our great lakes trip in july- aug 2014

thanks douglasc, this sounds like a great place. we plan to be in area for several days. sincerely,richard

If you're not looking for a fancy campground while in the Traverse City area, you might want to consider the Northwestern MI Fairgrounds campground about 9 miles south of Traverse City just off M37 (Blair Town Hall Rd). Camping fee is only $20/night with 30/50A elec & water & dump station. Check their website at:
http://www.northwesternmichiganfair.net/about-us/campground-information/

We plan to be there July 14 to 20 for an RV Rally. In the Traverse City area are many wineries in the Leelanaw and Mission peninsulas, Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Interlochen (world famous Arts & Music camp which offers tours and free concerts)

I'll 2nd the Mackinac Island suggestion as well. Have been there several times - - always a fascinating place - - lots of horse drawn vehicles and bicycles - - NO cars. Last time we stayed in St. Ignace at Tiki RV Park & Campground on Airport Rd. Ferries go to the Island from St. Ignace as well as from Mackinaw City.

Also, if you are heading up the west coast of MI on U.S. 31, plan to stop in Grand Haven and stay at the State Park there, right on the beach - - and in sight of the Grand Haven Light House. Lots of other interesting towns along the coast including Holland, Mears (dune buggy rides) and Pentwater.

Richard...the route I gave you will have you close to more than half a dozen slots/casino's.
You asked about private campgrounds and reservations. We never stay in private but go to tourism Ontario and you will find lots there. Provincial parks do have some first come sites they have to have a certain % of the park that way. We have on occasion called that morning or early afternoon and been given an idea of the possibility of getting a site. We have never been left out on the road and they have emergency sites.

You're welcome, Richard! Touring around MI was one of my very favorite summers and I have fantastic memories. That's why I do websites like that to help me remember given my chronic CRS. :)

thanks joureyer for your imput. i am in process of reading michigan miles. sincerly,richard ps enjoy tennessee, east tennessee and smokies are great

loulou, to answer your question, we travel just the two of us.we enjoy history, lighthouses, scenic drives, casinos. sincerly, richard

thanks guys for all the info. i am now concerned about reservations in rv parks in michigan and ontario. do you think the commercial parks will be full in july without reservations? we have never made reservations this far in advance in our travels. sincerly richard

X2 on Science North.

As Camp-n-family mentioned...Midland is the home of Sainte Marie among the Hurons. Ontario's first European community. Jesuit Priests arrived in the 17th century. The builings are in the original place where the Jesuits arrived to educate the native people on Christianity. Worth stopping at.

Big Chute.... The only marine railroad of it's kind still in use in North America. Just north of Coldwater Ontario off 69. The railroad lifts boats approximately 60' out of the water and over rock to the upper level of the Trent Severn water system. Six mile Lake Provincial Park is very close.

There are numerous places to visit, Parry Sound, if you have time take a cruise of the 30,000 islands on Canada's largest sightseeing cruise ship ..The Island Queen. Or take a sightseeing tour by water plane.

Sudbury...Science North. The Big Nickel. The majority of nickel in North America comes from Sudbury. You can learn all about mining in the area and possibly take a tour in a mine. Sudbury is also the home of 2 large meteorite
crators. Visit Science North you won't regret it.

Lots more things to see and do, LOL

South through Ontario around the east side of the lake is a nice drive with a number of really nice provincial parks along the way. Not too familiar with the private parks. If you are planning this summer you may be too late for the provincial parks. They book up fast and start 5 months in advance.

Ontario Provincial Parks

Take hwy17 to Sudbury, then south on 69 to the 400. Grundy Lake is one of our favorites. Awenda is another really nice one too. A little off track but Midland is really nice with lots of touristy things to do. There are a few small parks around Lake Simcoe as well but then not much between that and Niagara Falls. There are some conservation areas that have camping as well.

Travelling across Manitoulin Island is nice too and Tobermory is a sight to see, the grotto and National Park, but the ferry is very expensive. With our truck and 26' tt it was just shy of $300.