Waterside RV camping in Michigan
With lakes and forests covering two-thirds of the state, Michigan is a camper's paradise.
96% (4410 reviews)
- Michigan
96% (4410 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Michigan
Star Hosts in Michigan
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top waterside RV sites in Michigan
97%
(86)
GROOTs OFF GRID
7 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Baroda, MI
GROOTs OFF GRID lets you have freedom to do as you wish have fun doing just that! – Unlike the State Parks many surrounding campsites. You can have privacy, you are not stacked next to your neighbors! You have your space! This Offers the responsible camper here to keep your fire burning and maned all evening long if you chose. Play your music! Drink quality Michigan craft booze and beer out of glass bottles! Laugh out loud at night after 8 pm without bothering anyone! Smoke Quality Michigan Cannabis! Come and go as you please, Park your cars by your campsite! Enjoy your pets! Just do all of these wonderful things responsibly! So Groot won’t kick you OFF the GRID!GROOTs OFF GRID, you will find a wonderful private nature experience. With areas and private nooks that created many unique coves. Creating their own presence of solitude and privacy each of the individual campsite areas unique amongst themselves! This is a slice of wonderment that you can take in your memories and enjoy in all the off seasons the fun you had here! Come back and try a different spot next year! GROOTs OFF GRID has got the A1 Prime location! With all our local activities at the right season. 10 mins from: BEACH- WINERIES- CRAFT BREWERIES. FINE FOOD, LOCAL MARKETS, ANTIQUE SHOPS, ART STUDIOS and GALLERIES. THE WARREN DUNES, & WARREN WOODS NATURE TRAILS. PLENTY OF WOODS, CANOE / KYAK, BIKE, HIKE, FISHING and CANNABIS SHOPS. GREAT STAR LIGHT NIGHTS, AND ALL NIGHT CASINOS ALL NEAR BY! The Wine hay wagon tour bus stops for pick up @ the entrance each Saturday @ request!GROOTs OFF GRID Featured Amenities for its campers! A new rented PORTA JOHN with A WEEKLY CLEANING SERVICE! WELL WATER ON TAP! BRAND NEW! CLEAN PICNIC TABLES @ each site! LARGE CAMP FIRE RINGS @ each site! FIREWOOD TO PURCHASE for your convenience. OR you are welcome to PICK UP FREE FALLEN DEAD STICKS IN THE WOODS! & then of course… best part of all…TO STAY AT A TRULY UNIQUE AREA, EQUIVOCAL TO ALL OTHERS!@ GROOTs OFF GRID you will be staying at an active nursery in the off season that specializes in over 300 different antique fruit trees and Wholesale large ornamental trees and shrubs that envelops the entire 40 acre property! We started planting Windbreaks, then a huge array of Nursery Stock since 1956! GROOTs OFF GRID is an oasis of cooling shade and green abundant tree and plant life! That is totally surrounded by nothing but a long creek, wine grapes, beans and corn the average rotating crops that hold the oppressive heat of the days sun. However! The moment that your crew pulls onto the GRID property you will experience a 20 degree drop in temperature! With the overhead lush green canopy of established trees and the stress of your journey getting here will drop 45 more degrees!GROOTs OFF GRID is surrounded by an open plane farming land, of wine grapes and rotating corn and bean crops all around the property. Which in turn caused the attention and inhabitation of all the surrounding indigenous wonderful species of animals and birds, like Turkeys, hawks, owls, sparrows, storks, blue heron, geese and ducks. Beavers, woodchucks and lots of aquatic life! Too many to list!GROOTs OFF GRID sports a diversity of plants that has always been of interest to our customers. However as time moves forward the landscape gradually has changed. When an old world Dutch Nurseryman, plants a living block of wonderful arborvitae, junipers or honey suckles and everything in between, we sell what we can and leave the rest of the plants to get larger and more valuable in time. Which in turn creates a beautiful arboretum with a countless collection of varieties of mature plant life never to be recreated in on one property in a life time! GROOTs OFF GRID is a bird watchers delight! No end here of Hawks, Vultures & other birds of prey and flocks of sparrows, Blue Jays, finches, Oreos, more than can be mentioned! & home to Great horned Owls, Hooting in the evenings. Wake up to the soothing coo of the mourning doves that all the creatures enjoy this oasis of shade and natural cover and protection to