Straits State Park Campground offers direct views of the Mackinac Bridge from campsites and walkable beach areas. Temperatures in this region range from daytime highs of 75°F in summer to below freezing at night in early spring and fall. Michigan campgrounds typically maintain quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with most fire rings lacking attached cooking grates.
What to do
Stargazing at dark sky parks: Headlands Dark Sky Park is approximately 10 minutes from Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, creating opportunities for night sky viewing. "We even saw the northern lights one night! The mighty mack bridge and even saw the northern lights one night!" notes Tori K. about Lakeshore Park Campground.
Hiking state park trails: Wilderness State Park features rustic backcountry sites requiring approximately one-mile hikes to reach. "They have true rustic sites, where you have to hike into, usually a little over a mile. If you want to get away into your own space, Wilderness has it," explains Amy G.
Ferry trips to Mackinac Island: Several campgrounds offer transportation to ferry services. "The shuttle will take you directly to the ferry. The campground has laundry facilities that are clean," reports Glynnis A. about Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA.
What campers like
Bridge views from campsites: Tee Pee Campground offers shoreline campsites with views of the Mackinac Bridge. "This campground is in a great location to enjoy Mackinac. The campground has a very nice beach on the lake and the bath and shower houses were very nice and well maintained," explains Caleb S.
Private shoreline access: Several lakefront campgrounds provide direct water access. "Sites are level and shaded with all the amenities for both adults and kids. It a wonderful campground with just a short walk to Macinaw City," says Doug and Terri C.
Clean facilities: Campground washrooms receive regular maintenance throughout the camping season. "The bathroom/shower building is okay but seems to have been built decades ago without any updates. The staff were very nice," notes David H. regarding Tiki RV Park & Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal weather variations: Northern Michigan experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "It's a toss up, nice weather = midges, cold weather = wind and cold. My first day was cold, rainy and windy. Second day was nice and sunny," reports Shelly S. about Straits State Park Campground.
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring equipment for leveling. "Only had to use one block under each front tire to level, with plenty of room to pull forward to unload my motorcycle," explains Jef E. about the dispersed camping at French Farm Lake Rd.
Varying hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground and sometimes by site. "We reserved 50 amp full hook up. We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome," notes Jennifer B. about Tiki RV Park & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA provides family-focused amenities. "Very 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," describes Krystiana H.
Playgrounds and pools: Several campgrounds offer recreation facilities for children. "They had a small playground for the kids. There was also a nice heated pool for them to swim in. Camping spots are shady," reports Glynnis A.
Seasonal activities: October brings special events to some campgrounds. "We went during the Halloween party. Had lots of fun," mentions Jenafer P. about Wilderness State Park Camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: French Farm Lake Rd offers free dispersed camping with limited sites. "We took site #1, which is one of the better sites IMO. Don't forget to grab a registration sheet on your way in. Beware of sandy roads and make sure to scout before pulling in with your big rig," advises Jef E.
Extra fees awareness: Some locations have additional charges beyond site fees. "Then we were told & billed $7 per day for parking our tow car. We have traveled in several states & never experienced this unwelcoming feature," warns Catherine B.
Navigation challenges: Campground layouts can be confusing without proper maps. "Our site was also pretty hidden so with no map (because it wasn't in self check in folder) it was hard to find our site," explains cheyanne P. about Tiki RV Park & Campground.
