PA to Michigan- campground ideas needed

If it was me, I would head to the UP. Tahquamenon Falls SP, Indian Lake SP, Wilderness SP (actually lower peninsula but close enough), or there is a local/county park in Munising.

Check out Mackinac City, campground is Tee Pee campground. Day trip some parts of the UP, day trip the Island. Lots to do for a girl and her dog. The Island welcomes pets as do the ferries to get over there.

On the way back,I would recommend Buckeye Lake State Park.It's just east of Dayton ,Ohio. It has electric hookups and a nice size lake which we could see from our site. There was a separate beach for campers. They have a nice store too. About 10 miles off I-70.

When you leave Lake Hudson ( I would not spend three days there unless you have something particular to do in the area) head for the western part of the state and cruise up the Lake Michigan shore. Best beaches in the state, and great state parks. Further north check out Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Traverse City and Petoskey areas have wineries, great eating, sightseeing, and of course beaches. Take M-119 north of Petoskey; the drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is one of the most scenic in the state. Do NOT do it in your MH, it's very winding and narrow.

Mackinac Island is nice, with fudge shops and other touristy souvenir stuff, along with plenty of history and natural beauty. You can ride a bike around the island--bring your own on the ferry, or rent on the island--or take a horse draw carriage. No motorized traffic is allowed on the island.

Cross the bridge into the UP for even more seclusion and nature. Sault Ste Marie has the shipping locks that 1000 foot long freighters pass through between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. There are a couple of campgrounds right on the channel to the locks, with amazing views of the big freighters. You can even take a boat ride through the locks.

Ok- so doing some more planning. Coming into southern Michigan from Ohio and headed to the Western shoreline. I am then going up the shoreline towards Mackinac and the UP. Need to plan from around Toledo to Western Michigan. I wIll need to stop for a night - any good ideas of places to see about midway between those 2 points? Thanks for the help all !!

You can check out campgrounds by state and city at rvparkreviews.com. It can help you locate parks as well as get an idea of size, amenities and read reviews. Many also have a link to the campground website. We use it all the time.

Since I'm not sure what your route might be I am attaching the RV Park Reviews.com page for Michigan. If you're not familiar with the site just click on the circles and it will bring you closer to specific areas of the state and the campgrounds available.

Most of the state parks along Lake Michigan get reserved well in advance, but if you're in the area of your choice weekdays you can often find a spot. There are many private campgrounds along the west side of the state.

I'd suggest that you try the areas from Muskegon northward along the lake. Just go up to Lansing and take I-96 west through Grand Rapids and then on to Muskegon. Then take US31 north. The Ludington area has several nice private parks. A bit further north in Manistee you can camp at the Little River Casino at their very nice campground. You don't have to gamble to stay there.

It's a nice drive up along the west side of the state. Charlevoix and Petoskey area nice little towns with lots of water.

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/michigan

If you don't have time to explore the UP, at least attempt to make it to Wilderness SP. That place is real nice, and only 20 minutes from Mackinaw City. The Tunnel of Trees scenic drive is near there (Good Hart).Then cut across and drive down the eastern shores to Tawas Point SP. Otheroptions to consider are Crystal Lake, Cadillac, and Houghton Lakes.

You're leaving now to spend 2 weeks in Michigan in the summer and you want to be on the lake? Sorry, but I almost laughed.
Those sites were all filled over 6 months ago.

You may be able to get a random site during the middle of the week, but that is also unlikely.

I would not just show up in Michigan in the summer and hope for the best on the Western Coast. You need to plan so you're not stuck without a place to sleep.
Best of luck to you.

michigansandzilla wrote:
You're leaving now to spend 2 weeks in Michigan in the summer and you want to be on the lake? Sorry, but I almost laughed.
Those sites were all filled over 6 months ago.

You may be able to get a random site during the middle of the week, but that is also unlikely.

I would not just show up in Michigan in the summer and hope for the best on the Western Coast. You need to plan so you're not stuck without a place to sleep.
Best of luck to you.

Wow- what a way to put a dark cloud over my trip. Well, you will be surprised to know that I have found sites at campgrounds for 3/4 of the trip with no issues at all...and just have not booked the last 1/4 because I do not know where I'll be headed.
Just to let you know- I am quite proud that I am doing this- its just me ( a 53 year old gal) and her dog....with a toad for the first time. We are already 1/2 way across PA- and doing GREAT! Your message really bummed me out. Why spend the time to say something so negative and sarcastic?? All other responders have been SOOOOO helpful. I know its late- and I can deal with that. This is how I do it...decide on a state and GO. Quite an adventurous spirit if I do say so myself. So please keep your comments to yourself.
Looking forward to my adventure.....
Thanks
K