The Mackinac area sits along the Straits of Mackinac where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, surrounded by Northern Michigan hardwood forests. Luxury outdoor accommodations around Cross Village average 650 feet above sea level with temperature fluctuations common even in summer months. Most campgrounds stay open from May through mid-October with peak season extending from late June through August.
What to do
Tunnel of Trees drive: One of the most scenic routes near Cross Village runs along M-119. "Close to Leggs restaurant. Mackinac Island. Tunnel of Trees. Upper peninsula Michigan. All this and a great Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA," notes Kerry T.
Lake Huron swimming: The shallow shores make for safe wading. "We pulled in and asked for a site for 2 days. The young lady was very helpful! Cute little beach with views of the bridge. We will definitely stay here again!" writes Brooke L. about her experience at Tee Pee Campground.
Dark Sky viewing: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Also recommend visiting the Headlands Dark Sky Park about 10 mins away, awesome views of the stars over Lake Michigan," suggests Emma W., highlighting an astronomical attraction near camping areas.
Bike trail access: The North Western State Trail connects to multiple camping locations. "From the campground, there is a nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the North Western State Trail," explains a visitor describing recreational options in the region.
What campers like
Beach access for fossil hunting: Many campers appreciate the Lake Michigan shoreline for fossil collecting. "We found Petoskey stones and other fossils and swam. It felt like being at the ocean! There were nice trails to walk and we could see a light house off in the distance," reports Jennifer G. from Magnus Park Campground.
Waterfront evening activities: Fire pits along the shore provide social gathering spots. "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," writes Greg S. about Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Private shower facilities: Bathroom amenities receive consistent praise. "The shower house has individual showers. Toilets with sinks are in a shared bathroom. These are kept very clean," notes a camper discussing facilities at area campgrounds.
Ferry connections: Many glamping locations offer transportation to Mackinac Island. "The shuttle for the island ferry picks you up right at the campground," shares Tom M., highlighting a convenient service that enhances the Cross Village camping experience.
What you should know
Site selection impacts: The location of your site can dramatically change your experience. "Half of the camp ground was under water. We booked three sites together over the phone. When we got there we were not together," cautions Tammy K. about her stay at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly, particularly in early and late season. "We took a week long motorcycle trip! We pulled in and asked for a site for 2 days. The young lady was very helpful! Cute little beach with views of the bridge," writes a camper describing a spontaneous stay.
Limited WiFi access: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "We never got connected to the Wi-Fi in the site we were in," reports David H., noting technology limitations that glamping guests in Cross Village, Michigan should anticipate.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience environmental noise. "Sitting between the town and the water, the backside of the camp area is the hospital with loud cooling fan towers running constantly," explains Michael Z., detailing potential noise considerations for light sleepers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Facilities for children vary between campgrounds. "It a wonderful campground with just a short walk to Macinaw City. Sites are level and shaded with all the amenities for both adults and kids," shares Doug and Terri C. about their experience at a nearby campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer organized games. "They do have a Swimming pool. There is a Playground. They also offer Gaga ball, horseshoe, and corn hole. There is a Reading lending library and board games to borrow," reports a visitor describing amenities at Petoskey KOA.
Beach safety considerations: Lake shores feature varying conditions. "If you like the beach, you'll easily get out in the water over 100 yards and still be safe (roughly 3feet or so). Bring your kayaks too," advises Myron M. from Burt Lake State Park Campground, highlighting the gentle slope of some beaches.
Spacious site options: For families needing room to spread out, certain sites offer more space. "We traveled with two other families and chose to stay on the Lake View. For our families these were the best sites because they are on the water with beach sand," shares a camper about their multi-family experience.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds. "Camp site was HUGE! I believe ours was like 40x65! Electric hookup. Pet friendly park and beach area," reports a camper describing the generous proportions available at some locations.
Hookup placement challenges: Some sites have unusual utility arrangements. "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," advises Erin A. when describing practical considerations at a lakeside camping area.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds. "Site 16 somewhat unlevel but blocks worked. Nice wooded area," notes Barbara P. about Lakeshore Park Campground, providing practical insight for RV owners planning glamping trips in Cross Village, Michigan.
Road conditions: Access roads receive varying maintenance. "Greeted with a huge pothole in the driveway entrance. Dirt roads in campground," cautions an RVer about conditions they encountered when arriving at their destination.
