Whether fishing and kayaking in the Great Lakes, sledding down sand dunes, or hiking through old-growth forests—outdoor adventures are Michigan’s specialty. Wherever you are in Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour drive from a state park, forest, or trail, and almost all of them have state campgrounds. Michigan’s main camping season runs from Labor Day through Memorial Day, although many campgrounds stay open year-round. Snow blankets the state from November through March, but swap your tent for an RV and your hiking boots for skis or snowshoes, and you’re good to go.
Where to Go
Upper Peninsula
On the southern shore of Lake Superior, Michigan’s wild Upper Peninsula is the place to escape the crowds. Marvel at the natural wonders of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, park your RV right by the sand dunes at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or cruise out to Mackinac Island State Park. For the most unique camping experience, book a yurt or rustic cabin in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, or venture out to the Fort Wilkins State Park on the remote Keweenaw Peninsula.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Spectacular views await along the Mackinac Bridge as you journey to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. If beach camping is your jam, head west to pitch your tent or park your RV along the sandy shores of the Ludington State Park Beach or Silver Lake State Park. Another favorite is Wilderness State Park, where you can camp out beneath the stars in the designated dark sky reserve.
Southwest Michigan
Michigan’s southwest has the smallest number of state parks, with just eight parks to explore. The headline act is Warren Dunes State Park, where the modern campground is within strolling distance of the beach and dunes. Further north, Grand Haven State Park has beachside camping along the shores of Lake Michigan, while Muskegon State Park provides two lakeshores in one—Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan.
Southeast Michigan
Urban campers looking to escape Detroit won’t have to travel far—all of the southeast’s state parks are within a couple of hours' drive of the city. To the south, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, and its beachside campsite is a summer hotspot. Further north, the beaches and wetlands of Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park both lie along Michigan's "Thumb."
State Park campgrounds in Michigan.
With more state parks than any other state, it’s official—Michigan is camping nirvana.
Whether fishing and kayaking in the Great Lakes, sledding down sand dunes, or hiking through old-growth forests—outdoor adventures are Michigan’s specialty. Wherever you are in Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour drive from a state park, forest, or trail, and almost all of them have state campgrounds. Michigan’s main camping season runs from Labor Day through
Read more...Whether fishing and kayaking in the Great Lakes, sledding down sand dunes, or hiking through old-growth forests—outdoor adventures are Michigan’s specialty. Wherever you are in Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour drive from a state park, forest, or trail, and almost all of them have state campgrounds. Michigan’s main camping season runs from Labor Day through Memorial Day, although many campgrounds stay open year-round. Snow blankets the state from November through March, but swap your tent for an RV and your hiking boots for skis or snowshoes, and you’re good to go.
Where to Go
Upper Peninsula
On the southern shore of Lake Superior, Michigan’s wild Upper Peninsula is the place to escape the crowds. Marvel at the natural wonders of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, park your RV right by the sand dunes at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, or cruise out to Mackinac Island State Park. For the most unique camping experience, book a yurt or rustic cabin in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, or venture out to the Fort Wilkins State Park on the remote Keweenaw Peninsula.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Spectacular views await along the Mackinac Bridge as you journey to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the meeting point of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. If beach camping is your jam, head west to pitch your tent or park your RV along the sandy shores of the Ludington State Park Beach or Silver Lake State Park. Another favorite is Wilderness State Park, where you can camp out beneath the stars in the designated dark sky reserve.
Southwest Michigan
Michigan’s southwest has the smallest number of state parks, with just eight parks to explore. The headline act is Warren Dunes State Park, where the modern campground is within strolling distance of the beach and dunes. Further north, Grand Haven State Park has beachside camping along the shores of Lake Michigan, while Muskegon State Park provides two lakeshores in one—Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan.
Southeast Michigan
Urban campers looking to escape Detroit won’t have to travel far—all of the southeast’s state parks are within a couple of hours' drive of the city. To the south, Sterling State Park is the only state park on the shore of Lake Erie, and its beachside campsite is a summer hotspot. Further north, the beaches and wetlands of Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park both lie along Michigan's "Thumb."