8 Wonderful Places for RV Camping on Lake Michigan

Michigan is truly beautiful throughout all four seasons of the year. In autumn, the leaves change shades, creating a stunning array of warm colors. During the winter, thick snow blankets the forests and the great lakes, making for a dreamy winter wonderland. Then, in the spring, everything begins to turn green again, as the snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom. In the summer, warm, yet mild temperatures make for perfect, sunny days best spent enjoying the beaches of the Great Lakes. If you wish to take a vacation to the Midwest or the North, RV camping in Michigan is certainly the place for you. There, you can find amazing and fun things to do year-round. However, if you wish to spend time by the gorgeous shores of the great lakes, summer or early fall is the best time of year for you to visit. Along the coast of Lake Michigan, you will find many wonderful campgrounds, state parks, and Harvest Host locations, making this an ideal place for your summer vacation.

1. Warren Dunes State Park - Sawyer, Michigan

Warren Dunes is located along the Southeastern coast of Lake Michigan, just south of the cute little town of Bridgman. Featuring 260-foot sand dunes, six miles of pet-friendly hiking trails and three miles of shoreline, this park is open to enjoyment of park features year round.This state park also operates two excellent campgrounds within park boundaries. One is mostly rustic and accommodates tent sites only, while the other has water, sewer and either 30 amp or 50 amp electric at each site. Both are open seasonally, from early April until late October. The sites come in a variety of sizes, with the largest sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet.

2. Fenn Valley Vineyards - Fennville, Michigan

This lovely winery is open to Harvest Hosts members year-round. Visitors (and their pets!) are invited to park beside the beautiful rows of vineyards in a quiet location just a few miles from location. There are a variety of delicious white and red wines available for sampling, and the winery hosts events with live music and food in the summer. There are only two RV sites available, so be sure to call ahead if you are wanting to stay here.

3. Pioneer County Park - Muskegon, Michigan

Pioneer Park is the most popular park in Muskegon County. Here, visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including swimming, beachcombing, picnicking, camping, volleyball, baseball, basketball, and tennis. Pioneer Park is located directly on the scenic Lake Michigan, and has several lodges for public use. There are 235 sites available from late May until late September, each with water and either 30 amp or 50 amp electric. There are no sewer hook-ups at campsites, but there is a dump station available to all campers.

4. Oceana Golf Club - Shelby, Michigan

This gorgeous golf club is available to members of the Harvest Hosts premium golf plan. With this upgraded membership, players have access to hundreds of discounted golf club locations. These host locations are typically quiet and peaceful, and playing is not a requirement to stay.Oceana Golf Club is located just a few miles off US-31, this location features a beautifully-maintained eighteen-hole golf course in a serene setting. Golf lovers can enjoy a variety of holes, and there is a “dollar per hole" Friday special each week. Golf carts are also available for rent.

5. Sleeping Bear Dunes - Glen Arbor Township, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of just three designated national lakeshores in the US. The sand dunes here rise 450 feet above Lake Michigan, and the park is popular among campers, hikers, kayakers, and swimmers. The entire area is rich with both historical and natural features, with evidence of glacially-formed landscapes. There are four campgrounds here, with Platte River Campground being best for RVs. Each site has an electrical hookup, and there is potable water and a dump station available at the entrance. It is open from early May until mid-October. D.H. Day Campground is open from early April until late November. This campground is RV-friendly, but has no hook-ups. A dump station and potable water are available seasonally at the nearby ranger station. The other two campgrounds (South Manitou and North Manitou) are hike-in only.

6. Brengman Brothers Winery - Traverse City, Michigan

This stunning winery is located on the outskirts of Traverse City, Michigan, and is available for overnight accommodations to Harvest Host members. The tasting room and gift shop offer a variety of local wines, grown and bottled on site. The winemakers are dedicated to producing the finest natural and ecologically-balanced wines, and it shows! Come see for yourself.

7. Honcho Rest Campground - Elk Rapids, Michigan

This cute little campground in Northern Michigan is located on the shores of Bass Lake, just one mile from the town of Elk Rapids. You will find no shortage of fun things to enjoy here, including hiking the local trails, swimming at the nearby beaches of Lake Michigan, and fishing and boating on the local scenic rivers.  The campground itself is exclusive to RVs and features ninety-seven full hook-ups sites. It is open from early May until mid-October and offers nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.

8. Friske Orchards and Farm Market - Ellsworth, Michigan

This unique family business is also a Michigan favorite Harvest Host location. Located in the small town of Ellsworth, along the northern shores of Lake Michigan, this orchard and farm market combo has something for everyone. The market features a fruit stand with a huge selection, and u-pick fruits are also available seasonally. Hayrides and pumpkin picking are available in the fall, and there is an incredible bakery and restaurant open year-round. The petting zoo is full of goats and chickens and is perfect for families with young children. Be sure to stop here on your summer RVing vacation to Michigan!

Want to see more? Find all Harvest Hosts RV camping in Michigan locations and start planning.

Michigan is a wonderful state to visit, and the shores of Lake Michigan are especially inviting. When viewing Lake Michigan, it's hard to remember that you are beside a great lake and not the ocean, and there is nothing like enjoying sandy beaches in a landlocked area. With no shortage of places to park and camp, vacationing here is an RVers dream. Be sure to check out these amazing places when planning your next trip to Michigan.

Have you been to Michigan in the summer? How did you like it? Where did you stay? Feel free to share in the comments below!