News & Info - Whispering Surf Campground https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:21:34 -0400 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management - Version 5.4.8 en-gb info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground) 113 Years on the Lakeshore: How Whispering Surf Became the Campground We Know Today (1966-Present) https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/113-years-on-the-lakeshore-how-whispering-surf-became-the-campground-we-know-today-1966-present https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/113-years-on-the-lakeshore-how-whispering-surf-became-the-campground-we-know-today-1966-present

Last month, we shared the early history of Camp Morrison, from its beginnings as a lakeshore resort in 1913 through the challenges that nearly brought its story to an end in the 1960s.

By 1966, the future of the property was uncertain. Many of the buildings were aging, tourism patterns had changed, and the once-thriving resort seemed destined to become another piece of local history.

Instead, a young college student saw something worth saving.

A $300 Investment

In 1966, Reg Yaple was a college sophomore who had grown up on a Pentwater-area farm. When he learned Camp Morrison was for sale, he borrowed $300 from his mother, Dorothy, for a down payment and purchased the property.

His vision was to create a modern camping resort.

Ironically, Reg did not realize campers had already been using the property for decades. Travel trailers had been appearing at Camp Morrison since the 1930s, but Reg believed he was introducing an entirely new concept.

That summer, he began cleaning up and modernizing the property. Campsites were installed with 15-amp electrical service, and the campground reopened on July 4, 1966, with 32 campsites.

Not everyone welcomed the change. Some local residents opposed the idea of a campground, and the first season included several incidents of vandalism.

Reg responded by giving the property a new identity.

The name Camp Morrison was retired and replaced with Whispering Surf Travel Trailer Village, helping distance the campground from the party atmosphere and alcohol-centered reputation that had developed during Camp Morrison's later years.

He also began rebuilding the property's connection to Bass Lake by purchasing back shoreline parcels that had been sold decades earlier.

By the end of the 1960s, Whispering Surf had become a licensed campground with 45 sites and a promising future.

Dorothy Steps In

Just as the campground was gaining momentum, Reg was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam.

Once again, Whispering Surf's future seemed uncertain.

Dorothy Yaple stepped in to run the campground while her son was overseas.

Family stories tell of Dorothy managing the campground while also teaching summer school. Reg's younger sister, only ten years old at the time, often helped in the office and occasionally found herself running it alone while her mother was teaching.

Reg returned home in 1969, but Dorothy's role in the campground's success was only beginning.

Growing with the Community

The 1970s brought significant changes to the area.

Construction of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant created demand for housing and infrastructure throughout the region. Water and sewer service became available, allowing some campground sites to remain open year-round.

Reg purchased the property across the street on Sunset Lane, creating room for future expansion. For a short time, he experimented with a mobile home sales lot and residential sites. The current Mayor Cottage was moved from the Yaple family farm back to the campground and became the campground office.

The experiment was short-lived.

Summer guests preferred a traditional vacation campground, and Reg eventually removed the mobile homes and refocused entirely on camping.

The campground continued to grow. A playground was constructed in 1973, fifteen additional campsites were added in 1974, and Whispering Surf continued establishing itself as a favorite destination for families visiting Bass Lake and Lake Michigan.

During a renovation of the women's restroom in the Lodge, workers discovered a mysterious concrete box beneath the floor. It was never opened, and its purpose remains one of Whispering Surf's enduring mysteries.

In 1976, Reg accepted a horticulture position with the University of Alaska.

Once again, Dorothy stepped forward.

While Reg traveled back to Michigan each spring and fall to open and close the campground, Dorothy became the person who operated Whispering Surf day after day throughout the summer season.

The Woman Who Kept It Going

By the 1980s, Reg had considered selling the campground.

Dorothy had other ideas.

After the Yaple family farm was sold, she asked Reg to keep Whispering Surf and allow her to continue operating it. He agreed.

For another fifteen summers, Dorothy served as the heart of the campground. With the help of a work-camper couple, she welcomed guests, solved problems, and maintained the traditions that kept families returning year after year.

