Best Michigan Road Trips for Campers

There's nowhere quite like the Midwest. America's friendly heartland has lakes, prairies, hills, and forests beyond compare. It's also a great region for a road trip. That's why we've come up with three of the best Midwest road trips for campers.

Each of these road trips starts at one of our resorts and ends at a different resort. Each one also offers a different set of experiences, from cities to wild forests. Check them out and choose your favorite!

Michigan's West Coast Road Trip

Start: Sun Retreats Silver Creek in Mears, MI

Start your Midwest road trip at Sun Retreats Silver Creek . This family destination is right next to Silver Lake Sand Dunes, a major off-roading attraction overlooking Lake Michigan. Stay in a cozy cottage or a spacious RV site and enjoy an arcade, hot tub, family pool, and more amenities.

Stop in: Ludington, MI

As you journey north on MI-31, make a quick detour to Ludington. This harbor town features a quaint downtown and a park along the water. We recommend stopping by the famous House of Flavors for an ice cream cone.

Stop in: Traverse City, MI

Up next is Traverse City. This vacation town is renowned for its beaches along the Grand Traverse Bay. It also has a buzzing downtown with specialty restaurants, breweries, and upscale shops.

If you have time, head out on Old Mission Peninsula. Here you'll find gorgeous vineyards and orchards. You can even stop for a tasting at one of the more than ten wineries on the peninsula!

Stop in: Charlevoix, MI

As you continue north, visit the town of Charlevoix. Sitting where Lake Charlevoix meets Lake Michigan, the town is a postcard come to life. Stroll through the streets of downtown and poke your head in one of the many shops or art galleries. You can even get your toes wet at Michigan Beach.

End: Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor in Petoskey, MI

End your stay in the wonderful town of Petoskey. Sitting on gentle hills above Lake Michigan, Petoskey is picturesque. You can grab a bite to eat in the Gaslight District before strolling down to watch the sunset at Bayfront Park.

While in town, stay at Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor. Comfortable cottages and RV sites are ready to welcome you for a stay. And as you relax, you can enjoy upscale amenities like pickleball and tennis courts, a pool and spa, a putting green, and our stunning clubhouse.

Cities of Lake Michigan Road Trip

Start: Sun Retreats Gun Lake in Hopkins, MI

As you get ready for urban attractions, start with some time in nature at Sun Retreats Gun Lake. Two pristine lakes are perfect for fishing and paddle boating, or head to the log cabin lodge. Plenty more lakes reside nearby, as well as the Gun Lake Casino, making this a great starting point for Midwest road trips.

Stop in: Chicago, IL

Next stop, the Windy City! Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. and bursting with excitement. Head to Grant Park on Lake Michigan and enjoy the scenic city views. You can also explore connected green spaces like Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. Don't forget to stop by the museums too. The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are just a walk away.

For dinner, head into the city for a bite. We recommend River North or Wicker Park for finding great grub. Afterward, see the city from a different perspective with a river tour. The architectural tours by boat are spectacular at night and give you a peek into the city's past.

Stop in: Milwaukee, WI

Up the Lake Michigan shoreline is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Once an industrial hub, Milwaukee is in the middle of a transformation. Now along the shore you'll find Lakeshore State Park, Discovery World, and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Milwaukee has more than its fair share of cool neighborhoods. The revived Historic Third Ward is full of converted warehouses and factories. Continuing up the river, trendy East Town and Westown have plenty to do with theaters, sports, and eateries. And don't forget to pop by Cathedral Square Park and Veterans Park. You can also seek out and tour Milwaukee's famous breweries.

End: Fond du Lac East/Kettle Moraine KOA in Glenbeulah, WI

Round off your trip at Fond du Lac East/Kettle Moraine KOA. Set on 103 acres of forested land, this resort is ready to host you. Come and enjoy spacious sites, swimming, sports, and sweets at the snack bar. We can't wait to see you!

Road Trip through Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Start: Jellystone Park™ Petoskey in Petoskey, MI

Begin your adventure in the Lower Peninsula at Jellystone Park™ Petoskey. Guests can camp in spacious sites surrounded by lush landscaping and tall trees. Kids especially enjoy the resort, thanks to a swimming pool, snack bar, and octa-ball ring. There's much to do and you can easily explore the area, including Petoskey State Park.

Stop in: Mackinaw City, MI

As you continue north on your Midwest road trip, make a pit stop in Mackinaw City. With glorious views of the Straits of Mackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is a must-visit destination. You can snap the perfect photo of the Mackinac Bridge before you head across. And don't forget to stop at a fudge shop in town!

Stop in: Manistique, MI

Next stop is Manistique, Michigan. While the town is small, it provides access to some of the best U.P. attractions. Make it your priority to stop at Kitch-iti-kipi, The Big Spring in Palms Book State Park. This is the largest freshwater spring in Michigan and is a stunning photo spot.

Some other recommendations around Manistique include:

• Manistique Boardwalk
• Indian Lake State Park
• Hiawatha National Forest
• Fayette Historic State Park

Stop in: Wells State Park, MI

As you head around Green Bay to Wisconsin, pull off at Wells State Park. The park features wide views of Lake Michigan and the forested shorelines. You can also go for a swim or have a picnic on the three-mile sandy beach.

Stop in: Green Bay, WI

As you continue along the coast, take a break in the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Football fans will love a stop at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame & Museum and Lambeau Field. You might also enjoy the Green Bay Botanical Garden and the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.

End: Fond du Lac East/Kettle Moraine KOA

Finally, complete your Midwest road trip at Fond du Lac East/Kettle Moraine KOA. We mentioned this on a previous road trip, but it's so nice, we mentioned it twice! Come visit and explore the stunning Kettle Moraine North State Forest.  

We hope you've loved these ideas for the best Midwest road trips. If you enjoyed them, share this post with your friends and family!  

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