Mackinac Island visitors seeking overnight accommodations can explore several campgrounds on the mainland within a 20-mile radius of ferry access points. The Upper Peninsula region experiences average summer temperatures between 65-75°F with frequent evening temperature drops. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options and peak demand during July and August.
What to do
Lake activities from campsites: Cheboygan State Park Campground offers direct access to Lake Huron with designated kayak and paddleboard storage. "There is a lovely accessible beach right in the campground. Oh, and racks on the beach for your padddleboards and kayaks! Bring an extra padlock to take advantage," notes Sarah B., who appreciated the water access amenities.
Stargazing options: Mackinaw City Campground provides open, unobstructed views for night sky enthusiasts. "Right on the main trip to the city and excellent for stargazing because it's so open," reports Julia C., who enjoyed the campground's minimal light pollution.
Ferry transport services: St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA offers complementary transportation to island ferries. David G. explains, "The shuttle they have to the island ferry's is great. They even haul your bikes there for you. The location is great."
Winter camping: While most campgrounds close after October, some hardy campers visit during colder months. "Cross country skiing in the winter. Great area!!" mentions Wesley R. from Cheboygan State Park Campground, highlighting year-round recreational possibilities.
What campers like
Lake Huron views: Lakeshore Park Campground provides direct sightlines to the Mackinac Bridge. "Right on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Great little beach for enjoying the lake. Campground is quiet and well maintained," says Bryan R., emphasizing the scenic waterfront setting.
Private waterfront sites: Mill Creek Camping features lakefront sites with sandy beach areas. As Bryan R. explains, "We chose to stay on the Lake View (Mackinaw Bridge not visible). For our families these were the best sites because they are on the water with beach sand. If you choose to stay on the side with the bridge view the shore line is rocky."
Convenience to attractions: Many campgrounds position visitors within 10-15 minutes of regional highlights. Kurt and Mary Ann C. at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA note, "Haven't been here but 9 hours but appears to be well run. Great front office employees."
Well-stocked camp stores: Several campgrounds maintain on-site provisions. Chelsea & Wes J. at Mill Creek Camping share, "The camp store is easily one of the best I've ever been to. Super well-stocked, clean, and genuinely fun to browse."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Summer rain can impact campsite conditions significantly. A visitor staying at Cheboygan State Park Campground advised, "The nice thing about Michigan State Parks is that you can make a reservation, which is nice reassurance if you're traveling on a busy summer weekend... One drawback to all that green, this campground is pretty damp. Bring a few extra towels and bug repellent."
Water hookup arrangements: Some campgrounds have unusual utility setups. At St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA, Erin A. noted, "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."
Campground road conditions: Access roads may require reduced speeds. Jana at Cheboygan State Park Campground reported, "I didn't like it that it is a long distance from the campsites to the swimming beach. We ended up driving every time we wanted to swim and it was like driving over a washboard."
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from May through October with limited shoulder season availability. Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground operates from "May 15 to Oct 10," providing a typical window for seasonal camping in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA, Krystiana H. reports, "Pet friendly has small dog enclosure at front as well as mini golf and playgrounds. Lots of trees and wooded areas to feel more remote without the driving. Very peaceful."
Budget considerations: Premium waterfront sites command higher prices. Greg S. at Mill Creek Camping suggests, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Woodland campsites offer nature observation opportunities. Sarah B. at Cheboygan State Park Campground mentions, "Lots of cool frogs to see, though, and a lovely accessible beach right in the campground."
Group camping areas: For multi-family trips, several campgrounds offer clustered sites. Bret S. describes his experience at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA: "Our party was in sites 28, 14, and 15. This gave us an almost private campfire area at site 15, shielded from all other campers. The big open field behind 15 was a great place to exercise the dogs."
Tips from RVers
Electric service variations: Electric hookup types vary between campgrounds. Tony M. at Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground mentions, "Tight space but doable. A lot of mud when raining. They have some on the lake spots as well. Overall a good experience and close to what we wanted to do in the area."
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require stabilization equipment. Julia H. at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA explains, "We were in Site# 98. We had Full hook-up with a gravel pull-through. The site was easy to level."
Limited full hookup options: Not all campgrounds offer complete RV services. At Tee Pee Campground, Lydia T. advises, "Small campground but right on Lake Huron. The campsites are close to each other so I would recommend one of the outer campsites that backs up to the woods."
Campground navigation: Interior roads may present challenges for larger rigs. Chad H. regarding Mill Creek Camping suggests, "Awesome campground, 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."
