St. Ignace serves as a gateway to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, positioned at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F during peak months. Most RV parks near St. Ignace offer varying connectivity options, with cellular reception stronger near the Mackinac Bridge and weaker in outlying areas.
What to do
Shipwreck viewing trips: Take guided boat tours from St. Ignace to see shipwrecks in the Straits of Mackinac. "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," notes a visitor at Tiki RV Park & Campground, which provides convenient access to water activities.
Mackinac Island day trips: Ferry services operate regularly from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. "This is a good location to stay if you are planning to head over to Mackinac island!" reports a camper at Lakeshore Park Campground, where sites offer views of the Mackinac Bridge.
Freighter watching: Observe massive Great Lakes freighters navigating the St. Mary's River. "This is a great campground if you want to watch the freighters. I gave it only 4 stars because there is only 30 amp hookups available and there aren't many trees for shade. But the close access to watch the freighters makes up for those short comings," writes a visitor at Aune-Osborn Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campgrounds offer direct waterfront access with views of shipping traffic. "There is a beachfront on Lake Michigan with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Cozy campground that is well maintained with clean Bathhouse," notes one camper at Lakeshore Park Campground.
Northern lights viewing: Some campgrounds provide optimal dark-sky viewing conditions. "We had some great views of the mighty mack bridge and even saw the northern lights one night!" reports a visitor at Lakeshore Park Campground.
Dog-friendly facilities: Several RV parks St. Ignace, Michigan offer dedicated pet areas. "And a HUGE dog park with lots of room for pups to run off-leash, chase balls and make friends!" mentions a camper at Indian River RV Resort, which is within driving distance of St. Ignace.
What you should know
Sites often fill early: Reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for waterfront spots. "Book early as it is a small campground," advises a camper at Bay Mills Casino RV Campground, noting the limited availability.
Site drainage issues: Several campgrounds experience drainage problems after rain. "When we arrived it had been rainy during the day and there was lots of water in the roads and at people's campsites. Luckily our site was dry but there were some pretty big puddles and lots of standing water," reports a camper at Aune-Osborn Campground.
Inconsistent Wi-Fi: Internet access varies significantly between RV parks in the St. Ignace area. "We never got connected to the Wi-Fi in the site we were in," notes a visitor at Tiki RV Park & Campground. This contrasts with some parks that offer dedicated Wi-Fi antennas throughout their grounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety preparation: Beaches at many campgrounds lack lifeguards. Bring personal flotation devices for children when staying at waterfront sites. "Nice clean Big lots, owners take pride in how this campground looks. Close to stores, tubing, able to ride atv/utv in and out," mentions a reviewer at Indian River RV Resort.
Indoor backup plans: Weather can change quickly along the Straits. "The bathroom and shower building is about .1 miles each way according to my fitness tracker, but it's doable," notes a camper at Tiki RV Park & Campground, highlighting the importance of knowing where facilities are located.
Evening activities: Temperatures often drop significantly after sunset. "We had a full hookup site with firepit. Staff was friendly and bathrooms were clean," reports one camper. Plan for cool-weather clothing and activities even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Many RV parks St. Ignace and surrounding areas have unconventionally placed utility connections. "The sites are tight in this campground but with our teardrop we had no problem," notes a visitor at Tiki RV Park & Campground. Bring extension cords and extra water hoses.
Site selection strategy: Request specific site numbers when booking. "We stayed in site 32 which worked out perfectly for our 36' trailer," recommends a camper at Tiki RV Park & Campground. Study campground maps or call ahead for guidance on maneuvering space.
Self-check-in procedures: Understand the after-hours check-in process. "The front office doesn't seem the most organized as our reservations were not in the self check in and we had to call the emergency after hour line to confirm we could go to our spot," cautions a camper at Tiki RV Park & Campground.
