A Dilemma For Dune Protection
The powerful waves that have gobbled up the beach at Whitefish Dunes have sent nearby homeowners scrambling to build walls to protect their beaches.
Just south of the park, Bo Ellis in 2020 stacked rocks along his shorefront to deflect the waves amid worries that his home would topple into the lake. Nearly all of his neighbors now have riprap slopes of rock or concrete that absorb force from waves or some other kind of barrier, most of them constructed last year, he said.
The trend extends along the Door Peninsula, where the DNR is seeing a surge in applications to construct such barriers along the shoreline. That includes a more than 830% increase from 2018 to 2020 in emergency self-certifications to protect structures facing imminent danger from accelerating erosion residents filed 280 applications last year, up from fewer than 30 in 2018.
Lake Michigans water levels have swung dramatically over the past decade. From record lows in 2013 to record highs in 2020, Lake Michigan swelled by more than 6 feet. Climate scientists attribute the volatility to a complex interplay of rising temperatures as humans emit more greenhouse gases and increased precipitation from more frequent and intense storms over the Great Lakes region.
DNR officials face additional complications when weighing how to protect state parks from flooding and erosion, including fundamental questions about land preservation.
Camping: Twelvemile Beach Campground
On the way to Twelvemile campground, youll find yourself winding on a road surrounded by forests of white birch trees. There is also a two-mile trail that runs through the campground for scenic walks. Make sure to show up early as these spots are first come, first serve.
This rustic national lakeshore campground is tucked in the trees along the south shore of Lake Superior. Next to the campground, there is literally a 12-mile long beach of beautiful white sand along the crystal clear waters of this great lake.The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Fishermans Island State Park: Charlevoix Michigan
Despite the fact that Fishermans Islandno longer exists as an island, this tract of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline is still a ruggedly charming getaway for hikers, boaters, anglers, and lovers of wildlife. Characterized by lush forests, a plethora of native wildflowers, rolling sand dunes, and boggy wetlands, you could spend weeks exploring this conglomerate of incredible ecosystems, and bonus this is one of the most beautiful campgrounds on Lake Michigan.
Rustic campsites, some nestled right in the dunes, are divided up between north and south units with a mile-long sandy beach between them for swimming and sunbathing. The swimming area is quite shallow, even if you venture far from shore, and the sandy bottom is easy on the feet, making this a perfect spot for families with youngins in tow. You may find crowds on the hottest of summer weekends, but the rest of the year, Fishermans Island is blissfully quiet camping on Lake Michigan.
What we loved about Fishermans Island State Park: Waterfront camping right on Lake Michigan!Something to consider: According to locals, the beach here is a great spot to hunt for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. We had no idea what we were looking for, so do your research ahead of time.
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Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park is popular among campgrounds on Lake Michigan. It also provides a rare opportunity to visit the lake in the state of Indiana. Located in Chesterton, Indiana, the campground is a short distance to downtown Chicago entertainment or outlet mall shopping in Michigan City. Even so, you wouldnt know the hustle and bustle of cities are close to the parks 2,182 acres of raw landscape.
The nearly 200-feet-high sand dunes are the parks main feature. You can catch a spectacular sunrise and sunset from them since this State Park is on the southern tip of Lake Michigan. Children and adults alike love running down the dunes.
Price: $30-44 per night for full hookup $23-33 per night for electric-only $16-22 per night for non-electric and $12 per night for primitive.
*Fees and taxes are not included in rates.
Amenities: Sites range from full hookup to primitive. Water stations are accessible in the park, as well as a dump station. Indiana Dunes State Park is pet-friendly.
Lake Michigan Camping Vibes: 10 out of 10 for its sand dunes and location.
Holland State Park Beach Campground
Image Source:http://www.mlive.com
Holland State Park is one of the must-visit attractions within Michigan, so why not park your RV there and truly enjoy what it has to offer? Its famous for its sprawling, sandy beach on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, as well as the various recreational activities visitors can enjoy on-site.
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Great Lakes Camping On Lake Erie
Welcome to Lake Erie, the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest lake by volume of all the Great Lakes. While being the shallowest Great Lake may not be a claim to fame, I will say that it makes for more pleasant swimming because the temperatures warm up faster in the spring. Lake Erie borders the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and the US states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan to the south, west, and east. Lake Eries fish populations are the most abundant of the Great Lakes, accounting for an estimated 50% of all fish inhabiting the Great Lakes.
Sunset Bay Rv Resort And Campground Ahmeek Mi
Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground near Ahmeek has its share of distinctions to go along with it. Not only is it one of Michigan’s oldest continuously-operating campgroundsit’s been up and running since 1944but it’s also one of the farthest north campsites in the state. That means you’re saying hello to Lake Superior, Michigan’s most massive lake. It may be a smaller sitejust 11 tent-only sites, 23 combination RV and tent sites, and two cabinsbut what it lacks in size it will make up for in beauty and grandeur. And yes, the sunsets are indeed as gorgeous as the name implies.
