Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping!

Photo gallery for Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping!

Outdoor dining
Room
Set up for 2 or 4 Full Bed (Real Mattress and Super Comfy) and 2 very comfy cots
Property grounds
Miscellaneous

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Fife Lake, MI
  • Spider Lake
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Traverse City Beach
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Turtle Creek Stadium
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • 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

Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping!

Welcome to the peace and rippling sounds of the North Branch of the Manistee River just outside your decked-out, glamping tent door!

Rippling Bluff is exceptionally charming, but with an extra unique feature, one of the two tents is a Stargazer Stout tent, making this site highly desirable! The Stargazer tent, peak is a window where sleeping under the stars is comfortable, tucked away in your warm and comfy real bed!

The second tent is also a 16-foot Stout tent but without the peak window. Each tent can sleep four people, and the site occupancy is 8 (the base price is for two people each additional person is $12/night. If your party includes more than 8 guests, including children, you must talk to the host before booking. PLEASE BE ACCURATE WITH THE AMOUNT OF GUESTS YOU WILL BE BRINGING!

PLEASE BE ACCURATE WITH YOUR GUEST TOTAL.

This site can accommodate up to 8 people. Each tent has one full bed and two comfy cots (outfitted with a cushion, sleeping bag, and pillow). REMEMBER to state your guests accurately.

There is ONLY ONE SITE ON THE PROPERTY

Please read the entire description. We strive to COMMUNICATE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS LISTING SO THERE ARE NO SURPRISES FOR YOU OR US. We are in a very private and secluded area, and as our listing states, this is a CAMPING ENVIRONMENT.

We offer a fantastic Glamping experience, i.e., glamour with camping. Therefore, please be aware there is a 10-second to 1 1/2 minute walk to this site - (you park your car @ this site). This camping includes wood-chipped trails and solar lighting (as described below).

We will send you a welcome message with all the same information listed here after your booking is confirmed. Within 24 hours of your stay, we will send the location and instructions for check-in. These instructions are essential as they include pictures and very detailed directions to ensure you know where and how to get to the location.


The actual full bed is outfitted with warm bedding for cool summer nights. There are two comfy cots with cushions. The site includes pots and pans for cooking, paper and plastic ware, cooking utensils, glasses, percolator, towels, clean, fresh sheets, cleaning supplies, a gas grill, a grill for the campfire, a chiminea seating area, hammocks, and many other essentials! This site offers just about anything you would need for glamping/camping! (Read Reviews)

This unique glamping experience will offer you the relaxation you are seeking and give you a glimpse of the true-up north. This adventure will provide a fun-filled glamping getaway where you can interact with nature up close. Take a day and kayak the river, fish the stream, or do any other outside activity where you can end your day with a sit by the fire at night and a beautiful star-filled sky from your bed at night!

A shared bathroom/kitchen facility offers a full bathroom for your use and a kitchen area where you can wash dishes. In addition, the facility has an outside shower. There is electricity that guests can use for charging phones and other electronic devices. PLEASE NOTE: There is NO ELECTRICITY at the sites, ONLY at the Common Bath/Kitchen facility (centrally located on our 8-acre paradise). This area may be shared with hosts and other guests for kayaking (Please see reviews and pictures).

We also offer the opportunity for you to rent kayaks and provide transport service for kayaking trips - please ask! We also offer an Experience that might interest you if you want some adventuring!

Please be advised that we do not allow dogs/pets.
PLEASE NOTE: Cell service is limited - You are glamping outside, in the true-up north...who needs phones?!

Property manager

Aimee Bissonette

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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

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. Centre Ice Arena and Grand Traverse Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Huron-Manistee National Forest and Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fife Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Arbutus Lake - 15 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Spider Lake - 20 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 23 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 24 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Front Street - 29 min drive - 30.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪K I Bar And Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Village Ice Cream Shoppe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪A. Papano's Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mary's Cafe - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping! 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. 46 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Tara L., Kalamazoo

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

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

Beautiful Bliss

This bit of bliss was wonderful! All the peace and quiet being in nature along with the thoughtful amenities was what my sister and I enjoyed on our annual sisters' getaway weekend. Cooking a meal outside to having coffee in the cabin in the morning to kayaking the Manistee river to sitting at the bonfire while catching up was tucked away in our memories. Glamping in the yurt tent was such fun. Aimee and Chad are wonderful hosts and they surely have thought of many things to make your stay a truly northern experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly P., Portage

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

Great glamping!!

We had a super long weekend in the Rippling Bluff Stargazer! Chad and Aimee are wonderful, generous and knowledgeable hosts who’ve thought of every detail. Our campsite was just beautiful—we loved the chiminea fireplace, hammocks and close—but not too close—proximity to the kitchenette/bathhouse (which is great—outdoor shower is a must!). The tent itself is exactly as pictured, clean and very comfortable. Hope we stay again in the future!! Thanks Chad & Aimee—great to meet you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Billie H.

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

Amazing

Absolutely Amazing. I wish the twinkle lights at the tent would have come on but they never did.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

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