Best Campgrounds On Lake Michigan
These campgrounds are all in State Parks located in the four states that border Lake Michigan. The Michigan and Indiana campgrounds are on the east side of the lake.
At these, you can experience those legendary Lake Michigan sunsets.
While campgrounds in Illinois and Wisconsin are on the west side of the lake. These, in fact, are a tad more rural than the eastern side, particularly the Wisconsin campgrounds.
Great Lakes Camping On Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the second-largest Great Lake by volume and the only Great Lake located entirely in the United States. It is bordered by the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Twelve million people live along Lake Michigans shores, mainly in the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Despite the huge population that enjoys the shores of Lake Michigan, its still relatively easy to find fabulous secluded camping spots. Here are a few of our favorite spots for camping on Lake Michigan.
Best Place To Camp And Experience Michigan History: Camp Dearborn
You cant tell the story of Michigan without Detroit and the automotive industry. There are campgrounds dotted all along southeastern Michigan, in rural and urban areas. These Michigan camping spots are conveniently located off major highways. If youre looking for a place to escape to for a weekend getaway or a great side stop on your way up north, Camp Dearborn is a fantastic location to learn more about Michigans rich history.
Make your reservation at Camp Dearborn, located 44 miles northwest of Detroit. Check into one of the 191 RV/tent sites . Then, travel 45 minutes southeast to Dearborn to explore The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. All use engaging presentations, displays and artifacts to share the story of the Ford family, as well as the evolution of the states auto industry, and its impact on the country as a whole.
After discovering more about Michigans roots, relax with a stroll through the charming town of Milford. When you return, you can enjoy the facilities at the campground, which include a private beach and swimming lake and a heated swimming pool with a furnished deck. Camp Dearborn is recognized for some of the best camping in Michigan thanks to its family-oriented organized activities, like a morning fitness program, various arts and crafts, evening campfire sing-a-longs, weekly talent show and more.
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Oak Grove Rv Resort & Campground
Address: 2011 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424
Website:
Amenities: Sites are full-hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer. Each site has a picnic table, and some sites have large tar pads and patios. The campground has a pool, hot tub, store, laundry facilities, bathhouse, bicycle rentals, and community fire rings.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed, and there is a dog park.
Why Youll Love It: Oak Grove is right across the street from beach access to Lake Macatawa. And its a short 1.5-mile walk or drive to Holland State Park Beach on Lake Michigan. Youll love the resort because its family-oriented and has easy access to numerous beaches in the area.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 10/10
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Michigan Beaches That Are Perfect For A Summer Camping Trip
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Summer is here and that means beach picnics, bonfires and quality time in the sun and sand with friends. When deciding on a destination, you could head to a crowded beach in Southern California or spend big bucks to go to the Caribbean. If you are looking for an option off the beaten path, however, there are incredibly beautiful Michigan beaches that boast bright blue water and long stretches of sand. With 3,300 miles of shoreline, Michigan offers tons of beach opportunity, lots of camping along the way and, maybe best of all, absolutely no sharks.
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Indiana Dunes National Park: Porter Indiana
Just a stones throw from the metropolitan realm of Gary, Indiana, the spectacular Indiana Dunes National Park boasts some of the most biologically rich ecosystems in the nation. This 15,000-acre park on the shores of Lake Michigan contains more than 1,100 native plant species, world-class birding, and 50 miles of hiking trails.
Although the park sees a lot of visitors in every season, youre always a short walk, swim, or paddle from total solitude. The Dunewood Campground takes reservations for roughly half of its 67 campsites and its the only choice for Indiana Dunes camping unless you head outside the park to a private campground. The rest of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so claim your spot early to give yourself plenty of time for exploring. The 13-walk-in sites are prime real estate and worth every extra step you have to take to get there.
Dunewood Campground is totally forested, which is heavenly during the summer months. I wont go so far as to say that this is a private camping experience, but the campsites in Dunewood campground do provide good seclusion from your camping neighbors. Want to read more about our experiences? We spent several days exploringIndian Dunes National Park in 2019.
What we loved about Indiana Sand Dunes National Lakeshore: Hiking along the dunes and the sandy beaches!Something to consider: Consider camping out here before or after the kids go back to school. It will make it much easier to get a spot.
Frontenac State Park Campground Minnesota
Of course, we cant forget the Land of 10,000 Lakes the state of Minnesota. So, which one do you choose? How about Frontenac State Park Campground on Lake Pepin?
