Campground Rules and Policies

The Kona Hills Philosophy

Kona Hills is a small, self-serve campground built around the idea that time outdoors should feel simple, quiet, and restorative. Perched above Lake Superior and surrounded by forest, this place is meant for people who appreciate real camping, fresh air, and space to slow down. We intentionally keep things low-impact and limit capacity to protect the land and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Rules and Policies

Guest Responsibility

By booking a reservation or camping at Kona Hills, guests and all members of their party acknowledge they have read and reviewed the rules and policies and take responsibility for understanding and following them during their stay. The following guidelines help protect the land and ensure a safe, quiet, and respectful experience for everyone at the campground. Violation of campground rules or applicable state laws may result in immediate dismissal from the property without refund.

Before Your Stay

  • 2026 Season Dates: May 22-October 18.

  • All overnight guests must have a valid reservation prior to occupying a campsite. Campsites may only be used by the individual(s) included on the reservation.

    Camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Camping elsewhere on the property—including trails, parking areas, or undeveloped land—is not allowed.

    Guests without a valid reservation may be asked to leave the property.

    All reservations are required to be made online.

  • All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking through our online reservation system. Kona Hills operates as a self-serve campground and does not process payments on-site.

    We do not accept cash payments at the campground. Campers without a valid, paid reservation may be asked to leave the property.

  • Check In time is 3 PM. Check out time is noon.

    Early arrivals or late departures may not be accommodated without prior approval.

  • HOW TO REQUEST A CANCELLATION OR CHANGE

    • All cancellations and reservation changes must be requested by replying directly to your original confirmation email.

    • Requests submitted through reminder emails, phone calls, voicemail, or direct messages will not be accepted.

    CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

    • More than 3 days before check-in:
      Full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee per site reserved, plus any processing fees

    • Less than 3 days before check-in:
      No refunds

    • No partial refunds will be issued for shortened stays, late arrivals, or early departures

    • Refunds will not be issued due to:

      • Weather conditions

      • Voluntary departure

      • Rule violations or eviction

    All refunds are issued to the original form of payment used at the time of booking. Refunds cannot be redirected to a different card, account, payment platform, payment method, or person. Kona Hills does not accept cash payments for reservations and is not able to issue cash refunds under any circumstances.

    Refunds are processed through Stripe and typically take 5–10 business days to appear. This timeline is set by the payment processor and is outside of our control.

    RESERVATION CHANGES

    Changes to reservation dates (check-in or check-out) may be requested by replying to your original confirmation email and must fall within the same camping season.

    • Changes are subject to availability

    • Any difference in rates will be charged to the card on file

    • Changes made within 3 days of check-in are non-refundable

    • Reservation dates may not be adjusted to avoid cancellation policies

  • Kona Hills is a rustic, self-serve campground designed for campers who value privacy, space, and a deeper connection with the outdoors.

    By booking a reservation or staying at Kona Hills, guests acknowledge that this is a rustic campground with limited facilities and may not include the conveniences found at developed or RV campgrounds. The person making the reservation is responsible for ensuring that all members of their party understand the nature of the campground and arrive prepared for a rustic camping experience.

    What to Expect at Kona Hills

    Natural Setting

    • Located in a forested, rustic setting above Lake Superior

    • Surrounded by natural terrain and wildlife

    • Close to hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities

    Basic Facilities

    • Vault Toilets – Simple, non-flush restrooms for camper use

    • Potable Water – Available via hand-pump well at the Welcome Area

    • Fire Rings & Picnic Tables – Each campsite includes a fire ring and wooden picnic table

    Limited Amenities

    • No Electrical Hookups – Campers should bring battery-powered gear or solar chargers. Generators are not allowed.

    • No Dump Stations – Rustic campgrounds do not provide septic disposal for grey or black water

    • No Showers – Public showers are available nearby (see our FAQ page for locations)

    • No Wi-Fi – Most of the property has cell service

    Kona Hills intentionally keeps amenities simple in order to protect the land and maintain a peaceful camping experience. Campers seeking full-service campground amenities may find that Kona Hills is not the right fit.

