Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf

Michigan's landscape is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an incredible diversity of natural beauty that spans from the majestic Great Lakes shores to dense, emerald forests. For those seeking an escape from the everyday hustle, camping in Michigan provides an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in fresh air, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply someone who enjoys the peace and quiet of the wilderness, our state's numerous campgrounds cater to every preference.

Camping here isn't just about finding a spot to pitch a tent; it's about embracing the unique experiences that Michigan offers. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the forest, spending your days exploring picturesque trails, and unwinding by a crackling campfire under a blanket of stars. From rugged backcountry sites to amenity-rich RV parks, Michigan's camping scene is as varied as its landscapes, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every type of adventurer.

One distinctive destination that has garnered attention for its unique blend of outdoor recreation and tranquil accommodation is Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf. Nestled in the scenic Northern Michigan region near Ellsworth, this preserve offers more than just a place to set up camp. It combines secluded natural settings with engaging activities, creating a destination that stands out for its serene atmosphere and recreational opportunities.

For Michiganders looking for a peaceful getaway that also offers a bit of activity, Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf presents an intriguing option. It’s a place where you can escape the crowds often found at more conventional campgrounds, especially during peak seasons. This article will delve into what makes Rocky Top Preserve a unique and appealing choice for your next Northern Michigan adventure, covering its location, the services it offers, its distinct features, and how to plan your visit. We'll explore why this preserve is an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and recreation in our beautiful state.

Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf is conveniently located at 8642 US-31, Ellsworth, MI 49729, USA. This address places it within the stunning Northern Michigan region, a highly sought-after destination for its natural beauty, charming small towns, and abundant recreational opportunities. Ellsworth itself is a quaint community, offering a peaceful backdrop for the preserve.

The accessibility of the preserve is a significant advantage. Situated directly on US-31, a major highway traversing the western side of Michigan, it offers straightforward access for visitors traveling from various parts of the state. This makes it an ideal spot for those looking for a relatively easy drive to a secluded outdoor experience, without having to navigate complex backroads. The well-maintained highway ensures a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, including those towing RVs or trailers.

The location also benefits from its proximity to several popular Northern Michigan attractions. The preserve is notably close to the famous Chain of Lakes system, including the expansive and beautiful Torch Lake, which is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. One reviewer specifically mentioned a 60-mile bike ride around Torch Lake, highlighting the fantastic cycling opportunities in the area. This proximity means campers at Rocky Top Preserve can easily venture out for a day of water activities or explore the picturesque lakeside towns.

Beyond the lakes, the region offers numerous opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring charming communities like Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Traverse City, all within a reasonable driving distance. While Rocky Top Preserve offers a quiet and secluded experience, its strategic location on US-31 ensures that guests are never too far from essential services, dining options, or additional recreational pursuits, striking a perfect balance between remote tranquility and convenient access to local amenities.

Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf provides a range of services designed to offer a unique and comfortable outdoor experience, leaning more towards a glamping or secluded camping style rather than a traditional, crowded campground. Based on customer reviews, the primary services offered include:

• Unique Accommodation Rentals (Yurts & Cabins): The preserve specializes in providing distinctive lodging options, specifically yurts and cabins, which are typically booked through platforms like Airbnb. The "sunset yurt" was praised for being "very cute, quiet and secluded," indicating a focus on unique, private camping experiences that offer more comfort than traditional tent camping. The mention of "cabins" also suggests a variety of structural accommodations.

• Firewood Provision: A thoughtful service highlighted by a reviewer is the provision of "the first bundle of wood" upon arrival for yurt guests, with "plenty of chopped up wood on the property to buy more." This convenience enhances the campfire experience, a quintessential part of camping, without guests having to source wood externally.

• Responsive Host/Management: Positive feedback regarding "Heidi" being "very responsive" when booking through Airbnb suggests a strong commitment to communication and customer service, which is crucial for addressing guest inquiries and ensuring a smooth check-in process.

• Disc Golf Course Access: As indicated by its name, the preserve offers a disc golf course. This provides a structured recreational activity for guests, adding another dimension to their outdoor experience beyond traditional hiking or relaxation.

• Secluded and Quiet Environment: While not a direct "service," the intentional design to maintain a "quiet and secluded" atmosphere is a key offering. This caters to visitors who prioritize peace and privacy over a bustling campground environment, especially during peak seasons like July.

• Dog-Friendly (with considerations): One review explicitly mentions bringing a "dog," indicating that the preserve is generally dog-friendly. However, it's crucial for prospective guests to confirm specific pet policies and any associated requirements or limitations, especially regarding cabin safety as highlighted in the negative review about screen gaps.

It's important to note that while the focus is on unique rentals and outdoor activities, the reviews suggest a less traditional campground experience, likely without standard communal bathhouses in a central location, but rather facilities integrated with the specific rented accommodations. Direct communication with the hosts is vital for understanding all available services and amenities for each rental unit.

Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf offers several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart from typical campgrounds, focusing on a more private, comfortable, and active outdoor experience.

• Unique Glamping Accommodations: A major highlight is the availability of yurts and cabins. The "sunset yurt" was praised for being "very cute, quiet and secluded" and providing a "great" mattress, offering a comfortable and unique alternative to traditional tent camping. This glamping aspect appeals to those who desire a connection with nature without sacrificing modern comforts.

• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: Unlike crowded campgrounds, Rocky Top Preserve emphasizes a tranquil setting. Reviews consistently mention the "quiet and secluded" nature of the stay, even during busy periods like July. This makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking genuine relaxation and solitude in nature.

• On-Site Disc Golf Course: The presence of a disc golf course directly on the property is a significant draw for enthusiasts of the sport. It provides a built-in recreational activity that adds an active dimension to the stay, offering hours of enjoyment for both seasoned players and beginners.

