Our History

Lake Leelanau RV Park was originally called Teter’s Little Finger Beach. It was started by Ray & Florence Teter in the 1960’s. The campground had all dirt roads with only rustic, grass-covered campsites. There was a peanut farm, a large garden, and a community camper’s garden on the south side of the park. Located on the northern side of the park were five housekeeping cottages nestled among the campsites. An old barn sat at the entrance where our fountain currently is located. There were small aluminum row boats for rent, an aluminum boathouse, docks, and a wonderful sandy beach that remains today.

Don and Marilyn Wilson, long time campers and visitors to the Leelanau Peninsula, purchased the campground from the Teter Family in 1976 and their first summer began in 1977. They modified the name of their park to be Little Finger Beach Travel Park. Leaving behind their city life in Utica, Michigan, they moved to the park in Lake Leelanau with their children to begin a new life as campground owners. Don left behind a career as a field engineer for NCR (National Cash Register). Marilyn continued to practice nursing as a registered nurse in Northport, Michigan for many years as well as manage the office, business, and home until the campground was firmly established.

In 1994, Don and Marilyn changed the name of the park to better reflect the surrounding area and the beautiful 21-mile long Lake Leelanau that graces the shores of the campground. The new name Lake Leelanau RV Park was chosen. Many campers still remember the name Little Finger Beach with fond memories.

Please come visit us and drive through our resort if you are in the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula area.

Postcard reads: Located on West Shore of Beautiful Lake Leelanau. New Modern Vacation Housekeeping Cottages With New Boats – 100 Campsites Moderns Restrooms – Excellent Safe Beach – Open From Last Saturday in April thru November. Famous Spring and Fall for Brown Trout – Write for Particulars. Postcard image from CardCow.com.

Historical Photos

The original entrance to Lake Leelanau RV Park
Another view of the original entrance to the park
Don Wilson installing the pipe organ into the family office/home
The roads inside the park prior to paving.
Marilyn Wilson in front of the original office around 1977.
Don and Marilyn Wilson is the first years of owning the park.
Changing from Little Finger Beach to Lake Leelanau RV Park.
Don and Marilyn, winners of the Leelanau County Business of the Year Award in 2013.