Michigan is the ideal location for relaxing camping in Michigan holiday!
At some of Michigan’s most gorgeous campsites, you can get away from it all, spend quality time with friends and family, and learn a new appreciation for Mother Nature.
According to Huron Daily Tribune, Between 2015 to 2020 Michigan camping saw a 229.1% increase in popularity with a total increase of 36,312 camping reservations during this time.
So in this guide, we have shared all the best campgrounds in Michigan so that you can have a fun trip.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Michigan |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Tent, torch, etc. |
| Campgrounds | South Higgins Lake State Park, and more |
| Best places to visit | Ann Arbor, and more |
| Situated | U.S. |
Camping In Michigan
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
In the Eastern Upper Peninsula, visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see one of the greatest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
With a height of 50 feet and a width of more than 200 feet, the Upper Falls is a must-see site.
There’s more to admire about the park than its beautiful cascade, with more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 interior lakes, and about 20,000 acres of natural space.
Address: 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
2. South Higgins Lake State Park
Take a dip in the crystal-clear Higgins Lake or pick up a metal detector and try your luck looking for buried gems along the beach in Northeast Michigan.
While walking the nature route at the camp, you may relax and see animals.
Address: 106 State Park Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
3. Porcupine Mountains State Park
When visiting the “Porkies,” carry a map to assist you in exploring this state park in the Western Upper Peninsula.
With 60,000 acres, it’s the largest of its sort in Michigan. Choose from a range of campgrounds, including contemporary, rustic, and yurt accommodations.
Explore the ancient Porcupine Mountains and marvel at magnificent waterfalls, miles of hiking routes, and the impression of stepping back in time.
Address: 33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953
4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The majestic, colorful sandstone cliffs of this Central Upper Peninsula Park are a sight to behold.
Hike through beautiful wildflowers and kayak through Lake Superior’s waves.
Travel to the top of the Au Sable Light Station, which stands 87 feet above the ground and offers another breathtaking perspective of the lake.
Address: N8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
Read: Camping In Cape Cod
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5. Wilderness State Park
Explore the 10,500 acres of the campsite in Northwest Michigan and engage in various recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and bicycling.
Enjoy 26 miles of stunning Lake Michigan beachfront and breathtaking sunsets over the clear lake. Breathing is a privilege here since the air is so pure.
Address: 903 Wilderness Park Dr, Carp Lake, MI 49718
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Take a guided trip or go on your own to explore these massive dunes in Northwest Michigan.
Swim at one of the park’s many beaches or wander through a thick beech-maple forest to breathe in the lovely scent of maple syrup.
At the Maritime Museum, adventurous kids may take part in a “rescue expedition” of shipwreck survivors.
Address: 9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630
7. Lakeport State Park
Take advantage of a diverse range of outdoor activities. There’s something for everyone at this campsite in East Central Michigan, from canoeing to shooting hoops to tossing horseshoes.
Gaze out over Lake Huron’s untamed waves and relax in one of the 250 campsites’ contemporary facilities.
Address: 7605 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Gratiot Twp, MI 48059
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Best Places To Visit Near Michigan
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a beautiful island getaway where time has stopped still, and motor vehicles can not enter the premises.
On the tranquil waters of Lake Huron, you may explore 70 miles of walking, hiking, and bike paths or experience a variety of water sports.
Equestrians will find 40 miles of bridle routes, as well as mounts at Jack’s Livery Stables or the Grand Hotel Stable.
A Great Turtle Kayak Tour, seeing the island attractions on a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour, and visiting historic Downtown Mackinac, where numerous historic buildings are available to the public, are all popular activities.
Mackinac Island is one of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, a vibrant and busy city, is full of intriguing cultural, historic, and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
UMMA – University of Michigan Museum of Art, the interesting University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum are just places where you can spend your time.
Ann Arbor is one of the greatest locations to visit in Michigan for couples. Bookworms may immerse themselves in more than eleven local bookstores, while energetic guests can enjoy hiking and bicycling at Hudson Mills Metropark or canoeing in Argo Park.
If you enjoy the theater, Hill Auditorium or the nostalgic Michigan Theater are worth seeing, and everyone should see a football game at Michigan Stadium.
Checklist Before Camping In Michigan
When it comes to camping in Michigan, we know how crucial it is to have all of your necessities before heading out into the great outdoors.
It’s always a good idea to double-check that you and your friends and family have everything you need before heading out on a camping trip to make the most of your time together.
To help you prepare for your vacation, we’ve created a checklist.
- Tent (check for poles, stakes & guylines)
- Tent Tarp
- Sleeping Bag (for each person)
- Sleeping Pad/Air Mattress (for each person)
- Patch Kit for Sleeping Pad/Air Mattress
- Pillows
- Air Mattress Pump
- Extra Blankets
- Small Broom
- Sun Shade
- Kitchen Camp Stove & Fuel
- Pots, Pans & Skillet
- Cutting Board
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FAQ
Do you have to pay for camping in Michigan?
Depending on which campground you choose, you might have to pay some fee to stay there, but there are also free of charge camping grounds that you can always choose, but the ones with a pay offer more amenities.
Do we have to be careful when camping in Michigan?
Michigan is rather a safe state, so you should not be afraid of camping in Michigan unless you go to some remote and wild part of the state and the forests.
Are the attractions fun when camping in Michigan?
Michigan offers a variety of things for various people who like different stuff.
So whichever kind of person you are, there is definitely something for you to have fun with.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The US Workforce has a policy of producing high-quality content that follows industry standards by using primary sources, such as white papers and government data, alongside original reporting from reputable publishers. We also follow an editorial style where appropriate information about the topic can be found with due credit given when applicable.
- https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping-and-lodging[↩]
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28943-Activities-Michigan.html[↩]
- https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/rules#:~:text=It’s%20free%20of%20charge.,mile%20from%20state%20forest%20campgrounds.[↩]
- https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/rules#:~:text=It's%20free%20of%20charge.,mile%20from%20state%20forest%20campgrounds.[↩]