The Michigan Up Does Have One Thing To Warn You About: Black Fly Season
The area around the Michigan UP is breathtaking. The black flies, not so much. If you plan on camping in the UP in early summer, you need to be aware of this.
Black fly season starts in early June and goes through mid-July. Its only happens on some days, usually when the wind is blowing just so off Lake Superior. But the problem of biting flies is so bad that the Yoopers do something they call the black fly dance.
Check out this video and see what some say is the the curse of the UP.
Dunes Harbor Family Camp
This family-friendly campground is based along the beautiful Silver Lake. Just a mile from the Sand Dune ORV entrance, its a perfect place for those looking for adventure. Walk the beaches of Lake Michigan, visit the Sable Point Lighthouse, or enjoy some of the many amenities of the campground.
Those include all sorts of family activities, such as horseback riding, archery, movie nights, or arts and crafts activities. Water lovers will like the heated swimming pool with a slide and kayak rentals.
The campground has 128 full hook-up sites, 55 of which face the waterfront. There are also 36 water and electricity hook-up sites as well as rustic cabins. Extra-large and group camping spots are available too.
The Best Camping In Northern Michigan This Fall
Now that the summer crowds are fading and the leaves on the trees are bursting out in brilliant reds and golds, you might be itching to take a fall road trip. While New England often gets all the fanfare for foliage, it certainly doesnt have the only colorful scenery in the United States. There are many beautiful places to visit in the Great Lakes Region, but in the fall, northern Michigan is one of our favorites.
Here are three gorgeous spots to camp in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula this year.
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Types Of Campgrounds In Michigan
There are several different types of places to go camping in Michigan.
State Parks: Many, but not all, State Parks offer camping in Michigan. Campsites, harbor slips and backcountry campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance You can book sites online at MiDNRReservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS to make a reservation.
National Parks: National Park Campsites tend to be focused on the natural beauty of the surrounding area and often limit wheeled toys . Please check the rules of the campground before booking they are enforced.
Camping in Michigan at a National Park means youll need to go to one of the following places:
- Isle Royale National Park offers backpacking and rustic camper cabins
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Drive-in camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at recreation.gov
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Municipal Campgrounds are the sleeper hits of campgrounds in Michigan. These parks are owned and operated by the local governments, often counties or cities. Because they are not part of a larger network of campgrounds they often are lesser known than some of their neighbors.
Private Campgrounds may be owned and operated by individuals or franchises. These campgrounds often offer the most amenities, like swimming pools, wifi, and family activities. KOA and Jellystone Parks are examples of private campgrounds in Michigan.
Many of these campsites are first come, first served but several do take reservations:
Grand Tetons National Park
This is one of the best places to camp in the U.S. if you want to feel small , surrounded by the sheer magnificence of nature. With no shortage of outdoor activities, wildlife and scenery it makes for a grand escape indeed. Take your fishing, horseback riding, climbing, hiking and more to the next level in the Tetons gorgeous surroundings! Formal campgrounds typically operate until late-September or mid-October and are available by reservation. Backcountry camping spots are accessible in the fall with a free permit.
Also Check: Huron Manistee National Forest Camping
About Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping was started by the Richard and Rose Rogala family in 1964. The park is still operated by the Rogala family today. Take advantage of the hospitality offered by a family owned and operated campground. Find out why Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping has become an annual tradition for so many campers!
We stayed at your campground last summer — some of us in campers and some of us in your BEAUTIFUL cabins. I was able to tour several cabins our cousins stayed in, and was completely impressed with the workmanship, cleanliness, design and layout. I told my husband, “If we could buy one of those cabins, I would like to buy some land in Michigan, and sell our camper.” Being a person who loves to wander all over Michigan, he was taken aback by my pledge. Many friends and family members turn to me when evaluating places to visit in Michigan, and I ALWAYS recommend your cabins and campground. We’ve stayed in a variety of places across our great state, and yours ranks at the top!
Best wishes for a terrific camping season this summer – we’ll be there!
P. & J. Murray – Grass Lake, MIMackinaw Mill Creek CampingDecember 10, 2015
Straits State Park St Ignace
Straits State Park. This is a great location in relation to Mackinac Island, just over the Mackinac Bridge on the edge of St. Ignace. Its a popular spot for camping in the UP, with good, clean facilities and a nice home base for exploring the area. Its got a nice viewing platform, with views of the bridge and the boats traveling to and from the island. There are 20, 30 and 50-amp, full hookups, with a fire ring, a picnic area, playground, recreation trail, and swimming beach. Shower and toilet facilities are available, and the campground does take pets. Rates are $30 $42 per night.
