The campgrounds in the Michigan Dunes, located primarily along the coasts of the northern Upper Peninsula and northwestern Lower Peninsula, provide ample opportunities to enjoy the many activities the surroundings provide. Simply being surrounded by nature provides a calming to the mind and body, but you will certainly find plenty of ways to get your body moving and stay active during your visit to the dunes.
Upper Peninsula
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. The miles of picturesque beauty of sand dunes as well as beaches, cliffs, forests, waterfalls and countless lighthouses are home to several inexpensive rustic campgrounds. Visit Hurricane River campground along the Hurricane River and hike down the North Country Trail to see the Au Sable Light Station, or try Little Beaver campground on one of the inland lakes. Twelvemile Beach campground is situated on a sandy plateau overlooking Lake Superior.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
The northwest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula features the popular dune sites of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Silver Lake Dunes. Campgrounds in and around the Sleeping Bear Dunes feature those with electricity, restrooms and showers along the shoreline as well as rustic campsites. Boat access to the Manitou Islands is available for those wishing to camp in that location. The Silver Lakes Dunes are a popular location for motor sports like riding or racing in dune buggies. RV parks abound and there are some nearby places to pitch tents such as at Jellystone National Park. However, there are no camping locations with direct dune access.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Michigan's southernmost points do contain a treasure in the midst of the Detroit metropolitan area. Warren Dunes State Park has more than 200 sites available for camping, ranging from those equipped with electricity and nearby restrooms to options for rustic camping. Campground roads are paved for easy access and several trails are available for hiking or wildlife observation. The park even hosts a national kite flying competition early each summer. State park campgrounds offer direct access to the dunes for your enjoyment and are open year round.
Geography and Weather
Michigan's dunes are high and often steep cliffs and hills of sand, located on shorelines of the lakes. They are sometimes peppered with trees and other vegetation, as in the Warren Dunes, or provide miles of endless sand, as found in the Silver Lake Dunes. The shorelines of Michigan are particularly susceptible to storms and wind and the winters produce large amounts of snow and ice.
Exercising While Staying in the Dunes
The Michigan Dunes and their campgrounds provide perfect opportunities for exploring and exercising. Most have direct access to hiking trails that travel through the dunes and nearby forests. The many beaches provide opportunities for swimming and fishing. Silver Lake Dunes is especially popular for those wishing to participate in motor sports such as riding in dune buggies or on motor bikes. In the winter, try cross-country skiing. However, the most enjoyable exercise in the dunes might just be running up the steep slopes and jumping off to the lower dunes.
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