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Weko Beach Park Campground
For more beach-side camping, head to Weko Beach Park Campground in Bridgman. Swim or relax on the beautiful, sandy beach and stop by the beach house for lunch or a snack. They have developed and semi-developed campsites, tent camping, and cabins. Take the boardwalks to the observation decks to get a great view of Lake Michigan, and then head down to cool off in the waters of the lake.
Kohler Andrae State Park
Address: 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081
About Kohler-Andrae State Park: One of the things that makes Lake Michigan unique are the many sand dunes that line its shores. At Kohler-Andrae, you can see some of these dunes firsthand. Nature lovers will also be interested in exploring the exhibits at the Sanderling Nature Center located at the parks north end.
This state park has a campground with 137 sites, 52 of which have 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups. While there are no sewer or water hookups at the campsites, RVers will appreciate the parks dump station and freshwater fill-up station. This campground is open year-round, and select sites are plowed for winter camping.
When the weather is warm, campers can use the onsite amenities, including showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. Rates vary seasonally from $15 to $40 per night.
While youre camping on the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan, youll need to get a state park vehicle admission sticker. In-state residents will pay $28 for an annual sticker or $8 for a daily sticker. Out of state visitors will pay $38 for a yearly sticker or $11 for a daily sticker.
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What People Are Saying About Hoffmaster State Park
Nice, woodsy campground. The sites are large enough in most cases for you not to feel crowded. The campground works well for large or small groups. Well-maintained bathrooms. The campground hosts are always pleasant and helpful. Nice to have a campers beach separate from the day use beach.
Location
Image Source:http://www.duckcreekrvresort….
Duck Creek RV Resort is situated directly across the road from Michigans Adventure amusement park, so if you are planning a family vacation to visit this attraction, youll appreciate its convenient location. The park has very large sites to accommodate rigs of all sizes and types. Its modern and clean facilities make this resort a favorite in the area.
Warm Weather Camping In Michigan
My personal preference is for the tail end of spring or summer. Late May and June and late August and September are my favorite timeframes for camping in Michigan.
I love it when the days are warm enough to go swimming in Lake Michigan and the nights are cool enough to get cozy in a warm sleeping bag.
Theres nothing better than getting a fire roaring just as the temperatures are dropping in the evening. Then warming yourself next to it while telling stories and making memories.
I have camped in late June and early July, and I enjoyed the hot summer weather. But I have a high tolerance for heat!
In Michigan, you may get lucky in mid-summer and the days may not be too hot , or you may get unlucky and find yourself trying to survive blazing temperatures without air conditioning!
If youre not a fan of cocooning in a sleeping bag, warm, mid-summer camping may be for you. In late June through August, the nights are typically warm enough that you wont need a sleeping bag .
Even if you love hot weather, you should consider the fact that campgrounds are likely to be much busier in June, July, and August. You may arrive at your campsite ready to commune with nature only to find hoards of people.
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What People Are Saying About Sandy Pines Recreation Community Rv Resort & Campground
This resort RV park is amazing, the amount of things they have to do here will keep you busy all summer! They have 2 pools, plus an adult pool, a splash pad water park, a huge lake with great fishing, at least 5 beaches, a golf course. Plus every weekend there is something special for the kids. Rachelle, Google review
Location
- I-Fi: Yes
Honorable Mention: Ludington State Park Campground
As an added bonus, Im including Ludington State Park Campground. This campground was one of my first Michigan camping experiences, and I couldnt have picked a better starter-campground.
There are a whopping 360 campsites to choose from here! These sites are split into three modern camping areas between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan.
With access to both lakes, youll enjoy miles of shoreline. You can hike, fish, canoe, kayak or just laze on the beach. You can be as active or as chill as youd like.
Pro Tip: Ludington State Park Campground has 10 remote tent sites along a 1 mile trail in the Jack Pine Hike-In-Only Campground for those that want to get away from it all!
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Killbear Provincial Park: Nobel Ontario
We stumbled upon Killbear Provincial Park quite by accident during a cross-Canada road trip with our kids. It wasnt quite summer and we were looking for a quiet spot to spend a few days before heading west again. This massive park stole our hearts with its abundant wildlife, quiet hiking trails, numerous sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets.
There are seven front-country campgrounds in Killbear Provincial Park, providing campers with lots of options. Most campgrounds are just a short walk to the shore so you can take advantage of those Georgian Bay sunsets. A 6-km paved bike trail is a nice way to get around the park, and although Killbear doesnt rent kayaks or canoes, this is a great spot for experienced paddlers to explore.
Most of the hiking trails within Killbear Provincial Park are easy to moderate, and suitable for kids and novice hikers.