thrive & make their nests and raise offspring. GROOTs OFF GRID sports the Natural Organic progression of trees and shrub growth that has created a cornucopia of attraction of life to a vast array of wild life that outdoes any nature center you may have attended before, because of GROOTs OFF GRID location and long periods of isolation due to a seasonal business and a lot of land. GROOTs OFF GRID Organic nursery has 3 ponds and natural flowing water ways that were laid out and dug by a Dutchman who understood that rain water will flow downhill to end up into The Fowler Creek at the back of the property were you can see large Salmon, Carps, Turtles, Blue Gills Bull Frogs & much more aquatic life! GROOTs OFF GRID Activities available here on the property! 3 Hiking & Biking paths A. B. and C. Trails. All grass mowed and all trails marked with directional signs leading to different directions on the property. BIKE PATHS leading to safe back roads leading to breweries and wineries, local lakes and parks. & Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Large trees to climb! Bird watching, Turtle racing, reptiles and interesting Butterflies and insects! There is lots of open space to play corn hole, badminton, frisbee. Toss the football around or play a baseball game! Better yet, you can set yourself up in the sun and get a great tan! Or slip into a nice slow swinging hammock with a good book under a cool shade tree and make that your plan! Either way its Ok if you like your stay, book another day!GROOTs OFF GRID is a new Campground. That is slowly growing larger. Operations were put in place in 1998 to start to make this large area to become available and open for the public to come and enjoy. Only on a limited level of occupation at each season is allowed here, to insure the animal presence is not overly disturbed. By too many visitors at a time. This is to preserve a true experience for the campers to understand actual living in the wild of Michigan’s original forests with its natural animal inhabitants! A unique experience many kids in time, will never see again.WHAT ENTERTAINMENT IS AVAILABLE AROUND GROOTS OF GRID?· LAKE MICHIGAN! Swim & Sun! Several beaches with local access!· Weko Beach about 8 miles away Bridgeman Mi.· Warren Dunes state Bridgeman Mi.· Cherry Beach Harbert Mi.· Lakeside Beach. Lakeside Mi.· Union Pier Beach Union Pier Mi.· New Buffalo Beach. New Buffalo Mi.· Or Silver Beach In St. Joseph Mi.· Lions Beach St. Joseph Mi.· · HIKEING AND BIKEING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!· Lake Michigan Wine Trail· WARREN WOODS 3 OAKS MI.· WARRN DUNES STATE PARK.· New Buffalo Board Walk· St. Joseph Lake Blvd. Beach Run.· Three Oaks (Home of Prancer) Apple cider century Bike ride.· · FISHING! & EXPLOREING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!· 3 PONDS ON THE PROPERTY WITH NATIVE FISH & Aquatic life!· LOCAL FISHING & BOATING & SWIMMING LAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!· SINGER LAKE 5MIN. HESS LAKE 10MIN. BOYLE LAKE 15MIN. DAYTON LAKE. 20 MIN - ST. JOE RIVER 20 MIN. TO LAKE GALIEN RIVER. 20 MIN. TO LAKE.· BEAR CAVE HIKE FISH & HARIOT TUBMAN UNDER GROUND RAILROAD SAFE HIDEING PLACE. CAVE TOUR! BUCHAN, MI.· HOUSE OF DAVID.· BIT OF SWISS – DECADENT PASTRIES!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$55
/ night
62%
(49)
Mountain Magic
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsNaubinway, MI
Mountain Magic was purchased 10 years ago to begin an off-grid dream for self-reliant Wilderness Survivalist Kellie Nightlinger of Naked and Afraid fame. Kellie is the top-ranked female survivalist in the world as voted on thetoptens.com/survivalexpertskellienightlinger. Kellie teaches wilderness survival and is building her own log cabin on adjacent property to the HipCamp site. Kellie and her new life-partner Rich would be available to teach Survival and off-grid skills to campers schedule permitting. Kellie searched for the perfect off-grid property for 8 years before buying Mountain Magic. The property is steep mountainous terrain with in hiking distance of the Continental Divide Trail. The property is one of the few properties near the trail as one would traverse from the Canadian border in a sourtherly hike or bike or ride before reaching the second paved road transecting the Continental Divide Trail south of the Canadian Border. There are often Elk, Mule Deer, and occasionally White Tail Deer, Mountain Lion, Black Bear and once in a blue moon a Grizzly Bear