Nine Ways to Go Camping in Michigan this Summer

Camping is a popular pastime here in Michigan. Probably because it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the beaches, waterways and forests that cover the state. When you think of camping, you probably picture people loading up the family car, taking a road trip and pitching a tent in the woods. But there are many other ways to go camping. There’s probably one that’s right for you, even if you’re not the crunchy, granola type. Here are some of the ways you can enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors in Michigan:

1. Rent a cabin – If you prefer a more home-like atmosphere, renting a cabin is the way to go. You’ll have a sturdy roof over your head to keep out the rain and a bed to sleep on. Cabins can very greatly though, from luxurious villas with indoor plumbing, full kitchens and air conditioning to simple wooden structures that only provide cots. You’ll find cabin rentals at Michigan state parks, private campgrounds and resorts.

2. RV – An RV is another way to enjoy the conveniences of home in the outdoors. If you don’t want to invest in the purchase of an RV, several RV stores also offer weekly and monthly rentals. An RV is perfect for a road trip with overnight stops in several locations. State and private campgrounds offer thousands of RV campsites all over Michigan.

3. Yurt – Sleeping in a yurt will make your camping experience unique. Yurts originated in Asia. They’re a tent-like building made of canvas and wood. The walls are insulated, and they often have a wood stove for heat. What you won’t find are modern conveniences like an indoor bathroom or electricity. There are several available for rent at state parks throughout Michigan, including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

4. Tepee – Four Michigan state parks give you the option of spending the night in a tepee. Accommodations are simple and basic, but children and adults alike will enjoy this opportunity to live out something they’ve only imagined. Baraga State Park is the latest to offer a tepee for rent.

5. Equestrian Camping – Do you have a horse? Well, you don’t have to leave him at home when you go camping. Several state parks offer accommodations for horses as well as a place for their riders to pitch a tent. Horse trails inside the parks make it easy to enjoy riding and exploring the woods.

6. Motorcycle – If you prefer to travel by motorcycle, several companies manufacture camping trailers and pop-up tents small enough to pull behind a motorcycle. Most state parks accommodate motorcycles. There are even private campgrounds that cater specifically to bikers and their families.

7. Bike – Bicycling enthusiasts aren’t left out when it comes to camping either. Michigan has 1,300 miles of bike trails with campgrounds along the way. Bike camping is minimalist since you can only take what you can carry, but modern technology makes it possible to put necessities like tents and cooking tools into small packages that are light and easy to carry.

8. Backpacking – If you enjoy hiking, backpacking may be your choice for camping. Several state parks have walk in sites where you have to pack-in all your necessities. Or you could hike a long-distance trail that has campsites along the way, like the Shore-to-Shore Trail. You’ll truly be roughing it in the great outdoors.

9. Tent – Of course there’s nothing wrong with tent camping either. It’s the perfect option for people who want a rustic experience, but still want the convenience of being able to bring along bigger items that won’t fit in a backpack. Private campgrounds and state parks offer tent camping sites. They range from sites without any conveniences, to sites that have water, electric and modern bathhouses near by.