Camp Millarkey (private)

For Michigan locals, especially those with military affiliations, Camp Millarkey offers a distinctive and appealing camping experience near Grayling, MI. This private campground, situated at 3453 Tall Pine Ave, Grayling, MI 49738, is positioned on the southern edge of the expansive 1,920-acre Lake Margrethe, a significant draw for water enthusiasts and anglers alike. While its "private" designation implies a more exclusive or specific clientele, reviews suggest a welcoming environment for those who qualify, making it a unique gem in Northern Michigan's extensive outdoor recreation landscape.

Camp Millarkey stands out for its quiet, serene atmosphere and a host of amenities designed to enhance comfort and enjoyment. It is noted for its "recently renovated bath house" and a "modestly equipped playground for younger campers," indicating thoughtful investments in guest facilities. Furthermore, campers appreciate the convenience of "full hookups" and even "free WiFi and cable," offering a level of comfort not always found in more rustic settings. With its own beach, a short walk away, and an excellent fishing lake, Camp Millarkey promises a fulfilling outdoor retreat. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside getaway, a base for exploring Northern Michigan, or a place to reconnect with military community, Camp Millarkey presents a compelling option for Michigan residents.

Camp Millarkey is strategically located at 3453 Tall Pine Ave, Grayling, MI 49738, USA. This address places it within Crawford County, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern Michigan.

The campground's primary geographical advantage is its location on the "southern edge of the 1,920 acres Lake Margrethe." This offers direct access to a large, vibrant lake known for "many types of water sports" and being an "excellent fishing lake with a fishing dock." Campers can enjoy a short walk to the campground's "own beach," providing immediate lakeside recreation without needing to travel far.

Accessibility to Camp Millarkey is facilitated by its proximity to the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. While specific roads leading directly to Camp Millarkey aren't detailed, Grayling itself is easily reached via major state highways like I-75 and US-127, making the journey convenient from various parts of Michigan. Reviews suggest the campground is located "just inside the gate" of Camp Grayling, implying a secure environment, though access would be restricted to military personnel and their guests. This secure location contributes to a quiet and respectful atmosphere, as "guests were super respectful and quiet." The combination of a large lakefront, convenient road access, and a secure, serene environment makes Camp Millarkey a well-situated destination for its specific clientele in Michigan.

Camp Millarkey provides a comprehensive array of services and facilities, enhancing the comfort and convenience for its campers, particularly those with RVs:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers sites with "full hookups," including water, electric (with 50-amp availability mentioned in some reviews, though generally 30 amp), and sewer connections. This is a significant convenience for RV owners.

• Free WiFi and Cable TV: A notable modern amenity, "free WiFi and cable" are provided, allowing campers to stay connected and entertained during their stay.

• Renovated Bathhouse: The campground features a "recently renovated bath house" which is "very clean" and offers "plenty of hot water," ensuring comfortable and hygienic facilities for all guests.

• Playground: For younger campers, there is a "modestly equipped playground" with swings and slides, providing an on-site recreation option for families.

• Group Event Barn: A "barn" is available, which "may be used for group events," suggesting a communal space for gatherings and activities.

• Lake Access with Beach and Dock: Campers have direct access to Lake Margrethe via the campground's "own beach, a short walk away," and a "fishing dock," catering to water sports and fishing enthusiasts.

• Laundry Facilities: While some older reviews mentioned a laundromat for active duty military only, more recent reviews indicate the presence of laundry facilities, which are essential for longer stays.

• Camp Host Assistance: The presence of "friendly and outgoing" camp hosts who are "very friendly and accommodating" ensures assistance with check-in and general queries, contributing to a positive experience.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: While dogs are not allowed on the beach, the campground generally appears to be pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the camping adventure.

• Nearby Base Amenities (PX, Gym): Guests with base access can utilize additional facilities like a "small PX about a mile away" for supplies and a "fully furnished and almost new" gym, further enhancing convenience.

Camp Millarkey, as a private campground, offers a range of features and highlights that create a unique and desirable camping environment for its specific clientele:

• Prime Lakeside Location: Situated on the southern edge of Lake Margrethe, the campground provides direct access to a vast body of water. This is a significant highlight, offering opportunities for "many types of water sports" and "excellent fishing," with a dedicated "fishing dock" and "campground beach."

• Exceptional Value: Reviewers consistently point out the impressive "value for full hookups and more." The mention of "$20 a night, FHU and free WiFi and cable the price can't be beat" highlights its affordability, especially for the amenities offered.

