Michigan UP

[sibyrnes]

I'm planing a trip in September exploring the upper penninsula of Michigan. Can anyone suggest some good campsites?

[Pahaska]

I stayed in a state park underneath the north end of the Mackinaw Bridge. It was quite nice looking up at the bridge in the night.

Over into Wisconsin, I stayed at a city park in Ashland right on the waterfront and right by the pier that ran out into the lake where ore ships once loaded. $10 a night, if I remember right.

[sander17]

Michigan State Parks usually have electric only. Be sure to fill your water tank. Most are 30amp service. Try the Porkupine Mountains on the west end and Taquomenon Falls on the east end.
(Please excuse the spelling)

[Silvertwinkie]

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has some fantastic rustic sites. The roads aren't that great, but the campgrounds are beyond awesome.

Also around the Iron Mountain area are some great state forest campgrounds as well as some great Wisonsin Electric public access camps sites off the resivoirs out that way.

PM me if you want more details.

Eric

[Silvertwinkie]

Here is a shot from Pictured Rock National Lakeshore:

[Silvertwinkie]

More:

[Silvertwinkie]

Another:

[Silvertwinkie]

Last one:

[trumpwer]

Originally posted by Pahaska
I stayed in a state park underneath the north end of the Mackinaw Bridge. It was quite nice looking up at the bridge in the night.

you dont happen to have more info on this campground, it would work perfectly into next springs plans.

[Silvertwinkie]

There is another thread going around about another future midwest rally. I think it might be the same campground. Try a search....

Eric

[jcanavera]

Eric, the thought on this one will most likely be Mill Creek campground in Mackanaw City which is on the south side of the straits. That one has full hookups and I think that most folks will enjoy that. You probably were in the campground that is off the first exit as you get off the bridge going north? I think the name of the town is St. Ignace. There is a state park there and maybe a KOA.

Jack

[74Argosy24MH]

How about Straits State Park.

This will link you to the MI state parks. There are also 2 national forests, Hiawatha and Ottawa. Hiawatha is split into east and west, both are pretty large. I have camped in them but the sites I used are rustic.

I was through there a couple of weeks ago, US2 west of Escanaba had a lot of construction (bridges) and one detour about 35 miles long. 41 would be a much better choice. 2 east of Escanaba was smooth sailing.

John

[BReed]

If u have the chance, make Mackinac Island a must stop. You'll have to take a ferry over and once at the island, no motors are allowed, so transportation is either you're two legs or horse and buggy or a bicycle. It's an awesome island with fabulous views. Stay overnight if possible. The island takes on a whole new perspective once the daily tourists have left. I would recommend a bicycle and take the ride around the perimeter of the island (8 miles).
Traverse City is also an awesome place. Stop in at Holiday Park Campground. It's in all the camping books (Woodhalls etc). It's an Airstream only park (member must own an Airstream) but guests are welcome in any type of RV. The park is awesome and so are the people. The two places I've described are of course in the lower peninsula but well work a look see if time is no issue. Have fun in the UP, Michigan is a great place to camp.

Bruce

[sibyrnes]

BReed,
You are right on about Makinac Island. It's a beautiful and unique place. I have been to the UP before, but this will be my first trip with my recently acquired Airstream. Thanks everybody for the great tips.

[Pahaska]

Originally posted by trumpwer

you dont happen to have more info on this campground, it would work perfectly into next springs plans.

It is called "Straits State Park". The park is quite large and covers the entire area under the north end of the Mackinaw Bridge. It has been at least 10 years since I was there, but if I recall correctly, it was well-marked after I came off the bridge. If I recall correctly, it is the first exit off the bridge and then another right turn to the park entrance.

When I crossed the bridge, traffic was limited to 10 mph because of high winds. Later in the evening, the winds died and light fog rolled in. My campsite was on the shore very close to the bridge and it was beautiful seeing the lights through the fog. By morning, it was clear and the view was terrific across the straits.

[Pahaska]

Originally posted by trumpwer

you dont happen to have more info on this campground, it would work perfectly into next springs plans.

Here is a link to a site for Straits State Park. 275 campsites and a lot of other amenities. If you do a Google search for "Straits State Park", you get a lot of hits.