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.