PA to Michigan- campground ideas needed

[kaffi311]

Hello all. Planning a trip to Michigan. I have 2 + weeks. Leaving this weekend- and just going to enjoy the ride with no hurry to get anywhere! 29' Class C with a toad. I am spending 3 nights at Lake Hudson rec area in Southern Michigan- then ??? Would like ideas after that. Like quiet camps- near water would be awesome ( although I think there are tons of those in Michigan!). Thanks for any ideas you can share! - Kathy....'Just a girl and her dog Molly' 🙂

[travelnutz]

Just a heads up:

During the week before a major summer holiday, you may well find a few openings at many Michigan State Park CG's. Lots of people skip that week as the next week has a 3-4 day weekend thru Monday or Tuesday and there's rarely any openings over those 3-4 days in most CG's in the state and not only in the state parks.

More openings will usually be found in the week before Labor Day as many kids are home getting ready for school to start or in the fall sports practices and band practices and other programs and registering too. Most schools start on Tuesday after Labor Day but some now begin the week before Labor Day in Michigan.

Today FWIW:

Presently here in Grand Haven, MI it's the finale day of the annual U.S. Coast Guard Festival is happening and the CG's and rooms are full for about 50 miles from Grand Haven in all directions as there's hundreds of thousand of people in town for the huge 10 day festival which is extremely popular. Grand Haven is the only mandated, voted on and passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the president years ago "Coast Guard City USA" and where the annual CG Festival has been held for over 90 years now.

Annually, 350,000 to 500,00 people attend the festival and it's nearly 50 public events and venues of which most are free and the incredible Saturday long parade and constant events for all of all ages from morning until after the gigantic Fireworks show and other events after it gets dark at night with several hundred thousand people lining the banks and all the closed down streets for about a mile length spectacular finale that always ends on the first Saturday in August at around midnight. Lots of parking all around the area and swarms of busses and school busses shuttle people from outlying parking areas to the waterfront all day. Hundred of RV's are allowed to dry park on private and church etc parking lots for the festival too and they overflow every year.

A huge carnival down the main street, 5 CG ships open for touring, a Tuesday huge free street dance with a professional band, many beer tents with food too plus over 80 restaurants and another approx. 60 mobile food vendors around town at the VFW, Eagles, Elks, American Legion, and others. Huge craft fair in Central Park, programs every night at the waterfront stadium with about 4000 capacity for each. So many other events and things to do in each day of the 10 day festival. Lots of everything for all ages every day. Tens of thousands of boats here for the festival as we have 29 launching ramps for the public and over a hundred miles of navigable inland waters not even including Lake Michigan. Pure sand beaches galore and a very long fancy popular boardwalk.

Wife and I had volunteered for over 25 years in traffic control and communications but at over 75 it's time for the younger taking over. Takes 1100 to 1200 local people all working together each year to put on the festival and It's huge and NON-profit.

Next week returns to closer to normal around here but always popular and busy in this voted "The Happiest Seaside Town in America" and hundreds of other accolades given too. Just a wonderful place to live for all ages and has outstanding schools always in the top 5% of the entire nation and to work and retire in too and why we won't ever move away. Less than 3% unemployment and only 85% of the national 100% average cost of living. NO rundown areas here and safe 24/7/365.

[Hammerboy]

Lantley wrote:
I am not familiar with Michigan at all. I do believe you can generally find somewhere to stay in the popular tourist areas.
However I also believe the premier spots book up fast and will generally be unavailable.
There are many like the OP that like to travel carefree without reservations and are OK with just having any site in the area and there are those that prefer the premier spots in the best locations and prefer to make reservations.
Simply a case of different strokes for different folks.

Yes, popular parks fill fast and need to be planned well in advance. Our favorite state park is Ludington state park and you better be sitting by your computer at the minute they open for the day on first day of availability of your stay during the summer and hope you get a lot. You have maybe ten minutes to snag one, we have since decided to stay there in the fall after school starts. But there are plenty of good parks that you can get in on short notice, just not the premier ones unless you get lucky on a cancellation.

Dan

[drsteve]

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.

Yes, those sites were filled six months ago when the reservation window opened, but many people cancel later, because life happens. Weddings, funerals, family emergencies, work changes, etc. can all impact summer plans.

Check the reservation site regularly 2-3 weeks before you plan to go, and you will find a spot.

[Lantley]

Hammerboy wrote:

kaffi311 wrote:
Hello all. Planning a trip to Michigan. I have 2 + weeks. Leaving this weekend- and just going to enjoy the ride with no hurry to get anywhere! 29' Class C with a toad. I am spending 3 nights at Lake Hudson rec area in Southern Michigan- then ??? Would like ideas after that. Like quiet camps- near water would be awesome ( although I think there are tons of those in Michigan!). Thanks for any ideas you can share! - Kathy....'Just a girl and her dog Molly' 🙂

I just did a quick search on the Michigan state parks (we like state parks) for mid August (14-21)and I counted about 30 state parks that have some availability and I'm sure other dates may show similar results. Straits has some available, it one of our favorites as its right by the bridge and lots to do in the area, Fayette state park, Hartwick pines state park, these are some more of our favorites.

Don't get bummed, you can find something.

Dan

I am not familiar with Michigan at all. I do believe you can generally find somewhere to stay in the popular tourist areas.
However I also believe the premier spots book up fast and will generally be unavailable.
There are many like the OP that like to travel carefree without reservations and are OK with just having any site in the area and there are those that prefer the premier spots in the best locations and prefer to make reservations.
Simply a case of different strokes for different folks.

[Hammerboy]

kaffi311 wrote:
Hello all. Planning a trip to Michigan. I have 2 + weeks. Leaving this weekend- and just going to enjoy the ride with no hurry to get anywhere! 29' Class C with a toad. I am spending 3 nights at Lake Hudson rec area in Southern Michigan- then ??? Would like ideas after that. Like quiet camps- near water would be awesome ( although I think there are tons of those in Michigan!). Thanks for any ideas you can share! - Kathy....'Just a girl and her dog Molly' 🙂

I just did a quick search on the Michigan state parks (we like state parks) for mid August (14-21)and I counted about 30 state parks that have some availability and I'm sure other dates may show similar results. Straits has some available, it one of our favorites as its right by the bridge and lots to do in the area, Fayette state park, Hartwick pines state park, these are some more of our favorites.

Don't get bummed, you can find something.

Dan

[DiskDoctr]

kaffi311 wrote:

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

Don't get bummed! Sometimes some people just like to prove how much "smarter" they are than another poster and this seems to be a popular place to be snappy with folks. Of course not everyone is like that and not all the time 😉

It sounds like a great adventure coming for you! We recently "failed to plan" and let the time get away from us before a long anticipated trip. With some helpful advice from great members, we found campgrounds, activities, and had an awesome time for 10 days, 2900 miles, 6-8 people.

One of the most helpful things was RVParky app for our smart phone. Our return trip was pretty straight driving, due to an unruly family member (who wasn't on the trip), instead of the leisurely return we had planned, so we were looking for overnight locations on our way based on an estimated arrival/distance for the day (depends on traffic, stops, eating, etc).

RVParky was the ticket. It had addresses, a map, ratings and reviews, phone numbers, etc. We found everywhere we contacted to be helpful and welcoming- even for these last minute arrangements 😉

Enjoy your trip!

[kaffi311]

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

[michigansandzil]

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.

[Bob806]

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.

[Parrothead_Mike]

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

[doxiemom11]

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.

[kaffi311]

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 !!

[drsteve]

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.

[RGar974417]

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.