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pdubuc's avatar
pdubuc
Explorer
Oct 06, 2014

Internet Access at Michigan State Parks

We take long weekend camping trips and usually go to Michigan State Parks. I need to work while we are camping and need internet access to do so. I have an iPhone with Verizon service and an iPad with AT&T service. At many campgrounds I get ZERO signal or very little signal (these Michigan Campgrounds include: Fisherman's Island, Algonac, Lakeport and others), so am unable to use my phone or iPad for a Hotspot. So far, I have had to pack everything up and find a restaurant in nearby towns that have free Wi-Fi in order to work.

Does anyone have a solution to this problem - a way to get internet access while on the road with little to no cell signal, without having to leave the campground?

Thanks in advance!
RV Lifestyle
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    It must be the iPhone antenna, as I was at Algonac and had Verizon coverage though I had to turn off data roaming as it wanted to connect to Canadian towers. Also good coverage at Traverse City SP. And finally have no coverage at Taquanamin Falls but later found it was only in the lower portion of the park. The area of it near the check in was adaquate.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    I have Verizon service and have excellent 4g reception at most of the state parks i've visited along the west coast (along the Chicago pipeline I guess?)

    If you have to work while camping, pick parks in the pipeline I guess, since a lot of those out of state are camping and working too, and Verizon knows it.

    Some of the more remote parks, like Wilderness, I had no signal without using a booster, and then it was mostly 3g and slow 3g at that.

    Along the east coast, I don't have much experience, sorry.

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