• Modern Amenities for Comfort: The presence of "full hookups," "free WiFi and cable," and a "recently renovated bath house" with "plenty of hot water and very clean" facilities ensures a comfortable stay, even for extended periods.

• Friendly and Accommodating Management: The "camp hosts were friendly and outgoing" and "very friendly and accommodating," contributing significantly to a positive guest experience and ease of check-in.

• Peaceful and Respectful Atmosphere: Despite some sites being "close to each other," the environment is described as "quiet" and "respectful," suggesting a community of considerate campers. This creates a serene atmosphere, especially beneficial for those seeking a tranquil escape.

• Natural Surroundings and Wildlife: Campers can "enjoy the deer from our ebikes every night counting over 50 on many nights," highlighting the abundant wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds the campground. This immersive natural setting is a major draw.

• Secure Location: Being "on a secure base, just inside the gate" provides an added sense of security and peace of mind for guests.

• Community and Long-Term Potential: The observation that "Some guests appear to leave their rigs in the park for weekend/holiday use so again it's a quiet place to enjoy your campsite fire" suggests a strong sense of community and the possibility for semi-permanent or recurring stays.

As a private campground, particularly one affiliated with a military base (Camp Grayling RV Park / Camp Millarkey), promotions and special offers are often tailored and may not be publicly advertised in the same way as commercial campgrounds. However, the existing reviews highlight significant value that acts as an ongoing "promotion" for its target audience:

• Highly Competitive Nightly Rates: The recurring mention of rates like "$20 a night, FHU and free WiFi and cable" positions Camp Millarkey as an exceptionally affordable option, especially considering the full hookups and connectivity offered. This low price point itself is a major incentive for military personnel and their guests.

• Long-Term Stay Potential: The observation that some guests leave their rigs for "weekend/holiday use" suggests that the pricing structure or policies may be favorable for longer-term or recurring stays, which implicitly acts as a promotion for those seeking a semi-permanent base.

• Value-Added Amenities: The inclusion of "free WiFi and cable" along with renovated facilities at such a low nightly rate represents significant added value that many other campgrounds charge extra for. This is a consistent "offer" to all guests.

• Military-Specific Access/Pricing: While not explicitly stated as a "discount" in the provided reviews, the campground's affiliation with Camp Grayling inherently means that access is restricted to military personnel (and potentially their guests), which in itself can be seen as an exclusive benefit and often implies favorable pricing compared to public campgrounds.

For Michigan locals who are eligible to stay at Camp Millarkey (i.e., those with military ID), the best way to inquire about any specific promotions, extended stay rates, or current deals would be to contact the Camp Grayling Lodging or the campground directly. The consistent positive feedback on value suggests that the baseline offering is already highly attractive.

For inquiries regarding Camp Millarkey, given its private nature and affiliation with Camp Grayling, the primary contact would typically be through the Camp Grayling Lodging or relevant MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) office.

Address: 3453 Tall Pine Ave, Grayling, MI 49738, USA

General Contact Information for Camp Grayling Lodging (most likely point of contact for Camp Millarkey): Office Phone: 989-344-6213 Email: CGCTQS@GMAIL.COM (This email is associated with Camp Grayling Chargeable Quarters/Lodging)

Camp Grayling Front Gate (for emergencies or after-hours inquiries about access): Phone: 989-344-6120

It is important for prospective campers to confirm their eligibility for staying at Camp Millarkey, as it is a private campground likely intended for military personnel and their affiliates. Contacting the Camp Grayling Lodging office directly via phone or email is the recommended approach to inquire about reservations, specific amenities, eligibility requirements, and any current policies or availability at Camp Millarkey.

Camp Millarkey is exceptionally well-suited for Michigan locals, particularly those with military connections, who are seeking a unique and highly valued camping experience. Its primary appeal lies in its private, secure setting directly on the beautiful Lake Margrethe, offering unparalleled access to water recreation and fishing in a tranquil environment.

For Michigan residents, the "amazing value" of full hookups, free WiFi, and cable TV at a very low nightly rate makes it an incredibly attractive option, especially for those looking for longer stays or frequent weekend getaways. The "friendly and outgoing" camp hosts contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among guests who often share similar backgrounds or values.

Beyond the amenities, the campground's serene and "quiet" environment, coupled with abundant wildlife like deer, provides a genuine escape into nature that many Michiganders cherish. Whether it's a family looking for a safe and amenity-rich lakeside retreat, an angler seeking excellent fishing opportunities, or a snowmobiler needing a base for winter adventures, Camp Millarkey offers a distinct blend of comfort, affordability, and natural immersion that resonates deeply with the spirit of Michigan outdoor living.