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Whispering Surf Campground is Michigan's Oldest Campground (since 1913!) - uniquely situated between our private beach on Bass Lake and a short walk to Lake Michigan. We offer full hook up sites, water/electric sites, and rustic tent sites. Our cottages can accommodate 2 - 6 guests. Please join us! Seasonal sites also available.
Our annual trip to Whispering Surf campground and we found it had been purchased by new owners. We hoped the new owners were as kind and helpful as the previous owners. Well, it did not take long to discover they are every bit as friendly and helpful. This campground is a hidden gem located on Bass Lake just north of Pentwater, Michigan. Just a pleasant 15 minute walk from a public beach on Lake Michigan. It is tucked away in the woods thereby providing a ‘rustic’ camping experience while offering the convenience of full hookups, cable tv (if you want it) and excellent Wi-Fi. The sewer hookups are modern threaded pvc flanges with flip caps, electric pedestals are fairly new and water supply has newer ‘on/off’ faucets. Surrounded by mature trees provides a cozy camping experience. The owners Jeff and Lisa will deliver ice and firewood on request and picks up trash throughout the day. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed!
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lisa Hoffman, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Nov 9, 2022
We are so excited to meet longtime Whispering Surf customers. Our goal is to improve on the customer service the previous owners provided. Sounds like we nailed it in your case! Thank you for the kind review and we look forward to seeing you again next Fall!
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Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake is a hidden GEM among the pines trees, the beautiful mighty Lake Michigan and Peaceful Bass Lake. Everything from reservations, pre check-in, escort and assistance getting in our sight, ice and firewood delivery right to our campsite and all around remarkable service the owners provided us this past Mother’s Day weekend was SPOT ON! The campgrounds and its facilities where incredibly clean and maintained that way our entire stay. The private beach was just a short walk through the woods from our sight and our pup loved all the off leash time she had in their Bark Park. During our stay the owners hosted a community campfire Saturday night which one of the local campers shared their acoustic talent which was just amazing that kept everyone singing and laughing till quite hours. A special Mother’s Day pancake breakfast was also served to all the campers Sunday morning. Thank you Lisa, Jeff and Fred for all your hospitality and keep up the amazing work in keeping this hidden GEM shining.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lisa Hoffman, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Jun 18, 2023
We love making our guests happy! Thank you for the great review! We look forward to having you in our campground again someday!
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The staff (maybe the owners, not sure) were very nice and friendly. Gentleman on a golf cart met us at the office and provided us with our "camping packet" which contained everything we needed to know and led us to our tent camping site #74. GREAT site, large with plenty of trees. We have camped at several locations in Michigan and this had the cleanest bathroom that I have encountered! Very important to me to ensure I have a great camping experience! We rented a 2 person Kayak for $25 which was the most expensive kayak rental we have encountered on our trips. We also purchased 3 bundles of firewood which were $6 each also a bit on the pricier side compared to other campgrounds. The grounds were very nice and very well taken care of. The beach area owned by the campground (Bass Lake) is very small but the views are marvelous. You can also walk to Lake Michigan which we did, but on day 2 we drove because we had beach chairs, towels etc. I wish the camp store was open...we usually like to get an ice cream cone in the evenings when camping! They did drive around on a golf cart Saturday night to hand out free popcorn which was cool! Only small complaint was on our last night Sunday, it was determined (I'm not sure by who...the owners or official weather people) that it was too windy to have a campfire! That totally sucked, but I guess I understand, wish they wouldn't have charged my credit card for the campfire wood I purchased that I couldn't use! The only other negative was the lack of a playground for kids. Didn't matter to us, our kids are grown, but back in the day we always looked for a campground with kids activities etc. So if you have kids this might not be your first choice. We will definitely keep this campground on go to list!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jane Ellen Amici, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Jun 10, 2021
Thank you for the 5 star review, we are glad you enjoyed your stay at our camp. We follow Mason County in terms of burn bans, we are surrounded by old growth Northwood trees and we don't want to be responsible for burning them down. We would have gladly refunded any unopened wood bundles, wish you would have asked. We do have a playground with a giant wooden arc, children spend countless imaginary hours playing on that arc. We have done a few organized kid activities in the past, but the reality is at this camp, at least, the turn out is low. People are busy doing other outdoor activities. Thanks again for camping with us. Hope to see you again. ~Jane
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What a great Campground. Great location! Owners and hosts were very friendly and very accommodating. They escort you to your site and assist you in parking your camper. Lots of trees and shade. Short one minute walk to Bass Lake beach access, also has a dock you can fish off of. We had site 39 pull through on an end row great spot. Would definitely come back again.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lisa Hoffman, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Sep 15, 2023
Thanks for the great review! We will be happy to welcome you back!
