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.
How do I correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Caseville, MI without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Caseville, MI?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Caseville, MI?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Caseville, MI, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Caseville, MI?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.