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 Twin Beds

Stout tent 16 foot

1 Double Bed and 2 Twin 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 there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the neighborhood

Kingsley

Located in Kingsley, this campground 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. Be sure to check out 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

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 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!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stargazing the MI Sky and Glamp camping! located?

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

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

Calm and beautiful Space

Chad and Aimee have created a beautiful getaway in the woods. Everything you have read in the reviews is spot on! Everything you could possibly need to enjoy the space is available, and all you need are clothes and food. The peaceful sounds of the river as you relax in the hammock is so soothing. The bathhouse is immaculate and the yurt is gorgeous. I’m glad to have booked with you.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean O.

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

Glamping

My wife and I enjoyed our anniversary weekend. Chad and Aimee were great hosts. They have everything there for an excellent camping experience. We'll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

REBECCA S R.

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

Just what we needed

This was everything we hoped and more. The hosts are available but we still felt we were there by ourselves. Great way to get away and you can legit say you are off the grid. (One bar occasionally on AT&T but service is a quick drive away.).
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin J.

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

Peaceful Escape!

As first time “glampers” we were blown away by Aimee and Chad’s hospitality and attention to detail. Our extremely scenic and comfortable site was just what we needed to spend a few days unplugged from the daily grind of life. Thank you for sharing your little slice of heaven with us. We will definitely be back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

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

Beautiful property,, Fun, relaxing stay

This was such a great place! We loved the yurt. It was beautiful and very comfortable where we could see the stars through the skylight! Every detail was thought out by the owners. From the big items to the most minute derails, everything was just right. The community bathroom was super clean along with the yurt, and the river was flowing with a gentle bubbling soothing sound. We loved it and eagerly look forward to another great stay. We highly recommend for anyone that is looking at glamping!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

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

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

Michelle C.

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

So awesome! Didn’t want to leave!

This was so perfect! It looked EXACTLY like the pics! My husband and I decided to try this out for our anniversary this year and we are so happy we did! We had total privacy in the woods and we still got all the same perks of camping without having to do any work before or after our stay! It was the best feeling to show up and have everything already set up for us! The bed in the tent is so comfortable, we didn’t want to get out of it! The area is so peaceful and quiet. I LOVED laying in the hammock under the peaceful trees and sky. We could still see the beautiful stars from our tent while laying in a comfortable bed, and the fan kept the tent so nice and cool. The river is beautiful. The bathroom and shower are so clean. There are complimentary snacks, coffee, cream, sugar, plastic ware, paper towels, pop tarts, pop corn, wine, a microwave, plenty of bath and beach towels, cups, plates, everything in the kitchenette. There are books and rock painting in the tent. The hosts are wonderful, Godly, and hospitable people! This is perfect to reset from every day life stressors and distractions. We did not want to leave and are definitely excited to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandy W., Dayton Ohio

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

Glamping in paradise

This property is everything it claims to be and more! It was like a little slice of Heaven and we will definitely be returning. We wish we could've spent more time on the property because there is so much to enjoy and explore. Chad and Amiee were the best host and they have provided everything you need to experience camping with some modern conveniences. Chad recommended Sand Lakes Quiet Area for hiking and swimming and it was one of our favorite places we visited, well worth the 20 minute drive. We loved everything about this trip and you will too.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey C., Medina Ohio

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

A blast!

Our experience with Chad and Aimee was incredible! They are lovely and attentive hosts and genuinely cool people. Our yurt was awesome…stocked with everything we needed plus some and had a lovely and warm bed!…the bath house and kitchenette were such a convenient bonus. It was clean and comfortable and stocked with additional camping supplies. Camp is a close distance to super fun attractions and the entire surrounding area is absolutely stunning. You should go!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

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

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

Cole S.

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

6 Stars if we could!

Beautiful property, amazing scenery, and super friendly hosts! We had a fantastic time staying here and Chad and Aimee were more than accommodating with anything we needed! You don’t need to bring anything but clothes, food, and yourself! Kayaking along the river was an experience we won’t forget! Truly a hassle free camping experience without all of the grouchy tent set up and packed car rides!
Stayed 2 nights in May 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