Glamping in St. Ignace, Michigan offers unique overnight accommodations at the gateway to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Located at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge, the area experiences lake-effect weather patterns with summer highs typically in the 70s F and cooler evenings around 50-60 F. Most luxury outdoor lodgings in this area are situated on either Lake Huron or Lake Michigan shorelines, providing easy access to ferry services and local attractions.
What to do
Rent bikes or bring your own: At Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, bike rentals are available on-site for exploring their extensive grounds. "The park is absolutely massive, with plenty to explore and enjoy. One tip: 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," notes Chelsea & Wes J.
Take advantage of shuttle services: Many campgrounds offer convenient transportation options. St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA has a shuttle that transports both people and bikes. "The shuttle they have to the island ferry's is great. They even haul your bikes there for you. The location is great," reports David G.
Explore local landmarks: The area has several natural attractions within short driving distance. "There is a nature trail that you can take your bike that leads you to the North Western State Trail," mentions Julia H. from Mackinaw City KOA. Castle Rock is another popular destination, easily visible from certain lakeside accommodations.
What campers like
Beach access and lake views: Many visitors appreciate the ability to enjoy Lake Huron directly from their accommodations. Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground offers sites with direct water access. "We had a great site on the lake, an end site with the shoreline in front of us," reports B.M., adding, "We went kayaking in the lake it was crystal clear and cool water."
Community fire pits for sunset viewing: Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping provides a shared waterfront experience. "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.
Well-stocked camp stores: Having essential supplies nearby ranks highly with guests. "The camp store is one of the nicest I have been in. It is stocked with all of your camping wants & needs," says Bryan R. about Mill Creek. Another camper noted, "Super well-stocked, clean, and genuinely fun to browse."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most luxury camping options in the area operate from May through mid-October. "We were passing through the area at end of season (it definitely dumped snow and sleet all over us!)," shares Ashley I. about their stay at Lakeshore Park Campground.
Varying hook-up configurations: Water connections can sometimes be unusual at certain properties. At St. Ignace KOA, "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.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some properties. "The traffic from highway 2 was louder than the waves at the beach," notes Kay K. about Lake Michigan at St. Ignace Campground. Consider booking sites further from main roads if seeking quieter accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with multiple amenities: Facilities with various recreation options keep children entertained. Tee Pee Campground offers "Great beach with a view of the Mackinaw bridge!" according to Laikyn C. This location provides both water activities and shoreline play areas.
Consider proximity to ferry services: For families planning Mackinac Island excursions, convenient transportation matters. "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," explains Greg S.
Select campgrounds with playground access: Having dedicated play areas provides alternatives when water activities aren't feasible. "They had a small playground for the kids. There was also a nice heated pool for them to swim in," notes Glynnis A. about Mackinaw City KOA.
Tips from RVers
Check site sizes and configurations: Tiki RV Park & Campground accommodates larger vehicles but requires planning. "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 Chad H.
Confirm exact hook-up specifications: Electrical service can vary even within the same property. "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," reports Jennifer B. about Tiki RV Park, highlighting the importance of confirming specific site details.
Consider premium sites for extended stays: For longer visits, investing in better located sites improves the experience. "We stayed in site #98. We had Full hook-up with a gravel pull-through. We were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. This lot (a premium lot) comes with a concrete patio with a round table with four chairs, two Adirondack chairs and a fire pit and a charcoal box grill," details Julia H.
