Though many people think of the rural campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula, urban camping in Michigan can be equally fun. In fact, this type of camping offers the best of both worlds. Thanks to Michigan urban camping, you can experience the culture and excitement that you crave while retiring to the great outdoors at night.
Ready to give Michigan urban camping a try? Here are our favorite spots in the state for camping in the city.
Urban RV Parks in Michigan
Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park
You don’t need to stay during the fair to enjoy the benefits of the Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park in Belleville, which is a Detroit suburb. All sites have a pull-through or back-in design and 30- and 50-amp and water and sewer hookups. You can pay by the night or get a discounted weekly or monthly rate at this park that’s only 10 minutes from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Things to do nearby include:
Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Located in Ypsilanti, the Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA is one of the top urban RV parks in Michigan. The park is open from April to October and offers large full hookup RV sites with patios and access to cable and Wi-Fi. You’ll find a dog park and nature trail as well as a swimming beach and picnic spots right on the lake.
Make sure to check out the attractions below:
Haas Lake RV Park Campground
Another option for Ann Arbor visitors is the Haas Lake RV Park Campground in nearby New Hudson. Daily activities range from trivia contests to dances with a DJ spinning records. You can choose a full hookup site that overlooks the water and is close to the general store and athletic courts.
Looking for things to do? Try one of the options below:
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Steamboat Park Campground
Grand Rapids is a popular choice for visitors looking to urban camp in Michigan because of parks such as the Steamboat Park Campground in the city. The heated swimming pool overlooks the river and is close to the boat ramp that only guests can use. You’ll also find a bathhouse with an on-site laundry room and a large playground for kids.
Some of our favorite things to see and do in Grand Rapids are:
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- John Ball Zoo
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Lansing Cottonwood Campground
Also in Lansing is the Lansing Cottonwood Campground, which the same family has owned and operated for more than four decades. You get one night for free when you stay for six nights, and you can book a site for a whole month. This campground has two large ponds for fishing and a swimming pool that sits right next to the office and general store.
Great attractions in Lansing include:
Where to Urban Camp in Michigan
- Urban RV camping in Lansing lets you take a tour on the Michigan Princess, which is a riverboat that hosts Vegas nights and other special events.
- Fans of the Michigan Wolverines often stay in Ann Arbor and get tickets to the team’s football games.
- The Henry Ford Museum of Innovation is one of the top attractions to visit in Detroit.
- Other cities to visit include Grand Rapids, Dearborn, Warren, Troy, Traverse City, and Flint.
Ease of Urban RV Camping in Michigan
Even if you’re not a fan of sports, you should check the Wolverines’ schedule before planning an urban camping trip to Michigan. As more fans head to Ann Arbor on game days, you’ll find tons of traffic around the city. It can be hard to find a place to stay as many fans camp too.
Don’t forget to look at travel times either. Many urban campgrounds are in the suburbs of larger Michigan cities and give you more space, but you may need to drive a little further to reach your favorite places. Campgrounds that are farther from Detroit and other cities may have limited public transportation options and require that you bring a car.
As far as landscape and roads go, you will find some steep grades in the state. You may also find some low clearances, especially in smaller towns. Plan your route accordingly.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
