Introduction
Michigan is one of the most underrated states in the nation. And while I might be a bit biased as a native, there’s no denying that it’s full of wild and beautiful landscapes, cultural gems like Detroit and Ann Arbor, and some of the best camping and beach parks in America. From the secluded wilderness to world-class beach parks in Michigan. This state has it all—especially if you know where to look.
Mt. Bohemia, in the Upper Peninsula
Mt. Bohemia is located in the Upper Peninsula, just a couple of hours north of Detroit and about five hours north of Chicago. The mountain itself is comprised of glacial sand and soil, making it the most popular spot for skiing in all of Michigan. If you’re into camping and beaches, you’ll enjoy its sandy beach along Lake Superior as well as its many campsites that are both modern and rustic.
Petoskey State Park, on Lake Michigan
Petoskey State Park, on Lake Michigan. This park offers beach access and a campground that overlooks the coastline. The campground features more than 30 sites and can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. There are also cabins available to rent as well as a beach house with kitchen facilities for larger groups or families. Pets are allowed at this park but must be leashed at all times.
With plenty of activities in addition to swimming and sunbathing, Petoskey State Park is an excellent place for those who want to enjoy the beach without having to drive far from home. Here’s what you need to know:
- How do I get there? Located off M-119 between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, it’s easy enough to reach by car or bus (check out our guide here).
- What do I pack? Waterproof shoes or sandals; sunscreen; swimsuits (or other clothing if you plan on hiking); towels; snacks/food/drinks; flashlights if planning an evening excursion; bug spray if needed (you can check out our guide here for tips on avoiding the mosquitoes!).
- When should I go? For best visibility, go during low tide when sandbars appear along the shoreline!
Tawas Point State Park, on Lake Huron
Tawas Point State Park, on Lake Huron, is a beautiful spot to camp and relax. The park boasts a sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. There are many campsites available with electric hookups, some of which are right on the beach itself. There’s also an extensive system of hiking trails throughout the park, as well as an excellent nature center dedicated to teaching visitors about native plants and animals in Michigan.
On top of all this outdoor activity, Tawas Point also has its own restaurant serving up delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients—a nice touch for those who don’t feel like cooking their own food!
Warren Dunes State Park, on Lake Michigan
While Warren Dunes State Park may be a bit of a drive from Detroit and Chicago, it’s well worth the trip. This popular tourist destination on Lake Michigan is also ideal for campers and beachgoers alike.
The park features 8 miles of sandy beaches that stretch along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering everything from swimming to surfing to scuba diving. The campground at Warren Dunes offers more than 150 sites as well as cabins for rent in addition to reservable yurts.
Holland State Park, on Lake Michigan
Holland State Park is on Lake Michigan and has a swimming beach, campground, boat launch and marina. You can also see the lighthouse at Holland Harbor from here. This is a great place to go for hiking or biking on the trails in summer or cross-country skiing in winter.
The park is open all year round but some facilities may be closed in the winter months due to weather conditions (a good example being the swimming beach).
Silver Lake Sand Dunes, in the Upper Peninsula
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes, an hour north of Munising in the Upper Peninsula, is a sand dune preserve that offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in Michigan. The park also offers camping options for those looking for an overnight trip.
Campers can choose from more than 50 campsites scattered throughout the park, including a primitive group site with toilets and showers. The rest are rustic, but they all feature picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites have electricity available at an additional cost per day; others require bringing your own generator or lanterns if you want to charge your phone or use lights at night (you’ll find solar power elsewhere).
For those looking for something different than just sitting around campfires all day long, Silver Lake Sand Dunes has plenty of other activities on offer: bring your bike and ride along one of many paved bike paths through woods full of wildlife or along sandy beaches overlooking Lake Superior; go snowshoeing on groomed trails; try geocaching; go bird watching—and even get a massage!
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the Upper Peninsula
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and was originally established as a state forest in 1945. In 1975, it was designated as a wilderness park by Governor William Milliken. The park sits on the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains and offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, camping, and swimming.
The best way to get around this large park is by foot or bike—there are several trails that lead through forests, along lakeshores, and over ridges. You can also take guided canoe trips with experienced guides from mid-May to mid-October; even if you’re not an experienced paddler yourself there will be plenty of opportunities for beginners to learn new skills during these trips!
This park is best accessible by private jet into Marquette, Michigan.
Michigan is full of beautiful camping and beach parks and these are some of the best.
Michigan is full of beautiful camping and beach parks and these are some of the best.
There are several other great places to go camping in Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is situated along the western coast of Lake Michigan, just an hour north of Traverse City or Grand Rapids. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, boating, biking and wildlife viewing to name a few. You can also find trails that lead you through different habitats where you can see animals like elk, white-tailed deer, coyotes or even beavers!
If you’re looking for something closer to home then make sure to check out Pere Marquette State Park located in Ludington on Lake Michigan’s northwest shoreline. This park offers over one hundred campsites which include electric hookups (water/sewer) available during peak season; making it easy for families who want multiple amenities but still want to experience nature at its finest!
Final Thoughts on Beach Parks in Michigan
Now that you know a little more about what makes some of Michigan’s camping and beach parks so special, get out there and check them out for yourself. Playing on a Great Lakes beach for a week is fun. We’re sure that once you go, you won’t want to leave. And if the idea of sleeping outdoors doesn’t sound like fun yet, start small: set up a tent in your backyard and enjoy the fresh air! You might just find yourself itching to try something new.
After all, as the old saying goes, “there’s no place like home…except when it comes to vacation!”
