25 Michigan campgrounds everyone should visit at least once

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, May 24, 2019 at 6:07 pm

If you need a vacation but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, look no further than these picturesque camping spots in our truly gorgeous state. Whether you have a tent, RV, or you just want to sleep under the stars, these destinations could provide you with the R&R you so desperately seek.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Page 1 of 2

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

41382 W. M-123, Paradise
Located right at the tippy top of the U.P. you can find Tahquamenon Falls State Park. It’s known for its main waterfall along the Tahquamenon river, which is an ample photo-op spot for campers and those who just come for a visit. Popular activities campers can pursue include hiking, fishing, backpacking, canoeing, and photography. During the summer, campers can take a guided hike with the park’s staff throughout the week.

Photo via Tahquamenon Falls State Park / Facebook

1 of 25

Porcupine Mountains State Park

33303 Headquarters Rd., Ontonagon
As Michigan’s largest state park, ranking in at about 60,000 acres of land, campers can enjoy a multitude of activities, as well as some rest and relaxation. Campers can play a round of disc golf or do some metal detecting along Lake Superior’s shoreline. If hiking is your favorite way to exercise outdoors, Porcupine Mountains State Park would be a great fit for you since there are over 90 miles of trails.

Photo via Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — the “Porkies” / Facebook

2 of 25

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

1505 Sand Point Rd., Munsing
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore outlooks Lake Superior, resting on the Northeast shore of the U.P. The park boasts 42 miles of shoreline that includes plenty of beaches, forest trails, and beautiful views. There are three spacious campgrounds on the site where guests can make reservations. Pictured Rocks offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, biking, and boating, as well as a number of other activities for campers to enjoy.

Photo via Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore / Facebook

3 of 25

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Dunes Trail, Glen Arbor
Located on the northwest coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is known for its sand dunes perched above Lake Michigan. However, the grandeur of the dunes is only a small part of the array of magnificent views offered by this site. Sleeping Bear Dunes is an exceptional spot for hiking, canoeing, swimming, and sightseeing.

Photo via Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore / Facebook

4 of 25

Leelanau State Park

15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd., Northport
This 1,300-acre park located on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula is home to the beautiful Grand Traverse Lighthouse, and contains more than eight miles of hiking and skiing trails and lovely picnic areas. The park provides peaceful campsites as well as a cabin option with access to electricity, making it a convenient and stunning place to travel this summer..

Photo via Leelanau.com / Facebook

5 of 25

Weather Station Campground

Leland
This area, also located on South Manitou Island, contains 20 individual sites and three group sites that are fairly secluded from each other. Resting on the south side of the island, the campground provides considerable views of Manitou Passage and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.This is another great spot for hiking, swimming, and sightseeing, as well as for those seeking seclusion.

Photo via Manitou Island Transit / Facebook

6 of 25

Warren Dunes State Park

12032 Red Arrow Hwy., Sawyer
Along the shore of southwestern Michigan sits 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities. Warren Dunes offer a beautiful camping site as well as numerous gorgeous hiking trails. This is a great area for a view and relaxing camping for anyone.

Photo via Warren Dunes State Park / Facebook

7 of 25

Interlochen State Park

4167 M-137
Located in northwest Michigan between Green Lake and Duck Lake is 187 acres containing 490 family-friendly campsites. This quiet state park is perfect for a relaxing family vacation, with nearby attractions and restaurants as well as a lake on either side making it a convenient vacation spot.

Photo via Interlochen State Park / Facebook

8 of 25

Beaver Island

30 miles north of Charlevoix
Lake Michigan’s largest island is one nature-lovers shouldn’t miss out on. The island is accessible by ferry, which campers can choose to take their car over to or not. The bird trail offers ample opportunities to see various bird species due to the spring migration and summer breeding season.

Photo via Friends of Beaver Island / Facebook

9 of 25

Lakeport State Park

7605 Lakeshore Rd., Lakeport
This two-unit park lies on Michigan’s southeastern coast bordering Lake Huron. The park is an ideal space for picnicking and bird watching, and offers space for drive-in campers, as well as cabins available for rental. The area contains attractions such as the Port Huron State Game Area, a boat launch in Lexington, and Birchwood Mall all within close proximity to the park.

