Bordered by four of the Great Lakes, Michigan is a great destination for outdoor lovers with a passion for hiking, boating, and just relaxing in nature. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is especially ideal for a Michigan RV trip with kids. They will love all the beaches, remote islands, and hiking trails.
If you’re still planning your Michigan RV vacation, check out our Michigan RV travel tips below for the perfect Michigan RV trip planner. It highlights all the best regions in Michigan from the Henry Ford Museum near Detroit to the wine region of Traverse City to the remote island national park in Isle Royale National Park.
1. Holland State Park
Located on the banks of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, Holland State Park has expansive, sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. The state park is also home to two campgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and a pier. The pier is a favorite spot for fishing, walking, and watching the sunset over the lakes. The Big Red Lighthouse, just around the corner from Holland State Park, sits proudly on the south side of the Holland Channel. Dating back to 1872, “Big Red” is Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses. For the best views of the lighthouse, you can walk the length of the north pier or climb 157 feet up the dune stair case of Mt. Pisgah.
Holland State Park
Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424
Contact: (616) 399-9390
Price: $9 per day or $31 for an annual pass
Website: http://www.holland.org/holland-state-park
Places to Stay
The Lake Macatawa Campground has a total of 211 campsites with 98 paved campsites and 11 full hookups for RVs. The beaches are within a short walk from the campground. The Holland-Beach Modern Campground has 31 full hookup campsites that fit a range of RV sizes. Book early as many of these campsites fill up fast. It’s so good that the campground made our top 10 RV parks in Michigan!
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Established as a national lakeshore in 1970, the sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is as old as the last Ice Age. The park covers 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, but the park is named after the perched sand dunes. Sitting 400 feet above Lake Michigan, you’ll get great views from on top of Sleeping Bear, Empire, and Pyramid Point. The nearby forests are filled with hiking trails and native wildlife. Get a different view of the park by canoe.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Address: 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
Contact: (231) 326-4700
Price: $7 per person or $15 per vehicle
Website: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Places to Stay
Open year-round, Platte River Campground in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has back-in and pull-thru campsites for RVs with electrical hookups. For a more luxurious stay, the Indigo Bluffs RV Resort has large concrete pads with patios, a heated pool, free WiFi.
3. Mackinac Island
Covering only 3.8 square miles, Mackinac Island sits between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in Lake Huron. The island has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and much of the island’s landmass is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park. The island’s main town features beautiful Victorian architecture, and the only transportation is horse and buggy, bicycle or by foot. For a real treat, stay at the historic Grand Hotel that featured in the movie, “Somewhere in Time.” For a history lesson, spend an afternoon at Fort Mackinac, which is the oldest building in Michigan. The only way to get to the island is by ferry or plane.
Mackinac Island
Website: http://www.michigan.org/city/mackinac-island
Places to Stay
Since vehicles are not allowed on Mackinac Island, you won’t be able to camp in your RV. Instead, treat yourself to a night stay at the historic Grand Hotel. Built in 1887, the Grand Hotel is rated one of the best hotels in the country. If you prefer to stay in your RV, the Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA is a great campground will plenty of RV campsites with full hookups that can accommodate RVs up to 70 feet in length.
4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was America’s first National Lakeshore. Nestled on the banks of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has miles of incredible beaches, 100 miles of hiking and walking trails, and beautiful northern hardwood forests. The park is free and has plenty of things to do year-round. During the warm summer months, you can hike, boat, and enjoy the colorful wildflowers. During the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice fishing. The famous Pictured Rocks cliffs for which the park is named after a stretch for over 15 miles from Sand Point to Spray Falls.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Address: N8391 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862
Contact: (906) 387-3700
Price: Free
Website: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/index.htm
Places to Stay
Bay Furnace Campground is a rustic campground with spectacular sunrises and sunsets near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The campground has campsites that can accommodate smaller RVs and campers, but hookups are not available. Munising Tourist Park Campground has 127 scenic campsites with half offering full hookups for RVs. There is free WiFi and pets are welcome.
5. Lake of the Clouds
Nestled between the ancient Porcupine Mountains, the emerald green valley of the Lake of the Clouds is one of the best natural beauties in Michigan. While many people flock to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park during the hot summer months, the Lake of the Clouds is best visited during the early fall months when the trees turn into a fiery palette of colors. You can access the panoramic views of the Lake of the Clouds from the Big Carp River Trail or the Escarpment Trail. If you need a break from hiking, then pick up a fishing rod. Lake of the Clouds is an excellent place for bass fishing.
