Where do you like to camp in Michigan and why? (Muskegon: rent, beach)

[tuebor]

For backcountry camping, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness (near Ludington S.P.) is another possibility. Sylvania is prettier and better for canoeing, but Nordhouse is by the lakeshore and not as far away for people who are coming from the south or east. The blackflies can be a problem at certain times of the year, though.

[Wrinkle]

There are lots of great areas to camp, guess it depends on what activities you want to do. Taquahnomon State Park in the UP is nice, Orchard Beach State Park, Ludington, or near the center of the state, a campground called Northern Exposure which borders Hodenypyle Hydroelectric backwaters of the Big Manistee River has nice clean facilities. This is a park run by the city of Mesick MI, and is leased from Consumers Power Company. Big rigs, little rigs, boat launching and they have some Walleye Fishing going on as well.

I also like Wilderness State Park at the tip of Kewanauu Penninsula, and there are some old copper old mine dumps thru the area as well to scavenger. Its been a few years since I have been up that way however.

The Munising area has some beautiful water falls.

Grand Haven State Park in Grand Haven MI is nice, another nice state park is Hoffmaster along the Lake Michigan Shoreline near Muskegon.

[Michigansnowflake]

um, I think Wilderness SP is at the tip of the mitt. Fort Wilkes SP is at the tip of the Keewanaw

[Wrinkle]

Its been a few years since I was up that way, my mistake.

Here is a DNR Linik on Camping in Michigan for those interested

Michigan Park and Trail Map

[MainStreet]

My absolute favorite campground in Michigan is the Bay View Campground that is in the Hiawatha National Forest. The campsites are first come, first serve, just feet away from a beautiful stretch of beach on Lake Superior. It is out in the middle of no where. Hand pump for water, no showers, and pit toilets.

My second favorite is Ludington State Park, although you need to be considering your reservations now. The online website takes reservations 6 months to the day in advance. I'm already have two trips booked. I've camped the hike-in here and the traditional campsites. Every time we've been on the beach we have only seen a handful of others. Miles of beach and the walk to the lighthouse is wonderful.

Third fav is Grand Haven State Park. It's basically a parking lot, but I pounce on the beach side sites when I can. I love the view of the lighthouse and Grand Haven is just fun. I already have a reservation on the beach for the upcoming kite festival.

Honorable mention to JP Hoffmaster State Park. Lovely beach.

I like a little sand with my camping.

Bay view (the camp sites are right over our shoulders.)



Hoffmaster (trek to beach is not for the faint of heart, not a long walk, but deep sand & hill.)

[Michigansnowflake]

I dont really like to camp in *campgrounds* I prefer it when we go canoeing and spend the night on the banks of a river, all alone, ....no people in the next site, no lines at the bathroom, no other people around. Thats really camping to me

*sigh* but when we do use the SP's, I like Wilderness SP at the tip of the mitt, Fishermans Island SP in Charlevoix, whats the one in Ontonogon, at the Porcupine Mts? I like that one too.........we go to one in the middle of nowhere called Snotrac, not a SP though............I just dont get SP camping, if you go at the height of the season its wall to wall people in those places, not very relaxing to me

[MainStreet]

Originally Posted by Michigansnowflake

I dont really like to camp in *campgrounds* I prefer it when we go canoeing and spend the night on the banks of a river, all alone, ....no people in the next site, no lines at the bathroom, no other people around. Thats really camping to me

*sigh* but when we do use the SP's, I like Wilderness SP at the tip of the mitt, Fishermans Island SP in Charlevoix, whats the one in Ontonogon, at the Porcupine Mts? I like that one too.........we go to one in the middle of nowhere called Snotrac, not a SP though............I just dont get SP camping, if you go at the height of the season its wall to wall people in those places, not very relaxing to me

Tell me about Fisherman's please. I've booked one trip there in July on the same weekend at the air show and music fest on Beaver Island. We reserved Fisherman's thinking it was still close enough for the ferry and quiet. What's your opinion of the north loop of sites compared to the south loop?

I respect your opinion on SP camping, but I prefer SPs over private, they're cleaner. I don't like wall to wall people either and never felt cramped at Ludington and they are always at capacity.

[Michigansnowflake]

All the sites are pretty much the same, I think the south is closer to the lake. These sites are very well insulated from eachother, lots of trees and such in between sites so you arent staring at your neighbor.

Did you book a site right on the lake or on the other side of the road? On the lake you will be getting that wonderful Lake Michigan breeze that will probably be needed that ime of year.

They have lots of nice trails for hiking and dog friendly beaches too.

When are you going to be there? Maybe I will pop in and give you a guided tour of my great little town!

[MainStreet]

Originally Posted by Michigansnowflake

All the sites are pretty much the same, I think the south is closer to the lake. These sites are very well insulated from eachother, lots of trees and such in between sites so you arent staring at your neighbor.

Did you book a site right on the lake or on the other side of the road? On the lake you will be getting that wonderful Lake Michigan breeze that will probably be needed that ime of year.

They have lots of nice trails for hiking and dog friendly beaches too.

When are you going to be there? Maybe I will pop in and give you a guided tour of my great little town!

We got the last two sites, side by side on the lake side of the north loop. Love your info about the privacy. Much thanks.

[Coldjensens]

I want to take my kids on a three or four day canoe/kayak trip this summer. I was thinking about the Taquamenon river. Can you camp along the river?

Do you have any other suggestions?