Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!

Photo gallery for Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!

A rustic outdoor setting with a fire pit, a hammock, and a deck chair in a forested area.
A kitchen with wooden walls, a microwave, coffee maker, and various jars and containers on the counter.
A compact kitchen with a washing machine, a coffee maker, and various kitchen items on the counter.
A bathroom with a forest-themed shower curtain, a welcome sign, toiletries, and a sign encouraging humility and kindness.
A tent with a bed, a table, and two chairs.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchenette
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Fife Lake, MI
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Fife Lake
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Spider Lake
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 3 Single Beds

Stout tent 16 foot

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bath House

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!

North Branch of the Manistee River Glamping Getaway

Welcome to your peaceful, secluded glamping retreat on the beautiful North Branch of the Manistee River! Step outside your tent and enjoy the soothing sounds of the river, the beauty of nature, and the quiet of Michigan's true Up North experience.

There is ONLY ONE CAMPING SITE on the property, so your group will have a private and secluded outdoor experience. (there is an owner campsite, they may or may not be on site. Please respect this area)
The site includes two 16-foot Stout tents, with comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests total.

Each tent includes:
- One full-size bed with warm bedding
- Two comfortable cots with cushions, sleeping bags, and pillows
- The base rate is for 4 guests. Additional guests are $30 per person, per night.
- Please enter your exact guest count when booking. Children count toward the total number of guests. The property can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. If your group will include more than 8 people, please contact us before booking.

What to Expect...
This is glamping; not a hotel or traditional cabin stay. You will be enjoying the outdoors while still having many of the comforts and conveniences you need for a relaxing getaway.

The tents are located in a private, wooded setting. Depending on where you park, the walk to the site can be anywhere from approximately 10 seconds to 1½ minutes. The paths are wood-chipped and have solar lighting to help you get around after dark.
We want you to know exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. This is a peaceful, secluded camping environment, surrounded by nature.
Common Bathroom & Kitchen
A centrally located common bath and kitchen facility is available for your use. It includes:
- Full bathroom
- Kitchen and dishwashing area
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Plates and other paper/plastic tableware
- Glasses
- Coffee Machine
- Towels
- Fresh sheets
- Cleaning supplies
- Gas grill
- Campfire grill
- Outdoor shower
- Electricity for charging phones and small electronic devices

Please note: There is NO ELECTRICITY at the tents. Electricity is available only at the common bathroom/kitchen facility.

The washer and dryer are for owner use ONLY.

The common area may occasionally be shared with the hosts or other guests using the property for kayaking.

Enjoy the Outdoors!!!

This is the perfect place to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy everything Up North has to offer.
Spend your day kayaking the river, fishing, exploring the surrounding area, relaxing in a hammock, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. At the end of the day, gather around the fire, relax, and take in the quiet beauty of your surroundings.
Kayaks are available to rent, and we can also provide transportation for kayaking trips. Please ask us for details!

We also offer an additional adventure Experience for guests who are looking for a little more excitement during their stay.

Important Information...
Because this is a secluded outdoor property, please keep the following in mind:
- Maximum occupancy is 8 guests.
- Children count toward your total guest number.
- Please provide your accurate guest count when booking.
- No dogs or pets are allowed.
- Cell service is limited. (NO WIFI)
- There is no electricity at the tents.
- This is a true outdoor camping environment, so please come prepared to enjoy nature.

We provide detailed check-in instructions to help make your arrival easy. After your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a welcome message with the information contained in this listing. Within 24 hours of your stay, we will send the exact location and detailed check-in instructions, including photos and directions.

Come Enjoy the True Up North
If you're looking for a quiet getaway where you can unplug, reconnect with nature, spend time by the river, and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor living, with a few extra comforts, this is the place for you.

Come relax, breathe in the fresh northern Michigan air, listen to the river, and experience a peaceful getaway you'll remember.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Yes, but must be aware this is CAMPING
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Must rent both sites and discuss with owners
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NOT ALLOWED IN THE TENTS.
Do no throw trash on ground or in woods a $100 fee for the extra mess to the land. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF NATURE AND LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT!
Each reservation will be allowed 1 50 gallon trash bag of garbage per stay. Each additional bag will be charged $20.
Do Not Move items, i.e. docks, hammocks, chairs, etc. If you do move them THEY MUST PUT BACK WHERE YOU FOUND THEM.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1470108vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Must rent both sites and discuss with owners
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Kingsley

