Camping in lower Michigan

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I'm planning for a possible trip in mid August this year where we would head east to Indiana and then Michigan. We do almost all of our camping in the western states so this is an unusual trip for us. We have family in Indiana and would like to camp in Michigan for a few days to visit some areas where my wife grew up. I'm set with our Indiana plans but I have no knowledge of camping in Michigan. We'd be visiting the Gross point area, Battle Creek and possible HarsensIsland and I doubt if we'd want to go much farther north. We normally like to dry camp in national park type campgrounds with no hookups. However, the temperatures and humidity may dictate that we get hookups in this case. For those of you familiar with the area, how hot and humid would it be in mid August? We'd like to avoid private campgrounds or parking lot style campgrounds. Could anyone suggest a state or national park campground somewhat central to the area we'll be visiting? Something on the lake would be great but I'd also be happy to find a quite, heavily forested area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks: Charlie

[mnmhays]

In the Battle Creek area you could look into Custer Rec. Area. It is a State Park with hook-ups, etc... Mid-August can be a crap shoot. It will likely be hot (85-90) with much higher humidity than you are used to (75% and up) not as bad as some other midwest states but still uncomfotable if you aren't used to it.

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Originally Posted by mnmhays

In the Battle Creek area you could look into Custer Rec. Area. It is a State Park with hook-ups, etc... Mid-August can be a crap shoot. It will likely be hot (85-90) with much higher humidity than you are used to (75% and up) not as bad as some other midwest states but still uncomfotable if you aren't used to it.

Thanks, I'll check that out.
My wife is from the Gross Point area but camping in a city is out of the question. We plan to visit Battle Creek to check out some history and the Battle Creek Sanitarium. The closer we can get to Gross Point and still be in a secluded campground the better. I know that's unlikely so if we need to drive an hour that's fine.

[loudruff]

Out of state in MI means that you have to pay a "user" fee to camp in the state parks, I believe. One more way to get $$$$$. If you are going to camp there for more than a couple of nights it would be better to pay the season pass for MI. Maybe one of the Michiganders can weigh in on this too.

[GlobeTrottin]

You might check into Green Lake CG north of Chelsea, MI. It is considered a rustic, meaning pit toilet and hand pump. The lake is nice to look at with good fishing. It is a slow bumpy road in but quite nice when you get there. We go there when it is too little time to drive north. Unfortunately Michigan State
Parks are essentially parking lot camping with a smattering of trees for the most part. You sound like you have the same taste as we do in campsites. I am recently reading up on dispersed camping which sounds great. If we want electronic stimulation and contrived group activities we just stay home.

[SilverCottage]

I'll put in a vote for Pontiac Lakes State Campground. Use google maps satellite view to get an idea where the treed areas are. We like sites 19-37 or 100-138.

Only about 15 min from I-75 and Great Lakes Crossing shopping area.

[Brianv512]

Take a look at Algonac State Park, it would be near Harsen's Island. Harsen's Island is an island and you have to take a ferry to get there and i do not know how big of a trailer it can accommodate. Battle Creek is across the state and you would normally take I-94 but you could go across I-96 and stay at the Pickney recreation area. I grew up camping at Bruin Lake and it is one of the first places I will go if I ever get my trailer done. The area has several different campgrounds that may suit your needs. I have heard that reservations are a must because Michigan State Parks are very busy during the summer. As far as the cost I think you have to by a recreation pass and then a nightly campsite fee but that is what it is. It will be hot and humid in August so be prepared, it could also snow, who knows.

Here is a link to Pickney:
Pinckney Recreation Area Detail