Photo courtesy of Lakeport State Park

10 of 25

Muskegon State Park

3560 Memorial Dr., North Muskegon
Snug on the shore of Lake Michigan, Muskegon State Park is lined with three miles of shoreline and even an overlook house to view the lake and the dunes. If 12 miles of trails, forested dunes, and a chance to camp in a yurt isn’t enough, the park is near Michigan Adventure and the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Photo courtesy of Muskegon State Park

11 of 25

Charles Mears State Park

400 W. Lowell St., Pentwater
Mears State Park is most notable for its beautiful beach, including a volleyball court, grills, and picnic tables. The park lies on Michigan’s western coast bordering Lake Michigan and is a great summer vacation spot. The area is also ideal for ice fishing during the winter months.

Photo via Courtesy of Susan Tate / Facebook

12 of 25

South Higgins Lake State Park

106 State Park Dr., Roscommon
If you enjoy a large shoreline and clear waters, Higgins lake is the place to camp. It is notorious for freshwater fishing. This year, the park purchased a Mobi-Mat which is a non-slip surface used to provide access to stollers and people in wheelchairs while on the beach.

Photo via S. Higgins Lake State Park / Facebook

13 of 25

Ludington State Park

8800 M-116, Ludington
Open for over 80 years, this 5,300-acre park is known as the most popular state park in Michigan. Canoes, paddle boats, rowboats, and kayaks are available to rent at the park, and the space offers 18 miles of trails, areas for fishing, amphitheater performances, and a number of beaches. There are countless possible activities for campers and visitors to partake in at Ludington.

Photo via Ludington State Park / Facebook

14 of 25

Wilderness State Park

903 Wilderness Park Dr., Carp Lake
This 10,000-acre park offers cabin or cottage rentals as well as drive-in camping space. This site includes 26 miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline with shallow waters great for swimming with the family. Wilderness also offers many miles of nature trails and numerous outdoor activities.

Photo via Wilderness State Park / Facebook

15 of 25

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Huron & Manistee
The Huron-Manistee National Forests are dispersed in the northwest and northeast regions of the lower peninsula. The forests offer ample scenic trails and wildlife tours for an educational experience while camping. A unique feature is the horse trails and spaces for horse riding offered throughout the forests.

Photo via U.S. Forest Service Huron-Manistee NFs / Facebook

16 of 25

Sandy Pines Recreational Community

2745 136th Ave., Hopkins
While Sandy Pines has your standard camping activities, like swimming, fishing, and kayaking, it also has a few unique ones. Campers can enjoy a haircut and color at the campground’s hair salon, or head over to the high ropes course located on the beach to get some exercise in. This Memorial Day weekend, the campground is hosting a flea market with 116 vendors where you can find tasty treats or a new art piece to take home.

Photo via Sandy Pines Recreational Community / Facebook

17 of 25

Sleepy Hollow State Park

7835 E Price Rd., Laingsburg
Located in central Michigan, Sleepy Hollow State Park surrounds the 410-acre Lake Ovid with over 2,000 acres of woods, fields, and trails to explore. Campgrounds and spacious cabins are available for camping, as well as a playground area for kids. Sleepy Hollow is a great space for family camping trips.

Photo via Sleepy Hollow State Park / Facebook

18 of 25

Duke Creek Campground

15190 White Creek Ave NE, Cedar Springs
Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities in these 36 acres located north of Grand Rapids. Camping cabins are offered with complimentary WiFi and hot showers. Duke Creek is loaded with family activities such as disc golf, swimming, basketball, tetherball, hayrides, indoor games, and volleyball.

Photo via Duke Creek Campground / Facebook

19 of 25

Campers Cove RV Park and Canoe Livery

5005 Long Rapids Rd., Alpena
Campers Cove is located on Lake Winyah and Thunder Bay River in northern Michigan. This park offers excellent fishing sites, picnic areas, miniature golf, and an indoor pool. This cozy spot is perfect for family camping, as it is rich in modern amenities while being surrounded by beautiful nature.

Photo via Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery / Facebook

20 of 25