Many guests may not have realized it at the time, but Dorothy's dedication helped preserve Whispering Surf through a period when many small family campgrounds disappeared.

Modernizing for a New Century

As Dorothy slowed down in the 1990s, Reg spent more time in Michigan and began updating the campground for the future.

A new well improved water service throughout the property. The Lodge received new windows and siding. The men's and women's restrooms were modernized. Additional campsites were added, bringing the campground to 65 sites.

In 1997, Dorothy passed away.

The following year, the ark was added to the playground, creating a feature that generations of children have enjoyed ever since.

In the 2000s, additional sites were converted to full hookups, and campground manager Don Coleson was hired so Reg could continue operating his seed company.

Entering a Second Century

Whispering Surf celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013 with a week-long celebration honoring the generations of guests, employees, and owners who helped shape the campground.

A mini-golf course was added in 2011 on property across from the campground. While it has since been removed, it reflected the continuing effort to evolve and improve the guest experience.

In 2017, Reg Yaple passed away while in the process of selling the campground to Jane and Andy Hathaway.

The Hathaways continued investing in the property, remodeling and reopening three cabins and constructing an owner's residence across the street from the main campground.

In 2022, Whispering Surf entered another chapter when ownership passed to the Manning family.

More Than a Campground

Today, guests arrive by pickup truck, SUV, motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, or bicycle instead of by boat.

The hand pump has been replaced by modern water systems. The privy is long gone. Meals are no longer served in the Lodge, and the Saturday night square dances have given way to new traditions.

Yet much remains the same.

Families still gather around campfires. Children still race to the playground. Guests still walk to Bass Lake and Lake Michigan. Friendships are formed, memories are made, and another generation discovers the simple joy of spending time outdoors.

More than a century after Reverend Morrison welcomed his first guests, Whispering Surf continues the tradition that began in 1913: providing a place where families can gather, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Michigan's lakeshore.

Here's to the next chapter.

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake Pentwater Michigan) News & Info Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:01 -0400 113 Years on the Lakeshore: The Early History of Whispering Surf (1913-1965) https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/113-years-on-the-lakeshore-the-early-history-of-whispering-surf-1913-1965 https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/113-years-on-the-lakeshore-the-early-history-of-whispering-surf-1913-1965 113 Years on the Lakeshore: The Early History of Whispering Surf (1913-1965)

As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, we thought it was the perfect time to look back at the history of Whispering Surf Campground.

Many of our guests are surprised to learn that Whispering Surf has been welcoming visitors to Bass Lake for more than a century. Founded in 1913, the campground predates Michigan's first state park, the modern highway system, recreational vehicles, and even widespread automobile travel.

For 113 years, families have come to this special corner of Michigan's lakeshore seeking many of the same things they do today: time outdoors, time with family, and a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Bass Lake and Lake Michigan.

Before Whispering Surf

In the late 1800s, the Bass Lake area looked very different than it does today. Logging was the primary industry, and timber harvested from the surrounding forests was floated across Bass Lake to Lake Michigan and shipped to markets in Chicago. A sawmill operated near the location of today's Summit Township Park.

The campground's story may have begun as early as 1911, when Reverend Arthur S. Morrison brought boys from his Chicago Episcopal church to the property for a summer choir camp. Local legend even suggests Morrison won the property in a poker game in Chicago, although records show he did not begin purchasing land here until several years later.

Camp Morrison Is Born

In 1913, Morrison established what became known as Camp Morrison.

At the time, reaching the camp was an adventure in itself. There was no road to Pentwater as we know it today. Guests typically arrived by boat at the Bass Lake outlet and walked the rest of the way to camp.

The earliest accommodations were tents, meals were prepared over open fires, and water came from a hand pump. A privy served the camp's sanitation needs. The operation was largely managed by a woman known as "Nana," a divorced woman whose grown children had already left home.

