10 Michigan Campgrounds for a Weekend Getaway

This summer, escape the hustle and bustle, spend quality time with friends and family, and develop a newfound appreciation for Mother Nature at some of these scenic campgrounds in Michigan.

Take in the sights of one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise. The Upper Falls reach 50 feet high and more than 200 feet wide, making it a must-see attraction. There’s more to explore with 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes, and approximately 20,000 acres of natural area.

Head to Roscommon to take a swim in crystal-clear Higgins Lake or grab a metal detector and try your luck searching for hidden treasures along the shoreline. Experience tranquility and observe wildlife while traveling the camp’s nature trail.

Participate in a host of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and biking across 10,500 acres of campground in Carp Lake. Enjoy 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and watch amazing sunsets over pristine water. The air is so fresh that breathing here is a kind of luxury.

Explore these enormous sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Empire by guided tour or wandering on your own. Swim at one of the park’s beaches or take in the sweet smell of maple syrup while hiking through a lush beech-maple forest.

Lace-up your hiking boots or grab your bike and hit the park’s 18-mile trail amongst peaceful wildlife. At this beautiful park in Ludington, camp and set sail across picturesque Lake Michigan or soak in the sun along the sandy shoreline of Hamlin Lake.

Bring a map when traveling in the “Porkies” to help navigate this 60,000-acre state park in Ontonagon. Take your pick from a variety of campsites including modern, rustic, and yurt lodging. Enjoy scenic waterfalls, trek across miles of hiking trails, or feel the sensation of stepping back in time as you explore the ancient Porcupine Mountains.

Get lost in a forest of jack pine trees and fall in love with miles of sparkling rivers and streams in Manistee. Canoe along the peaceful Pere Marquette River or catch fish from Benton Lake. Take delight in the forest’s remarkable ecological features including dry sand prairie remnants, coastal marshlands, dunes, oak savannahs, fens, bogs, and marshes.

From canoeing to shooting hoops to tossing horseshoes – there’s something for everyone at this campground in Lakeport. Gaze into the unbridled waters of Lake Huron and take comfort in modern amenities offered at one of 250 campsites.

Behold the beauty which lies in the Central Upper Peninsula at this park’s dramatic, multicolored sandstone cliffs in Munising. Hike alongside wildflowers and ride the waves of Lake Superior in a kayak. For another priceless view of the lake, travel atop the Au Sable Light Station that towers 87 feet above the ground.

Your trip begins at michigan.org.