Lake Michigan...

[goufgators]

The DW and I are considering a trip from home (N. Fl.) to Michigan in the Spring. While there, would like to spend time at CG's very close to or on Lake Michigan. Any suggestions of several good CG's... say from Benton Harbor on the south to Frankfort on the north end... to stay at while there? I know this should probably be posted in the 'Travels Section' but felt this section would get more views and, hopefully, more replies. / Thanks!

[pegdiver]

Municipal campground in Petoskey or the state park there are both on the water (bay). In the spring, it's going to be cool next to Lake Michigan. Petoskey has a great bike trail from the marina along the bay.
Ludington state park is good - lake and river to beach. Orchard Beach (north of Manistee) is up on a high hill - good view of the water from a few sites but no Verizon cell service the last time we were there 2 yrs ago. Hoffmaster was tucked in the woods near the beach (walking distance).
Liked Sleeping Bear Dunes too..
Most Michigan state parks have electric at the site. A few have full hookups.
Most important is what type of camping you like. (We like state parks)

Michigan state parks require a parking pass, check that out in planning. But that have lots of parks near water.

[et2]

The first is in the South Haven area. Lake isn't far

http://www.sunnybrookrvresort.com/classA/

This is north of Traverse City up in the Suttons Bay, Leland - Fish town area. Close enough to Traverse City. One of the best vacation areas in the country. If you miss this you came here for
nothing. Lots in the area. You could spend the whole summer here and not see everything.

http://lakeleelanaurvpark.com

Here is one just south east of Traverse city. And easier to get to Petoskey for a day trip or Mackinaw City or the Island fir a day. Close to the Casino and well known golf course at Big Bear.

http://www.traversebayrv.com

This is north of Petoskey and is a very nice KOA. It is 1/2 hour to Harbor springs. Both these towns are a must see. Just over a hour from Traverse city to Petoskey.

http://koa.com/campgrounds/petoskey/


If you really want to see MI. These places you must see. Including the UP. Absolutely gorgeous driving into the UP and follow the southern shore. Lake views are superb.

[sch911]

Hank MI wrote:
Do not attempt to take an RV along the lake shore from Mackinaw to Petoskey. Nice drive but it's a tight road even in a car, basically one lane in a lot of places.

??? M119 Between Petoskey and Cross Village is very doable in any RV IMHO...

[Hank_MI]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Since you don't mind a little extra travel, the highlights of the UP are going to be Mackinaw Island, Sault St. Marie and then all the way down the coast of Lake Michigan from Petoskey to New Buffalo...

Do not attempt to take an RV along the lake shore from Mackinaw to Petoskey. Nice drive but it's a tight road even in a car, basically one lane in a lot of places.

[Hank_MI]

Stayed at Mackinaw Mill Creek, nice place. We were at the water and could look directly across the straits at the island. Ludington St Pk is on Lake Michigan. South and North Higgans St parks, On Higgans Lake, not Lake MI but rated one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, pretty tuff to get in there though, fills up early. Young St Pk at Lake Charlevoix, also a beautiful lake that is connected to Lake MI. Charlevoix is nice walking tourist town. St park at Burt Lake is also nice. Lake Mi is nice but there are so many nice parks on smaller lakes that you shouldn't rule them out.

Haven't been to Silver Lake St park in years. If it hasn't changed I would look for a private campground in that area. The state park roads are/were too small to take a decent size RV through.

[Bill_Satellite]

Since you don't mind a little extra travel, the highlights of the UP are going to be Mackinaw Island, Sault St. Marie and then all the way down the coast of Lake Michigan from Petoskey to New Buffalo. I like to use the website www.rvparky.com to look at the camping options as you plan your travels. It's available as a phone app as well in case you change your mind along the way. We traveled in a 40' RV with a full size extended van as a towed and we had no issues getting in or out of the campsites that were listed as big rig friendly.
Have a great trip!

[goufgators]

Goldencrazy wrote:
Are you looking for campgrounds or resorts. Indigo is nice, not on lake but close, and a nice ownership RV REsort. Nice ones in the area. Traverse Bay and north in Charlevoix. WI state park by the bridge is nice but if you are much over 35 feet you will not be on the water. The UP is gorgeous but you might want to wait until July. Black flies in June are not fun.

Goldencrazy: Camp Grounds or Resorts...either! We're 33 feet so, hopefully, will be able to park on the water. Didn't know about the 'black flies'...good info.

[Goldencrazy]

Oh and if you want a neat way to go home continue around the UP and down into Door County WI, north of Green Bay on the peninsula and down 43 to I-39 at Rockford and home. Missing Chicago is good and again the Up is pretty as is Door County. Michigan has great State Parks. When your trip gets more refined we can provide some stops that fit.

[Goldencrazy]

Are you looking for campgrounds or resorts. Indigo is nice, not on lake but close, and a nice ownership RV REsort. Nice ones in the area. Traverse Bay and north in Charlevoix. WI state park by the bridge is nice but if you are much over 35 feet you will not be on the water. The UP is gorgeous but you might want to wait until July. Black flies in June are not fun.

[goufgators]

Dick_B wrote:
You could also do a Google search for `Michigan campgrounds'. Too bad you don't want to go further because Mackinac Island is unique. Stay at Mackinaw Mill Creek which is right on the Straits of Mackinac.

Thanks, Dick! We're not limiting how far north we'll go. We'll certainly consider your suggestions.

[dodge_guy]

While there stay in the Mears MI. (Silver Lake) area at Silver Lake State Park. lots of private campgrounds in the area, you can go out and walk the dunes or if you have a 4WD vehicle, go out and drive the ORV designated area right down to the beach on Lake Michigan or if you`re feeling really adventurous try your skill on the dunes!

You also will want stay in the Mackinac Island area and go to Mackinac Island. the nicest in the area is Mackinaw Mill Creek in Mackinaw City.

Lots to see and do!

[Dick_B]

You could also do a Google search for `Michigan campgrounds'. Too bad you don't want to go further because Mackinac Island is unique. Stay at Mackinaw Mill Creek which is right on the Straits of Mackinac.

[dverstra]

JoeH wrote:
If you are going as far as Frankfort, I suggest you just add a few miles more and go to Sleeping Bear and Traverse City. We stayed at Indigo Bluffs RV Park in Empire, Michigan when we were there a couple years ago. Sleeping Bear Dunes are really nice and there is a lot to do in Traverse City.

Another good CG at Sleeping Bear is Platte River campground (NFS)

[edsland]

Another really nice town maybe 20 miles Nort of South Haven is Sagatuck. A lot of shops restaurants and nautical things to do.

[JoeH]

If you are going as far as Frankfort, I suggest you just add a few miles more and go to Sleeping Bear and Traverse City. We stayed at Indigo Bluffs RV Park in Empire, Michigan when we were there a couple years ago. Sleeping Bear Dunes are really nice and there is a lot to do in Traverse City.