Seasonal Camping at Whispering Surf: Why, How, and When
If you’ve ever wished you could arrive at your campground with everything already set up, your favorite site waiting, and familiar neighbors waving as you pull in, then seasonal camping might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
At Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake—a peaceful, historic property on Bass Lake within walking distance of Lake Michigan—seasonal camping has become one of the most popular ways for guests to enjoy the beauty and community of West Michigan all summer long.
Here’s everything you need to know about why, how, and when seasonal camping works at Whispering Surf.
Why Choose Seasonal Camping?
Seasonal camping isn’t just convenient—it’s a lifestyle. Here are the most common reasons guests choose a full-season site:
- Your RV Stays Set Up All Season Your camper stays right on your site. No hauling, no storage runs, no setup and teardown every weekend. Just show up and start relaxing. If you choose to renew for the next season you can leave your camper in place — winter storage is free!
- It’s One of the Most Affordable Ways to Camp Seasonal camping at Whispering Surf breaks down to less than $25 per night—a tremendous value for full-hookup camping in a lakeside destination.
- You Become Part of a Community Our seasonals return year after year, forming genuine friendships, shared traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests build deep connections with their neighbors, and it’s not uncommon for friends and family to become seasonals as well.
- You Truly Know Your Campground When you find a campground you love, returning every weekend feels like coming home. You get to know: Your favorite beaches The best sunset spots The rhythm of the property The events and activities you enjoy most Local restaurants, festivals, and attractions
- A Summer Home for Snowbirds Many of our seasonal guests split their year between southern winters and Michigan summers. Whispering Surf becomes their northern home—simple, scenic, and peaceful.
What Whispering Surf Offers Seasonals
We’re proud to offer a comfortable, community-oriented seasonal experience that balances convenience with fairness. Every camper—seasonal or vacationer—receives the same level of hospitality.
Seasonal Amenities & Policies Include:
- Competitive rates for West Michigan (2026 rates are $3300 – $3900 for the season)
- Full-hookup sites
- Adults-only section available
- Half seasonal / half vacation sites (balanced campground atmosphere)
- Overnight and day guests allowed (additional fee)
- Electric golf carts permitted
- Storage sheds allowed (within guidelines)
- Kayak/canoe/paddleboard storage at our Bass Lake beach
- Free campground WiFi
- Winter RV storage included
- Optional overflow parking spot (additional fee)
- Charge-to-site privileges for firewood, ice, store items, and guests
- Electric billed based on usage (June 30, August 30, and October 15)
- Seasonal payments made in 3 installments, with the final payment due May 1
These features make seasonal camping easy, practical, and welcoming for both individuals and families.
How to Become a Seasonal Camper
We maintain a seasonal waitlist for guests interested in joining our community.
To be added to the list, guests must:
- Camp at Whispering Surf for at least two nights, and
- Meet with the owner during your stay.
This helps ensure a good fit for both you and the campground—seasonal camping is as much about community as it is convenience.
Exceptions may be made during winter when sites are available for the next season, or if your RV is temporarily unavailable for camping.
When Seasonal Camping Happens
Our camping season runs from May 1 through October 15.
Joining the Waitlist
We add new names to the waitlist throughout the season, and openings are filled based on:
- RV size
- Site compatibility
- Location preferences
- Best overall personality fit for our seasonal community
The Renewal & Selection Process
- Seasonal renewals occur in September, with payments due by October 1.
- After October 1, any open sites are offered to current seasonals first.
- Once the internal “seasonal shuffle” is complete, remaining openings are offered to guests on the waitlist.
- In some cases, new seasonals may be able to place their RV on site in late fall or early spring if the site is open.
- Occasionally, a seasonal site will become available mid-season. Waitlist guests are considered first when this happens or the site is filled on a monthly basis for the remainder of the season.
Current Availability for 2026
2–3 seasonal sites are available for the 2026 season, suitable for RVs 28 feet or less (overall length).
If you’re interested, call 231-869-5050 or email the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ready to Learn More? Come Stay With Us.
The best way to know if Whispering Surf is the right seasonal home for you is to spend a weekend here. Walk the property. Sit at Sunset Beach. Chat with our seasonals. Experience the peaceful rhythm of life on Bass Lake.
If you’re curious, please reach out or book a stay— I’d love to meet you and hear what brings you to Whispering Surf.
