Michigan is one of the best RV states in the country — two peninsulas, four Great Lakes, 3,200 miles of shoreline, and a state parks system that routinely ranks among the best in the nation. The average rental runs about $120/night, with travel trailers starting around $85/night and Class C motorhomes typically running $160/night.
Sleeping Bear Dunes has a 35-foot site limit at Platte River Campground. The National Lakeshore's primary campground caps at 35 feet for most sites. D.H. Day Campground is tent-only. If a large rig is non-negotiable, plan for private campgrounds near Empire or Glen Arbor and day-trip into the park.
The Upper Peninsula rewards self-contained rigs. Pictured Rocks, the Porcupine Mountains, and Tahquamenon Falls are all excellent, but services thin out significantly once you're north of the Mackinac Bridge. Larger tanks and solar or generator capability let you stay at the most scenic dispersed and basic sites.
A travel trailer and tow vehicle is ideal for exploring both peninsulas. If your itinerary crosses the Mackinac Bridge and moves through both the LP and UP, a travel trailer gives you the flexibility to unhitch and explore without moving camp every day.
Fall color season (late September–mid-October) is peak demand. Michigan fall foliage — especially in the UP and around Sleeping Bear — rivals New England. Campgrounds fill fast for October weekends. Book 3–4 months ahead if fall color is the goal.
Michigan's two peninsulas have different logistics. The Lower Peninsula is easy and well-serviced; the Upper Peninsula requires more planning.
Michigan state park campgrounds use the MiDNR Reservations system. Sites open 6 months in advance. Sleeping Bear area, Traverse City, and Pictured Rocks-adjacent parks book fast for summer. Set a 6-month reminder.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore requires separate campsite and park reservations. Platte River Campground books through Recreation.gov. Dune Climb and swimming areas are day-use — no overnight access without a campsite.
The Mackinac Bridge has a wind advisory system for high-profile vehicles. In high winds, the bridge authority may restrict or escort large RVs across. Check mackinacbridge.org for current conditions before your crossing day.
Pictured Rocks is remote — resupply before you arrive. Munising is the last full-service town before the Pictured Rocks corridor. Fuel, groceries, and propane should be handled there. Don't count on finding a dump station easily east of Munising.
Both southern Michigan and the U.P. have tons of campgrounds, including White River RV Park & Campground. This Montague campground is close to Lake Michigan and Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park. You'll find full hookups that are close to a swimming pool and multiple hiking trails. At Harbortown RV Resort in Monroe, guests can use the miniature golf course, go-kart track, and swimming pool. The campground hosts special weekend events in the summer, including those that let you compete in cook-offs or try sweet treats from local shops.
Lake Shore RV Resort & Campground by Outdoor Adventures is in the heart of Michigan's Irish Hills region, which has amusement parks and other attractions for families. All of the 95 sites have full hookups and are close to the campground's beach. If you prefer swimming pools, the park has multiple pools that are close to a sauna and hot tub and a water park. Many travelers head to Holland State Park Beach Campground in Holland for summer camping. The beach has multiple lifeguards on duty and a concession stand along with a changing room with bathrooms. A sand volleyball court sits right on the beach, too.
Whether you stay in Detroit or head to the U.P., it's easy to find Michigan dump stations. The Westland Truck & Car Wash in Westland is a good place to stop because it has an RV washing station. You can also fill your propane tank and grab some fuel. Hilltop RV Superstore in Ishpeming is open daily except for Sundays. The store charges a small fee to use the dump station and stocks tons of parts and supplies for RVs. Don't forget to look for dump stations in Michigan parks and campgrounds such as Grand Haven State Park in Grand Haven.
The Wolverine State has both recreation areas and state parks, including Proud Lake Recreation Area with 4,700 acres of land. Up to 24 people can stay in the group camp area, but there is also a campground with more than 100 sites for RVs. Rifle River Recreation Area has so many things to do that you may want to stay for longer than a day. The park has miles of streams where trout splash and three ponds in between seven lakes.
One of the top landmarks in Michigan is the Quincy Mine, just outside of Hancock in the U.P. It sits on top of old copper mines used for nearly 100 years. It features a steam hoist and other artifacts inside the on-site museum, and visitors love exploring the fun, small-town college vibe of the Hancock-Houghton area.
At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you will find 40 miles of shoreline on Lake Superior surrounded by more than 70,000 acres of wilderness. Licenses are available for those who want to hunt or fish, but the hiking trails are free to use and don't require a permit. The lakeshore is also open during the winter months.
Tahquamenon Falls feature 200-foot waterfalls with a 50-foot drop. Though you may want to spend some time looking at the falls, there are also hiking trails and skiing trails, as well as multiple campgrounds, in the surrounding state park. You can also visit the Soo Locks, which are close to the Michigan border with Canada. The locks have boat tours that let you get close to the paths used by ships in the past.
On average expect to pay $151 per night in Michigan.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Michigan?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Michigan from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Michigan?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Michigan?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Michigan.
