While not in Michigan, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the closest traditional national park to Caseville. It’s located just south of Cleveland about four hours away from Caseville. This 50-square-mile national park is home to over 125 miles of hiking trails plus over 100 lakes and ponds. You may also enjoy the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad as a unique way to take in the vast scenery the park has to offer.
In the northern stretches of Michigan is Isle Royal National Park, which is located about 8 hours northwest of Caseville just east of Thunder Bay in Lake Superior. While you can camp at one of the 36 campgrounds on the island, your RV must remain on the mainland. The island hosts 165 miles of trails, including both day hike and overnight options. You can also go fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is 4 hours and 53 minutes southwest of Caseville in Porter, Indiana. The park runs alongside 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and comprises 15,000 acres. There are 50 miles of trails that travel through wetlands, prairies, dunes, forests, and rivers. Some of the activities you can enjoy at the park include fishing, bird-watching, camping, swimming, picnicking, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Follow the coastline about 15 minutes east, and you’ll find Port Crescent State Park. With 3 miles of sandy shoreline on Lake Huron, this park is also known for its extremely dark night sky that’s hard to find anywhere but on a dark sky preserve. You’ll also enjoy 5 miles of hiking trails plus fishing, canoeing, hunting, and birding.
Follow the shoreline about two and a half hours to the north and west, and you’ll find Tawas Point State Park. This particular state park, located on Tawas Bay, is unique in that it houses one of the still-functional Victorian lighthouses in Michigan. You can go swimming and fishing in shallow and warm waters and camp out at RV sites.
Bay City State Park sits right on Saginaw Bay, about an hour southwest of Caseville. This park is home to one of the largest freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes and consists of more than 2,000 acres, including over 1,000 feet of sandy beach. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, and bicycling. There are 193 campsites, including some with 30-amp service, plus a dump station.
If you want to see some landmarks and monuments in Michigan while you are in Caseville, you can visit the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio. This landmark, one hour and 19 minutes southwest of Caseville in Midland, commemorates the work of Alden B. Dow, an architect from Midland who contributed to the Michigan Modern style. He designed many schools, churches, art centers, commercial buildings, and more than 70 residences. The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio is a prime example of mid-20th-century modern architecture, and it is surrounded by a pond.
Another popular point of interest you may want to visit is the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse, 30 minutes northeast of Caseville in Port Austin. Congress commissioned it in 1856 as a "turning point" for north- and westbound shipping in Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. In 1979, the Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse, and in 2011, it petitioned for the structure to be admitted to the Registry of Historic Places. Tours are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
While in Port Austin, you can visit another popular landmark and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time. The Bank 1884 has been a fine-dining establishment since 1984, but the building has a storied history. The two-story, red brick building first opened in 1884 as the Winsor Snover Bank. Through the years, the building has housed a dentist's office, bicycle repair shop, library, and other businesses. In 1987, the Winsor and Snover Bank Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lighthouse County Park is about 30 minutes east of Caseville on the northeast shore of the Thumb. RV campsites are available from May 1 to Oct. 15 and feature full hookups, electrical only, and rustic-style sites. Duggan’s Family Campground is only 15 minutes from Caseville in Port Austin. This 300-site facility offers full hookup, back-in sites and has a pool, game room, camp store, restaurant, arcade, and dump station. Oak Beach Country Park is another popular destination with 55 RV sites, a camp store, pavilions, a playground, and a restroom with coin-operated showers.
Do I maintain or service the motorhome rental during my rental period?
No, it is the responsibility of the RVshare owner to ensure the motorhome is properly maintained and serviced before your rental period. Just take good care of your rental and keep it clean.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when operating a motorhome rental in Caseville, MI?
Yes, motorhomes are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, so it is important to allow for more time and space when turning, merging, or stopping. Additionally, it is recommended to drive slower than the posted speed limit and to use caution when driving in windy or wet conditions.
How do I properly level and stabilize a motorhome at my campsite or RV park?
Motorhomes typically have built-in leveling jacks or blocks that can be adjusted to ensure the RV is level and stable. Some RV parks may also provide leveling pads or blocks if needed. Discuss your campsite with the RV owner ahead of time and they can provide you guidance on stabilizing.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the interior and exterior during my rental period?
You should keep the interior clean and tidy, empty waste tanks as needed, and report any damages or malfunctions to the RVshare owner. Exterior maintenance such as checking tire pressure is also recommended.
Does my motorhome rental come with bedding, linens, or other items I would consider to be personal?
This varies by RVshare owner. Some owners may include bedding and linens, while others may require renters to bring their own. It is best to check with the owner prior to renting.
Should I bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the motorhome rental?
While some motorhomes may come equipped with entertainment options or appliances, it is always a good idea to bring your own if desired. However, be mindful of any limitations on power usage or space restrictions. Check the RV listing or ask the RV owner what kind of entertainment is included.
Are there any limitations on where I can park or store a motorhome rental in Caseville, MI, such as zoning laws or homeowners' association regulations?
There may be restrictions on where motorhomes can be parked or stored in certain areas. It is best to research local laws and regulations or to ask the RVshare owner for guidance.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a motorhome rental?
Motorhomes are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve gas mileage such as driving at a lower speed, avoiding excessive idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
How do I properly operate and maintain the various systems in a motorhome rental?
The RVshare owner should provide you with detailed instructions and manuals for operating and maintaining the various systems in the motorhome. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and prevent damage.
Are any unique features or amenities available in motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Caseville, MI?
This varies by RV owner and motorhome class, but some motorhomes may have unique features such as slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, or luxury finishes that may not be found in other types of RVs.
