Best Camping in Michigan: Top 10 Places to Go

Michigan has everything waiting for you, whether you want to fall asleep next to a glittering lake, imagine waking up next to towering dunes, or prefer the peace of a forest. Cliffs rise over Lake Superior in this location, and waterfalls cascade into ethereal rivers. Rolling glacial hills, angular rock formations, and expansive dunes are all found on peninsulas.

Many choose to concentrate on camping in the Upper Peninsula, or UP, where people typically equate "wilderness" with widespread cabins and forests. However, the lower peninsula, often known as the LP, offers a ton of fantastic campsites with incredible features, so you should take advantage of camping there.

Camping in Michigan would be the best thing ever because it is encircled by three of the five Great Lakes. We've provided you with the best ten camping spots in Michigan, some camping essentials, and tips. Besides, Jackery Solar Generator could be your ideal camping companion for charging appliances with solar energy.

Top 10 Places to Camp in Michigan

Michigan is one of the most topographically diverse states for outdoor adventures, with lakeshores bordered with dunes and sandstone cliffs, hiking trails with unspoiled wildlife, and over 20 million acres of forestland. 

Michigan is one of the most topographically diverse states for outdoor adventures, with lakeshores bordered with dunes and sandstone cliffs, hiking trails with unspoiled wildlife, and over 20 million acres of forestland. Choose one of the following locations for your Michigan camping excursion.

At some of the best camping sites in Michigan, you can spend time with friends and family and learn a new appreciation for Mother Nature. Choose one below for your Michigan camping excursion.

1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Location: 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768

Phone: 906-492-3415

Website: Tahquamenon Falls State Park  

When to Visit: Early Spring, Summer, Late Fall

Best Campsites: Backcountry Campground, Lower Falls Modern Campground

The Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls serve as the park's focal point and are what gave rise to its creation. It is more than 200 feet broad, with a drop of around 50 feet. Water can flow over the precipice at a maximum rate of more than 50,000 gallons per second. The Lower Falls, a collection of five lesser falls that cascade across an island, is located four miles downstream.

The entire year is open at Tahquamenon Falls. The Upper Falls' unique ice sculptures stand out among the Upper Falls' other natural features, which include the abundant flowage of spring runoff, the sunny days of summer, the brilliant colors of fall, and more.

There are many different recreational possibilities available to guests in the park. Camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, canoeing, nature studies, and photography are popular pastimes in the spring and summer. Hunters will also have lots of possibilities to practice their sport.

"We stayed three nights in June on a trip around Lake Michigan and traveled with our friends and five kids. We have a 28-foot travel trailer. Our electric site was nice, good size, moderately wooded, but we could still walk through to our neighbors."

2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Location: N8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862

Phone: 906-387-3700

Website: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore  

When to Visit: Full year

Best Campsites: Little Beaver Lake Campground, Hurricane River Campground

Pictured Rocks allow one to explore miles of unspoiled beaches, climb nearly 100 miles of trails, witness towering sandstone cliffs, and take in the peace of northern forests unlike any other location on Lake Superior.

It's easy to understand why this striking region is considered among the most beautiful in the Midwest, with its abundance of sandstone cliffs, protected beaches, towering dunes, cascades, lakes, and forests. A new world emerges through routes covered in the delicate beauty of wildflowers in the spring. The summer transitions into balmy days - orange, crimson, and yellow colors herald autumn's magic of change. Although the snow occasionally blazes out with sunlight, the winter months are often marked by the bare, windswept beauty of the snow.

Hiking, picnics, boating, camping, and park ranger programs are all available in the summer. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are popular winter activities.

Camping is well-liked, besides hiking, kayaking, seeing wildlife, and taking in the breathtaking environment. Because all of the drive-in campsites require reservations, make sure to prepare early.   

"The Pictured Rocks Cliff area was a great spot. Easy walk to the high overlook and downhill with steps to the lower overlook. Both were easy walks. Highly recommend."

3. Porcupine Mountains State Park

Location: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Phone: 906-885-5275

Website: Porcupine Mountains State Park  

When to Visit: May to October

Best Campsites: Presque Isle Campground, Union Bay Campground, Backcountry Campground

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a sizable wilderness region in the Midwest and is the largest state park in Michigan, with over 60,000 acres. Over 90 miles of hiking trails, a contemporary and rustic campsite, wilderness camping, a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, miles of rivers and streams, roaring waterfalls, the Lake Superior shoreline, and unmatched vistas may all be found there.  

