Michigan is a beautiful state full of picturesque beaches, interesting towns, rich history and scenic getaways. Touring the state by RV is something every traveler should check off their bucket list. Check out our post on the 7 wonders Michigan has to offer.
The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes encapsulate the state of Michigan, leaving us with thousands of miles of beautiful beaches, lakefront towns and some of the best boating & fishing the United States has to offer. Each of the Great Lakes has it’s own unique characteristics that make them a top vacation destination.
Visit Lake Superior for it’s rural atmosphere, unforgetable views and preserved nature. Lake Michigan offers great cities, festivals & populated beaches. Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes with the longest shoreline. Visit Manitoulin Island the largest freshwater island in the world or Georgian Bay and Saginaw Bay, two of the largest bays in the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes and known for it’s great sport fishing! If you are looking for the “perfect catch” Sterling’s State Park is a must!
Some of our favorite vacation spots on the Great Lakes include Holland, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Manistee, Traverse City, Port Huron, Munising, Mackinaw City, Bay City, St. Ignace & More! Below are some Michigan RV Parks & Campgrounds located right on our Great Lakes shores!
Campground |
Features |
Location |
Cost |
|
Holland State Park Offers 1 mile of sandy beaches on Lake Michigan, picnic tables, fishing off pier & “Big Red” lighthouse |
Holland, MI |
$ |
|
| Located on Lake Huron this family oriented park featuring beautiful beaches, playground, boat charters, 180 ft. pier, snack store & bath house. |
Tawas City, MI |
$$ |
|
| The only state park on Lake Erie. Featuring 6 miles of trails, lakefront camping, one mile of beaches, boating and Lake Erie fishing |
Monroe, MI |
$ |
|
| Located on Lake Superior near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Waterfalls, hiking trails & beaches- this is the perfect destinations for scenic views & outdoor lovers |
Munising, MI |
$$$ |
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a must see when RVing through Michigan. Whether its counting how many times you can run up & down these sandy beasts (better activity for the kids) or just relaxing and taking in the Lake Michigan breeze & scenic views; it’s nothing short of unforgettable. If you’re the type that prefers not to venture out from your campground- we’ve put together a chart of nearby parks & amenities. If you prefer to venture out there is tons to see & do close by the “dunes”. For a romantic day/night out visit the wineries of Leelanau. If you’re looking to do a little shopping visit downtown Glen Arbor, full of wonderful shops & restaurants. A very “small town” feel.
Campground |
Features |
Location |
Cost |
|
walking distance of the Platte River and Lake Michigan shore, backpacking trails, canoe, hike & enjoy nature. Located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes |
Honor, MI |
$ |
|
| 100 sites, showers, electricity, pull-thru sites, fish cleaning station, winter rates, closed Dec1 to Apr1, reservations available. |
Frankfort, MI |
$ |
|
| Full RV hookups. This is perfect for RVers who like amenities, featuring a swimming pool, camp store, laundry, dump station and playground. 5 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes |
Empire, MI |
$$$ |
Mackinaw Island
Mackinac Island is full of beautiful scenery & Michigan history. Only accessible by boat, there are several RV Parks & Campgrounds in St. Ignace & Mackinaw City just moments from the Ferry Docks over to Mackinac Island. From the carriage rides to the many historic landmarks, Mackinac Island is sure to take you back in time. During your visit, some must-see places include Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park & one the Detroit Free Press voted one of the “7 Wonders Of Michigan” The Grand Hotel. Opening it’s doors in 1887 its sophisticated luxury is all but lost. The Grand Hotel was voted Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 5 Midwest Resorts. Transportation on the island is minimal, so grab a bike or hitch a ride on a horse drawn carriage! Sorry folks- NO CARS ALOUD! Mackinac Island brings you back in time with its rich history, architecture and simplistic way of life. It’s no surprise Mackinac Island is frequented by Michiganders and a sought after destination by people all over the world.
The Grand Hotel
Campground |
Features |
Location |
Cost |
|
Fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge and the boat traffic on the Straits of Mackinac. With a picnic area, playground & waterfront area along Lake Huron. |
St. Ignace, Mi |
$ |
|
| RV park & campground is perfect for people looking for a more secluded, relaxing and scenic camping experience. |
St. Ignace, Mi |
$$ |
|
| voted one of the most family friendly campgrounds by Detroit News and it’s pet friendly. Only 5 minutes from Fort Michilimackinac. |
Mackinaw City, Mi
|
$$$ |
|
| Resort-style facilities & amenities such as swimming pools, cable TV and Wi-Fi |
Mackinaw City, Mi |
$$$$ |
Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere (and at one point in the world) and it brings together Michigan’s Upper & Lower Peninsula. Driving across the Mackinac Bridge in your RV is nothing short of unforgettable. With panoramic views of boats and ships sailing the Great Lakes, make sure to bring your camera.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks is unlike any other place along the shores of Lake Superior with miles of pristine beaches and breathtaking views. The site also boasts 100 miles of nature-filled trails and serene forests. Every season has something uniquely wonderful to offer. Nearby attractions include Grand Island National Recreation Area , Hiawatha National Forest, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Tahquamenon Falls State Park (also on the list), Keweenaw National Historical Park & Much More!
Campground |
Features |
Location |
Cost |
| Located on Lake Superior shore, only 3 blocks from Grand Marais & local marina ½ mile from some fo the best whitefish sport-fishing and adjacent to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. All sites have 50 amp service & cable, beach access, drinking water fill station, laundry facifilies & More |
Grand Marais, Mi |
$$ |
|
| Electrical, Water & Sewer hookups, free wifi, dump station – close to ferry to Grand Island, Pictured Rocks Cruises & Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tours – location also provides day trips to Marquette, Grand Marais & Tahquamenon Falls |
Munising, Mi |
$$ |
|
| 37 campsites located on a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Superior’s Twelvemile Beach- disabled accessible campsites, nature trails & more. No hookups or reservations |
Grand Marais, Mi
|
$ |
Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls river is the largest waterfall in Michigan dropping over 50ft and spanning over 200ft. wide. The falls is not the only breathtaking attraction at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The “lower falls” consist of several mini falls & streams. Tahquamenon Falls State Park features over 50 acres of rivers, waterfalls, 6 hiking trails, canoeing, 6 campgrounds (some tent only), a Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, a pub and much more. The list of things to do will be hard to complete in just one trip!
Campground |
Features |
Location |
Cost |
| Modern restrooms, some sites have 50 amps, larger campsites, electrical service, |
Paradise, MI |
$ |
|
| Modern restrooms, some sites have 50 amps, electrical service, located closest to the “lower falls” |
Paradise, Mi |
$ |
**Sources Michigan.Org, Wikipedia & Freep.com