Camping Gems - Places to Go in Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Explore some of the most magnificent shoreline on Lake Michigan at this phenomenal lakeshore park.  Encompassing 35 miles of the lake's eastern coast, this park includes sand dunes to climb, two islands to explore, and a robust logging and shipping history to learn about.  You can enjoy a day on the beach, building sand castles and swimming in the lake, or go hiking on the more than 100 miles of trails. 

Frankenmuth
Founded by German missionary families in 1845, this little town has become a major tourist draw because of its old world charm. To learn more about local history, drop by the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. You'll find more fun exhibits at the Weathervane Folk Art Show and the Zeesenagel Italian Village.

Island Lake Recreation Area   
Hiking, biking, fishing, mountain biking? You can do it all at this recreation area that's conveniently near Detroit.  Island Lake has canoeing areas, great fishing grounds, a shooting range, and 12 miles of trails for hiking and biking.

Sarett Nature Center
Looking for a place with incredible birding?  Then head to this center southwestern Michigan for the chance to see groups of cardinals and stroll the five-miles of trails.  You'll see amazing views of the Paw Paw River bluffs, get to explore a fen ecosystem, and see colorful wildflowers.

Henry Ford Estate, Dearborn
Here you can tour the 56 room mansion with its 300-foot underground tunnel to its own power plant, eight different intricate fireplaces, some carved with Henry's own philosophies, and pool room with steam-heated benches and rare Swedish green marble. (4901 Evergreen Road, 313-593-5590)

Holland
Set in southwestern Michigan, Holland is filled with Dutch spirit.  Be sure to visit Windmill Island and DeZwaan, a working 200-year-old 12-story high Dutch windmill. To learn more about local history, head to the Cappon House Museum, and the Holland Museum.

Seven Ponds Nature Center
Hike the centers five miles of trails and you'll travel through as many different ecosystems.  This is a great place to see sandhill cranes, bobolinks, bluebirds, tree swallows, and swamp sparrows. Keep your eye open for muskrats and beavers in the wetlands. Don't miss the spring wildflowers.

Isle Royale National Park
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, visitors come to experience this island park through hiking its trails, paddling its inland waterways, exploring its rugged coast, or venturing into the depth of its shipwrecks. You'll need time to visit Isle Royale, but the effort is certainly worth while.

Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Hiking Trail   
West of Ann Arbor lie two superb outdoor spaces: Big Portage Lake Day Use Area and Silver Lake Beach.  Running between them in the 36-mile long Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.  This is a haven for hikers and mountain bikers (26 miles of hiking trails are open to mountain biking). 

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
During spring and fall, Whitefish Point is one of the best birding sites in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Spring migration begins in mid-March and peaks in mid-May. During this time, up to 25,000 raptors pass by the Point–as many as 3,000 in a single day! Sharp-shinned, broad-winged, and red-tailed hawks are most common.