To reach the interior of the Porkies, a hiker must go back in time and use techniques that came naturally to our forefathers. To truly enjoy trekking the Porkies, one must understand the ways of a wilderness environment. Canoeing is not permitted in the rivers and streams that flow through the Porkies because of their shallow rock bottoms.

Backcountry camping is available, as well as a contemporary and rustic campground. There is something to discover for everyone and numerous possibilities for somewhere to stay the night.

"Wow. This is a must-see in September. The hiking is great, and the views are endless. I suggest at least three full days; if you have the time, rent a cabin you hike into."

4. Ludington State Park

Location: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431

Phone: 800-447-2757

Website: Ludington State Park  

When to Visit: Summer, Mid-October

Best Campsites: Cedar Campground, Beachwood Campground

The picturesque dunes, ponds, marshlands, and woodlands that comprise roughly 5,300 acres of the Ludington State Park make it one of Michigan's most visited state parks. It has several miles of beachfront and beaches on Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, where it is located. It is a beautiful destination with fantastic landscapes, animals, and adventure options.

Visit this park in Northwest Michigan to pitch up camp, sail across the lovely Lake Michigan, or enjoy the sunshine on the sands of Hamlin Lake. The park may have three campgrounds: sandy beaches, picturesque dunes, a famous lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands, and woodlands. Campers are only permitted to stay outside for 15 nights straight. Each night, campsites must be occupied.  

"The state park is the reason we choose Ludington for our vacations. We spent several days at the beach but walked about 1/2 mile north of the beach house to get a private, secluded alcove for ourselves. The view of the lake is magnificent."

5. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Location: 9922 Front StreetHighway M-72, Empire, MI 49630

Phone: 231-326-4700

Website: Sleeping Bear Dunes  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Platte River Campground, D.H. Day Campground

The natural environment of Sleeping Bear Dunes includes miles of sand beach, bluffs that rise 450' above Lake Michigan, lush woodlands, crystal-clear inland lakes, and unusual flora and animals. The high dunes provide beautiful views across the lake.

Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore includes North and South Manitou Islands and a 60 km (35 km) section of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. The park's excellent natural features, such as its forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial events, were the main reasons it was created.

The Lakeshore offers a vast selection of activities for people of all ages. Climb the dunes, swim at one of the many beaches, or trek to some stunning views via the Maple/Beech forest. Over 20 miles of easily accessible walking and bicycling trails, with a section groomed for skiing when snow conditions permit.

There are a lot of terrains to traverse and many locations to camp, from South Manitou Island's reservable sites for parties of up to 20 people to riverside campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and modern facilities.

"Amazing how huge the dunes are. This hike is not for the faith of the heart. It was a trek. Once you accomplish the first giant dune, you think of the water there."

6. Sleepy Hollow State Park

Location: 7835 E Price Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848

Phone: 517-651-6217

Website: Sleepy Hollow State Park

When to Visit: April to October

Best Campsites: Modern Campground, Modern Cabin

Over 2,600 acres comprise Sleepy Hollow State Park, featuring a river that meanders through the park's farms, woodlands, and pathways. The 410-acre Lake Ovid, tucked in the heart of everything, was created by damming the Little Maple River.

Sleepy Hollow is home to more than 228 species, ranging from the ubiquitous Blue Jay to the Eastern Bluebird. Look for waterfowl on Lake Ovid during their migration. Additionally seen were the rarely seen Bonaparte's Gull and the Bald Eagle.

The park's 181 modern campsites provide year-round recreational opportunities. Each camp has electricity and easy access to clean water for drinking. Other options for overnight lodging are also available, including an organized campground, a modern and rustic lodge, rustic walk-in campsites, and more.

"Although there were a lot of campers in the park, our site was nicely secluded and a short walk to the bathrooms. Every campsite looked very well maintained."

7. South Higgins Lake State Park

Location: 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653

Phone: 989-821-6374

Website: South Higgins Lake State Park

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Modern Campground, Mini Cabin

County Road 100 divides the 1,000-acre South Higgins State Park in half. Higgins Lake is to the north, and Marl Lake and 700 acres of maple, oak, and pine forests are to the south.