Located in Kingsley, this campsite is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve and South Branch Nature Preserve reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Centre Ice Arena and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Map
Fife Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 14 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 14 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Manistee River Roadside Park - 14 min drive - 19.1 km
  • Fife Lake - 15 min drive - 22.4 km
  • Spider Lake - 18 min drive - 21.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kingsley Local Brewing - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪K.I. Bar & Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Village Cafe & Ice Cream Shop - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Kingsley Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪A. Papano's Pizza - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Glamping - UP NORTH - Riverside! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this campsite is within 12 miles (20 km) of Forest Lakes, Arbutus Lake and Manistee River Roadside Park. Downs Lake and Headquarters Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Relaxing getaway

If you love northern MI and want a place to just relax and get away then this is a great choice. Low stress and comfortable. Owners are great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Aaron S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary Getaway

This trip was exactly what my fiancee and I needed to get away and enjoy ourselves and nature! Definitely considering returning!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2021
We are so happy you enjoyed your anniversary and hope that we can host you again in the near future! Our dates are open for next year.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Anniversary Getaway

Stayed 2 wonderful nights. The campsite had everything we needed (minus food). Chad and Aimee were great at communicating and answering our questions ahead of time. Enjoyed our relaxing getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2020
So Happy you loved your stay, we hope to see you again in the future! Happy Glamping, Blessings - C&A Adventure
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quiet property!

Beautiful little area that is very isolated and has plenty of room to relax and unplug. Very friendly and professional hosts, tons of amenities (really don't need to bring anything but your clothes is you don't mind driving for food).
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend away

Just what we wanted. A quiet peaceful weekend
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2022
We are so happy you enjoyed your time away and welcome you back anytime! Enjoy summer 2022! Blessings C&A
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karl V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls reunion

This was just as described and more. They had everything you would need for your stay, just bring food and clothes! Beautiful setting and a relaxing spot to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most stress-free version of camping there is! Peaceful, whimsical, private stay. I'm a single mom and took my 6 and 9 year old to explore MI. This was the perfect base camp for us. The kids loved exploring and relaxing in the hammocks by the babbling water. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bill R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second time staying and still perfect

If you want to get away and enjoy lakes and rivers and just get away from people then come glamp here. The campsite is great and there is a river right there that we just sit in and enjoy the nature. Relax and drive for miles and miles with no stoplights and enjoy some local restaurants. You can't miss with this.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Escape

Chad & Aimee were awesome. Such a great place to stay and unplug from the rest of our world.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2022
We are so happy you enjoyed your time at our little slice of heaven in northern Michigan! We welcome you back anytime and hope you have great summer! Blessings C&A
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robyn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice way to disconnect

This is a great little place for getting away without having to haul all your stuff.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2020
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay - we hope to see you again in the near future! Blessings C&A
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angelica A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little slice of heaven

Chad & Aimee’s glamping site is one for the books. The bathhouse on site with a real shower is a godsend! They have everything you would need to glamp.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brianna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis

This is such a relaxing retreat to disconnect from society. I highly recommend this site.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mike F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely amazing

Breath taking view from tent to the river. Bonfire was amazing along with the peacefulness if the hammocks while listening to the river flow.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great escape!

The property is amazing- so relaxing and beautiful. They have everything you need to enjoy nature & “glamping.” The hosts were wonderful & easy to communicate with and went above & beyond to make sure we had a great time! Definitely would recommend 100%
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melanie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need!

Chad and Aimee provide everything one needs for camping in comfort. Perfect location to camp while being socially distanced from others. Visited Traverse City and hiked at The sand Dunes National park. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2020
Melanie and her family were great guests! We are happy that you enjoyed your stay! We hope to see you next year at a different location with additional amenities! Blessings C&A
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christina J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day getaway

Such a great glamping experience! Beautiful property, wonderful amenities: bed was comfortable, had all the kitchen utensils/cookware/serving items needed, loved the indoor shower/bathroom/coffee station.Really enjoyed the hot tub after a long day of cycling. Couldn’t have been better!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay!

Our glamping experience was the perfect way to begin our vacation! Everything you could think of and more was supplied. Cleanliness was excellent! You could definitely see the work that was put into this site. All the little trails and sitting areas were awesome! We had kayaks so to be right on the river was perfect. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be recommending!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct 2020
We are so happy you enjoyed your time at C&A Adventure! We hope to see you glamping with is in the future. Please keep us in mind next year, we will be at a new, more beautiful, quieter, peaceful site on the north branch of the Manistee River! We are really excited about our new property and can’t wait for everyone to experience it! Blessings C&A
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We Loved It

This glamping experience was much better than expected. Chad and Aimee are terrific hosts! Beautiful property and very nice and knowledgeable hosts made our first glamping experience something to fondly remember. I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Victoria T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love this experience.

