Set along the shores of Elk Lake just 6 miles from Elk Rapids, Whitewater Township Park accommodates tents and recreational vehicles with 55 campsites, each with electricity. Amenities include a bath house, showers, boat launch, playground and picnic area. A 2-mile trail meanders through woods and meadows to the scenic lakeshore. Check with the park ranger for a trail map. Fishing and swimming are favorite pastimes at this well maintained park.
Anglers, paddlers, hikers and equestrians enjoy convenient access to outdoor activities from Scheck's Place State Forest Campground. Located 9 miles south of Elk Rapids along the Boardman River, the campground has 30 rustic sites suited for tents and small trailers. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serves basis. Vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water is available. The campground is adjacent to Scheck's State Forest Trail Camp, accommodating equestrians and others traveling Michigan's 355-mile Shore-to-Shore riding/hiking trail. The North Country National Scenic Trail also crosses the campground, providing access to this seven-state, 4,600-mile trail system. (Reference 4)
Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground sits adjacent to the 2,800-acre Sand Lakes Quiet Area in the Pere Marquette State Forest. A nonmotorized area, it's ideal for peaceful hikes and wildlife watching. The campground itself lies 17 miles south of Elk Rapids. Thirty-six rustic sites, including some walk-in sites, provide lake access for boating and fishing. Anglers cast for bass, bluegill and trout. Sand Lakes' 11 miles of trails traverse gentle hills, oak and pine stands and weave around deep inland lakes.
Water fun is just steps away from campsites at area private campgrounds. Honcho Rest Campground along Bass Lake has more than 100 modern campsites with water, sewer, electricity, cable television and Wi-Fi. It's just 1.5 miles from downtown Elk Rapids and a stone's throw from Elk Rapids Public Golf Course. Access to the beautiful aqua-colored Torch Lake is across the street from Torch Grove Campground. Set up primarily for RV campers, the facility provides water, sewer and a dump station. Torch Grove is 7 miles from Elk Rapids, making for a quick run when you need supplies.