Arrival & Self-Serve Check-In

  • Kona Hills operates as a self-serve campground, which means there is no check-in office and no on-site reservation system. Guests are expected to follow the check-in steps properly and help us maintain a smooth, respectful experience for all campers.

  • HOW TO CHECK IN

    1. Reserve Online: All campers must book at campkonahills.com. We do not accept cash payments.

    2. Arrive Anytime After 3PM: There’s no check-in desk, arrive no sooner than 3PM. Keep in mind quiet hours are 10PM-8AM. Arrival before 10PM is strongly encouraged.

    3. Read your confirmation email and posted signs at the Welcome Area: Important campground rules and updates are included in your confirmation email and posted at the Welcome Area. Be sure to review your email thoroughly and stop by and review the billboard at the Welcome Area when you arrive.

    4. Know Your Site Number: Your site number is listed in your confirmation email. Please go directly to that site.

    NEED HELP?

    We have staff and a camp host on-site daily. They perform regular site checks to confirm reservations and are here to help. You can also contact us directly by phone if you have questions or issues. 906-376-4132

    Failure to follow campground rules or check-in procedures may result in removal from the property or loss of future booking privileges.

Campsite Use & Occupancy

  • Camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Setting up tents, hammocks, or other camping equipment outside of marked campsites is not allowed.

    Kona Hills is a private campground, and dispersed camping elsewhere on the property, including in wooded areas, along trails, or in undeveloped spaces, is not permitted.

    This policy helps protect the land and ensures that all campers have a safe and comfortable experience.

  • Each campsite at Kona Hills has a maximum occupancy limit to help preserve the quiet, spacious camping experience and protect the surrounding land.

    Most campsites accommodate up to 4 guests, while select larger sites allow up to 6 guests. Occupancy limits for each site are listed during the reservation process and must be followed.

    Only registered guests included on the reservation may occupy the campsite. The person making the reservation is responsible for ensuring that all members of their party comply with campground rules and policies.

    Groups exceeding the maximum occupancy for their campsite may be asked to adjust their reservation or leave the campground.

  • 1 vehicle per campsite, unless otherwise noted in confirmation email.

    There is limited overflow parking next to the retaining pond across from the Camp Host. Overflow spots are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

    Vehicles must remain on established campground roads and park only in designated areas at each campsite. Driving off-road or creating new parking areas is not permitted

  • Guests must occupy the specific campsite assigned to their reservation.

    Site numbers are clearly marked throughout the campground. If you have questions about locating your campsite, please refer to your reservation confirmation or the campground map.

    Occupying a campsite without a valid reservation for that specific site may result in removal from the campground.

Vehicles & Equipment

  • Kona Hills is designed primarily for tent camping and small vehicles. Due to the natural terrain, steep grade, narrow campground roads, limited turn around space, no pull-through sites, and the size of many campsites, vehicle length is limited.

    Most campsites can accommodate vehicles up to 24 feet in length. Larger RVs, motorhomes, and long trailers are not suitable for the campground.

    Guests are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle and any trailer will fit within the limits of their reserved campsite. Vehicles that cannot safely access or fit within a campsite may be required to relocate or leave the campground.

  • Small campers, camper vans, rooftop tents, and compact travel trailers may be accommodated at select sites. Vehicles, RVs, and trailers must fall within the campground’s vehicle length limits and be able to safely access and fit within the reserved campsite.

    Kona Hills does not offer RV hookups, dump stations, or other full-service RV amenities. Guests traveling with RVs should ensure their equipment is appropriate for a rustic campground before booking.

    Leveling blocks are strongly recommended.

    Campers arriving with equipment that cannot safely access or fit within their reserved campsite may be required to relocate or leave the campground.

  • To preserve the quiet, nature-focused camping experience at Kona Hills, gas generator use is not permitted anywhere in the campground.

    Kona Hills is designed for low-impact camping without the noise associated with generators. Campers should plan accordingly and bring battery-powered or solar-powered equipment if electricity is needed during their stay.

    Guests using gas generators may be asked to discontinue use immediately or leave the campground if the policy is not followed.