Everything was perfect. We literally only needed to pack our clothes and food. Everything else is provided. Most stress free camping I’ve ever had.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lusa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Glamping

Very cute and cozy! They thought of everything so you can go camping without having to bring everything with you. Chad and Aimee were great hosts. I’d definitely do it again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jodi N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friends getaway

We loved our stay at the property! The tent was spacious enough for all 4 of us. They have everything you need except clothes and food so it makes packing a lot easier. We loved sitting by the fire pit and hearing the river below. We also went kayaking which was a lot of fun! The outdoor shower was quite lovely. Communication was great, and the hosts were very welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I had a fantastic stay at this glamping site! Chad and Aimee really know how to go above and beyond for their guests. While I was alone at the campsite, I felt very comfortable and safe. The walk to the river is very easy. Definitely enjoyed reading my book in the hammocks they provided. When I discovered the bathroom/kitchen off shoot area, I was even more impressed with it still feeling like I was camping, with modern facilities. I loved the crafts and coloring books— it made me feel like a kid again. Thank you thank you thank you! I had a blast and I will be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Camping made easy

I didn’t really know what I was looking for exactly...we knew we wanted something different and off the beaten path. Chad and Aimee’s Yurt Glamping popped up when searching and I knew it would be perfect! The property was peaceful and secluded with so many glamping amenities! They really thought of everything...all you need are clothes and food! The yurt was very clean and organized with plenty of space to enjoy the surroundings. We will definitely return!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2021
We are so happy you enjoyed our little slice of heaven in the north! You were awesome guests and look forward to your return - you will need to see everything done (by end of summer hopefully:)). Have a great rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First glamping experience

This vacation was everything we wanted, needed, and more. Our site had everything we needed. Plus some. It was quiet. Easy to find and the owners are so very kind. If you’ve never been glamping or heck camping I definitely recommend. My daughter and I enjoyed every minute and will definitely do this again. P.S. can’t wait to see/hear about the new location. 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tara L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother/Daughter 2020 Rock Hunting

My daughter and I did a last minute trip to this site. The owners were great and we had an amazing time. The site was beautiful, relaxing and tranquil. We had amazing fires and enjoyed hammocking onsite. We did a day trip to Traverse City and went Rock Hunting at Vans and Sutton Bay. We stopped by the lavender fields near Old Mission. Absolutely Beautiful! I plan to definitely come back. Thanks for accommodating us last minute and being great host! Tara and Haile!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2020
We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us! We would love for you to return and maybe next time you can do some kayaking! Have a blessed summer and hope to see you soon - C&A

About the host

Hosted by Aimee Bissonette

Host profile image
Chad and Aimee are outdoors enthusiasts who love kayaking and camping! We are natives of the area and love offering the amenities we do for glamping. We look at our area as "What do we want when we go camping?". We are looking forward to sharing it with you!

Why they chose this property

This property is located in a secluded area but yet still close enough to many of the popular tourist destinations. The property is roughly 40 min from Traverse City, 20 min to Kalkaska or Grayling. If you are seeking some seclusion, privacy, and nature, this is it!

What makes this property unique

We will be offering to those who book with us the opportunity to schedule a kayak trip during their stay (if available). Your trip can start at one of two spots.

The first, is made for the adventurous at heart as you will encounter swift currents (only a portion of the trip), rapids, tight areas, and the need to portage a few times. This trip offers some of the most beautiful landscape and wildlife a nature enthusiast could ever imagine! It takes you off the beaten path and offers an experience you can’t find anywhere but here. Your trip will take you down the North Branch of the Manistee flows directly into the Manistee river. You will end at the west Sharon bridge boat ramp. This trip, dependent on your abilities and how much time you spend on the banks of the river can take up to 3 hours. You will need to have a vehicle parked at the finish for your two mile drive home from the boat ramp.

The second choice is where we would take you and your kayaks to a starting point up river (2 or 4 hour trip) and you will make your way down to the West Sharon Bridge where you would need to have a vehicle parked for your return back to your glamping tent or you can walk back too! (the distance from where you stop and where you will be staying is just under 2 miles).

My husband and I have done all of these trips many of times and know the river well. If we are available we would be happy to be a guide for an additional $75/day. We also offer transport assistance for $50.

Each of these trips requires the rental of a kayak at $35/per single, we will provide you with a life jacket and paddle. YOU are responsible for these items, if any of the equipment is damaged or lost you will be charged accordingly:
Kayaks $250
Paddles $50
Life Jacket $25

Languages:

English, Spanish

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