Kick off Your Northern Michigan Adventure at Trailside Campground

Welcome to Trailside Campground, the premier spot in Wolverine, Michigan, for heart-racing outdoor escapades and wholesome family memories! Perched alongside the flowing Sturgeon River and enveloped by the untamed Pigeon River Country, we're your ideal starting point for Northern Michigan's top attractions. Whether it's conquering SXS trails, wandering peaceful hiking paths, or discovering hidden gems like the Cross of the Woods, adventure awaits every traveler. Spot our new signage off Exit 301 and prepare for unforgettable moments. Book your stay now and unlock the magic!

What Makes Trailside Campground Your Perfect Base?

Strategically situated in Wolverine, Trailside Campground serves as your central command for Northern Michigan's wonders. Minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island, Castle Rock, and Legs Inn, we provide seamless access to exhilarating activities and quaint coastal vibes. Ideal for thrill-seekers, historians, or families, our all-season facilities—close to ATV/SXS trails, snowmobile networks, and prime fishing holes—ensure endless excitement. Contact us today to reserve and embark on your dream getaway!

Must-Visit Northern Michigan Attractions

Mackinac Bridge & Island

Embark on a 35-minute scenic drive to the Mackinac Bridge, spanning 5 miles as the Western Hemisphere's longest suspension bridge over the Straits of Mackinac. Venture to St. Ignace for Upper Peninsula allure or savor Mackinaw City's family delights. Ferry to Mackinac Island for a vehicle-free paradise: tour Fort Mackinac, cycle scenic routes, hike coastal paths, and indulge in boutique shopping or fresh fudge. Join thrilling events like the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (October 2–4, 2025) or endurance races, including 5K, 10K, half-marathons, and full marathons. Schedule your excursion now for panoramic views and island charm!

Castle Rock

A quick 45-minute jaunt leads to Castle Rock, a towering 196-foot limestone formation and historic Ojibwa Indian lookout. Revel in panoramic vistas of the Mackinac Bridge, Straits, and Mackinac Island. Pose with the legendary Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, or map out an invigorating run using your running tracker app. This geological marvel doubles as a prime spot for photography and trail planning. Head out today for an elevated adventure!

Cross of the Woods National Shrine

Only 10 miles north on I-75 in Indian River, the Cross of the Woods offers a tranquil spiritual haven. Admire the 55-foot redwood cross and Marshall Fredericks' iconic “Man on the Cross” bronze sculpture. Wander lush grounds, join a mass, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs and religious artifacts. This cultural landmark blends faith, art, and nature seamlessly. Add this serene stop to your plans and find inner peace!

Legs Inn

Delight in an extraordinary meal at Legs Inn in Cross Village, just 30 miles away. Crafted from stones and driftwood, this historic eatery features breathtaking Lake Michigan views and a magical interior. Feast on homemade Polish cuisine, highlighted by fresh Great Lakes whitefish spread, while relaxing on the garden terrace. It's a culinary highlight not to miss! Reserve a table now for a flavorful memory!

Indian River Highlights

Dive into Indian River's charm, a short drive from Trailside. Explore Burt Lake State Park for sandy beaches, swimming, and picnics, or venture into the Inland Waterway for boating across connected lakes. Visit Big Bear Adventures for mini-golf, bumper boats, and high ropes courses. Nature lovers will adore Seven Springs Nature Preserve and Colonial Point Forest for birdwatching and serene walks. Don't forget the Indian River Marina Park for waterfront relaxation. Discover Indian River today and enhance your stay!

Gaylord Gems

Head to Gaylord, known as the "Alpine Village," for unique attractions like Gaylord's City Elk Park with multiple viewing platforms, playgrounds, and restrooms for spotting majestic elk. Immerse in wildlife at the Call of the Wild Museum with interactive exhibits. Relax at Otsego Lake State Park for swimming and camping, or hike Aspen Park's trails. Thrill-seekers, try Escape the Cabin for puzzle-solving fun, or hit Treetops Resort for zip-lining and adventure courses. Explore Gaylord now for alpine-inspired excitement!

Expanded Outdoor Adventures

Sturgeon River & Water Thrills

Near Trailside, the Sturgeon River—a National Wild and Scenic River and 21-mile Blue Ribbon Trout Stream—beckons with top-tier trout and bass fishing, dynamic kayaking, fun tubing, and picturesque running paths. Easy access points abound, while the Au Sable River (an hour south) promises calm kayaking and idyllic picnics. Gear up at Sturgeon River Paddle Sports or Big Bear Adventures for rentals including kayaks, canoes, tubes, paddleboards, and shuttles with guided tours. Launch your water quest today for refreshing escapades!