What we love about Killbear Provincial Park: Just about everything, but especially the sunsets and the swimming!Something to consider: The critters in Killbear are very savvy and opportunistic! We left the car door open and a raccoon decided to help himself to our marshmallow.
How To Reserve A Campsite In Michigan
The Michigan camping reservations system has come a long way since I first started camping in Michigan!
But there are still some tips and tricks that will make navigating the online portal and snagging the best campsite way easier.
You can start by searching for the campgrounds that Ive recommended in the where to camp section, or do some googling to find other options that suit you. Michigans Department of Natural Resources also has a handy Recreation Search page that you can use to explore potential campgrounds!
Once you have your options list, head to the Michigan State Park reservation portal.
There, select your preferred campground in the drop-down menu, enter your dates, select the equipment youll have with you , and enter the number of people in your party.
When you hit search, youll get a map of campsite availability. I like to play around with the map view so I can see where the available campsites are located relative to others and relative to points of interest like Lake Michigan or other nearby lakes.
When looking at the availability map, youll see different-colored circles green means that a site is available and red means that it is booked. While searching, I make a mental note of all the red dots since theyre a good indicator of how busy that campground is likely to be when Im there!
And there you have it! You are now armed with everything you need to know to have a magical time camping in Michigan.
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What People Are Saying About Muskegon Koa
This was our first ever camping trip, and the location was absolutely amazing! We came for an extended weekendand the staff was so friendly and always around if we needed anything. The campground has tons of things to do, including a beautiful walking trail around the lake. My wife and I couldnt come up with a single complaint during our stay. Well definitely be coming back! Matt, Google Reviews
Location
Image Source:https://tincantourists.com/ev…
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park is a 1200-acre state park and campground in Muskegon, MI. Nestled along three miles of Lake Michigans beautiful shoreline, the park offers numerous hiking trails in a relaxing and tranquil environment. The Gillette Visitor Center, which is located inside the park, is run entirely by volunteers who host events to increase public awareness of the parks stunning tural features.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
According to a Good Morning America poll, Sleeping Bear Dunes is the single most beautiful place in the United States. Glen Arbor’s world-famous beach offers a commanding view of Lake Michigan, and with camping available, you can literally fall asleep in the most beautiful place around. If you’re in need of something to do before you get sleepy, don’t worryattractions abound from lighthouses to wineries, and with plenty of dining options, you’ll be able to get a good meal before you hit the sleeping bag.
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Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground
- Open April 1st through October 31st
- 54 conventional drive-in sites
- No electric or water hook-up
- Just over a mile south of Lake Michigan
- Each site is large, private and beautifully wooded
- Sites have a large fire pit and picnic table
- Modern accessible restrooms and showers
- Half of the sites are reservable the rest are first-come, first-serve
Buttersville Campground Near Ludington
Address: 991 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431
Website:
Amenities: All sites have electricity and a picnic table. There are water stations in the park and a bathhouse.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed.
Why Youll Love It: Youll love the views of this campground nestled between two lakesLake Michigan and Pere Marquette Lake. Buttersville Campground is on top of bluffs that overlook Lake Michigan for some of the best sunsets in the state.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Near Empire
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
This gorgeous beach is known for its birds-eye, panoramic views of Lake Michigans shoreline. The beach features bluffs along the lake towering 450 feet above the shoreline. From the top of the bluffs, you can catch great views of an island lighthouse and the surrounding forest behind the shoreline. The wide and long dunes also provide plenty of opportunities for lounging and picnics. If you have access to a boat, check out North and South Manitou islands due west where you can hike, visit a lighthouse and camp. Dont miss the surrounding picturesque coastal villages like Empire, Glen Arbor and Leland where youll find restaurants, shops, cafes and wine bars.
Captain John Langland Park
Captain John Langlands Park is in Onekama, located beneath Pierport and Bear Lake. It is surrounded by Portage Lake and Lake Michigan. Although Onekama is a well-organized village, it can be pretty difficult to get from one point to another. The two lakes have created mini coasts along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Casual campers should stick with the Onekama Village Park. Its a cozy place surrounded by various fast-food restaurants, grills, cafes, and hotels. Grocery stores are near to resupply should you have forgotten something.
Captain John Langland Park is at the foot of the North Point Park, practically at the furthest point in Onekama. Its unique in the sense that it offers a beautiful view of both Lake Michigan and Portage Lake. Plus, it is able to cater to the needs of hard-core and beginner campers alike, given that there are a few stores and resorts in its vicinity.
Some of the reasons why you may want to camp at Captain John Langlands Park include its astonishingly beautiful beaches, low traffic due to its secluded location. In addition, its fairly approachable prices in terms of facilities.
One of the biggest challenges non-American campers have to face is getting to Onekama, as the nearest airports are in Manistee , and the Horaks Airport near Kaleva. Be it as it may, its still one of the most gorgeous camping locations around Lake Michigan.
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