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We stayed in the Davis cabin for a week, for $1,100 total. The first night when we went into the bedroom to go to bed, there was what I thought was a bat peering at me from the corner in the rafter up above. After seeing how quickly it disappeared into one of the many holes and crevices, I realized it must have been a mouse. I had to go sleep in my daughter's camper, since mice are not supposed to be a part of my sleeping quarters. We had only had the door open for a short time as we unloaded our car in the middle of the day, so it could not have gotten in then. Next, we opened some of the windows, but soon found that the screens were only stapled on, and bugs could come right in. We tried to tape one of the holes shut, but there were too many. There we LOTS of bugs and spiders inside. The water-saver toilet plugged up a couple of times. Then, to top it all off, our receipt said that check-out was at 12:00, but at 11:08 we were rudely told that it was changed to 11:00, and we needed to leave then. This is the first bad review I have ever written, and we rent homes every summer.
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Date of stay: June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jane Ellen Amici, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Aug 24, 2020
Well well, just seeing this now. There are always two sides to every story, first there are two true statements in your review. The first I can not dispute as I didn't see mouse. I can tell you that we responded within minutes of your call with mouse traps and steel wool to plug an interior crevice which led from one room to the next, we never did catch a single mouse for the duration of the 6 days of your stay. This 100 year historic summer cottage has open rafters and absolutely does NOT have lots of bugs and spiders. There are no holes, but perhaps tiny crevices that would appear with the shiplap. Now to the open door, after your departure we were told that it was a revolving door of people coming and going from the 4 RV sites that the rest of your family rented and the door was often left open. It doesn't take a second for a mouse or a chipmunk to enter through and open door. Your family used our cottage as a group bathhouse, when it was clearly posted in the cottage that is for use of registered cottage renters only. We had not been called to the cottage all summer for a plugged toilet, but your husband graciously offered up that your grandson uses too much toilet paper and eats too much cheese. I was not rude when I came to the cottage at checkout time - and indeed your confirmation said 12:00, instead of 11:00, a clerical error when it was sent, and at that moment shortly after 11:00 am, the cottage was empty with the exception of your wife's purse, so no real in position on your part. I asked if I could secure the laundry as I had a 4:00pm check in and left the cottage until after 12:00. You probably would have been more comfortable at the Days, Inn half a mile away which books for $289.99 a night, twice what you paid for a very comfortable historic summer cottage.
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Great location, but we were forced to leave in the middle of the night due to our old RV. They said it was leaking gas, but we got it checked out and all it needed was a new gas cap. Had to go sleep at a rest stop and not a single drip of gas on pavement ever. They refunded our money, but it was very embarrassing having to leave like that. Not to mention, we had a fridge full of food that went bad ($150 worth) due to not having electricity to plug into at 11 p.m. Could have at least let us stay until morning considering there was no leak.