Over the next several years, tents gradually gave way to cabins. The Lodge, which still stands today, was built in 1915 and became the heart of camp life.

The Roaring Twenties at Camp Morrison

The 1920s brought growth and change.

Morrison became deeply involved in the early development of the Bass Lake community and was active in efforts to improve roads and services in the area. In 1921, meals began being served in the Lodge, transforming Camp Morrison into what was known as an "American Plan" resort. Families often returned year after year, spending entire weeks at the camp.

Most employees were Chicago teenagers and local farm women who helped prepare meals and care for guests.

Like much of America during the Prohibition era, Camp Morrison developed a colorful reputation. Local stories describe poker games, bunco parties, a slot machine, and ready access to alcohol despite national restrictions. There are even longstanding rumors that members of Detroit's Purple Gang vacationed at the resort.

At the same time, Camp Morrison remained a family destination. Saturday night square dances filled the Lodge with music and laughter, creating memories that guests carried home with them.

In 1929, Morrison and Nana were married.

A Resort Community

By the 1930s, Camp Morrison had grown into a thriving vacation destination.

Electricity had arrived, cabins were modernized, and the campground began advertising accommodations for the growing number of families traveling with automobiles and travel trailers.

The camp became known locally as "a fine place to eat." Meals featured produce and meats from nearby farms, along with breads, pies, and baked goods prepared in the Lodge's wood-fired oven.

The dinner bell, which still hangs at Whispering Surf today, rang three times each day to announce mealtime. Today, guests hear that same bell on Saturday evenings when it calls everyone to popcorn.

Camp life revolved around activities. Evening entertainment was common, and guests enjoyed access to Bass Lake, Lake Michigan, tennis courts, shuffleboard, golf, and a softball diamond.

At its peak, Camp Morrison included approximately 35 cottages spread across 30 acres.

War and Change

Like many resorts across the country, Camp Morrison felt the effects of World War II.

Tourism slowed dramatically during the war years, and the resort began adapting to changing vacation habits. Cabins were converted into housekeeping cottages with small kitchens, allowing families to prepare some of their own meals. A bathhouse provided modern restroom and shower facilities.

The postwar years brought even more change. As Americans embraced automobiles, camping, and do-it-yourself family vacations, fewer visitors wanted traditional resort meal service.

During the 1950s, meals in the Lodge gradually disappeared. Home-baked pies and cakes remained available for purchase, but families increasingly preferred to cook for themselves. The Lodge evolved into a store, library, and game room.

At the same time, portions of the original property were sold, including valuable lakefront acreage. Many cabins were removed, and some of the remaining structures began to deteriorate.

Ownership passed to George and Dickie Daggett. Dickie was Nana’s granddaughter.

Uncertain Times

The 1960s brought perhaps the greatest challenge in the campground's history.

An effort was launched to convert Camp Morrison into an Episcopal summer camp for boys. Although fundraising began and plans moved forward, strong local opposition ultimately caused the project to collapse.

For a brief period in 1965, the Lodge reopened for dances, but attendance was limited and the effort was short-lived.

By the middle of the decade, the future of Camp Morrison was uncertain. Many of the buildings were aging, tourism patterns had changed, and the once-thriving resort seemed destined to fade into history.

Fortunately, the story of Whispering Surf was far from over.

In our next installment, we'll explore how a college student with a $300 loan from his mother transformed a struggling resort into the campground many guests know and love today.

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake Pentwater Michigan) News & Info Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:45:49 -0400 Celebrate America’s 250th summer at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake! Pentwater Michigan https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/celebrate-americas-250th-summer-at-whispering-surf-campground-at-bass-lake-pentwater-michigan https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/celebrate-americas-250th-summer-at-whispering-surf-campground-at-bass-lake-pentwater-michigan Celebrate America’s 250th summer at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake! Pentwater Michigan

Read More …

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake Pentwater Michigan) News & Info Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 Opening Day Is Here: A Few Things to Check... https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/opening-day-is-here-a-few-things-to-check-2 https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/opening-day-is-here-a-few-things-to-check-2 Whispering Surf Campground Bass Lake Pentwater Michigan | Opening Day is Here!

