In 1818, the first European settlers made it to the Pontiac area. Just two years later, the area had enough people to become a village named after the famous Native American Chief Pontiac. This village was Michigan’s first inland settlement. It was not officially recognized by the state government until 1837 but became incorporated as a city in 1861.
The central location of the city ensured its success. Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals were attracted to the location. Woolen and grist mills also found the city’s proximity to the Clinton River beneficial. The city also had an abundance of other natural resources that attracted several carriage manufacturing companies to the area. These companies would eventually combine and become General Motors Corporation. Over the years, Pontiac saw growth with the automotive companies as well as decline. These companies were thriving when self-propelled vehicles were introduced, which helped Pontiac become the center of the automotive industry. The railroad arrived in 1844, ensuring Pontiac’s progress would continue.
Today, Pontiac has a population of over 61,000. It continues to celebrate its automotive history with Wayside Exhibits throughout the city. MotorCities National Heritage supplied these signs. On each sign is a story unique to the area. Some of the signs have been placed in locations with historical significance directly associated with the auto industry. Besides its automotive culture and industry, Pontiac offers various other attractions. These attractions include the stunning Devi Ma Hindu temple, Erebus Haunted Attraction, M1 Concourse, Eternal Mother Temple, Flagstar Strand Theater, Clinton River Trail, and Pine Grove Historical Museum.
Holiday Extravaganza – Every December, the towns of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake come together for this celebration. People from all over come just to watch the parade. This fantastic parade typically has over 100 costumed characters, homemade floats, and various surprises.
Oakland County Witch Fest – This festival is sponsored by a local shop and starts with a drum ceremony. Held every October, this festival offers tarot readings, oracle readings, healing, food, music, and much more.
Navaratri Festival – During October every year, the Bharatiya Temple hosts singers and dancers at the temple. A free dinner is provided when these artisans take the stage.
Even if you have a low budget, you can still discover the incredible sites of Pontiac, in Michigan, in an RVshare RV rental. Pontiac is a small city located in Oakland County, about 30 miles north of Detroit. If you're planning to explore the area in your RV, a few places may pique your interest.If you're a fan of spooky thrills, be sure to check out Erebus Haunted Attraction. It's known as one of the best haunted houses in the country and features four stories of fear-inducing fun.SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is home to over 250 species of aquatic creatures worldwide. You can walk through an underwater tunnel and see sharks swim above you or watch fish being fed during daily talks.LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is an indoor play center perfect for families with young children. There are rides, interactive exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for building with LEGO bricks.In addition to these attractions, Pontiac has several parks and nature reserves where you can go hiking or enjoy a picnic. The city also hosts several annual events like the Woodward Dream Cruise, which draws car enthusiasts nationwide.Pontiac offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or spooky adventures. So pack up your RV and head out to explore this diverse city!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a hidden gem located in Ohio, just a short drive of 50.89 miles from Pontiac. This national park offers scenic views along the Cuyahoga River, hiking trails, and picturesque waterfalls like Brandywine Falls. Campsites are available for RVs at the Stanford House campground, with hookups and amenities such as showers and restrooms.Indiana Dunes National Park is another option worth considering, situated about 23.54 miles away in Indiana. The park boasts stunning sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan, towering sand dunes like Mount Baldy, and lovely hiking trails through diverse ecosystems such as forests and wetlands. The Dunewood Campground has sites with electric hookups for RVs and provides easy access to the beach.If you're looking for something different to do while visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, check out Deep River Waterpark; it's a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. Another popular attraction nearby is Boston Mills Ski Area, which offers skiing and snowboarding during winter months.Whether you choose Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Indiana Dunes National Park for your next RV adventure near Pontiac, Michigan, both parks offer scenic beauty and outdoor activities that delight nature enthusiasts.
Algonac State Park, located in St. Clair County and managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is a great destination for RVers looking to spend time on the water. Established in 1937, this park offers 2.266 miles of St. Clair River frontage, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. The area also offers 75 modern campsites with electric hookups available for RVs up to 50 feet long. Other amenities include restrooms, showers, a playground, picnic tables, and a dump station.Another great option for RVers is Seven Lakes State Park, located just an hour from Pontiac. This park features several small lakes perfect for fishing and paddling. The campground has 181 modern campsites with electrical hookups available for RVs up to 40 feet long. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings.Make reservations well in advance, as these parks tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Additionally, it's important to note that neither park offers sewer hookups or Wi-Fi access.Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay in your RV near Pontiac, Michigan, Algonac State Park and Seven Lakes State Park are excellent options for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the area's natural beauty.
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must-see landmark near Pontiac. Located at Put-In-Bay, OH, this site covers 25 acres and is managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can learn about the history of the War of 1812 and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Erie. The Perry's Cave Family Fun Center and South Bass Island State Park offer additional activities like boating, fishing, and walking trails.Another noteworthy landmark near Pontiac is Pullman National Monument. This historic site in Chicago, IL, tells the story of a 19th-century settlement home to Pullman Palace Car Company employees. Visitors can explore the area's history through guided tours and exhibits at the Newberry Library and Ping Tom Memorial Park.Whether you're interested in American history or enjoy spending time in nature, these national sites and monuments near Pontiac offer something for everyone.
- Your fist option, Groveland Oaks offers showers and allows pets.- Secondly, Oaks County Park has 170 RV sites with full hookups, back-in/pull-through options, and big-rig access. Guests can enjoy showers, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, recreational trails for biking and playing, waterslides, disc golf courses, pedal boats, playgrounds, and more. - Clear Water Campgrounds is a pet-friendly spot with 125 RV sites that offer full hookups with back-in/pull-through options. Amenities include Wi-Fi access, cell reception services, a petting zoo, and horseshoes.
- Four RV dump stations are available near Pontiac, Michigan.- A & S RV Center and AS RV Center offer dumping facilities, refilling fresh water service, and a hose for flushing tanks.- Addison Oaks County Park provides a dump station and a separate trash bin for waste disposal.- At Clearwater Campground, travelers can access the dump station and other on-site amenities.See RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations near Pontiac, Michigan, for details on each station.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Pontiac, MI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Pontiac?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
