Lakeside Camping, Forest Roads, and Upper Peninsula Magic
Michigan is a van lifer’s paradise. With more freshwater shoreline than any other state, hundreds of campgrounds, and endless forest roads to explore, Michigan is tailor-made for the nomadic lifestyle. Whether you’re hugging the shores of Lake Superior, winding through pine-scented backroads, or stealth camping near a sleepy Great Lakes town, there’s something here for everyone.
Here are the 10 best places to experience van life or car camping in Michigan, covering both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
🏕️ 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location: Upper Peninsula (Munising, MI)
Cost: ~$15–$25/night (campgrounds), limited dispersed camping
This is one of Michigan’s most iconic natural wonders. With vibrant cliffs, turquoise water, and waterfalls, it’s a must-visit for van lifers.
-
🛶 Great for kayaking and boat tours
-
🥾 Miles of shoreline hiking
-
🏕️ Nearby campgrounds fill up fast — reserve early
💡 Try the Hurricane River or Twelve Mile Beach campgrounds for lake views.
🌲 2. Hiawatha National Forest
Location: Central Upper Peninsula
Cost: FREE (dispersed) or ~$10–$20/night (designated sites)
Hiawatha is a dispersed camping dream—with hundreds of forest roads, lakes, and quiet pull-offs.
-
🐦 Perfect for birdwatching and solitude
-
🌌 Very dark skies for stargazing
-
🚐 Stay self-contained and follow Leave No Trace
🌊 3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Location: Northwestern Lower Peninsula
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
This park combines giant sand dunes, forested campgrounds, and Lake Michigan beaches—one of the most scenic areas in the Midwest.
-
🏖️ Van-accessible sites at Platte River and D.H. Day campgrounds
-
🚴 Great biking along the Heritage Trail
-
📸 Ideal for sunset photography
🌅 4. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Location: Far western Upper Peninsula
Cost: ~$17–$25/night
Remote, rugged, and stunning—this massive wilderness area has waterfalls, hiking trails, and quiet lakefront campsites.
-
🥾 Don’t miss the Lake of the Clouds overlook
-
🌲 Deep woods with minimal light pollution
-
🔥 Campfires and rustic campsites encouraged
🏞️ 5. Manistee National Forest
Location: Western Lower Peninsula
Cost: FREE dispersed or ~$10–$20/night
A great mix of dispersed camping, river views, and lakeside pull-offs—Manistee is ideal for self-contained van setups.
-
🏕️ Best free camping is off forest roads
-
🛶 Canoe the Pine or Manistee Rivers
-
🧭 Use iOverlander or Gaia GPS to find hidden gems
🛻 6. Walmart / Cracker Barrel / Casino Parking Lots
Location: Statewide
Cost: FREE (with permission)
Michigan is generally van-life-friendly when it comes to stealth or overnight lots.
-
✅ Ask before parking overnight
-
🛒 Walmart: Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City, Marquette
-
🥓 Cracker Barrel: Use as a breakfast + sleep combo stop
🚤 7. Tawas Point State Park
Location: Eastern Lower Peninsula (Lake Huron)
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
Known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," this small park is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and lighthouse views.
-
🌊 Warm shallow waters, great for summer
-
🐦 Birdwatching hotspot during migrations
-
🚐 Electrical hookups available at many sites
🛶 8. Au Sable River Area
Location: Near Oscoda, MI
Cost: FREE dispersed or $15–$25 (campgrounds)
This area offers free national forest sites along the river, plus designated sites with fire rings and pit toilets.
-
🚣 Popular for paddling trips
-
🔥 Easy to find a quiet campsite even in summer
-
🗺️ Great access from River Road National Scenic Byway
🌲 9. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Location: Eastern Upper Peninsula
Cost: ~$20–$30/night
With one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, plus deep woods and rustic trails, this is a top van camping spot.
-
🏞️ Multiple campground loops
-
🍁 Gorgeous in the fall
-
🦌 Wildlife-rich area
🏖️ 10. Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area
Location: Western Lower Peninsula
Cost: ~$25–$40/night (campgrounds)
This area is a blast if you like sand dunes, off-roading, and beach life. There are campgrounds nearby that are van-friendly.
-
🛻 Ride the dunes in your own 4WD or rent a buggy
-
🏊 Swim in Silver Lake or Lake Michigan
-
📸 Awesome coastal photo ops
🔧 Van Life Tips for Michigan
-
Best Season: Late May to early October. Winters are brutal and snow-heavy.
-
Stealth Camping: Safer in small towns or forested areas than big cities.
-
Showers: Use truck stops, gyms (like Planet Fitness), or state park facilities.
-
Apps to Use: iOverlander, Campendium, Gaia GPS, FreeRoam
Final Thoughts
Michigan offers some of the most scenic and accessible van life experiences in the Midwest. From the wild beauty of the Upper Peninsula to the lakefront charm of the west coast, this state has an adventure waiting at every turn. Whether you're boondocking deep in a pine forest or watching a Great Lakes sunset from your tailgate, Michigan makes van life feel rich, simple, and wild all at once.
No comments:
Post a Comment