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Campgrounds & Rv Parks
Spend the night beneath a dome of stars
Choose from thousands of campsites or rustic cabins, camper cabins, lodges, yurts and teepee rentals. The U.P. strives to share its beauty with everyone and many of its state parks offer ADA-accessible camping options. Like to explore the outdoors, but prefer overnighting with the indoor amenities and comforts of a hotel or bed and breakfast inn? Most U.P. state parks are located within minutes of nearby lodgings.
Many of the U.P.s state and national parks are open year-round. Most fill their monthly calendars with family activities and special events for day visitors and campers. Lucky for you, when one visit ends, there is always another to plan! Just be sure to get a Michigan recreation passport or day pass before entering. Make a bucket list goal to see as many parks as possible in every season.
Southwest: Carson National Forest New Mexico
Home to New Mexico’s highest point the 13,161-foot Mt. Wheeler Carson National Forest offers visitors plenty of surprises. For example, in contrast to most of the rest of the state, the region isn’t a desert, which often catches first-time visitors off guard. It also gets cold enough to snow there in the winter, which isn’t always what people think of when envisioning New Mexico. The forest features a 16-mile long hiking trail and is home to elk, bear, cougar, big horn sheep, and other large creatures. There are plenty of campsites to be found across the 1.5 million acres that make up Carson, but one of the best is Laguna Larga, which is located at 9000 feet in elevation and sits on the shores of a lake, making it the perfect fishing destination too.
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Sleepy Hollow State Park
A 25-minute drive north of Lansing is Sleepy Hollow State Park. This charming spot offers a wealth of activities, including 14 miles of hiking and biking trails and some of the best horse trails in the state. You can also learn about the local flora, fauna, and history at the park ranger nature program, an excellent option for families.
All campsites are easily accessible, whether you are driving, walking, or boating in. If you are from the Great Lakes State, you can use your State Park Recreation Passport for free entry. Otherwise, entrance to the park is between $11-$16.
Renting a campsite will cost you $17 per night for a basic site, and $25 per night for full hook-up facilities. Some recreational activities and amenities are seasonal, so before you book, contact the park to find out the latest updates.
One of the best times camping weve ever had. Loved the campsite! Would highly recommend this park! Good, scenic hiking trailswith lots to explore!The Dyrt camper Magy C.
More Michigan Fall Activities And Things To Do In Michigan In October 2021
- If you are searching for super fun October Festivals 2021 near me, we’ve got ’em!
- Annual New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival, October 9, 2021, a full day of live music, wine/beer, artisan vendors, & lots of family fun. 12 noon to 9pm eastern standard time. North Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI
- Halloween Fairy Tale Feast, A spooky supper for the littlest ghosts and ghouls at Greenfield Village, October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, 2021. Time: 4:00- 5:00 p.m. Your family will love these fun fall activities in Michigan!
- Bonteboktoberfest, Binder Park Zoo, October 10, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. 2021 Battle Creek, 610 pm. Bonteboktoberfest features a variety of Michigan craft brews, ciders, meads and wines and is a fun beer tasting event in October! Super fun Michigan fall festival!
- Annual Garden City Chili Cook Off, Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show, October 9, 2021, 5805 Central / Farmers Market Lot, Garden City, MI. See a 25 team chili cook-off, enjoy live music, beer, kids fun activities, local artisan vendors, food trucks, and more.
Annual Garden City Car Show Registration opens at 9 am. The beer tent opens at 11 am. Chili tickets on sale at noon. Free Shuttle service until 5pm. Fun October events and things to do in October 2021.
- Stewardship Day at Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve – Saturday Oct 16 2021, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, New Buffalo, United States
- Pumpkin Chunkin, Oct 16, 2021, 9 AM Oct 24, 4 PM, Wellington Farm Park, 6944 S Military Rd, Grayling, MI
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Camping In Michigan With Kids
This huge list has 50+ reader-recommended places to take kids camping in Michigan from the primitive to glamping-style and book your outdoor summer adventure today.
Every campground is different and exploring each is part of the fun. Some range from rustic with no water or electricity hookups and others have all the comforts of home amenities. Whether you are a seasoned camper or looking to take your family camping for the first time, there are a number of great options all around Michigan .
This post lists reader favorites along with comments about why they love these campgrounds for their families.
Some of these facilities are more for RV-camping families, while some are better suited for hardcore campers who leave their technology at home.
Get the family ready to unplug, make smores, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Did we miss one? Please leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite campgrounds in Michigan for families!
Michigan Campgrounds Welcome Winter Campers
Tent campers snowshoe to their winter camping destination. Image: Alex Indigo
LANSING On any given weekend this winter, a half dozen or so hearty souls will venture into the backcountry of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, pitch a tent and go camping.
