RV campgrounds near Mackinaw City sit at the northernmost point of Michigan's Lower Peninsula where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. The camping season typically runs from May through October with summer high temperatures averaging 75°F. Water levels in Lake Huron can fluctuate by several inches throughout the season, occasionally affecting shoreline sites during windy conditions.
What to do
Ferry service to Mackinac Island: Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping offers a shuttle van to transport campers and bikes to the ferry. "You buy your ferry tickets to Mackinaw Island at the camp store and it's 10 minutes to get there with boats leaving every 30 minutes. The island is amazing and worth a day of your life to ride around it on a bike and get some good food and fudge," explains one camper.
Waterfront sunset viewing: Dedicated shoreline fire pits provide communal gathering spots. "Build a fire in one of the many fire pits on the lake shore and watch the spectacular sun set and the bridge light up!" reports a visitor to Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Explore St. Ignace history: Located 5 miles north across the Mackinac Bridge. "Be sure to visit the Museum of Ojibwa Culture," recommends a camper who stayed at Tiki RV Park & Campground.
Paddling local waters: Launch kayaks and canoes from waterfront sites. Several campgrounds offer beach access for launching small watercraft, allowing exploration of the straits and shoreline.
What campers like
Lakefront sites with private beaches: Loons Point RV Park & Campground offers waterfront access. "Waterfront campsites are very nice... This is our 3rd time staying here and will be back," notes a returning visitor.
Well-stocked camp stores: Many campers highlight the convenience of on-site shopping. "The camp store is one of the nicest I have been in. It is stocked with all of your camping wants & needs," reports a visitor to Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Yurt accommodations: For campers without equipment or seeking a unique experience. "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. Complete with electricity, indoor and outdoor string lights, two deck chairs, a heater, a queen sized bed, and an electric kettle with pour over coffee supplies," details one happy camper at Tiki RV Park.
Bike-friendly environments: Larger campgrounds offer space for cycling. "Definitely bring your bike if you can! It makes exploring the park so much easier. But if you forget, no worries—they have rentals available on-site too," suggests a visitor to Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
What you should know
Site variations within campgrounds: Conditions can vary significantly from one site to another. At Indian River RV Resort, "Owners lead you to your site and assist getting your rig lined up with water/sewer connections," which helps with the sometimes challenging positioning.
Seasonal crowds affect reservations: Peak season requires advance planning. "Book early as it is a small campground," advises a camper about Lakeshore Park Campground.
Lakefront view differences: Some sites offer bridge views while others face open water. "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," explains a visitor detailing the options at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Wi-Fi reliability varies: Internet connectivity fluctuates across the region. "We never got connected to the Wi-Fi in the site we were in," reports a visitor to Tiki RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and pool access: Lakeshore Park Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "Offers some sites close to the lakeshore and others a little farther back. Our site and most of the others had nice tree cover for shade," notes one family.
Swimming options: Beach quality varies between campgrounds. "This campground is huge with many sites to choose from. 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 visitor about their experience at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Bathroom proximity: With young children, location matters. "Unfortunately, not full hook up but good for water and electric. Another perk of staying in these sites is you are a short walk away from the bath houses (private and clean), the playground, pool, and camp store," details a family that stayed at sites 176-178 at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Paradise Point RV Park offers more level sites than some alternatives. "Large campsites and clean, well maintained campground right on the St. Mary's river. Big rig friendly with full hookups sites," reports one RVer.
55-gallon trash bins: Indian River RV Resort provides convenient waste disposal. "55 gallon trash bins throughout campground so you don't have to go all the way to front of campground for dumpsters and they collect regularly," notes an appreciative camper.
Call ahead for tight sites: Many Mackinaw City RV campgrounds have limited space. "We 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 one experienced camper about Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Large rig length limits: Research site dimensions before booking. "We stayed in site 32 which worked out perfectly for our 36' trailer," shares a visitor about their stay at Tiki RV Park & Campground.
