What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words ‘Camping.’ For me it’s the smell of campfires, tinfoil dinners, s’mores, sleeping under the stars, friends, and the great outdoors.
Summer time in Northern Michigan means camping all the time! Whether it be on the shores or Lake Michigan, at the Traverse City state park, or deep in the woods somewhere; there are plenty of places to go. Kwin and I prefer camping over staying in a hotel anyway, so I wanted to share some of our favorite places!
Good Harbor Beach
Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of Lake Michigan water crashing up on the shoreline is one of the most relaxing things ever! We love this location for camping, not only for the scenic sunrise and sunsets, but also because we can hop on our paddle boards and be to Pyramid Point in just a short 3 mile paddle! This beach is pretty big so you are able to find a place away from most people and it’s also dog friendly!
Lake Michigan Shoreline
This place was new to us this summer, and let me tell you IT’S AMAZING! This camping location is right along Lake Michigan shoreline, which means beautiful sunsets and surrounded by huge sand dunes. We were lucky to be there on a hot, yet windy day which was perfect for some surfing-SURFS UP! This place, like Good Harbor, is pretty big so finding your own space was no issue at all.
Tourist Park Munising
Right outside of the Pictured Rocks national park is this awesome campground. Kwin and I usually prefer not to stay in campgrounds, just because they can be so crowded…but we decided to give this place a try and I’m sure glad we did! Not only is it right outside of the ‘Pictured Rocks’ national lakeshore, but it is also right across from Grand Island. While there we decided to paddle board across the 1/2 miles channel to the island and catch a beautiful sunset. This campground was pretty spacious and we didn’t feel cramped at all!
Fishermans Island
Another campground, but like the one above is nothing like a “normal campground.” Here it is pretty rustic, spacious and almost every campsite it private due to the woods. It is also right along the Lake Michigan shoreline just outside of Charlevoix. We loved camping here for many reasons:
- We were able to paddle board a lot and had a beautiful beach to hangout at with the dogs
- We were able to hop on this awesome biking trail that starts in Charlevoix and goes all the way to Harbor Springs! It was so much fun, especially because most of the trail rides along Lake Michigan!
Au Train
In the Upper Peninsula, it’s a lot easier to just pull off on the side of the road and camp where you feel like it! Kwin and I love doing this especially along the Lake Superior shoreline. Not only are you on the lake, but you are able to get both a beautiful sunrise and sunset from the same location-YOU CAN’T BEAT THAT!
We had a jam packed summer, and lots of camping adventures…but don’t think we are stopping anytime soon! The fall is also great for camping; enjoying the fall colors and cuddling up on the chilly nights.
Get out and enjoy the remaining camping whether everyone!
Megan Morris 
You have such a cute camper Megan. With the “A” shape I have never seen anything quite like it. I am on the other side of the Great Lakes “up” in Canada (probably no further north from where you are in Upper Northern Michigan), and about 15 miles from Lake Huron. Your photos remind me so much of my area.
Camping was something my wife and I did right from the beginning and as a family we have had great memories over the years.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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