Unforgettable Michigan Campgrounds

Known as the state of recreation, camping is a Michigan favorite for nearly everyone. It is no surprise to hear about the abundance of unforgettable Michigan campgrounds. Northern Self Care and Gifts has thoughtfully collected the top 5 for its supporters to browse through easily! Check out what we recommend for unforgettable camping in Michigan, and see if there is a spot on the list you haven't found yourself in wanderlust for.

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes- Platte River Campground

The Platte River Campground is located at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The campground is a mindfully preserved archeological site nestled outside of Empire, Michigan. The campground is excellent for rustic camping, but its innate beauty and natural wonder do not remove its accessibility. Not only does the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore offer abundant breathtaking sights to see, but the campground itself has its own eclectic experience to offer that is inspiring. The site provides 96 electrical hookups, which are great for RV's and other luxury camping styles. The Platte River Campground is a must-stay for anyone who lusts over the undeniable grace of Northern Michigan.

The preservation of history that is felt at the Platte River Campground is incomparable to most any other place in this region. This is a top-tier recommendation for a guaranteed unforgettable outdoor experience in Northern Michigan. Luckily, it is open year-round with options for almost any style of popular camping, with various hike-in sites as well. For those who enjoy raising the bar a bit, there is a beautiful backcountry campground that requires visitors to backpack into their locations a few miles out from Platte River's entry point. For this reason, it can be an ideal exchange with other Up North backpacking hot spots, such as the Manitou Islands.

While the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a park with great amenities and unbelievable views, it is also in a region that the American Black Bear calls home. Black bear populations are on the incline and have been spotted an increasing amount within the area's campgrounds, including Platte River Campground. Nonetheless, there have been no significant incidents. If considering this campground, it is best to keep all furry friends with you and to have a way to secure food when away or asleep.

2. Wilderness State Park- State Park, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

Wilderness State Park is open to the public, resting on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The state park encompasses 26 miles of shoreline, dunes, wetlands, and diverse forests for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventuring. This is a hotspot for Northern Michigan tourism just five miles southwest of Mackinaw City.

The Wilderness State Park holds up to its name with many bird populations and various types of ground-dwelling creatures such as minks and muskrats, bobcats, and even otters. It is in every camper's best interest to pack safely, considering the possibility of encountering more dangerous wildlife such as bobcats or black bears. This site is known for magical sightings and is highly recommended for any vacationer (or local) looking for a rustic getaway into unforgettable territory. You will find amenity campgrounds such as Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, just 10.6 miles from the heart of the State Park. Don't settle for a space that doesn't provide you with the awe-inspiring views you are seeking, though. There are 259 campsites within the 10,512 acres of wildness that Michigan claims as its Wilderness State Park-- leaving plenty of sites to choose from at the right time of the year.

3. Hoeft State Park- State Park

The Hoeft State Park is one of the most stunning camping locations in the lower peninsula. This 300-acre park offers a mile of Lake Huron shoreline to its visitors for crystal clear swimming access and breathtaking views. Most of the park is forested, with elaborate pathways leading to the world's largest open-pit limestone mine. This park is known for incomparable hiking paths that are inspiring year-round, making it a spectacular choice for the forager, wildlife watcher, or trail runner. Consider Hoeft for an unforgettable getaway, with rustic and electric hookups directly within the park.

4. Tahquamenon Falls State Park- State Park, Rivermouth Campgrounds

The Rivermouth Campgrounds are stunning in their wondrous forest canopies and outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing. With 107 campsites available, this can be a location that fills up quickly during high tourist season. For that reason, ensure you book ahead if you're aiming to cross this destination off your Michigan bucket list.

The campground is nestled into a 50,000-acre park, offering visitors waterfronts for picnics and camping, sprawling forests for exploring, and scenic waterfalls to leave the heart softened. There are sights to see for all walks of life and camping formats available for most campers, from rustic spaces for tents to amenity stations and R.V. hookups.

Visiting Tahquamenon Falls State Park deserves the extra time, as the options for recreation in relevance to the park feel endless. Boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, whitewater paddling, wildlife watching, snow sports, and foraging are all available based on season and leave visitors itching for excitement, soothed. This state park in itself is unforgettable and has various camping options. Nonetheless, we recommend reserving space at Rivermouth Campgrounds for a revealingly memorable experience during a trip to the Upper Peninsulas' most favored falls.

5. Grand Island- Murray Bay Group Campsite

The Grand Island Murray Bay Group Campsite sits on the south side of Grand Island, at the tip of Lake Superior. This campsite is unforgettable for many reasons, but one of the most chiseling of memories tends to be the 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs. The bliss that one can find while resting in such a magical space is undeniably moving. Outside of this haven within a haven, the surrounding area is packed in by 13,500 acres of lush forest. During the off-season, tourism continues with astonishing winter ice caves for the islands.

If you or your traveling companion are individuals to be fascinated by history, like the Sleeping Bear Dunes campground, the Murray Bay Group Campsite is also a public access historical location. With buildings and artifacts dating back to 2000 B.C. present for general access and viewing, this camping experience can leave quite the impression on a mind that finds itself wondering about the passage of time.

Unforgettable camping can be found almost anywhere in the state of Michigan, if we are being honest. From Holy Recreation Park in the southeast corner to Sleeping Bear Dunes Platte River at the far northwest edge, Michigan has gracious provisions that can meet most explorer, vacationer, or escape-seeking residents' needs. Nonetheless, if you are seeking a memorable experience in the glorious wilderness of Michigan, these are five campsites that should be considered.

Make sure to check out Northern Nail Polish on Instagram for tips on how to maintain self-care when exploring our state @northernnailpolish!