    Exceptions may be made for medical devices, if arranged in advance, or emergency situations.

  • Campground roads are two-way and shared by vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Please drive slowly and use caution at all times.

    The speed limit throughout Kona Hills is 5–10 mph. Be prepared to yield to oncoming vehicles and watch carefully for people, pets, and wildlife.

    Driving off established roads or creating new paths is not permitted.

    Guests who operate vehicles in an unsafe or reckless manner may be asked to leave the campground.

Campground Amenities & Facilities

  • Fire Safety

    Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.

    Follow posted fire safety status. During periods of high fire danger or local burn bans, campfires may be restricted.

    Guests are responsible for their campfires at all times. Fires must never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving the campsite or going to sleep.

    Do not burn trash or leftover food.

    Foraging for Wood

    Campers may forage fallen wood on the property to use for firewood. Cutting down trees or branches is not allowed.

    Firewood is available for purchase at the Welcome Area.

    • Payment required at time of pickup.

    • Partial payments not accepted.

    • Cash or card accepted.

  • Potable water is available via the hand-pump well located at the Welcome Area. This water source is intended for drinking, cooking, and basic campsite use.

    Please use water responsibly and avoid wasting water at the pump. Campers should bring their own containers for transporting water back to their campsite.

    Washing dishes, bathing, or other non-essential uses at the water pump is not permitted.

  • Kona Hills provides vault toilets for camper use. These are simple, non-flush restroom facilities designed for rustic campgrounds.

    Please help keep these facilities clean and usable for all guests. Do not dispose of trash, wipes, feminine products, or other non-toilet items in the toilets.

    Guests should plan accordingly, as restroom facilities are basic and may be located a short walk from some campsites.

  • Kona Hills does not offer electrical hookups, water hookups, or sewer connections.

    Campers traveling with RVs, camper vans, or trailers should plan accordingly and arrive prepared for a fully self-contained camping experience.

    The campground also does not provide a dump station for grey or black water disposal.

Campground Conduct

  • Disruptive or disrespectful behavior is not permitted at any time. Kona Hills is not a party campground—guests are expected to conduct themselves in a way that supports a peaceful and respectful environment.

    Public intoxication, excessive noise, and unsafe behavior are not allowed.

  • Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. During this time, please keep voices, lights, music, and other noise to a minimum so everyone can enjoy their camping experience.

    Amplified music is not permitted during quiet hours.

    Arrival before 10PM is strongly encouraged. If you arrive late please keep headlights low, sounds to a minimum, set up promptly and be respectful and mindful of other guests.

  • Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 years of age and older. Providing alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited.

    Glass bottles are not permitted at Kona Hills.

  • Fireworks, of any kind including sparklers, are not permitted under any circumstances. Violation of this policy may result in immediate removal from the campground.

    Kona Hills is a non-smoking campground. Smoking and smoking-related debris are not permitted on the property.

    • $25 fee per cigarette butt or smoking debris found at a campsite

  • Guests who violate campground rules, engage in unsafe or disruptive behavior, or fail to follow applicable laws may be asked to leave the property at any time.

    No refunds will be issued to guests who are asked to leave due to rule violations.

    Kona Hills reserves the right to refuse service or remove guests in order to protect the safety of the campground, the experience of other guests, and the integrity of the property.

Pets & Guest Responsibility

  • Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. This helps ensure the safety of your pet, other guests, and local wildlife.

    Owners are responsible for all pet behavior and damage.

    Watch small pets — wildlife and an active eagle nest are nearby.

  • Pick up waste and dispose of it promptly and properly. There are dumpsters at the Welcome Area.

  • Aggressive animals or pets that pose a risk to other guests, wildlife, or the campground environment are not permitted. Excessive barking or disruptive behavior may also result in removal from the campground.

    Kona Hills reserves the right to ask guests to remove pets that are not properly controlled or are creating a disturbance.

Respect the Land

  • Please follow Leave No Trace principles during your stay. Pack out what you bring in, avoid disturbing natural features, and leave campsites, trails, and surrounding areas as you found them.

    Take everything you brought. This includes “biodegradable” items, egg shells, coffee grounds, etc.