on the property. Mountain Magic has a great view down a Long valley leading to the Rocky Mountain Front and the Great Plains. The property is situated between 5400-6000’ in elevation. Mountain Magic can be accessed in non-snowy conditions via a private back-County road that switchbacks up the mountainsides from a paved State Highway. In months with snow this off-grid gem can be accessed via snowshoe, AT Skis, Telemark Skis, Snow Cat, or Snowmobile. Transportation may be available by Kellie or Rich depending upon schedule. Mountain Magic is located behind a private gate. Kellie’s log cabin build is now being completed by The Kellie and Rich Team. Cabin amenities available to HipCampers are up for negotiation and consideration. Some possible amenities provided to HipCampers could be drinking water, campfire wood, cooking campifire greats, other camping gear including but not limited to an all inclusive gear package with tent and sleep systems and cooking systems or Camp Hammock set up. The entire camp could also be set up in advance of a HipCampers arrival upon schedule and negotiation agreement. This is an off-grid paradise with Trout Fishing available 1/2 hour away. The mountains are calling; what are you waiting for? A work-Camp trade can also be a possibility.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$20
/ night
100%
(30)
White Pine Farm HipCamping
6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Ann Arbor, MI
IMPORTANT NOTICE 1 - If you book a site for the Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend, please be advised that a neighbor holds an event at the same time and there will be some noise from 4 wheelers racing around their property, usually from 10 AM to 10 PM. If this kind of activity wouldn't bother you then feel free to come stay with us! We'd love to have you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE 2: If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM, please send us a message letting us know. We decide on a case by case basis since we prefer not to have late arrivals. In any event we do not accept arrivals after 11 PM except in an emergency, since many campers and your host may have already gone to bed.
Our beautiful farm situated between Ann Arbor and Dexter is on 10 acres. The 5 acre area where our compsites are located is wooded with mature oak, maple, walnut, elm, and white pine trees. We're isolated and surrounded by wild areas and natural farm land but just a 10 minute drive to restaurants, groceries, fuel, and other amenities. The Ann Arbor area is home to a huge array of worldclass events from the Ark music venue to National Champions Michigan home football games and a whole lot more. Downtown Ann Arbor or Dexter or Chelsea is only a 10 - 15 minute car drive. White Lotus Farms, which has a wonderful farmer's market on Saturdays from 9 - 2 and Wednesdays from 9 - 1, is a 10 minute walk down our dirt road. If you forget to bring something that you need, don't hesitate to ask! We've got a growing number of camping essentials for rent or sale for very reasonable prices that can make your stay even more enjoyable: from bug repellants to camp chairs, potable water in 2.5 - 5 gallon containers, and more.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$45
/ night
97%
(18)
Superior Lake Effect
1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Ontonagon, MI
Fall colors expected to peak first week of October! Check out Porkies State Park chairlift rides September 23, 24, 30 and October 1, 7, 8, 14 , noon to six 10$. Sept
Enjoy 200 ft of Lake Superior private sandy beach frontage with access to more than 1.5 miles., Beautiful sunsets, and a chance to witness the northern lights, in your private dark sky park; bring your telescope. Search for agats and yooper rocks; bring a black light.
Situated on 8 acres of old growth forest, your short walk to the lake is through a park like preserve. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you cross the boardwalk to the beach.
Bring your kayak and or paddle board for a unique experience. A boat launch 1/2 mile away can easily accommodate 16 ft motor boats if fishing is of interest.
Enjoy waterfalls? Bond, Agate, Bonanza, and O Kun-de kun are all within an hour.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$100
/ night
100%
(14)
Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan
3 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Mendon, MI
This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66.
Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away.
Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing.
Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$49
/ night
98%
(51)
Sweet 16 Campground
5 sites · RVs, Tents69 acres · MI
Welcome to Sweet 16 Campgrounds. We currently have 3 sites. Site #1 is the RV/Tent site (1 RV/camper max. with unlimited tents, 8 people max.). Site #2 is a Tent Site (Great site for Hammock Camping, unlimited tents, 8 people max.). Site #3 is our double/group RV/Tent (2 Camper/ RV max.) site (16 people max.)
You will be camping in the semi-wooded area at the back of the property. It is a really nice area to camp. Each site has a firepit and picnic table. We have about 2 miles of hiking trails on the property. We are in a great location to hike, paddle, bike, and explore SW Michigan. Nighttime is great for stargazing. We are 13 miles from downtown St. Joseph and 13 miles from downtown South Haven. We are located 1 1/2 hours from Chicago. Don't feel like exploring, then hang out at the campsite for the day. We are close to the SW Michigan Makers’ Trail (Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries). We are located 4 miles from a small beach (Hagar Park/Beach) on Lake Michigan (15 miles from the big beaches at St. Joseph and South Haven). We are 5 miles from the boat ramp on Paw Paw Lake. We are located just 2 miles off I-196 at Exit 7 (Hagar Shore Road). We are also only 20 miles from Sister Lakes. Dogs are allowed. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
About us: We have a 69 acre farm we bought back in 2019. We moved here from the Chicago area. (Tinley Park). We have 44 acres tillable and 16+ wooded acres. in back that we opened it up for camping. We have horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
96%
(12)
Sunshine Pond View
2 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Houghton Lake, MI
City get away
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
98%
(53)
Chain of Lakes Camp Six Mile Lake
4 sites · RVs1 acre · East Jordan, MI
On the Chain of Lakes in Northwest Michigan in a valley carved by glaciers!
We are closed seasonally from October 15th until May 1st.
You are in a land carved by glaciers, seriously! A place away from the rest of the world, but within a short drive to the best Northwest Michigan has to offer. We are on a quiet road away from the hustle and bustle. Peaceful, quiet, one acre property surrounded by deep wooded forests. If you are looking to get away, this is it! A private, full hook-up, RV campground with all the amenities including high speed internet. This is glamping at its BEST! You will not find a more charming place so close to the lakes of Northwest Michigan's lower peninsula and all within driving distance to the coolest cities. In full disclosure, we are not a commercial resort campground or a state park: this is our family property. We are excited in the joy and happy moments this land brings to our family and others. If you want a place with a hundred sites and tons of people around you this is not going to be a place you want to stay.
Four full hook-up sites. Max RV length is 38' depending on what site you book! Sites #1 and #2 can accommodate a 32' RV and Sites #3 and #4 can accommodate a 38' RV. If your RV is over 38' we cannot accommodate you. You must back into the driveway from the road (there are no pull through sites). Our driveway is 15' - 20' wide for ease of backing up. 20/30/50 amp electrical, sewer, water, internet WIFI (100mbs), fire pit (please do not move fire pits), and a picnic table are included for each site. Trash bin is at the road. The sites are level, consist of crushed concrete gravel covered by 6a stone, and are 12' wide. Each RV is $50.00 per night. One family per site unless you are booking as a group. Check-In is 1:00 p.m. and Check-Out is 11:00 a.m.
We do not provide firewood any longer.
At this time, we DO NOT accommodate stand alone tent camping as we have no restroom facilities; however, if you have an RV and bring a tent with you that is cool, just let us know and we will show you the best spot to set up the tent.
Pets are welcome but we ask that you clean up after them, be mindful of other guests, and be respectful of our neighbor's property. IF YOUR PET IS ON THE NEIGHBOR’S PROPERTY YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE and no refund will be provided.