They are joining an increasing number of winter campers at state, national and private campgrounds around Michigan. Some are going off the grid in small backpacking tents while others are braving the elements in full-equipped RVs plugged into the internet and cable TV.
Winter camping has taken a while to gain some traction, said Jason Fleming, chief of resource protection and promotion for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division.
Overall, Id say its something that is slowly expanding.
More than a dozen state parks offer some type of winter camping, according to the DNR.
Two national parks in Michigan are open during the winter months.
Also open all year are at least 15 of the nearly 90 private campgrounds that belong to the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds.
Camping in Michigan doesnt necessarily end in the fall, said Bill Sheffer, the groups executive director.
Sheffer said there are private campgrounds around the state that offer year-round accommodations and they are reporting an increase in winter recreation enthusiasts.
So there is a growing interest in this time of the year, small compared to peak times, Fleming said.
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North And South Higgins Lake State Parks
If you are looking for fall foliage and color over an inland lake, try either North or South Higgins State Parks. Both parks are consistently busy during the summer months. But come mid-September, the parks see fewer campers. The result is a very fun and quiet camping experience in the heart of Northern Michigan. Higgins Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in Michigan. Seeing its blue hue contrast against fall colors on the shoreline is a must see. Plus, there are many trails throughout the park to hike and enjoy the leaves falling.
Perfect Fall Camping Spots In Indiana
Just because the weather is getting cooler in Indiana doesnt mean the outdoor fun has to stop, especially when it comes to camping. In fact, fall is the perfect time to go camping in Indiana. The leaves are changing, the sunsets are more magnificent, and of course, not as many bugs. Check out these five perfect fall camping spots in Indiana.
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Indian Lake State Park Campground Manistique
Indian Lake State Park. A popular place for couples and families, with sites right up along the water, near Manistique. The campground has picnic areas, trails, a playground, and a swimming beach. 20, 30 and 50 amp hookups, with several water pumps throughout the campground for use. There are restrooms and showers, but the facilities are currently being upgraded. Pets are welcome. Nightly rates are $25-$35.
Private Campgrounds Rv Parks And Rv Resorts In Michigan
Our members run the gamut, and you can find year-round campgrounds via the home page of our website, www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org. In the interest of time, however, weve compiled all of our members using the descriptions they provided on this website who are open around the calendar just in case youre looking for a quick escape or a new adventure during the early days of the year, or to start making your plans for post-season 2021 when most other campers have already packed it in. Make sure to check the websites for more information and photos and request our annual directory and travel guide so that you have this info for easy reference.
Northwest Region
The Bluffs on Manistee Lake Discover the beauty on top the bluff overlooking Manistee Lake! Michigans newest 55+ RV park. Extra large sites with concrete patios. Spacious clubhouse with heated pool, hot tub, laundry facilities and beautiful bathhouse. Close to Lake Michigan beaches, historic downtown, world-class fishing, Little River Casino and more.
Vacation Trailer Park, Inc. Call 482-5101 for reservations. We have daily, weekly and seasonal occupancy available year-round. Located on the scenic Betsie River, 1 1/2 miles north of Junction M-115 east and US 31 or 2 miles south of junction US 31 and M-115 west.
Northeast Region
Southwest Region
Southeast Region
Camp Lord Willing We are open year-round, we have 100 full hook up sites, a staff of workers 24/7, and live phone 24 hours.
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Camping At Copper Harbor
Copper Harbors remote location on the Upper Peninsula may dissuade some from making the trek, but its worth every mile under the tires. Located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which juts deep into Lake Superior, Copper Harbor is a tiny outpost of a town whose gorgeous fall colors are hard to beat.
While there isnt an overabundance of camping options, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park should meet most peoples needs with partial hookups and a central location. Other options include Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground and Trails End Campground both located a short distance from the Lake Superior shoreline. Be sure to drive or bike Brockway Mountain Drive for panoramic views of the colorful forest as it stretches to the lake.
If you work while on the road or prefer to be in strong cell coverage, youll want to day trip to Copper Harbor but stay further south on the Keweenaw Peninsula, near Houghton. Choices include Lake Linden Village Campground, City of Houghton RV Park, and Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground.
South: Big Bend National Park Texas
Fall in Texas often remains warm well into November, but it is still the perfect season for visiting Big Bend National Park, a remote section of the map that offers plenty of solitude for the adventurous travelers. Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, this is one of the least visited parks in the country, which only heightens its appeal for those looking to get away from it all. Big Bend doesn’t offer much in the way of fall colors, but it makes up for it with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, which includes deep canyons to explore, and some of the clearest night skies you’ll find anywhere. Chance are you’ll still see plenty of natural red, yellow, and orange hues, they’ll just be the colors of the rocks instead of the leaves.
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