Vintage Glamping Up North

These NoMi spots offer classic camper getaways...no hauling required

By Al Parker | June 22, 2024

Whether it’s for a night, a fun weekend, or a week-long nature adventure, a growing group of people are getting into glamping—aka glamorous camping—in vintage travel trailers. You have (almost) all the amenities that you need, a touch of nostalgia, and a beautiful backdrop to boot.

Many are drawn to the iconic shape of the mid-century shiny aluminum exteriors and the warm wood interiors. Whether spurred by memories of a camping childhood or just an appreciation for the past, the spark of interest in classic campers led to a burning desire to create these special camping experiences Up North. 

Camp Dubonett

Located in Grand Traverse County just eight miles from downtown Traverse City, this 16-acre horse farm is operated by “Farmer Tim” Rehard and “Farmer Curt” Titus, who have been offering glamping experiences for five summer seasons. The farm is situated on a rustic dirt road, and its three units sit nestled among majestic pines, maples, and oak trees. 

“This property is so special, we thought it should be shared,” says Tim.  

So they bought a 1974 Airstream Argosy and dubbed it “Ol’ Woodcutters” (pictured). No surprise, it needed some love and care. 

A quick history lesson: After World War II, there was an abundance of aluminum that was originally meant to build fighter planes. The excess was quickly used for siding of camping trailers, and hundreds of small companies popped up making these “canned ham” trailers that became iconic mid-century designs. These stylish trailers remain popular among some camper owners to this day. Unfortunately their wooden frames and plywood floors often were susceptible to leaks and dry rot. But owners with the right skills can perform these repairs themselves.

“This restoration was really fun,” says Curt, who has a strong design background that is evident throughout the farm. The result is a unit that sleeps four and comes with a two-burner hotplate, dutch oven, sink, and refrigerator. A shower, toilets, and sink are just steps away. 

“The Woodcutter’s Coach” is the second unit that Tim and Curt upgraded. It’s a 1964 Fan camper coach that they found in Indiana. It sleeps four adults comfortably and features electricity, stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator. A well-behaved dog is welcome here.

The farm’s largest camper is a 2005 Sprinter Keystone that’s been given a fresh coat of silver paint. It sleeps up to six adults with a queen bedroom and four single beds, plus a couch that folds down. The kitchen includes non-potable water to wash dishes, a stove/oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, cups, utensils, plates, pots, and pans. If it’s a rainy day, a TV and DVD player are here, along with puzzles and board games. But if the weather is nice, take a walk to the nearby lake where there’s great wildlife watching. If you’re lucky, you might see the deer family that visits the farm almost every night.  

Almost all of their guests found Camp Dubonett via Airbnb. “We have guests from all over,” says Tim. “Wisconsin, Chicago, Arizona, Indiana. We had one group that was doing a tour around Lake Michigan and Traverse City was a stop for them. We had some international college kids, six of them in a van, on summer break. A German guy and his son. And some Polish women who were a hoot. They just wanted to drink and give food to people.”

Camp Dubonett tends to attract folks who are not ready to do full in-tent camping, but they also don’t want a hotel room in a downtown setting. “We get a lot of Interlochen [Arts Academy] parents,” says Curt. 

“One time a neighborhood from a Chicago suburb rented the whole campground,” recalls Tim. “There were a ton of kids. And this little five-year-old was giving Grandpa a tour of the farm. ‘Grandpa, this is the best place ever,’ she said.”

It’s a family-friendly spot, but is still a horse farm with three horses: Mae is 29, Buster is 22, and Summer is eight years old. None are for riding, but they enjoy visits from guests of all ages. 

Little Chick Farm

Maggy and Andrew Smith welcome guests to enjoy a leisurely visit in their 1969 Airstream Dream, a nearly all original silver beauty, just outside of downtown Central Lake in Antrim County.  

“It’s so cool,” says Maggy of the Airstream. “Things have been going so well we built a roof to extend the living space. Our small farm is a great place to get away and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.”

The Smiths have been doing organic farming on the seven-acre Little Chick Farm for over a decade. They raise greens, tomatoes, pigs, goats, chickens, and more. Then five years ago they added the stylish Airstream that they got from Maggy’s dad and invited guests to visit the farm.  

The couple put in new flooring and upgraded the upholstery. The gleaming unit is called “The Dream,” and sleeps two, with a single bed and a sofa bed. It overlooks Little Chick’s garden and 30-by-72-foot hoop house.  

“The big windows bring in a nice breeze, the scent of flowering trees in the spring, and lots of natural sunlight,” says Maggy. “With a great covered deck, a hammock, and a fire pit out back, there’s plenty of opportunity for relaxation. Bring your marshmallows and a stack of books.”

As with Camp Dubonett, most of their guests learn about them from their listing on Airbnb when searching for a comfortable camping experience. Airstreams are one of the most popular units being adapted for glamping adventures. They are sometimes called “Silver Twinkies,” along with Streamlines, Silver Streak, Avions, Argosy, and other similar brands with aluminum frames and siding. The aluminum construction resists water damage more than the wood-framed trailers and often make for a sturdier trailer.  

Learning about guests is part of the fun being a host, according to Maggy. “It’s been so interesting to learn about where they come from,” she says. “We’ve had visitors from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Mexico City, and Texas.”

Indeed, there’s a pretty diverse roster of guests who routinely talk about how peaceful their visit has been.

“I absolutely loved my stay,” one guest from last fall wrote in her Airbnb review. “The Airstream was timeless and cozy. … The living space is essentially doubled with the deck and the thoughtfully built roof and it makes the rain sound amazing. Looking forward to returning.”

A guest from Grand Rapids also praised Little Chick Farm. “Great place to unwind,” he wrote. “Very nice place and area. … Definitely recommend for those who don’t mind a small vintage RV with plenty of nature around them.”