Lake Huron's freshwater shoreline shapes the camping experience around Cedarville, Michigan, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The area maintains a northern continental climate with summer highs typically reaching 75-80°F and cool evenings dropping to the 50s. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh winter conditions that make camping impractical from November through April.
What to do
Bridge viewing spots: 2-3 miles from camp. Lakeshore Park Campground offers direct views of the Mackinac Bridge from its Lake Michigan shoreline. "There is a beachfront on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Cozy campground that is well maintained with clean Bathhouse," notes Bryan R. Some campers report seeing the northern lights from this vantage point.
Ferry access: Free shuttle service available. Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA provides transportation to island ferries. "They offer a free shuttle to mackinaw ferry. That was really helpful. Everyone here has been friendly. Not a lot of bugs & far enough out of the city that you can't hear a lot of noise," according to Nicole P. Both major ferry companies offer packages that include various island attractions.
Kayaking opportunities: Multiple lake entry points. Brevoort Lake Campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "The lake is beautiful, good for swimming and fishing. The town of Escanaba is nearby with good restaurants and Lake walks," mentions Sue B. The crystal clear water offers excellent visibility for exploring the shoreline.
What campers like
Private beach areas: Lake access for swimming. Tee Pee Campground provides shoreline access with bridge views. "Nice family owned campground on Lake Huron. Very nice view of the Mackinac Bridge, very clean bathrooms and showers, perfect for families," reports Samantha B. The beach area allows for swimming and relaxation with strategic bridge viewing.
Community lakefront fire areas: Shared sunset viewing. Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers a unique social experience along the shoreline. "There is a beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening. Very cool and communal in a good way," explains Greg S. This setup encourages camper interaction while enjoying evening views.
Well-stocked camp stores: Emergency supplies available. Many local campgrounds maintain comprehensive stores for forgotten items. "They have a great general store...It is stocked with all of your camping wants & needs," notes Bryan R. about Mill Creek Camping. The stores typically stock firewood, basic groceries, and camping supplies at slightly premium prices.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: May through October only. Most facilities close completely during winter months. "Season: May 1 to Oct 15" is listed for Lakeshore Park Campground, which is typical for the region. Shoulder season camping in early May or October may encounter variable weather conditions including occasional frost.
Reservation requirements: Book early for waterfront. Premium sites with water views fill quickly during peak season. "Book early as it is a small campground. We have stayed here a few times on our way through and always enjoyed ourselves," advises Matt S. about Lakeshore Park Campground. Many campgrounds offer online reservations up to six months in advance.
Water hookup peculiarities: Multiple hoses sometimes needed. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA has an unusual water hookup system. "The only weird thing about the sites was the water hook ups were shared (which is tough for a pull through) so we needed three hoses to hook up. Not a huge deal just a tip," explains Erin A. This setup may require additional equipment planning for RV travelers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Various age options. Brevoort Lake Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a very nice, very well maintained USFS campground with options for everyone... My wife and I both agreed that it would be a very nice place to bring our grandkids," shares Jeff P. The recreation areas typically include standard playground equipment suitable for children ages 4-12.
Mini-golf options: On-site at select locations. Several campgrounds offer additional entertainment for children. "As with most KOA's there are games and things to do for the kids. Mini golf, carpet ball, volleyball, etc.," reports Gary J. about St. Ignace KOA. These activities provide entertainment during downtime between major excursions.
Quiet evening environment: Early quiet hours. Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet periods. "Quiet hours were well followed. I felt we had to whisper around the fire, to feel like we weren't disturbing anyone. It was very family based so got pretty quiet around 8:00 PM," notes Brittany R. about Brevoort Lake. This environment works well for families with young children but may feel restrictive for groups wanting later evening socialization.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Bring blocks. Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "This is an older Campground. Wooded Rustic with gravel drive access. We enjoyed our four day stay. Had full hookups, was quiet and enjoyable," reports Marty F. Many sites require moderate leveling with blocks, particularly at older facilities.
Specialized glamping in Cedarville, Michigan: Custom yurts available. Tiki RV Park & Campground offers distinctive glamping accommodations beyond standard cabins. "We decided to splurge on a yurt for our first camping trip of the summer. Well worth it! We stayed in 'Kai' one of the newest yurts," shares Meaghan G. These structures provide amenities like electricity, beds with linens, and coffee-making supplies.
Road condition awareness: Varying quality. Access roads to some facilities may present challenges for large rigs. "Mill Creek Camping... definitely need to know the campground a little bit IF you're planning on bringing a very large RV. But if not, call the office they'll put you in a good spot," advises Chad H. Some campgrounds have significant elevation changes, tight turns, or unpaved sections that may challenge larger vehicles.
