Camping is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers, and Michiganders are lucky to live close to some of the most beautiful campgrounds in the country. Waterfront campgrounds are absolutely stunning — there’s nothing quite as refreshing as walking out of your tent, cooking lunch on the campfire, and spending the rest of your afternoon enjoying some quality beach time or a view of Mackinaw Island. The best lake camping in Michigan can be found at these amazing campgrounds in Michigan that allow for unparalleled beachfront access.

Silver Lake State Park~ This beloved state park allows visitors to explore some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the state of Michigan. Set up your tent near the shores of Silver Lake or Lake Michigan and enjoy a true connection to nature at one of these stunning sites. Play with the kids, make it a romantic getaway or reconnect with friends that you haven’t seen in the past year.  Make sure to get your reservation confirmed early, though — Silver Lake State Park camping is a popular destination.

Twelvemile Beach Campground~ Located in Grand Marais, this one-of-a-kind campground features 37 sites sitting on a breathtaking bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Visitors to the UP frequently list Twelvemile as one of their favorite camping sites, and with good reason: it offers some of the most stunning views in the state. Twelvemile Beach has water, picnic tables, fire rings, and an interpretive amphitheater. The campground has access to the North Country Trail and the two mile long self-guided White Birch Interpretive Trail.   The other bonus of the UP is that the drive up there can really make you feel like you are in a whole different world plus you may be surprised but some Michiganders have never even crossed the bridge.

Not one to brave camping? Michigan has some stellar alternatives! Check out A Paddler's Village on the Lake Superior Shore. Platform tents with a bed, sofa and deck or a yurt, fully outfitted with electricity, skylights, Wi-Fi and a refrigerator are all the glamour you'll need when you're situated on the shores of Lake Superior and you've booked an all-inclusive package that includes paddling to Grand Island, dinners and breakfasts. There's even a skylight dome from which you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Another interesting one to check out is Tiki Huts on Lake Huron. The colorful tiki huts look straight out of a Caribbean island, but your beach is lining a Great Lake instead when you book a cabin at Mai Tiki Resort in Oscoda. Here, the amenities also include use of the self-serve tiki bar on the beach, nightly bonfires on the Lake Huron shoreline, and even outdoor movie nights.

Beyond the three that I mentioned there are a lot of other camp grounds in Michigan that you can enjoy.  Take some time or make it a game for your family, or camping partner, to find the one they really want to see.  Most are only a day away!  Enjoy the season!

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