Michigan, appropriately called the "Great Lake State," offers campers a plethora of lakeshore camping options. From small private lakes ideal for fishing to the much larger Great Lakes, visitors can choose a destination that caters to their specific needs.
D.H. Day Campground
Coastal campers rejoice at camping along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan.
D.H. Day Campground, in Glen Arbor, is a rustic campground ideal for nature lovers. Campers can choose from 88 wooded sites with access to Lake Michigan at the northern end of the grounds. Amenities include vault toilets, water spigots and ranger-led evening programs during the summer season.
Manitou Islands
Campers looking for a truly unique experience should consider a trip to the Manitou Islands. Transportation to the islands is by ferry, leaving from Leland Michigan, on the Leelanau Peninsula. Campers to South Manitou can choose from three locations including The Bay, Weather Station and Popple Campgrounds. North Manitou does not have specific campgrounds, but visitors can choose any location for low-impact camping. Neither island offers transportation to campsites so all gear must be hiked in. Visitors can hike towering sand dunes, snorkel to shipwrecks and visit an area populated with enormous redwood trees known as the Valley of the Giants.
Twelve Mile Beach Campground
Michigan's Upper Peninsula contains some of the state's most beautiful natural landscapes. Campgrounds along Lake Superior are part of Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The Twelve Mile Beach Campground, 15 miles west of Grand Marais, is perched on a sandy bluff that drops to the white sands of Twelve Mile Beach below. Visitors should be prepared for a bumpy drive in; however, the panoramic Lake Superior views make the trip worthwhile. Campers have a choice of 36 sites. Campers can hike to the Au Sable Lighthouse and the Sable Falls.
Hurricane River Campground
Another great option for visitors to the Lake Superior National Lake Shore is the Hurricane River Campground, located 12 miles west of Grand Marais, has a total of 21 campsites and is situated at the point where Hurricane River enters Lake Superior. For walkers, the North Country Trail provides a 1.5-mile hike past shipwrecks to the Au Sable Light Station. Amenities include picnic table, fire grate and tent pad.
Dune Lake Campground
Campers who prefer small lake camping can choose from various sites throughout the state. Dune Lake Campground, located in Coloma, offers campers access to a small inland lake nestled in sand dunes. The campground includes 85 sites (40 electric sites), two cabins and modern restrooms with hot showers. Visitors can swim, play miniature golf, hike the sandy beaches and dunes, play volleyball and enjoy various other nature specific activities.
Wolf Lake Resort and Campground
Wolf Lake Resort and Campground in Muskegon MI, sits on the sandy beaches of Wolf Lake. Campers can pitch a tent at one of the Campgrounds many sites (bayside or wooded) or pull an RV into the RV Park. Fisherman can fish from the shore or rent rowboats. Other activities include boating, swimming, hiking and a petting zoo. Wolf Lake Campground has on site showers and rest areas, vending machines and a coin-operated laundromat.
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