On your way south consider taking US-23.....along the lake huron shoreline. It is the "Natural" side of the state without the traffic and tourist traps like in West Michigan. About 2.5 hour from the bridge you will find Harrisville State Park where you can set up camp right on the beach...literally, it is 10 feet from the sand and a beautiful state park. You'll pass many of the states lighthouses like Presquill, Sturgeon pointe, and 30 minutes south of Harrisville is Tawas pointe state park and lighthouse. Many, many small towns with quaint restaurants and shops and a much slower pace than the west shore of Lake Michigan.