Bring your boats, canoes, kayaks, bathing suits, and fishing poles! Less than a 3 minute walk to Echo Township Park (Six Mile Lake) with beach, playground and boat launch (yes, you can literally walk there). 25 minutes to Torch Lake Township Day Park (Torch Lake), Antrim Creek Nature Area (Lake Michigan), Norwood Township Park (Lake Michigan), Elm Pointe Recreation area (Lake Charlevoix's South Arm), or Notewares Landing Beach (Lake Bellaire). This is by far the coolest place east of the Mississippi to hit rivers, streams, and lakes.
Hiking at its best! Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead (Bellaire); Avalanche Preserve (Boyne City); Sleepy Hollow Nature Preserve (East Jordan); and Northpoint Nature Preserve (Charlevoix).
Go shopping or out to eat! 15 minutes to East Jordan (breakfast at Southarm Cafe is a must / dinner at Las Maracas for tacos), Bellaire (Short's Brewery), Central Lake (visit Bachmann's Five and Dime) or Ellsworth (Front Porch Cafe Breakfast). 25 minutes to Charlevoix (don't forget to visit Castle Farms on the way). 30 minutes to Boyne City (Indo China Gardens has great Asian cuisine). 35 minutes to Elk Rapids (Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen). 45 minutes to Petoskey. 1 hour to Traverse City. Hour and a half to Mackinaw City.
Wine and beer are good! Hit up Cellar 1914; the Cellars at Royal Farms; Bier's Inwood Brewery; 1918 Cellars; Chateau Lake Charlevoix; Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake; Torch Lake Cellars; Vista Ridge Vineyards; and Short's Brewery!
Things for kids to do! Ravenhill Discovery Center in East Jordan! Hungry Ducks Farm to pet some animals and go trout fishing. Visit Castle Farms!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
$55
/ night
99%
(35)
Uksa’s Cove
2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Drummond Island, MI
Learn more about this land:
This private”Gem”of a spot is located on the south side of beautiful Drummond Island with over 350’ of direct shoreline and lakefront access. The site is just over 3 acres of pristine boreal forest to wander, explore and learn. Roam the shoreline of Lake Huron hunting for pudding stones and fossils that abound or watch the freighters pass in the distance. Easy in, easy out. CAUTION There is a 11’4” height clearance restriction through a tunnel that you must use to access the camp site. Even small motor homes and Campers may not fit. Please check before booking a trip. Large campers and 5th wheels and even some smaller motor homes are discouraged because of often wet and soggy conditions. Pop ups and light campers are acceptable most of the time. Prepare for a multitude of weather conditions (3season gear) as the island weather changes very fast.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
$45
/ night
94%
(99)
Retreat Center Campsites
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fennville, MI
The Retreat Campsites are situated on land owned by the Red Spirit Retreat Center. The beautiful wooded land is perfect for walking in. The stars are like brilliant diamonds, and in mid June the fireflies float up from the prairie into the trees by the hundreds. It is pretty quiet except for the birds and the bullfrogs and your own crackling campfire. In the spring the fruit trees can be seen blooming across the fields. Straw is grown on the neighbor's farm and cut and baled midsummer. The farm buildings are off in the distance but have gleaming white buildings and silver silos. Guests may walk wherever they like on trails or bushwhack through the forests of the Red Spirit Retreat Center.
Each campsite is unique and pretty private. While you may see other campers you probably can't hear them as they are about half a city block away through the trees.
Staying at the Country Dome Home is an amazing experience. Located on a hill at the top of the prairie, the view of farms and forests is spectacular. To enjoy the view, the front window is 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The 12 foot ceiling enlarges the room tremendously. There is an awesome feeling of spaciousness. On a warm day 8 foot wide by 3 foot high screens can be opened up to let and with the screen door to let breezes blow through. The solar fan then pulls the heat right out of the roof.
Outside there is a patio sail providing shade. A lovely dinner can be cooked on a propane griddle while watching the view. Refurbished Jordan Brown Tamiami table and chairs and a chaise lounge provide comfortable seating. Deck chairs are out on the front deck as well.
Sitting around the campfire is a great way to end the day. About 9 pm hundreds or thousands of fireflies slowly make their way to the tops of the huge trees and the stars start to twinkle as the sun sets. The birds, crickets, and bullfrogs gradually quiet down, lulling you to sleep in the most comfortable bed in the world. You feel at one with nature.. Stay at the dome in the fall or early spring and the wood stove will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights.