Lake of the Clouds/ Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Address: 412 South Boundary Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Price: Entrance fee
Website: https://www.porcupineup.com/lake-of-the-clouds/
Places to Stay
The River Road RV Park in Ontonagon is open year-round and has RV campsites with full hookups. The park is spacious, modern, and has free WiFi and cable TV. Porcupine Mountains Union Bay is a seasonal and modern campground within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Each RV site has full hookups and modern restrooms.
6. Henry Ford Museum
No trip to Michigan would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of the American car. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is more than just a museum dedicated to Henry Ford and his cars. You can walk through the famous bus that Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back or take flight on the museum’s Wright Brothers flight simulators. Of course, there is an extensive collection of old cars, too.
Henry Ford Museum
Address: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
Contact: (313) 982-60001
Price: $22 per person
Discounts: Youth, Seniors
Website: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/
Places to Stay
The Detroit Greenfield RV Park has 212 campsites with full hookups, picnic tables, and a fire pit. There is free WiFi, a children’s playground, Mini-Golf, and spring-fed lake for fishing and swimming. If you just want to make a quick stop at the museum before heading north for your Michigan RV road trip then check out our list of the best places to park your RV in Michigan.
7. Traverse City Wineries
Located directly on the 45th parallel, Traverse City is located on the same latitude as the famous wine regions of France and Italy. The Traverse City area is home to two wine trails: the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. With about two dozen wineries of either trail, you can’t go wrong with your choice. Popular wineries include the award-winning Chateau Grand Traverse. The winery features a contemporary tasting room and wine cellar, and a sun-drenched patio overlooking the oldest vineyard in Michigan. Other popular wineries include Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, and 45 North Vineyard & Winery.
Traverse City Tourism
Address: 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684
Contact: (231) 947-1120
Website: https://www.traversecity.com/fall/wineries/
Places to Stay
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort is a year-round resort just eight minutes from downtown Traverse City. With RV campsites with full hookups for Big Rigs, RVs, and pop-up trailers, you might not want to leave this spacious and shady campground. The campground features a swimming pool, playground, and a snack bar. Holiday Park Campground is another great option at the south end of Silver Lake.
8. Isle Royale National Park
Established in 1940, Isle Royale National Park covers 894 square miles on Isle Royale and adjacent islands near the Canadian-US border in Lake Superior. Isle Royale National Park is perfect for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the quiet solitude of nature. The Greenstone Ridge Trail is a 40-mile hiking trail from one end of the island to the other. The is an excellent selection of shorter day hikes as well. The island is only accessible by ferry, boat, or seaplane.
Isle Royale National Park
Address: 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
Contact: (906) 482-0984
Price: $7 per person per day
Website: https://www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm
Places to Stay
With no road access to Isle Royale National Park, you’ll have to park your RV in Copper Harbor. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground has 64 sites with full hookups, WiFi, and access to a private beach. Nearby Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is home to 159 RV sites but is a bit more rustic.
9. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park has something for everyone. The park features a 1844 army military outpost, a lighthouse, camping, and tons of outdoor activities to enjoy in the day-use facilities. From June through August you can step back in time with the living history program and discover what everyday life was like in the mid-1800s. The Delaware Mine, an old copper mine, is open daily for guided tours and the Brockway Mountain Drive offers scenic views of Lake Superior.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Address: 15223 US Highway 41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Contact: (906) 289-4215
Price: Entrance fee
Website: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=419
Places to Stay
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park has three campgrounds with a total of 159 RV sites. The park is a bit rustic but has all the amenities to you need to be comfortable. For something a little more modern, try the Sunset Bay Campground, which is about 30 miles south of the state park. The small RV park is one of the oldest continuously operating campground in Michigan and has 23 RV sites with full hookups.
10. Ann Arbor
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has a lot to offer RVers. Visit in September and catch a football game or come during the summer months and enjoy the 104-mile Huron River Water Trail. With tons of activities to do inside and out, you don’t need to be a college student to discover why Ann Arbor is one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. With just about every kind of cuisine you could want, you’ll find delicious a restaurant to fill your stomach before a day of shopping at the many small boutique shops downtown.
Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau
Address: 315 W. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact: (734) 995-7281
Website: https://www.visitannarbor.org/
Places to Stay
KC Campground in Milan is one of southeast Michigan’s best campgrounds. The large campground has great family-friendly amenities and is within an hour drive to Ann Arbor. With options for full hookups or partial, KC Campground is very affordable and a fun place to park your RV for a few days.
Final Thoughts on Best RV Trips in Michigan
Michigan is a beautiful state to explore by RV. With our free Michigan RV travel guide, you’ll love these suggestions. Don’t forget to add a couple or all of them to your Michigan RV trip itinerary. If you don’t have your own RV, don’t worry. You can rent anything from a campervan to a large luxury motorhome with RVshare. You’ll love your RV adventure in the Wolverine State.
