Over the years I’ve watched our Girl Camper Facebook group page fill with posts about traveling to epic locations. Most often these dream trips include a handful of national parks or visits to the coasts. What if I let you in on a little secret? Michigan is a dream destination!
The Great Lakes State brings the beauty of the coasts with some other great features. Michigan is home to 4 of the 5 Great Lakes. We are surrounded by the largest supply of freshwater in the world! Our lake shores are also varied depending on where you are in the state.
Lake Michigan on the western side of the state brings sand dunes and bright blue water. Lake Superior has a rocky coast line full of treasures for the rock collectors among us from Yooperlite to Petosky stones, you could spend hours combing the waterline to find your very own lake tumbled, smooth stones for souvenirs.
Lake Huron brings the sunrise and more traditional sandy beaches with some rocky overlooks. Lake Erie cradles farms and wineries along the mostly flat terrain.
Michigan offers a wide array of history as well as natural beauty. We are known for The Motor City and Motown worldwide. A visit to Detroit could fill your days with a trip to the oldest aquarium in the United States located on Belle Isle as well as the gorgeous greenhouse located adjacent to the aquarium. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see Diego RIvera’s mural in person or to have tea at The David Whitney House would give you a sense of how the city shines.
Along the way you could stop at dozens of locations to learn about Native American history, the Underground Railroad or the lumber and mining industry in the Upper Peninsula as well as the automotive industry and unionization. Our state is filled with rich history and beautiful vistas.
The next time you are dreaming of a future camping trip you should consider Michigan where locals use their hand as a map.
Tracey Stieb
Girl Camper Michigan Guide and Contributing Editor
Michigan has so much!
Favorites:
Mackinaw Island
Soo Locks, Sault St, Marie
Kitch-iti-Kipi
Petoskey
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Porcupine Mountains
Tahquamenon Falls
Hiawatha National Forrest
Yankee Springs
Pictured Rocks
Silver Lake
Michigan has so much to offer!
Favorites:
Mackinaw Island
Soo Locks, Sault St, Marie
Kitch-iti-Kipi
Petoskey
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Porcupine Mountains
Tahquamenon Falls
Hiawatha National Forrest
Yankee Springs
Pictured Rocks
Silver Lake
Hi All;
Just purchased my first RV in late August and am winterizing it already. Being from Michigan, it’s a miracle I could keep it out this long, I guess! I’m interested in the spring shakedown for ’23, are any details available yet? Something to look forward to. Thanks!
Bought my first camper 64 scotty! went on my first outing and had a blast!! glad to find this group
Tracy Park
I am so excited to find this site! I have a teardrop and am a beginner in solo camping. Transplant from Southern California since August and have been busy getting settled. I’ve combed many sites and this one has been the most positive.
Hi Michaela.
Welcome to Michigan. Have you learned to use your left hand to show people where you live? Lol!
Be sure to come to Traverse City to explore; Sleeping Bear Dunes, wineries, breweries, lots of hiking and biking trails, kayaking and miles of beautiful sandy beaches.
I’ve lived in Michigan for many years if you need any ideas for where to camp..ask away. Happy Camping.
Hi Michaela. I am also a beginner in solo camping with a new teardrop. Unlike you, though, I am a Michigan native. I too am happy to find his site.
Bonnie, join us on our Spring Shakedown camp out so we can show you the ropes! Take time to visit the pages for other states as well – there is a wealth of information in this group.
Welcome to Michigan, Michaela! There is so much to see and do here in the Mitten. I hope you can join us at a camp out when the weather warms up, it’s a great way to make new friends!