Opening Day Is Here: A Few Things to Check When Opening Your Camper for the Season

Happy Opening Day from all of us at Whispering Surf! It’s finally here — May 1 and the start of another great camping season.

As you settle in for your first weekend, it’s a good time to take a few minutes for a quick spring systems and safety check on your camper.

Spring Camper Opening Checklist

1. Bring your water system back online and sanitize

Flush water lines, check fittings, and confirm your hot water heater bypass is set correctly before turning everything on. Before using your fresh water system for drinking, cooking, or showering, it’s a good idea to sanitize the lines and fresh water tank. This keeps everything fresh for the season ahead.

2. Check the anode rod in your hot water heater

The anode rod helps protect your water heater tank from corrosion. If it’s heavily worn or mostly dissolved, replacing it now can help extend the life of your water heater.

3. Inspect your fire extinguisher

Check the expiration date and make sure the gauge shows it is fully charged. Most importantly, make sure it is easily accessible near your RV entry door in case of emergency.

4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Please test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.

5. Check tire pressure and tire condition

After sitting over the winter, tires can lose pressure and may develop cracking or dry rot. Be sure to inspect sidewalls and inflate to manufacturer specifications.

6. Inspect roof seals, windows, and slide seals

Michigan winters can be tough on seals. A quick walkaround now can help catch small cracks or gaps before spring rains become a leak inside.

7. Test propane and appliances

Check propane levels and test your stove, refrigerator, furnace, and hot water heater to make sure everything is functioning properly.

For Seasonal & Long-Term Campers

8. Only dump when tanks are full

Please avoid leaving your dump tanks open all the time. Dumping when tanks are fuller helps liquids carry solids through properly and prevents buildup.

9. Save electricity when you head home

When leaving for the week, consider turning off your air conditioner and hot water heater to save electricity and reduce wear on your systems.

As always, please refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific startup procedures, maintenance schedules, and manufacturer recommendations. If you’re not comfortable performing any of these checks yourself, local RV service providers such as JTS RV Inc. offer on-site service visits for many common spring startup items.

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 Meet the Whispering Surf Team – Summer 2026 https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/meet-the-whispering-surf-team-summer-2026 https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/meet-the-whispering-surf-team-summer-2026 Meet the Whispering Surf Team – Summer 2026

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]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:47:57 -0400 Whispering Surf Through the Seasons https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/whispering-surf-through-the-seasons https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/whispering-surf-through-the-seasons Whispering Surf Through the Seasons | Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake Pentwater Michigan

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]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:24:28 -0500 Seasonal Camping at Whispering Surf: Why, How, and When https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/seasonal-camping-at-whispering-surf-why-how-and-when https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/seasonal-camping-at-whispering-surf-why-how-and-when Seasonal Camping at Whispering Surf: Why, How, and When

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:

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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:

  1. Camp at Whispering Surf for at least two nights, and
  2. 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 info@whisperingsurfcampround.com.

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.

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Super User) News & Info Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500 Meet the Owner: Lisa Manning of Whispering Surf Campground https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/meet-the-owner-lisa-manning-of-whispering-surf-campground https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/meet-the-owner-lisa-manning-of-whispering-surf-campground Meet the Owner: Lisa Manning of Whispering Surf Campground

Meet the Owner: Lisa Manning of Whispering Surf Campground

Michigan’s Oldest Privately Owned Campground — Est. 1913

When I first stepped onto the property at Whispering Surf, I felt something rare: history, peace, and possibility all living in the same space. My name is Lisa Manning, and I’m honored to be the owner and caretaker of this beautiful place with more than 110 years of stories held in its pines and shoreline. Every season, I feel both the responsibility—and the privilege—of stewarding Michigan’s oldest privately owned campground and helping write its next chapter.

