sites can be tighter than the larger private campgrounds or the national park sites nearby.
What does it cost to camp near Beulah?
Costs depend on hookups. Platte River Campground, the National Park Service site, is a mid-range value with electric sites generally in the $30s per night and non-electric sites cheaper. Private full-hookup parks like Turtle Lake Campground and Crystal Lake Campground typically run about $45 to $70 per night depending on the site and season, with premium or lakeside sites higher. The village Beulah RV Park sits in a similar middle band. Budget extra for the national park entrance pass if you plan to explore the dunes, plus any extra-vehicle fees, which add up on longer stays.
What highways lead to Beulah, Michigan?
The main routes into Benzie County are US-31 and M-115, both good paved highways that funnel you right to Beulah at the east end of Crystal Lake. M-22 is the scenic shoreline route, beautiful but narrower and more winding in places, so weigh that against your rig size. M-72 connects the region eastward. Traverse City, about 40 minutes east, is the nearest big hub for fuel, propane, groceries, and RV parts, so most travelers top off there. Once you leave the main highways for the dunes, services get sparse, so plan supply runs accordingly.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds near Beulah?
Most campgrounds in the area welcome pets, though rules vary by property, so always confirm before you book. Platte River Campground allows leashed pets in the campground, but note that the National Park Service restricts pets on certain trails and beaches within Sleeping Bear Dunes, so check the park's pet regulations before you plan a hike with your dog. Private parks like Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground are generally pet-friendly with leash rules and cleanup expectations. Bring proof of vaccination just in case, and never leave pets unattended in a hot rig during summer.
Is Platte River Campground open in winter?
Platte River Campground technically operates year-round, but winter camping is a very different experience than summer. Full services like the flush toilets and hot showers are seasonal, so in the colder months you're looking at limited, more primitive camping in freezing, snowy conditions. It's really only for well-equipped, cold-weather RVers or hardy tent campers. The private parks near Beulah, including Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground, close for the season in fall and reopen in spring. If you're visiting Beulah between roughly November and April, plan carefully and confirm what's actually available.
How far is Beulah from Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Beulah sits right on the doorstep of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Platte River Campground in Honor, which is inside the national lakeshore, is about 15 minutes from town, and the main Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive areas are roughly 25 to 35 minutes north. That proximity is exactly why Beulah makes such a good RV base, you get a quiet lakeside village with restaurants and beaches, plus quick access to one of the Midwest's most spectacular stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. Just expect summer traffic on the dunes access roads, so head out early.
What RV campgrounds are near Beulah, MI?
Beulah sits near several good options. The standout public choice is Platte River Campground inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Honor, about 15 minutes away, with electric sites and a dump station. For full hookups, Turtle Lake Campground and Crystal Lake Campground are established private parks near town. If you want to stay right in the village, the Beulah RV Park sits between Crystal Lake and the Betsie Valley Trail, walkable to downtown. Together these cover national-park scenery, family resorts, and in-town convenience within a short drive of Crystal Lake.
Does Platte River Campground have full hookups?
No, Platte River Campground does not have full hookups. As a National Park Service site inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it offers electric hookups on many sites, along with non-electric, walk-in, and group sites, but no water or sewer at the individual sites. Instead there's a central dump station plus flush toilets, hot showers, and a dish-washing room in the bathhouses. It handles rigs up to 40 feet on back-in and pull-through sites. If you need full hookups with sewer at your site, choose a private park like Turtle Lake or Crystal Lake Campground instead.
How do I reserve a site at Platte River Campground?
You reserve Platte River Campground through Recreation.gov, the National Park Service booking system. Reservations open on a rolling window up to six months in advance, and for July and August you'll want to book the morning your dates become available, because sites near Sleeping Bear Dunes sell out almost immediately in peak summer. Have your dates, rig length, and site preferences ready before the window opens. If you miss out, keep checking for cancellations, which do pop up, or fall back to one of the private parks near Beulah that book directly and sometimes have more flexibility.
Which campgrounds near Beulah have full hookups?
For full hookups, go private. Turtle Lake Campground is a long-established family campground near Beulah with full RV hookups and 30/50 amp service. Crystal Lake Campground offers both standard and full-hookup sites and runs May 1 through October 15. The village-run Beulah RV Park also has hookup sites right in town. The national park option, Platte River Campground, only has electric hookups and a dump station, no sewer at the site, so if running your AC and dumping at your site matters, one of the private parks is the way to go.
