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Michigan features some of the country's best camping, from its pristine shores along Lake Superior and Lake Michigan to the hardwood forests of the state's interior. Fall brings an eruption of color in Michigan's forests, painting the horizon with red and gold. Winter features great cross-country skiing, and spring showcases Michigan's diverse plant and animal life.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
With more than 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features sandstone cliffs, beaches, lakes, forests and pristine shoreline. The lakeshore features three developed drive-in campgrounds. Sites are rustic and do not feature water, sewer or electrical hookups. There is usually little or no cell phone reception. As of September 2009, prices for one night range from $14 to $16. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping is available for backpackers and kayakers with the purchase of a permit at the Interagency Visitors Center in Munising or the Grand Sable Visitors Center in Grand Marais. A $5 user fee is required.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
N8391 Sand Point Road
P.O. Box 40
Munising, MI 49862-0040
(906) 387-2607
www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located on Michigan's lower peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes is composed of 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline. The Platte River campground features sites with electrical hookups for RVs and camping trailers and walk-in sites for backpackers. D.H. Day Campground is a more rustic site with dirt roads and vault toilets. No showers or electrical hookups are available at D.H. Day Campground. Primitive camping for hikers and backpackers is available at the White Pine Backcountry Camp and the Valley View Backcountry Camp.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
(231) 326-5134
www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
Located in Ogemaw County, Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground features boating and fishing on Clear and Horseshoe lakes, as well as 13.6 miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking. Campsites are rustic and require a $20 fee (as of September 2009). There is a wildlife viewing area 11 miles east of the campground that is home to the trumpeter swans, loons and great blue herons.
Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground
County Road 15 & 20
West Branch, MI 48661
(989) 275-4622
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/FeatureList.aspx?id=572&type=SFCG
Black Creek State Forest Campground
The Black Creek State Forest Campground is located in Midland County and features 23 tent or small trailer sites along with 15 large camper sites. Potable water and vault toilets are available. Fishing is a big draw for the campground, with panfish, perch, walleye, pike and bass fishing available in Black Creek, Sanford Lake and Wixom Lake. Boat launches are available on both Sanford Lake and Wixom Lake. There are 20 miles of converted rail trails located near the forest.
Black Creek State Forest Campground
Saginaw Road & W. River Road
Sanford, MI 48657
(989) 275-5151
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=577&type=SFCG
About The Author
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