From a Family Dream to a Michigan Homecoming

My father, my husband, and I purchased Whispering Surf in April 2022, after a long winter of working through the purchase agreement and imagining what this place could become. Owning a business had always been a dream of mine, and my father had dreamt of owning a campground long before I ever did. Taking on Whispering Surf honored both dreams.

My father, Fred Manning, loved campground life until his passing in May 2025. At that time, I became the sole owner.

Our move from Tucson, Arizona back to Michigan wasn’t just about business. It was about returning to family, roots, and the kind of landscape that shaped my childhood. I first fell in love with this area while raising my two children—camping at Mears State Park and Silver Lake State Park, splashing in Lake Michigan, and soaking in the beach-town charm of Pentwater.

When we discovered Whispering Surf was for sale, I knew it was the one. The ability to walk to Lake Michigan, combined with the rustic charm of the campground and the peaceful Bass Lake frontage for kayaking and fishing, made it feel like home immediately.

Our mission here is simple:

“To provide a warm welcome and family fun for all, while operating at a level that allows us to support our local community and continually improve our facilities.”

Engineering Roots, Hospitality Heart

Before campground ownership, I spent more than 30 years leading new product development programs in the automotive, military, and irrigation industries. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, which might sound like an unusual background for a campground owner—but it has become one of my greatest advantages.

  • My technical background helps me maintain and improve our systems.
  • Decades of leading teams taught me how to cultivate good people, good service, and good processes.
  • I serve as Vice President and Conference Chair (and previously President) of Camp Michigan, the state association for Michigan campground owners. I occasionally mentor new and aspiring owners as well.

And at the heart of it all: I grew up camping. Some of my best childhood memories are around campfires and picnic tables. Helping recreate that magic for others is something I never take lightly.

Why I Love This Work

There’s a rhythm to campground life that I adore. Every morning starts outdoors—fresh air, quiet paths, and the first wave of guests heading out to explore the beaches and dunes. I love meeting new campers, catching up with returning guests, and feeling the sense of community that forms here season after season.

Some of my favorite parts of the year include:

  • Saturday morning coffee in the Lodge
  • Our four pancake breakfasts, when the Lodge fills with chatter and laughter
  • The beloved Halloween Weekend each September—the perfect blend of crisp air, costumes, and fall magic

Many of our guests feel like extended family. Watching generations return to Whispering Surf each summer is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

The Personal Touches That Keep Me Grounded

At the end of a summer day, you may find me at Sunset Beach, watching the sky change colors over Lake Michigan. There’s something grounding about ending the day near the water.

I also love driving through the campground on my golf cart—seeing families cooking dinner, friends gathered around campfires, kids playing on the beloved 40+ year–old ship, and the whole place humming with life.

In the off-season, I enjoy a slower, quieter life that includes:

  • More time with family and friends
  • Traveling to campground owner conferences—and having a little fun, too
  • Crafting and home improvements
  • Strategic and leadership work through Camp Michigan

My summer staff of eight work campers becomes family—sharing meals, inside jokes, and a deep dedication to making each guest’s stay memorable. I rely on them fully; they extend the same hospitality I would if I could be everywhere at once.

Future Vision for Whispering Surf

I believe in honoring the history of this land by keeping it vibrant, maintained, and evolving. Each year, I strive to implement one significant and visible improvement to the property—whether it’s upgrading the Lodge, enhancing guest amenities, or refreshing common spaces.

Behind the scenes, I’m continually upgrading the utilities and systems that keep the campground running safely and smoothly. Much of this work happens quietly in the off-season, but it’s essential to keeping Whispering Surf strong for future generations.

If You’re Here, You’re Part of the Story

If you see me around the campground—on my golf cart, checking the bathrooms, flipping pancakes, serving popcorn, or pouring coffee—please say hello. I’d love to meet you.

Tell me what brought you to Whispering Surf.

Tell me what keeps you coming back.

Tell me your favorite memory here.