Three rustic campsites with their own personalities are also on the land but hidden by trees. The Frog Pond Campsite is a in a sylvan glade next to the pond and creek, with parking immediately next to the campsite. The Edges and Deep Forest Campsites are both larger campsites that are located inside the forest near the Prairie. These sites are separated far enough apart to allow for a very private feeling. Each campsite has parking space very close by.
All campsites have their own private composting toilets, fire pits, one bundle of wood, sanitary spray, toilet paper, and at least three gallons of water. At the Deer Blind more wood is available at the Deer Blind for $10 per bundle with Venmo or PayPal. There are two yoga mats, frisbees, bubbles, and a corn hole game for borrowing. You may request a one night stay, but it is dependent upon my availability to clean in between guests.
We hope that our guests have a truly beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$55
/ night
95%
(73)
Matt and KJ's Yard
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ontonagon, MI
Our almost 4 acre slice of paradise. Last stop on the Ontonagon River before Lake Superior. Public access to Lake Superior is a short walk from our yard. When there are no burn bans, you can have a fire in our fire pit. We do have some larger wood available onsite at no charge if you wish to use it.
Note: There is an active factory next door that has gotten busier and can make a lot of noise. Daytime noise probably isn't too problematic but it can go on at night too. Last year we opted to not offer camp sites for this reason. This year we decided to open up but to make sure guests know the potential. It is a weld shop so the noise is usually grinding or pounding of a hammer. In warmer weather, they open the door and it can be noisy for sure...but many have said it is still quieter than where their home is. Please be sure you are okay with this before booking.
They currently work 5am-3am M-Thu and then a small crew 5am-5pm Fri-Sun. Friday-Saturday and Sunday are least likely to make noise but it is still possible.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$40
/ night
94%
(35)
Fieldguide Farmhouse
2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Central Lake, MI
Up North Charm! Est 1910 fieldstone farmhouse on a hilltop overlooking Intermediate Lake. Learn more about this land:Camping is available east of our stone farmhouse in a meadow and grove of trees on 6 acres of private, scenic, hilltop and lakeside property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$80
/ night
Available this weekend
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside RV camping in Michigan guide
Overview
When it comes to natural attractions, Michigan holds all the aces. This landlocked state has more state parks and state forests than any other, miles of coastline, and more than 10,000 lakes—which means you’ll never be more than six miles from the water. Some of the best camping is found on the beaches and islands of the Great Lakes, so plan a summer getaway to swim, fish, and kayak, or a fall camping trip to admire Michigan’s spectacular foliage. Winter is best suited for RV camping, with snow blanketing much of the state from November through March.
Where to go
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s wild toupée, with swathes of old-growth forests, sandy beaches, and inland lakes stretching along the southern shore of Lake Superior. This is the spot to escape the crowds, whether pitching your tent by the sand dunes in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, parking your RV by a waterfall in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, or yurt camping in the Porcupine Mountains. For the ultimate camping experience, the Hiawatha National Forest has some 60 campsites to choose from.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Bordered by Lake Michigan to the West and Lake Huron to the east, the northern Lower Peninsula has the highest concentration of Michigan state parks. Miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails await in the Huron National Forest, where you can choose from modern campgrounds or backcountry camping. Along the coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see, Wilderness State Park is a dark sky reserve, and Ludington State Park Beach is a family favorite.
Southwest Michigan
Grand Rapids is the gateway to Michigan’s southwest, where the shore of Lake Michigan provides plenty of options for a summer camping trip. Lakefront cities such as South Haven, Benton Harbor, and Holland have sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and seafront campgrounds. Forget tent camping in the wilderness—RV sites come equipped with full hookups, playgrounds, and watercraft rentals.
Southeast Michigan
Michigan's "Thumb" juts out along the west shore of Lake Huron, where Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park are the big draws for campers. Below this, the west coast is ideal for a road trip, peppered with shipwreck dive sites, secluded beaches, and golf courses. South of Detroit and Lake St. Clair, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, with a mix of RV and tent sites by the beach.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.