With nearly 100 Michigan state parks and four Great Lakes bordering the state, camping Michigan gives those who love the outdoors a number of great chances to unwind and enjoy some beautiful scenery. There are also several national parks in Michigan and private campgrounds are numerous, offering the opportunity to mix camping with activities like Michigan golf, swimming and superb Michigan fishing. Over 11,000 inland lakes make for many nice spots to pitch your tent and cast your line, and there are many full service RV lots if you happen to be touring as such. Over 14,000 Michigan camping spots make up the network of extensive campgrounds, and you'll find a wealth of chances to get out and enjoy the great Michigan hiking and Michigan biking while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Camping in Michigan is typically enjoyed mostly in the late spring and in summer, however the changing colors of fall are making it a more popular time to camp. There are campgrounds open all year long, however most folks prefer to be inside during the cold Michigan winters, so only the die-hard are likely to take advantage of this. Recently, the fees for camping in Michigan State Parks has gone up, from $10/night to $15/night for your basic spot, but you'll be assured that your fees are going into the care and maintenance of the park, so it's all for a good cause. At the state park-owned sites of Presque Isle and Lime Island, cabin fees are rising from $35-$45/night to $65 to help cover fees required to properly maintain the system. You are never more than 30 minutes from Michigan State Parks or campsites, which makes it more understandable that maintenance costs would be needed. The reward is the continued presence of quality Michigan camping, and in the long run it's worth it.

On the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website you can find if there are campgrounds in any of the counties you might be considering and research which grounds most suit your needs. Michigan is a haven for those who love the outdoors, so finding camping in Michigan for your next trip is no problem. Along the top Michigan beaches of Lake Michigan's shoreline, you will find that camping brings you close to all the amenities you could need, including most importantly the scenery and the swimming. You can camp among the sand dunes in parks like Silver Lake State Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes and enjoy the shopping and dining options that lay in nearby towns. More inland you'll find deep forests and rivers to calm your soul. In the Upper Peninsula the beauty mixes with the isolation you'll feel as you view amazing wildlife and feel like the world is all your own.

Michigan Map

Outside of Detroit, you'll find the Pontiac Recreation Area for Michigan camping. The park is near the urban areas of southeast Michigan and can be accessed by major highways I-75, I-96, U.S.-24, and Michigan route 59. One of the perks to this location is that it is located just 45 minutes from The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The Pontiac Recreation Area sprawls over 3,800 acres of rolling woodland terrain. You'll find three different campsites at the park. For general camping you'll use the modern campground, which features 176 campsites at $16 a night, and you'll find amenities like picnic tables, electricity, playgrounds and shower/toilet buildings. Throughout the park you'll find trails for hiking and biking opportunities, among all the features.

For camping in Michigan State Parks try heading west of Sault Ste Marie in the Upper Peninsula to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Take I-75 to M - 28 and head north on Rt. 123 until you hit the park. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is set over 40,000 acres and stretches for 13 miles. Highly undeveloped, its main feature are the Upper and Lower Falls of the Tahquamenon River. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It drops nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. Among the 4 campgrounds at the park, try the Tahquamenon Falls Rivermouth Unit where you'll find 136 modern and rustic campsites along the river. The campground is a little more secluded and you'll find great Michigan fishing along the river and you can walk to Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior and stroll or just hang out at the sandy beach. You'll need a daily Motor Vehicle Permit at $8/day and camping runs from $10-$21 depending on whether you get a modern or rustic site. You'll enjoy the seclusion and quiet up here.