More Water Excitement

• Paddleboarding on gentle river stretches for balance and views

• Guided canoeing excursions suitable for beginners to experts

• Family tubing floats down lazy currents for laughs and splashes
  
  

SXS/ATV & ORV Trails

Launch directly from Trailside onto exhilarating SXS/ATV trails! Key local routes include Trail LP 767 (scenic forest paths), Hunters Road (rugged terrain), Marl Creek Road 765/760 (connecting loops), Pigeon River Roaming (elk-spotting adventures), Red Bridge Trail (river crossings), and Crapo Creek Trail (wetland explorations). Michigan's ORV trails are typically 50" wide for narrower vehicles, while wider routes accommodate SXS up to 72". Access over 300 miles via TrailsCouncil.org, including connections in Cheboygan and Otsego Counties like Black Lake Trail and Pigeon River Country trails. We offer maps and tips—runners can use running distance calculators too. Rev your engine now for off-road thrills!

Hiking & Running Paths

• Wildwood Hills Pathway: Versatile trails through dense forests for all levels, with seasonal wildflowers and wildlife

• Sturgeon River Preserve: Tranquil routes perfect for birdwatching, peaceful hikes, and nature immersion

• TrailsCouncil.org: Unlock 300+ miles for hiking, biking, ORV, snowmobiling, and mapped runs

• Bonus: North Central State Trail (75 miles of crushed limestone from Gaylord to Mackinaw City, ideal for cycling and winter sports)
  
  

Hunting & Wildlife Encounters

In Pigeon River Country State Forest—home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi—hunt deer, turkey, and small game amid vast woodlands. Fall's elk bugling season (September to mid-October) features dramatic bull calls and antler displays; learn sounds at Elk Hunting Tips and viewing info on the Michigan DNR site. Add geocaching, nature photography, and mountain biking for more fun. Gear up for wildlife wonders today!

Snowmobile & Winter Wonders

Trailside is a snowmobiler's paradise with trails like Trail 765 (connecting Indian River to Wolverine), Trail #7 (North Central State Trail) (groomed for high-speed rides from Gaylord north), Trail 704/717 (Emmet County loops), and Cheboygan County's Trail 765/765 (forested paths to Shoepac Lake). Over 6,500 miles statewide, with local gems in Otsego like Trail 320. Enjoy ice fishing on Burt Lake for walleye and pike, plus cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plan your winter ride now for snowy exhilaration!

Dynamic Annual Events & Festivals

Spring Spectacles: Morel Mushroom Hunting (May)

Embrace Northern Michigan's rite of spring with morel mushroom hunting in Pigeon River and Mackinaw State Forests. Forage elusive treasures in lush woods—perhaps even at Trailside! Pair with the Wolverine Bass Festival for fishing contests and family games. Join the hunt—book your spring escape!

Summer Celebrations

• Indian River Old Fashioned Days (June 20–24, 2025): Parade, lobster fest, duck race, kayak events, and 50+ crafters for nostalgic fun

• Gaylord Alpenfest (July 8–12, 2025): 60th anniversary with alpine parades, music, food, and community cheer in the Alpine Village

• Indian River Pilgrimage (July 19, 2025): Spiritual gathering at Cross in the Woods with masses and cultural activities

• Wolverine Lumberjack Festival (August 15–16, 2025): Logging competitions, music, and family games celebrating heritage
  

Fall Festivities: Elk Bugling Season (September–Mid-October)

Witness elk bugling as bulls vie for mates in Pigeon River Country—a natural symphony perfect for hikes, photos, and runs. Complement with Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (October 2–4, 2025), Apple Fest in Charlevoix (October 11–13), and Skitoberfest at Boyne Mountain for ski-season kickoff with fall flair and peak colors (October 7–14 average). Reserve for autumn's vibrant show!

