Best National Parks Near Lansing, MI
Located 161 miles to the southwest of Lansing, MI, Indiana Dunes National Park features over 50 miles of hiking trails that take you through a variety of landscapes. You can enjoy quiet woodlands or walk along the sandy beach while catching a Lake Michigan sunset. If you are feeling extremely adventurous, embark on the 1966 Hiking Challenge, which comprises 19 hikes that cover 66 miles in the park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is found 238 miles away in the northern part of Ohio. This national park is known for its waterfalls and over 125 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can also walk or ride a bike along the Towpath Trail, which preserves the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Kayaking, picnicking, fishing, and bird-watching are also available in this massive national park.
While Isle Royale National Park is a bit further than other national parks, you will be happy you made the 540-mile journey once you arrive at this remote island in Lake Superior. This car-free wilderness showcases dense forests, numerous lakes, and waterways, as well as moose and wolves. Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are some of the activities you can enjoy at this special national park.
Popular State Parks Near Lansing, MI
Located just 23 miles away from downtown Lansing, Sleepy Hollow State Park features over 2,600 acres of land as well as a winding river, fields, and trails. Lake Ovid covers 410 acres and is the main attraction of this year-round state park. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and even dog sledding in the winter. Bird-watchers have a chance to spot the rarely-seen Bonaparte’s gull and bald eagle while visiting this park.
Pinckney Recreation Area is located 51 miles to the southeast of Lansing and sports 11,000 acres of terminal moraine area, which was formed during the last glaciation period. With over 70 miles of trails, there is a route for every type of hiker. Visitors can enjoy the numerous lakes by launching their own boat or kayak or simply take in the beautiful sights and sounds while enjoying a picnic in the park.
Brighton Recreation Area is a 4,900-acre state park located 43 miles from Lansing, MI. This park has 35 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that feature high, irregular ranges of hills. Anglers can try their hand at catching bass, bluegill, and pike in one of the six lakes located in the park. Nature lovers can spot numerous wildlife while walking along the park’s trails, including squirrels, rabbits, and deer.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Lansing, MI
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is 173 miles away and commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The visitor center should be your first stop as you can watch a 15-minute video, explore exhibits, and purchase tickets to the memorial. Once you are in the memorial, you will want to make your way to the observation deck atop the 352-foot structure to catch stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding skyline. While there is no RV camping, the memorial is located in the popular Put-In-Bay area, which offers several RV-friendly camping options.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 200 miles to the northwest of Lansing, MI and is a popular tourist destination in the summer. This national lakeshore sports bluffs that are as high as 450 feet above Lake Michigan, as well as miles of sandy beaches. RV camping is available in several of the campgrounds located within this national site and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park can be found 262 miles to the south and was established to honor the lives and achievements of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Wright Brothers, Ohio’s most famous aviation pioneers. The park features several interpretive centers to tell the stories of the men being honored, as well as a replica hangar similar to the one the Wright Brothers used to store their airplanes. Each complex has its own parking area, which can support RVs. However, it is probably easiest if you visit this national site in a smaller rig to better handle the city driving and parking areas.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Lansing Cottonwood Campground is a quick 7-mile drive from downtown Lansing and the perfect place to get away from it all. The campground has 135 sites of varying sizes and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. It features two lakes stocked with fish, a pool, a playground, and outdoor games such as horseshoes, cornhole, and volleyball. Full-hookup sites include water, electricity, and sewer and have a daily rate of $48. Primitive and rustic sites are $38 per night.
Located 32 miles from Lansing, Heartland Woods RV Resort is a terrific place to take your RV. This family-friendly campground features many amenities, including showers, laundry, swimming pools, outdoor games, and a fishing pond. With over 100 sites, there is plenty of room for all types of RVs. You have the option of a concrete pad or grass site during your stay. The campground is open year-round and offers plenty of activities.
Rockey’s Campground is located on a chain of five lakes about 39 miles south of Lansing. The park is located near several shopping malls, a winery, and a casino. Campers can enjoy many amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a playground, a camp store, boat rentals, a bathhouse, picnic tables, and fire rings. All campsites include water and electric hookups and have a daily rate of $44.
RV Dump Stations Near Lansing, MI
The Portland City Dump Station is 25 miles from Lansing and is a popular RV dump station option as it is open year-round and 24 hours. The station is free to use and has rinse water available when the temperature allows. If you have a Class A RV, you will need to back up to the station as there is no room to turn around.
The dump station at Maple River Campground is available from May 1st to November 1st when the campground is open. This RV dumping option is only 36 miles from Lansing and is easy to get to from either I-96 or US-127.
The Alice Springs RV Park Campground has an RV dump station that is open May through October and features potable and rinse water. However, the dump station is only available to registered guests.
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