    Unused firewood may be left neatly for the next camper.

  • All trash must be securely bagged and disposed of in designated receptacles at the Welcome Area. Do not leave trash at campsites or in fire rings.

    Food waste should be handled carefully to avoid attracting wildlife.

    Do not burn trash or leave it in fire pits.

  • To protect the surrounding forest and prevent unnecessary impact, please remain within designated campsites, established roads, outlooks, and marked trails.

    Do not create new paths, clear vegetation, or set up camp outside of designated areas.

  • No carving or defacing rocks or natural features.

    Do not remove rocks, plants, or materials from the property.

  • Kona Hills is surrounded by privately owned land. Please respect our neighbors by staying within campground boundaries and observing all posted No Trespassing signs.

    Do not enter adjacent properties, drive on private roads, or access neighboring land without explicit permission from the landowner.

    Respectful behavior helps maintain positive relationships with our neighbors and ensures that Kona Hills can continue to operate and grow for years to come.

Natural Conditions & Wildlife

  • Wildlife is active throughout the area. Guests may encounter birds, small animals, insects, and occasionally larger wildlife.

    Do not feed or approach wildlife. All food and scented items should be stored securely to avoid attracting animals.

    Please be mindful of your surroundings and respect wildlife from a safe distance.

    There is no hunting or trapping at Kona Hills.

  • The campground is located on natural, uneven terrain. Surfaces may include dirt roads, roots, rocks, slopes, and other natural features.

    Guests should use caution when walking around the campground, especially at night or in wet conditions. Proper footwear and lighting are recommended.

    Kona Hills is a rustic environment, and guests assume responsibility for navigating the natural terrain safely during their stay.

Fees, Damages & Property Use

  • To help maintain the campground and protect the experience for all guests, certain fees may be applied if campsite guidelines are not followed. Fees will be automatically charged to the card on file after checkout if necessary.

    Tent Stake Anchors

    Campsites with platforms include six tent stake anchors, which are stored beneath the site number marker. All anchors must be returned (hung back in place) at checkout.

    • $25 fee per missing or unreturned anchor

    Campsite Cleanliness

    Kona Hills follows a strict Leave No Trace policy. All items brought to your campsite must be packed out, including food waste and biodegradable materials.

    • $25 fee per piece of debris left at a campsite

    • This includes items such as trash, food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, and similar materials

    Smoking Debris

    Cigarette butts and smoking-related debris are not permitted on the ground.

    • $25 fee per cigarette butt or smoking debris found at a campsite

    Damage & Responsibility

    Guests are responsible for any damage to campground property or injury caused by themselves, members of their party, or their pets.

    Additional charges may apply for repairs, cleanup, or safety-related issues resulting from guest actions.

  • Professional photography, commercial filming, or organized group events require prior approval.

Notices & Important Information

  • Kona Hills is located within earshot of a nearby shooting range. While we cannot control the operation or schedule of this neighboring property, guests may hear periodic gunfire or related noise, typically during daytime hours.

    By booking a reservation or staying at Kona Hills, guests acknowledge and accept that noise from nearby properties is outside of our control and may be present during their stay.

    Guests with sensitivities to noise—including those traveling with pets—should plan accordingly and ensure that this environment is a good fit for their needs. Kona Hills is not able to offer refunds or accommodations due to noise from neighboring properties.

    We aim to be transparent about this so guests can make an informed decision before booking.

  • For safety and traffic control, all vehicles must turn right when exiting Kona Hills onto the main road.

    Left turns are not permitted at the campground entrance. Please follow all posted signage when entering and exiting the property.

    If you need to travel in the opposite direction, you can safely turn around at the nearby Michigan Welcome Center.

    Failure to follow exit directions may result in a warning or further action if the behavior continues.

  • Kona Hills reserves the right to refuse service or evict anyone who violates these rules.

    Guests assume all risks associated with camping and outdoor recreational activities and agree to hold the property harmless from and indemnify property against the same.

    Kona Hills Campground is not responsible for lost or stolen items or personal injury.

Rules and Policies last updated March 16, 2026.