Wikimedia Commons
Lake Pepin is actually the widest part of the Mississippi River, so you get two bodies of water in one. The Frontenac State Park Campground is surrounded by trees and has views of the lake and river. The park has about 60 sites, some with electric hookups, pit toilets, and access to nearby trails.
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What People Are Saying About Lake Shore Rv Resort & Campground By Outdoor Adventures
Absolutely love having the Davison location so close to homeThe equipped gym is a very big plus and saves me from buying an entire membership. Veronica, Google review
Location
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: From $30/Enquire for full rates # of RV Sites: 95 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: Both Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Yes Wi-Fi: Yes Discounts: N/A
Harrington Beach State Park
Address: 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004
About Harrington Beach State Park: When you think of states with swamps, you probably think of Louisiana or Florida not Wisconsin! Thats why Harrington Beach State Park will surprise you.
Not only does this park share a mile of Lake Michigans coastline, but it also has a remarkable white cedar swamp. Of course, camping near a swamp means youll want to bring along some mosquito repellent. But dont let a few swamp bugs stop you from enjoying the beautiful family campground!
With 69 campsites, youll have plenty of choices for parking your RV. Approximately half of the sites have 30 amp electric hookups, while the rest are non-electric. You will also find a picnic table and fire ring at each unit.
The family campground features a dump station, freshwater fill-up station, and laundry facilities as well. The camp cost varies, but you can expect to pay as much as $35 per night.
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Middle Bass Island State Park: Middle Bass Island Ohio
Middle Bass Island is located just north of Put-in-Bay, part of the Lake Erie Islands in Ohio. While Put-In-Bay is a popular summer destination for tourists, the waterfront campsites on Middle Bass Island are less popular and incredibly scenic. Middle Bass and its neighboring Lake Erie islands are composed of dolomite bedrock. Underground caverns can be found on the island, as well as huge stands of red cedar and high numbers of migrating songbirds.
Overnight dockage is available at the marina, or you can reserve one of the walk-in primitive campsites for free between May 15th and Oct 15th. Bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards available for rent at the Harbormaster building.
What we love about Middle Bass Island: You can leave your car behind and get around on bicycle, and the state park is on the grounds of a former winery.How to get to Middle Bass Island: Passenger and auto service are available to Middle Bass Island from mainland Catawba. The scenic, 40-minute ferry ride is available several times a day during the summer months. The ferry is able to transport cars, but vehicle reservations are required. You can also ferry to Middle Bass Island from Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island via regularly scheduled ferry service between the Boardwalk dock and Middle Bass Island.
Lake Shore Rv Resort & Campground By Outdoor Adventures
Image Source:http://campnative.com
Youll find this popular RV resort and campground located near Flint in east Michigan. Set along a lake and surrounded by nature trails, its the perfect RV vacation destination for those who want a tranquil and picturesque setting while still being accessible to restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
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Why Youll Love Holland State Park Beach Campground
Apart from being home to Michigans most beautiful beaches, Holland State Park also provides visitors with the perfect base to park their RV and explore the state. Its just a short drive away from the city of Grand Rapids, which is home to some fascinating attractions such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Art Museum, John Ball Zoo, and the Heritage Hill Historic District.
Why Youll Love Covert / South Haven Koa Holiday
At this popular RV park, youll find yourself just 10-15 minutes away from six of Michigans most gorgeous beaches. Aside from stunning sunsets, sand castles, and crashing waves, you can also enjoy plenty of on-site activities such as pancake breakfasts, rock climbing, U-pick blueberries, and hayrides .
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Illinois Beach State Park Illinois
An hour north of Chicago, youll find Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois. Believe it or not, its campground is the only State Park camping on Lake Michigan in Illinois. The natural area is a prime spot for hiking, fishing, and wildflower and wildlife viewing. Moreover, the park also provides a sandy beach and clean water versus the city beaches in Chicago.
Since the park is inside a nature preserve, theres a lot of space to relax and explore. Take a morning hike in the preserve, then an afternoon stroll on the beach.
However, if youre only passing through the area, you may choose to stop for a picnic and short hike or swim.
Price: $25 per night.
*Fees and taxes are not included in this rate.
Amenities: Each site has 20/30 amp of electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring. In addition, there are water stations in the park and a dump station. Plus, its a pet-friendly campground.