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jane Ellen A, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Jun 26, 2019
Cassi....we regret having to ask you to leave so late at night. Earlier in the evening, we had complaints from other campers smelling gas. As you know we found that you had a non-venting gas cap - when released a significant amount of pressure was relieved and you hung a blue tarp over your rig to try and curb any additional fumes that might escape. At 9:30pm the office received another complaint of gas odor, when I went down myself I found a strong gas odor coming not from the gas cap but from under the rig, so strong it was giving me a headache. Both my husband and two guests who are mechanics thought they noticed several micro leaks coming from the tank along with a rusty strap holding the gas tank to the rig. Unfortunately with all the camp fires in the park we had no choice but to ask you to leave the park. We felt awful having to ask you to leave at that hour but we have a big responsibility to the guests in our park for their safety - staying until morning with active gas fumes was not an option especially since your friend just purchased this rig and really had no idea of it's condition. We did refund all your money, you enjoyed an evening in our lodge with popcorn and ice cream and I am sorry you lost your groceries. Had we thought of it, we would have gladly provided you with some free bags of ice.
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this is the second year in a row we have camped a for week at whispering surf. very well run and maintained. the owners are very attentive and the park is very family orientened and the park is "spick-n-span" clean. i watched the owner, i think his name is Andy, sorry if i am wrong, i watched him come and rake each camplot within an hour after the previous campers left, preparing for new campers. the firewood delivery to your site is wonderful suprise and treat. we stayed on site 43, there is problem with the location of the septic pipe, as it is to far forward toward the road which causes a problem if you have a short drain hose...if you get this site, bring an extension so you can reach it. they had and extension hose to borrow if needed. owners are aware of this and planning to fix it soon. the private beachfront is great swimiing area for kids.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jane Ellen A, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Sep 14, 2018
Hi Raymond Thank you so much for taking time to write a review on our camp! We appreciate when our guests take time out to review us. We try hard to provide excellent service and a clean family oriented park. We look forward to seeing you again.
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The owners are very friendly and personable. My family especially enjoyed weekend coffee chats and ice cream sundae night. The “Lodge” offered ping pong and air hockey that we often utilized. The bathrooms were always very clean, but the showers were a little odd. You had to hold the handle to keep water running, but the water was warm, so I didn’t mind. The men in our party said there is only one men’s shower, and it does not include a proper door lock (only curtains). The area has lots of trees and most spots seem to be pretty shaded. During our stay, most campers were quiet or asleep by 9-10 at night. All in all, very pleased with our stay ☀️⛺️
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Date of stay: June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jane Ellen A, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Jun 28, 2018
Hi Jesse Thank you for taking time to write a review. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our morning coffee and ice cream social. We like to bring our guests together to share conversation and stories. We do have a family shower next to the men's room that has a door and a lock that can be used by anyone who may require/want more privacy. We'll give some thought to how we might be able to better provide some sort of door on the men's room shower. Thanks again for camping with us, we hope to see you again. ~Jane
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First time visit, found everything to be top notch. Owners extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. Facilities clean and well maintained. Biggest plus access to Bass Lake. Canoe and Kayak rentals easy to obtain.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Responded Jul 26, 2017
Hi Charles Thank you so much for camping with us, we are thrilled you found everything top notch and we hope to see you again soon!
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We absolutely loved our time here! The campground is cute and has plenty to do. The fishing on bass lake was amazing, and Jeff and Lisa are great hosts. You can really feel how much they love this place and though it's an older property, it is truly a gem. We will definitely recommend to others. Great place out of the frenzy. picturesque and relaxing and fun for the whole family.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lisa Hoffman, Owner at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Responded Jun 18, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! Our goal is to provide you with the best vacation experience possible. We love this 110 year old campground and are happy to share it with our guests!
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Hi there....we have a primitive site ( no utilities ) site 81 available at this moment. Please call the office 231.869.5050
Thank you for your interest.
Jane
Apologies for the delay in responding. Our private beach is not dog friendly but we do have 3 dog friendly beaches very close to the camp. Charles Mears beach in Pentwater has a portion of the beach hat is dog friendly. Summit Park about a mile up the road has a dog friendly beach and at the north end of Lakeshore Dr is Buttersville Beach. Hope this helps. Jane
There are more places to choose from in the Pentwater area.
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganOceana CountyPentwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
92
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