Winter Wonders

• Indian River Winterfest (February 13–14, 2025): Snowmobile races, winter games, and ice fishing for frosty thrills

• Otsego County Fair (August 17–23, 2025): Rides, exhibits, and demos (late summer but winter prep vibe)
  

Full 2025 Events Calendar Highlights

• May: Morel Mushroom Hunting, Wolverine Bass Festival

• June: Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair (June 14), Indian River Old Fashioned Days (June 20–24), National Cherry Festival (June 29)

• July: Wolverine Fireworks & Parade (July 4), AuSable River Classic Car Show (July 19), Indian River Pilgrimage (July 19), Indian River Biathlon (July 20), Gaylord Alpenfest (July 8–12), Boyne Falls Polish Festival (July 31)

• August: Indian River Lighted Boat Parade (August 8), Wolverine Lumberjack Festival (August 15–16), Suttons Bay Art Festival (August 2–3), Otsego County Fair (August 17–23), Higher Birdies Golf Tournament (August 25)

• September: Elk Bugling Starts, Traverse City Horse Show Series (September 3–21), Downtown Traverse City Art Fair (September 13–14)

• October: Elk Bugling Continues, Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (October 2–4), Peak Fall Colors (October 7–14), Apple Fest (October 11–13), Skitoberfest (Boyne Mountain)
  

Family Favorites & Local Treasures

• Wolverine Historical Museum: Uncover logging and heritage stories

• Wolverine Community Park: Picnics, playgrounds, and sports

• North Central State Trail: Biking, walking, and route planning

• Call of the Wild Museum & Depot Ice Cream Café: Educational wildlife exhibits with delicious treats
  

Savory Dining & Nightlife

• The Thirsty Sturgeon: Cozy rustic eats like Reuben balls and banana bread pudding

• The Farmer’s Table: Locally sourced farm-to-table delights

• Torrey Tavern: Laid-back burgers, pizza, and vibes

• Wildwood Golf Course Grill: Scenic Friday fish fry and lunches
  

Markets & Essential Services

• Wolverine Farmers Market: Seasonal produce, baked goods, and crafts

• Northern Harvest Market: Organic and handmade treasures

• Conveniences: Gas (Wolverine BP), groceries (Family Fare in Indian River), pharmacy (Walgreens in Cheboygan), emergency (McLaren Northern Michigan)
  

Day Trips & Beyond

• Petoskey & Little Traverse Bay (29 miles): Victorian elegance, Petoskey stone hunts, shopping

• Cheboygan Lighthouses (20 miles): Maritime tales at Crib Light and River Front Range

• SkyBridge Michigan (27 miles): Traverse the world's longest timber suspension bridge

• Charlevoix Mushroom Houses (45 miles): Fairy-tale architecture and gardens

• Whitefish Point & Shipwreck Museum (123 miles): Dive into Great Lakes lore

• Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park (60 miles): Animal encounters in Naubinway
  

Scenic Drives to Inspire

Cruise through Northern Michigan's beauty on these iconic routes, offering stunning views and photo ops just a short drive from Trailside.

• Tunnel of Trees (M-119): A 20-mile canopy of hardwoods from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, with Lake Michigan peeks and fall foliage magic (Website: m119tunneloftrees.org)

• Heritage Route US-23 (Sunrise Coast Byway): 200 miles of Lake Huron shores from Standish to Mackinaw City, dotted with forests, beaches, and lighthouses (Website: us23heritageroute.org)

• Inland Waterway Route (25 miles from Wolverine): Navigate 38 miles of connected rivers and lakes from Crooked Lake to Cheboygan for boating bliss (Website: irchamber.com)

• Pigeon River Country Forest Drive: Wind through 114,000 acres of pristine wilderness, spotting elk and rivers in Michigan's largest contiguous state land block (Website: michigan.gov/dnr)

Take a drive and soak in the scenery—reserve at Trailside today for the perfect starting point!

Nearby Golf Havens

1. Wildwood Golf Course (Wolverine)

2. Indian River Golf Club

3. Black Bear Golf Club

4. Treetops North (Gaylord)

5. Springbrook Golf Course

6. Mullett Lake Country Club

7. Rippling Rapids Black Lake Golf Course
   

Prime Seasons to Explore

1. Spring: Blooming wildflowers, morel hunts, temperate vibes

2. Summer: Bustling festivals, boating, fishing, running groups

3. Fall: Stunning leaves, elk calls, harvest adventures

4. Winter: Snowmobiling, ice fishing, cabin coziness with Northern Lights potential
   
   

Create Lasting Memories at Trailside Campground

From dominating SXS trails to reeling in Sturgeon River catches or delving into Mackinac Island's history, Trailside Campground delivers invigorating air, thrilling pursuits, and enduring tales. Leverage our resources to map runs, track distances, or pace scenic routes. Our dedicated team ensures your visit is extraordinary. Don't delay—call or reserve online today to claim your slice of Northern Michigan paradise at Trailside Campground!