• Thoughtful Amenities (Firewood): The convenience of receiving a "first bundle of wood" and having additional chopped wood available for purchase on-site is a practical highlight. It simplifies the campfire experience, allowing guests to easily enjoy evenings by the fire.

• Responsive Communication (Pre-Booking): One positive review specifically notes "Heidi was very responsive" regarding the AirBnB booking. While one negative review highlights issues with communication post-arrival, the positive feedback on initial responsiveness indicates a commitment to assisting guests before their stay, which is crucial for planning.

• Dog-Friendly Potential: The mention of guests bringing a dog indicates a pet-friendly policy. While a negative review raised concerns about specific cabin safety for dogs, the general allowance of pets is a major feature for many travelers who wish to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.

• Proximity to Torch Lake and Biking: The preserve's location near Torch Lake and the surrounding area offers access to stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The mention of a "60 mile ride around Torch" highlights the excellent biking trails available, appealing to cyclists and outdoor adventurers.

• Escape from Crowds: A key highlight, especially for those visiting Northern Michigan during peak tourist season, is that the preserve "wasn’t crowded like some other campgrounds can get." This provides a distinct advantage for guests seeking a more personal and less congested outdoor experience.

As Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf primarily operates through direct bookings or platforms like Airbnb for its unique accommodations (yurts and cabins), specific "promotions or special offers" might differ from traditional campgrounds. Unlike standard campgrounds that often have published discounts for various seasons or groups, these types of properties usually manage their pricing and availability through their booking channels.

However, it's still possible that special offers could exist. These might include:

• Off-Season Rates: Prices for yurts or cabins might be lower during the less popular months (e.g., late fall, winter, early spring) compared to peak summer or fall color seasons.

• Mid-Week Discounts: A common strategy for accommodation providers is to offer reduced rates for stays that do not include Friday or Saturday nights, to encourage bookings during quieter periods.

• Extended Stay Discounts: Booking for a longer duration, such as a full week, might come with a per-night discount compared to shorter stays.

• Last-Minute Deals: If there are unbooked dates, the hosts might occasionally offer last-minute price reductions to fill vacancies.

• Direct Booking Incentives: While bookings are often done via Airbnb, sometimes properties offer a small discount or an added perk (like an extra bundle of wood, or a disc golf round) if guests book directly through their own website or by phone, bypassing platform fees.

The most reliable way to find out about any current or upcoming promotions for Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf is to:

• Check their Airbnb listings: Special pricing, discounts, or minimum stay requirements are usually clearly stated on their Airbnb pages.

• Contact them directly: A phone call to (231) 320-0187 or +1 231-320-0187 is the best way to inquire about any unadvertised specials or to discuss group rates if applicable.

Given the unique nature of their accommodations, flexibility with travel dates and inquiring directly are often the best strategies to find the most suitable and potentially cost-effective options for your stay.

To learn more about booking a secluded yurt or cabin stay, inquiring about the disc golf course, or understanding specific amenities and policies at Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf, you can reach out directly to their team.

• Address: 8642 US-31, Ellsworth, MI 49729, USA

• Phone: (231) 320-0187

• Mobile Phone: +1 231-320-0187

When contacting them, it is advisable to clearly state your interest (e.g., "I'm interested in booking a yurt" or "I have questions about the disc golf course") and specify any particular needs, such as bringing a pet, to ensure all your questions are addressed. As suggested by a positive review, responsiveness can be a highlight when booking, so direct communication is often the most effective method for planning your visit. It's always a good practice to confirm specific details about amenities, availability, and any pet policies directly with the preserve's management.

For Michiganders seeking a distinctive outdoor escape that combines tranquility with engaging recreation, Rocky Top Preserve and Disc Golf in Ellsworth offers a highly suitable and appealing option. Its unique approach to camping and its strategic Northern Michigan location make it particularly attractive for local residents.

One of the primary reasons it's suitable for locals is its ability to provide a genuinely "quiet and secluded" experience. In a state where many popular campgrounds can become quite crowded, especially during peak seasons like July, Rocky Top Preserve offers a refreshing alternative. This allows Michiganders to truly disconnect from urban noise and embrace the peace of nature, which is often the core desire behind a camping trip. For those who value privacy and a serene environment over bustling community activities, this preserve is an ideal choice.

The availability of unique accommodations, such as yurts and cabins, caters to a broader spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. Many locals might be drawn to the idea of glamping – experiencing nature with more comfort than traditional tent camping. The well-appointed yurts, with comfortable mattresses and amenities like provided firewood, offer an excellent way to enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing sleep quality or convenience, making it accessible even for those new to camping or who prefer a less rugged experience. This variety means families or groups with differing comfort levels can find something that suits everyone.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a disc golf course directly on the property is a significant highlight for Michigan residents who enjoy this growing sport. It provides an on-site recreational activity that can fill hours with fun and friendly competition, making the stay more dynamic than a simple relaxation retreat. This unique blend of a peaceful natural setting and active recreation sets Rocky Top Preserve apart from many other camping destinations.

Finally, the preserve's location on US-31 near Torch Lake provides excellent accessibility and a gateway to exploring the broader Northern Michigan region. Locals can easily reach the preserve and then venture out to enjoy the Chain of Lakes, charming towns like Charlevoix and Petoskey, or myriad other outdoor activities like biking (as highlighted by a review). This combination of a secluded base camp with easy access to regional attractions makes Rocky Top Preserve an incredibly convenient and fulfilling choice for a Michigan outdoor adventure. It’s a place where locals can find their perfect balance of relaxation, activity, and connection with the stunning natural environment of our state.