Nearly a mile of Higgins Lake's shoreline runs through the park; the lake is a sizable spring-fed body of water renowned for its clarity and fishing potential. Marl Lake is significantly less developed, shallower, and smaller.

Get a metal detector and try your luck looking for hidden gems along the beach in Northeast Michigan. On the nature trail at the camp, take in the peace and watch wildlife.

The day-use area of the park offers easy parking for over 600 vehicles, nearly a half mile of prime beach, a sizable boat launch basin and swimming area, family picnicking and playgrounds, interpretive hiking trails, large pavilions for group gatherings, and of course,, the focal point—the historic park store.     

"Easy in, easy out as long as you go early! We love launching our boat here. The bathrooms are usually pretty clean, and the staff is friendly."

8. Leelanau State Park

Location: 15310 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670

Phone: 231-386-5422

Website: Leelanau State Park

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Rustic Campground, Mini Cabin

With more than 1519 acres available for exploration, Leelanau State Park is near the tip of the lovely Leelanau Peninsula.

The park includes:

- The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.

- Three tiny cabins.

- An 8.5-mile network of hiking and skiing paths.

- A picnic area with a pavilion.

- A primitive campground.

The park is split into two close portions. The day-use area, lighthouse, and primitive campground are all included in the northern unit. The popular park's sandy beach and trail system are located in the southern division.

This compact, roomy, and laid-back campground is situated on the uncommon rocky shoreline of Lake Michigan, which is excellent for gathering Petoskey stones. Although essential, it gets fewer visitors than most lakefront campgrounds because there are no showers.

"We enjoyed the vibe, with rustic camping along the water, nice trails, and the lighthouse. It was tranquil and very few people."

9. Wilderness State Park  

Location: 903 Wilderness Park Dr, Carp Lake, MI 49718

Phone: 231-436-5381

Website: Wildness State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Pines Campground, Bunkhouses

Wilderness State Park in Northwest Michigan can convert everyone who visits into believers. It is the perfect name for a wild, rocky, designated dark sky park revered for its clean air, excellent astronomy conditions, coniferous marshes, and 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

The vast bulk of the numerous miles of shoreline comprises wide sandy beaches with a few scattered cobblestones. They are surrounded by one of Michigan's best-developed and most diverse wooded dune and swale complexes and some breathtaking wetland areas.

Within its more than 10,000 acres, Wilderness State Park provides visitors with various year-round recreational activities, including trails and a designated dark sky area for stargazing. There are 250 modern campsites, split into the Lakeshore and Pines units, 18 full hookup sites, and nine tent-only sites. There are also three rustic bunkhouses and six rustic cabins available.

"The views are spectacular, especially if you can grab one of the lakeside lots. The spots are standard state park spots with some trees but little privacy."

10. Warren Dunes State Park

Location: 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125

Phone: 269-426-4013

Website: Warren Dunes State Park

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: Hildebrandt Semi-Modern Campground, Mt. Randall Modern Campground

One can find some of the most stunning examples in the southwest of the state, near Lake Michigan, in Warren Dunes State Park. It is only 20 miles from the Indiana border at the entrance to Southwest Michigan, but it feels a world away from the crowded, noisy cities that line Lake Michigan's southern side.

Warren Dunes State Park provides a variety of outdoor activities along the stunning Lake Michigan shore. The dune structure rises 260 feet above the lake, offering breathtaking vistas and a great place to hang glide.

The park is available year-round and offers three miles of shoreline and six miles of hiking trails. At Warren Dunes, you may go hiking, scale the dunes, take in breathtaking sunsets, and observe the constellations and planets filling the night sky.    

"Very spacious beach, with several accessible, clean restrooms, plentiful parking, and several food truck vendors. Much easier access than the beaches in Lakeside or Union Pier."

Camping in Michigan Essentials

One of the best ways to appreciate Michigan's outdoors is by camping. There are more than a thousand campgrounds here. Occasionally, we're in a dense, shaded forest. People always pack some camping must-haves for any Michigan camping trip, whether using an RV or tent or roughing it in the backcountry.

- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood

- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, Solar Generator 1000 Plus

- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food

- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves

- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel

- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops

A portable solar generator is necessary to pack when camping in Michigan. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. If you're camping or off the grid, the Jackery Solar Generator can keep your electronic devices running for hours or even days.

Jackery Solar Generators for Camping in Michigan

With solar-powered generators, you can experience the tranquility of your surroundings without any unpleasant odors, all while keeping your camp powered. One of the most attractive aspects of a solar generator is its ability to generate clean energy. It's ideal for camping in a natural setting, where using gas for cooking or powering lights can negatively impact the environment.

If you're looking for a reliable camping generator to power your outdoor appliances, Jackery Solar Generator is the top choice. Utilizing Jackery Solar Panels in conjunction with a Portable Power Station maximizes the utilization of solar power. Experience the tranquility of nature with Jackery Solar Generators - the most silent and eco-friendly generator for camping in Michigan. It allows you to enjoy off-grid camping and effortlessly venture into the wilderness!

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

Jackery presents a portable and convenient Solar Generator 300 Plus that effortlessly fits into a backpack. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a highly efficient and user-friendly solution that combines the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station and the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels.  

With a weight of only 11 lbs, it is a perfect power solution for individuals looking for off-grid options. This powerful device features an innovative dual PD 100W design, providing rapid charging for your devices and keeping up with the needs of our fast-paced society.

The Solar Generator 300 Plus is an essential companion for any adventurer, providing unmatched portability and a sleek, lightweight design. Whether camping, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, the solar generator is a perfect partner for all your small devices, including phones, laptops, lights, and cameras.  

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus can be conveniently recharged using the compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels, requiring only 9.5 hours for a full charge. It also provides the convenience of recharging through different power sources, including an AC outlet (2 hours), a carport (5.5 hours), and USB charging (2.8 hours). Rest assured that electricity won't be a problem during your camping trip, even without sunlight.    

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus stands out among portable power stations in its class due to its impressive output. It can be helpful in camping, off-road living, home emergencies, and other situations. This solar generator is incredibly versatile and can easily adjust its capacity to meet your needs.   

Its expandable capacity accommodates up to three extra battery packs, enabling a reliable off-grid backup power solution lasting 1-3 days.

Using a solar generator, you can effortlessly provide power to your portable grill, cooler, lighting, and coffee maker, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. Ensure you have a dependable backup power source to keep your essential devices running smoothly, guaranteeing safety and reliability during your camping trips.

Compared with the Explorer 300 Plus, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is an excellent option for portable power stations. Its expandable 1.25 to 2.5 kWh capacity can quickly meet all your camping power requirements. For example, on the 1.25 kWh capacity base, it can power a 90W drone for 11.2 hours. On the other hand, Explorer 300 Plus can only power for 2.6 hours.       

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station boasts a remarkable 10-year lifespan and is equipped with a reliable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. With its ability to deliver a consistent voltage and pure sine wave, you can trust that all your electrical appliances will be kept safe and sound. In addition, the ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery effectively protect equipment from damage.

Camping in Michigan Tips

Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, North Country National Scenic Trail, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are all in the Upper Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and River Raisin National Battlefield Park are both under the management of the Park Service. Here are some recommendations for the best camping in Michigan.    

• Michigan has many possibilities, including campgrounds with every amenity imaginable, including furnished cabins, swimming pools, concrete RV slabs, picturesque places, and wildlife encounters.

• Pick an appropriate time to leave. Some national parks are closed in the fall or don't operate throughout the winter, so certain seasons of the year will be busier than others. Even though you only have the summer to travel, you should know that it will be more engaged and congested.

• Purchase a parking pass. You can pay when you enter a national park. Still, if you plan to visit several in a year or have a few passengers in your car, you could be better off purchasing an annual park ticket, allowing you to enter more than 2,000 federal recreation locations.  

Final Thoughts

There are 83 counties in Michigan, each offering a unique camping experience, from bluffs and beaches to forests and falls. Reading this article, you may learn the best camping in Michigan and what to bring.

A portable generator can enable you to live more comfortably outside while camping in Michigan. The Jackery Solar Generator converts solar energy into electrical power and stores it for later use. As a backup power source in case your electricity goes out for RVs and campers. A solar generator offers a dependable, eco-friendly power supply for your Michigan camping trip.