Leisure Time Campground

For Michiganders looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan, Leisure Time Campground in Irons offers a setting that emphasizes rustic charm. Located in the peaceful area of Irons, this campground aims to provide a basic yet functional base for your outdoor adventures. It's a place where the focus is on getting away from the daily grind, providing essential amenities to support your camping experience.

While recent experiences shared by some campers highlight areas where improvements could enhance the stay, Leisure Time Campground does offer the fundamental elements for a camping trip, including sites with full hookups for RVs. For those who prioritize a simple escape to the woods and are prepared for a more self-reliant camping experience, this campground provides the opportunity to enjoy the quiet solitude of Northern Michigan. It’s a location that encourages campers to focus on outdoor activities and the natural surroundings, away from the constant connectivity of modern life.

Leisure Time Campground is located at 9214 W 5 Mile Rd, Irons, MI 49644, USA. Irons is a small, unincorporated community nestled in the Manistee National Forest area of Northern Michigan. This location places the campground in a region renowned for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for fishing, hunting, hiking, and ATV riding.

The accessibility of the campground via W 5 Mile Rd, which connects to larger regional roads, makes it reachable for RVs and other vehicles. While the exact setup of roads within the campground for larger rigs might require careful navigation (as noted by a customer regarding a "tight to get into" site), the overall location within Irons offers a true sense of being "up north." Campers can expect to be immersed in nature, with various opportunities to explore the surrounding state and national forests, as well as nearby lakes and rivers. This area of Michigan is favored by those seeking a quieter, more rustic outdoor experience away from heavily populated areas.

• Full Hookup Sites: The campground offers sites with full hookups, which typically include water, electric, and sewer connections. This is a significant convenience for RV campers, allowing for a more comfortable stay.

• Camping Sites: In addition to full hookup sites, Leisure Time Campground provides various camping spots suitable for both RVs and tents. Site sizes can vary, and some may require careful maneuvering for larger vehicles.

• Restroom Facilities: Toilets are available for campers. While cleanliness and maintenance are areas noted for improvement by some recent reviewers, the presence of these facilities is a basic camping amenity.

• Shower Facilities: Showers are present at the campground. However, there has been mention by a customer of a potential $8 fee per shower, which would be an unusual and notable charge for a campground amenity.

• Boat Rentals: The campground reportedly offers boat rentals for fishing, though campers may need to actively seek out staff for assistance with this service.

• Pool Access: A swimming pool is available at the campground, although recent reviews indicate it may not always be open during stated hours, which is an area for potential improvement.

• On-site Firewood Policy: The campground has a policy against bringing in outside firewood, likely to prevent the spread of invasive species. Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site.

• Full Hookup Convenience: For RV campers, the availability of full hookups (water, electric, sewer) is a definite highlight, providing a higher level of comfort and convenience during their stay.

• Opportunity to Disconnect: While potentially a challenge for some, the "extremely spotty" or non-functional Wi-Fi can be seen as a feature for those explicitly seeking to disconnect from digital distractions and fully immerse themselves in nature.

• Lake Access: The campground provides access to a lake, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. While some areas near the shore may be mucky and the beach area limited, the overall access to a body of water is a positive for water enthusiasts.

• Quiet Atmosphere (Generally): Despite a single report of late-night noise, the overall tone for many campgrounds in this region is one of peace and quiet, suggesting that it can be a tranquil escape for campers.

• Secluded Northern Michigan Setting: Its location in Irons, surrounded by forests and natural beauty, provides a true Northern Michigan camping experience, away from urban centers.

Based on the provided customer reviews, there is no explicit information available regarding specific promotions, special offers, or discount programs at Leisure Time Campground. As a privately owned campground, its pricing structure would typically involve nightly, weekly, and potentially seasonal rates for its various site types (e.g., full hookup, electric/water, rustic). The mention of a possible "$8 shower fee" by a reviewer is highly unusual for a campground and, if true, would be a significant additional cost to consider beyond the base site rate. However, without direct confirmation from the campground, this remains an unverified customer observation.

Prospective campers are strongly advised to contact Leisure Time Campground directly via phone to inquire about their current rates, any applicable fees (including for amenities like showers), and specific policies regarding firewood. It is also crucial to confirm the operating hours of facilities like the pool and office. Given some of the challenges noted in reviews regarding communication and facility access, direct contact before booking is paramount to ensure expectations align with the services provided and to verify any potential special offers or discounts they might have for longer stays or certain times of the year.

Address: 9214 W 5 Mile Rd, Irons, MI 49644, USA

Phone: (231) 298-0003

Mobile Phone: +1 231-298-0003

For reservations, current availability, and detailed information about site amenities, rates, and any specific campground policies (including the reported shower fee or pool hours), contacting Leisure Time Campground directly via phone is the recommended method. Given some feedback about the office not always being open, persistence may be required to reach management.

For Michigan residents seeking a true Northern Michigan camping experience focused on disconnecting and embracing the rustic outdoors, Leisure Time Campground in Irons offers a foundational option. Its primary suitability for locals lies in its location amidst the beautiful Manistee National Forest region, providing immediate access to fishing, hiking, and the serene quietude that many Michiganders cherish in an "up north" escape. For those who own an RV, the availability of full hookup sites is a significant convenience, allowing for a more comfortable base in a natural setting.

The opportunity to fully disconnect, due to spotty Wi-Fi, can be seen as a deliberate feature for campers who truly want to unplug from their digital lives and immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. While some aspects of management communication and facility maintenance have been areas of concern for recent visitors, the core offering of a peaceful site and access to a lake for fishing or boating still appeals to many who prioritize the natural environment over extensive amenities or constant supervision.

Ultimately, Leisure Time Campground may appeal to Michiganders who are experienced campers, self-reliant, and have a clear expectation of a more independent camping experience. It’s a place for those who are prepared to embrace the outdoors with minimal frills, focusing on the simple pleasures of a campfire, fishing, and the quiet beauty of a Northern Michigan night. For local users who are nostalgic for a more traditional, less commercialized camping trip and are willing to overlook some potential inconsistencies in service for the sake of location and the chance to genuinely unplug, Leisure Time Campground could still provide a valuable escape.