This place has over a century of stories woven into the pines and sand, and I love that your story becomes part of its history too.

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:44:22 -0500 Featured in the Oceana County Press: Pentwater campground to host Airstream rally https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/featured-in-the-oceana-county-press-pentwater-campground-to-host-airstream-rally https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/featured-in-the-oceana-county-press-pentwater-campground-to-host-airstream-rally Featured in the Oceana County Press: Pentwater campground to host Airstream rally

Whispering Surf Airstream Rally Featured in Oceana County Press

We’re excited to share that the upcoming Airstream Rally at Whispering Surf Campground has been featured in the local news.

Read the full story here: Pentwater Campground to Host Airstream Rally — Oceana County Press .

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:35:19 -0400 Whispering Surf Welcomes Airstream Enthusiasts for Fall Rally https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/whispering-surf-welcomes-airstream-enthusiasts-for-fall-rally https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/whispering-surf-welcomes-airstream-enthusiasts-for-fall-rally Whispering Surf Welcomes Airstream Enthusiasts for Fall Rally

We are thrilled to share that Whispering Surf Campground will host the Michigan Airstream Club’s fourth annual fall rally this weekend, October 2–5. This sold-out event will bring 36 iconic Airstream trailers to our wooded grounds at Bass Lake, making it the largest Michigan rally of the year. Members from across the state and beyond will gather for a weekend of connection, relaxation, and adventure. “There’s nothing quite like seeing rows of polished Airstreams shining beneath our tall trees,” says campground owner Lisa Manning. “The historic lodge, the circle of campfires, and the laughter of friends old and new make it a truly magical time.” While this rally is a private event for Michigan Airstream Club members, we are honored to welcome them to our campground and proud to be a part of their tradition. Events like these highlight the beauty of Whispering Surf and our mission to create memorable experiences in nature. We look forward to sharing photos and stories from the weekend—and to many more unique gatherings at Whispering Surf in the seasons ahead!

]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake) News & Info Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:52:09 -0400 Halloween Fun Weekend Recap – A Spooktacular Success! https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/halloween-fun-weekend-recap-a-spooktacular-success https://whisperingsurfcampground.com/news-and-information/halloween-fun-weekend-recap-a-spooktacular-success Halloween Fun Weekend Recap – A Spooktacular Success! | Whispering Surf Campground Pentwater Michigan

Whispering Surf Campground had a fantastic turnout for our annual Halloween Fun Weekend, held September 26–28. This event continues to grow every year, and 2025 was no exception! Campers of all ages joined in for a weekend full of festive activities, laughter, and community fun.

Saturday morning kicked off with our always-popular Coffee Social at the Lodge, giving everyone a chance to catch up before the spooky celebrations began. In the afternoon, kids lined up for pumpkin carving, proudly creating their own jack-o’-lanterns. A big thank you again to Tom Majdeski and Wendy Spoelma for sponsoring this activity and making it possible.

The highlight of the weekend was, of course, Trick-or-Treating around the campground. We had nearly 30 kids in costume this year, and they brought plenty of excitement and energy as they went site to site collecting treats. Campers really went all out with decorations, making the campground look both festive and spooky. Judging for the Costume Contest and Site Decorating Contest happened during trick-or-treating, and this year we added a fun new twist with a prize for the Best Adult Treat—a huge hit with the grown-ups!

Afterward, everyone gathered for a cozy Community Campfire with s’mores at the firepit. Thank you to John and Christine Schreiber for sponsoring this delicious tradition that brought families and friends together under the autumn night sky.

On Sunday, the Lodge was buzzing with the smell of fresh pancakes at our Pancake Breakfast. Guests enjoyed a free meal together before contest winners were announced and another successful Halloween Fun Weekend came to a close.

Thank you to all our campers for making this weekend such a memorable event! We can’t wait to see you all again next season for more fun, traditions, and community spirit at Whispering Surf Campground.

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]]> info@whisperingsurfcampground.com (Super User) News & Info Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:21:10 -0400