Planning a trip for next summer, looking for recomendations

[el_jefe1]

We've been seasonals these last 2 years, but out CG was sold at auction and the new ownership has some new pay structures so we are no longer staying there. Thinking we will bounce around again next summer, it's been a couple years since we've been anywhere new. So now I need help planning a trip.

We live in Michigan, not too far from Lake Michigan. Next summer I'd like to take a couple weeks and camp our way all the way around the lake. Any recommendations for where to camp along the way? Don't have to stay on the big lake itself, just looking for places in towns that could be along the path. We had a favorite spot in Ludington, MI already, but we've never camped in the UP or Wisconson. Not opposed to boondocking for a night or 2, but would probably need to follow it up with a CG with full hookups, 7 of us fill the tanks pretty quick.

Also looking for stuff to do for the kids, next summer their ages will be 3, 4, 6, 10, and 11. Campgrounds with kids activities are a plus, or nearby family friendly things to do. Anything I need to make sure we don't miss?

Thanks for any ideas, I'm looking forward to getting the trailer on the road again!

[2gypsies1]

Here's a site that might give you ideas:

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

[hatchhanlon]

As a fellow Michigander, I've stayed at most of the places mentioned. If you can find the energy go to Grand Marais, Minnesota to the Fisherman's Picnic and camp at the Municipal Park.

It's all there, for example, beach, fireworks, carnival, shopping, etc. and well worth the drive. Multi-day family-oriented fun within easy walking distance from any site in the park. Trust me.

[Matt_Colie]

With the kids in tow, there are two stops you should make before the Tahquamenon falls.
There are two campgrounds in Saute Saint Marie that are east of the locks. Spend a day there. Watch ships go through the locks. Visit the Valley Camp and its displays. Do the River of History Museum and have the reading kids read to the younger. The Tower is OK, but only if you buy the combined ticket.
When you want to go on, go 75mi toward Paradise, but plan you time late.
Just west of town is a parking area for the snowmobile park. It is empty in the summer and a great boondock with trails through the woods.
The next morning go to the museum at Whitefish Point. (I have like it, but I have a hard time there as I had friends on Fitz.)
Now go on to Tahquamenon and Munising.

Matt

[KazooTom]

I am not very familiar with the Wisconsin side of the lake as we have spent very little time there. However, all along the Michigan coastline there are a myriad of choices, depending on what you are looking for.

Apparently you already know about Ludington State Park. Make reservations very early as it is a very popular park. Sites are electric only with a very adequate dump station near the entrance for dumping and fresh water fill. There are also some very nice commercial parks in the Ludington area.

If you are inclined to stay in the Manistee area I would recommend the RV park at Little River Casino for a night, Very nice campground with full hookups including cable tv and wifi, but not as much for the kids to do. Very reasonably priced with access to the motel pool and of course the casino and restaurants.

Traverse City State Park is also very nicely situated with a beach area on the east arm of Traverse Bay. Again a very popular park with reservations needed well in advance.

Petoskey State Park is located on the extreme east end of Little Traverse Bay just north of Petoskey. Reservations needed here also. There is also a KOA north of Petoskey along US 31 that is extremely nice. full hookups and lots for the kids to keep entertained. This is a great home base area to explore the area all the way up to the bridge and Mackinaw City.

On the UP side of the bridge is Straits State Park. Typical state park with fantastic views of the bridge. Easy access to St. Ignace and ferries to Mackinaw island.

Of course there are lots of National Forest campground along the entire route if that strikes your fancy.

Just west of Escanaba is the town of Harris. There is a casino there with a very nice RV park set away from the casino in the woods. There is shuttle access to the casino and hotel. I understand they now have a very nice golf course there too.

There are so many choices it's hard to pick just a few. If you have any questions about a specific area fell free to pm.

[Jayco-noslide]

We liked the campground within Sleeping Bear Dunes NP and the state park at Holland, Mi.

[Dick_B]

Wisconsin Dells. Stay at Yogi Bear CG. Two weeks is not enough time to go around any of the Great Lakes.
Also, Mackinaw Mill Creek CG and spend a day on Mackinac Island. Take a horse drawn carriage ride around the Island. Not much you can do with the younger ones other than Yogi Bear CG.

[the_bear_II]

This isn't on Lake Michigan but it's close and is located on a lake. It's the Waffle Farm Campground (http://www.wafflefarm.com/index.php). It's one of the most beautiful settings for a campground. Lots to do and the staff is great.

It's near I-69 & Hwy 12.

[golf_bears]

There's a very nice City CG in Gladstone MI right on the north end of lake MI. One of our favorite stops when we return to WI from the UP. Nice board walk along the lake and you can walk or bike to town, short distance.

[magnusfide]

rav wrote:
we went around Lake Michigan last year. I would check out the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI., Peninsula State Park by Green Bay, WI., Munising, MI has a nice city campground where you can check out the pictured rocks and waterfalls, and Tahquamenon State Park is awesome. Wilderness State Park is close to Mackinac City, we also spend a night or two in Petoskey and also enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes, there is also Indian Dunes State Park on the south end of Lake Michigan.

Double ditto. For a complete listing of cgs use Allstays.com. They also have reviews and links to the campgrounds. Here's the link http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/

[rav]

we went around Lake Michigan last year. I would check out the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI., Peninsula State Park by Green Bay, WI., Munising, MI has a nice city campground where you can check out the pictured rocks and waterfalls, and Tahquamenon State Park is awesome. Wilderness State Park is close to Mackinac City, we also spend a night or two in Petoskey and also enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes, there is also Indian Dunes State Park on the south end of Lake Michigan.

[Old-Biscuit]

Plan your route you want to take then go to RV Park Reviews and check out various CGs on your planned route.

Reviews from folks that have stayed and direct links to CG Websites etc.

[Kennedy64]

I have camped at Tiki campground and the KOA both in St Ignance also Taqhamuan (sp) Falls. I liked all 3 campgrounds.