Lake Michigan Camping Vibes: 8 out of 10 for its nature preserve, beach access, and price.
Twelvemile Beach Campground Near Grand Marais
Address: H-58 Seasonal Road , Grand Marais, MI 49839
Website:
Amenities: The rustic campground has drinking water during the peak season and accessible vault toilets. Campsites have a picnic table, fire ring with a grill grate, and a tent pad, but there are no water, electric, or sewer hookups. Cell service is usually non-existent here.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed.
Why Youll Love It: Twelvemile Beach Campground is on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore of Lake Superior. Youll love the hiking and sweeping views of the lake. And youll have easy access to exploring Pictured Rocks by boat or on foot.
Morton Road Trip Rating: 8/10
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Brengman Brothers Winery Traverse City Michigan
This stunning winery is located on the outskirts of Traverse City, Michigan, and is available for overnight accommodations to Harvest Host members. The tasting room and gift shop offer a variety of local wines, grown and bottled on site. The winemakers are dedicated to producing the finest natural and ecologically-balanced wines, and it shows! Come see for yourself.
South Manitou Island Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Glen Arbor Township Michigan
First of all, if you havent been to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, its time to plan your trip. This incredible natural landscape makes quite an impact with its ginormous sand dunes, miles of sandy beaches, and great opportunities to get out on the water in various forms, including tubing, scuba diving, and paddling!
To escape the summer crowds and find totally secluded camping on Lake Michigan, you do have to put in a bit of work. South Manitou Island is only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry. There are a few different camping options on South Manitou Island, but the most remote is the lovely Popple Campground, with only seven sites on the northern tip of the island. You do have to hike 3.5 miles from the ferry dock, but that first Lake Michigan sunrise will make it all worth it!
If you want to skip the long hike and still pitch your tent near the beach, check out The Bay Campground, which is a short walk from the ferry dock. No matter which Lake Michigan campground you choose on South Manitou Island, be sure to bring your own water filtration system. Theres no potable water available.
What we loved about camping on South Manitou Island: Hiking through the massive cedar trees!Something to consider: Theres lots of poison ivy on the island.
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Camping Nearby: Dune Lake Campground
This is a family owned and operated campground, so its a great place to bring your whole family. This campground is about 13 miles north of Tiscornia Beach, so you can check out other beaches along the way from Tiscornia. There are 80 sites and two cabins. There are also volleyball courts, hiking trails, a playground and more at the campground.
Close to Lake Michigan and South Haven. Nice swimming lake with a shallow area thats great for kids. Quiet, family oriented and well maintained.The Dyrt camper Dan W.
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Honcho Rest Campground Elk Rapids Michigan
This cute little campground in Northern Michigan is located on the shores of Bass Lake, just one mile from the town of Elk Rapids. You will find no shortage of fun things to enjoy here, including hiking the local trails, swimming at the nearby beaches of Lake Michigan, and fishing and boating on the local scenic rivers.
The campground itself is exclusive to RVs and features ninety-seven full hook-ups sites. It is open from early May until mid-October and offers nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.
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Weko Beach Park And Campground
Weko Beach Park and Campground stretches for 900 feet along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Michigan, offering 43 developed campsites and 22 primitive campsites for visitor rental throughout the year. The campground is open to the public each year between May and October for stays of two nights or longer. Guests can stay in luxury at the campground, which offers modern amenities like full-service bathhouses, a dump station, day-use picnic sites, and a children’s playground. Six log camping cabins are also available for overnight rental at the campground, featuring lovely amenities like electricity, outdoor grills, bunk beds, and a covered outdoor deck. Four-legged friends are welcome to stay with their owners at the main campground area for an additional fee.
5237 Lake St, Bridgman, MI 49106, Phone: 269-465-3406
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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.
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Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach Near Holland
Image from The Dyrt camper Celina M.
Saugatuck Dunes is another great Michigan beach that offers the opportunity to climb and play on awe-inspiring, 200-feet tall dunes and explore the 1,000 acres of land. If you are looking for a quiet, slow-paced beach vacation, this beach is less developed and not as heavily-trafficked as some others on this list perfect for a relaxing vacation. Check out nearby Saugatuck, a quaint coastal town only three miles away from the park and beach. The Southerner in Saugatuck is great for a delicious breakfast on the docks of the town.