Michigan Spots to Explore by RV

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is only accessible via hiking trail, but it’s worth the effort, especially at sunset.

Look toward Cartier Park Campground, which is located just 4 miles south of Ludington, on Lincoln Lake, where anglers can attempt to catch bluegill and pike.

More than half of the 179 sites have electric hookups, with multiple pull-through options for larger rigs. The campground is clean, well maintained, and perfect for families.

The 460-foot Dune Climb can be deceptively difficult as you slide slightly backward with every step up. But the reward is a gorgeous view of Glen Lake, particularly at sunset.

DH Day Campground provides easy access to Lake Michigan, the dunes, and the Sleeping Bear Trail. The 88 spots are spread out and separated by plenty of trees. There are no hookups for RVers.

You can reach the park via U.S. Route 31 from the south and north, and M-72 from the east. Both M-72 and U.S. 31 South will take you through Traverse City, which is heavily trafficked during the summer and on weekends.

Much of the state park’s best scenery can be seen by hiking the Lost Lake, Ridge, and Island trails. Connecting the three makes for a reasonable hike that takes about three to four hours.

It takes some extra time and effort to reach the northwestern tip of the Upper Peninsula, but the views and available activities make it worthwhile.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park offers great fishing and beautiful views of the lake and the Fort Wilkins lighthouse.

Located at the southern gateway to the national lakeshore area, Munising Tourist Park is a great value with an incredible location right on Lake Superior.

An easy 0.6-mile walk (1.2 miles round-trip) will get you to Miners Falls, where the powerful water cascades 50 feet down a sandstone cliff.

An 8-mile round-trip hike will take you to Spray Falls, where you can see the water rushing over the Pictured Rocks cliffs into Lake Superior. The remains of a shipwreck lay about 30 feet underwater.

Centrally located within Copper Harbor, Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground sits just a few short pedal strokes from the town’s main trailhead, the local brewery, and several restaurants.

The best way to see the famed Pictured Rocks is from the water. Watch as the scenery passes via boat, or paddle a kayak and get up close and personal with the colorful cliffs. There are more than a dozen waterfalls throughout Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, most of which are accessible through a brief hike.

Twelvemile Beach Campground offers basic amenities—toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no hookups—and is just a short walk from a gorgeous beach.

The hike to Log Slide Overlook is one of Pictured Rocks’ most popular activities, giving visitors some of the best views of the coastline.

The mix of Victorian architecture and natural beauty can only be found in a handful of spots around the world. Take your bikes but leave the RV on the mainland, as motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the quaint island, designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Be sure to arrive before dusk to stake out the best spot. Not only can you get amazing views of the Milky Way, you can also occasionally glimpse the Northern Lights during fall and winter.