Can big rigs camp near Beulah?
Yes. Platte River Campground accommodates rigs up to 40 feet with both back-in and pull-through sites, and the roads in and out are paved and rig-friendly. The private parks near Beulah, including Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground, also handle larger RVs. The main routes into Benzie County, US-31 and M-115, are good paved highways. Just be aware that M-22 along the shoreline is narrower and twistier in spots, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes access roads get busy in summer, so plan your route and try to arrive during daylight and off-peak hours.
When is the best time to camp near Beulah?
Summer, roughly late June through August, has the warmest, most comfortable weather with highs near 70, but it also brings the biggest crowds and the tightest bookings thanks to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Fall is our favorite for a quieter trip: the color is excellent, the Platte River salmon run draws anglers, and crowds thin out after Labor Day, though private parks start closing by mid-October. Spring is cool and can be frosty early, with parks reopening around May and much easier availability before Memorial Day. Winter is essentially off for RV camping here.
What is there to do near Beulah while camping?
A lot, which is why RVers keep coming back. Crystal Lake is right in town for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout, bass, and perch. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a short drive for the famous Dune Climb, Lake Michigan beaches, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail is a flat, scenic bike ride from downtown. Add the Point Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort, salmon fishing on the Platte River, cherry pie at The Cherry Hut, and a patio beer at Five Shores Brewing, and you've got a full week easily.
Is there camping right in the village of Beulah?
Yes. The Village of Beulah operates the Beulah RV Park, an in-town campground located between Crystal Lake and the Betsie Valley Trail. Staying there puts you within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants, Beulah Beach, and the trailhead, which is a rare convenience up here. It's a village-run lot rather than a resort, so amenities are simpler, and you book through the Village of Beulah. Check size limits for your rig before you commit, since in-village sites can be tighter than the larger private campgrounds or the national park sites nearby.
What does it cost to camp near Beulah?
Costs depend on hookups. Platte River Campground, the National Park Service site, is a mid-range value with electric sites generally in the $30s per night and non-electric sites cheaper. Private full-hookup parks like Turtle Lake Campground and Crystal Lake Campground typically run about $45 to $70 per night depending on the site and season, with premium or lakeside sites higher. The village Beulah RV Park sits in a similar middle band. Budget extra for the national park entrance pass if you plan to explore the dunes, plus any extra-vehicle fees, which add up on longer stays.
What highways lead to Beulah, Michigan?
The main routes into Benzie County are US-31 and M-115, both good paved highways that funnel you right to Beulah at the east end of Crystal Lake. M-22 is the scenic shoreline route, beautiful but narrower and more winding in places, so weigh that against your rig size. M-72 connects the region eastward. Traverse City, about 40 minutes east, is the nearest big hub for fuel, propane, groceries, and RV parts, so most travelers top off there. Once you leave the main highways for the dunes, services get sparse, so plan supply runs accordingly.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds near Beulah?
Most campgrounds in the area welcome pets, though rules vary by property, so always confirm before you book. Platte River Campground allows leashed pets in the campground, but note that the National Park Service restricts pets on certain trails and beaches within Sleeping Bear Dunes, so check the park's pet regulations before you plan a hike with your dog. Private parks like Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground are generally pet-friendly with leash rules and cleanup expectations. Bring proof of vaccination just in case, and never leave pets unattended in a hot rig during summer.
Is Platte River Campground open in winter?
Platte River Campground technically operates year-round, but winter camping is a very different experience than summer. Full services like the flush toilets and hot showers are seasonal, so in the colder months you're looking at limited, more primitive camping in freezing, snowy conditions. It's really only for well-equipped, cold-weather RVers or hardy tent campers. The private parks near Beulah, including Turtle Lake and Crystal Lake Campground, close for the season in fall and reopen in spring. If you're visiting Beulah between roughly November and April, plan carefully and confirm what's actually available.
How far is Beulah from Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Beulah sits right on the doorstep of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Platte River Campground in Honor, which is inside the national lakeshore, is about 15 minutes from town, and the main Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive areas are roughly 25 to 35 minutes north. That proximity is exactly why Beulah makes such a good RV base, you get a quiet lakeside village with restaurants and beaches, plus quick access to one of the Midwest's most spectacular stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. Just expect summer traffic on the dunes access roads, so head out early.
Are there free dump stations in Beulah?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Beulah.
All Dump Stations Near Beulah (50)
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