Your Favorite Camping (Lower Peninsula)

[bh357]

I've been going here for years. Asking for a tent site way in the back of the property is VERY secluded. Most weekends, there will be campers every other site back there and they make every effort to make sure you have your privacy. Clean showers/bathrooms also. Most of the activities available are a short drive away, but there is a ton to do in the area, all within a 45 minute drive or less. 25-30 minutes from Hanson Hills, 35 minutes from Traverse City, 45 minutes from Petoskey. Only real downside I see is there is no "water" like lakes or rivers on site, but our fmaily has a place 15 minutes away on Torch Lake, so that never bothered us.

http://www.kalkaskacampground.com/1870.html

I'd just like to add that the owner is an MMBA member.

[Bernard Smith]

I haven't ever attempted this, so I really don't know if it's that practical or even allowed (maybe more likely @ a private camping area or Federal, National forest like Manistee): Rent an RV (trailer or motorhome, or better, borrow a friends) and leave it in the "Rustic" area parking lot, for your own personal bathroom & shower, but tent out in the most remote/scenic area. A bonus would be, if the weather became unsafe (trees coming down in a severe thunder storm) your family would have a safe base camp bail out. This might be a good way to try winter camping, considering the bailout option.
bernie

[EmoHawk22]

Even now that I live in the Adirondacks in upstate NY and primitive camp for a living, some of my favorite places on earth are in Michigan. Try the Ludington State Park - as mentioned, busy, but overall a great state campground. North Higgin's Lake State Park is also very nice - it can get crowded, but there are some very nice sites in there. I haven't been in a few years, but Wilderness State Park just south west of the Mackinaw Bridge was pretty great. I remember it being huge, something like 7,000 acres, with lots of trails and not a lot of neighbors. Also, anything in the Manistee area is beautiful.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Even now that I live in the Adirondacks in upstate NY and primitive camp for a living, some of my favorite places on earth are in Michigan. Try the Ludington State Park - as mentioned, busy, but overall a great state campground. North Higgin's Lake State Park is also very nice - it can get crowded, but there are some very nice sites in there. I haven't been in a few years, but Wilderness State Park just south west of the Mackinaw Bridge was pretty great. I remember it being huge, something like 7,000 acres, with lots of trails and not a lot of neighbors. Also, anything in the Manistee area is beautiful.

I sure hope you're not primitive camping there this week. Thought I heard Saranac Lake was about -20° last night. I spent a week camping and canoeing in the Adironacks last fall. Awesome place, but also kept thinking how much it reminded me of the UP.
Sorry for the thread drift.

[black2003ss]

I'd just like to add that the owner is an MMBA member.

Yes, he is. I just found that out last year after staying there for years.

[black2003ss]

Figured I would add a couple of pics of different campsites at the place I recommended for anyone's reference.

[renranda]

Raft, kayak, or canoe the Pine River between Cadillac and Manistee. Its a fun river to run and there are a number of campground right off the river with varying degrees of amenities. Many times we don't see anyone out there all day. Its in the Manistee National Forest, so there are hiking and mountain bike trails also. Boseman's and Pine River Watersports are two good places to call for recommendations. Both are near the M-55 and M-37 intersection. My 6 year old son loved it.

[ADDam]

Somehow... I don't know how... I got reservations at Ludington State park for a whole week in August! Thanks for all your help guys!

[SteveF]

Ludington sure fills up fast, don't it? I tried to get 3 nights in June and there one ONE campsite left. It's even mid week not a weekend.

Anyone ever stayed up at the Wilderness State Campground west of Mackinaw City?

[mtbfree]

Ludington sure fills up fast, don't it? I tried to get 3 nights in June and there one ONE campsite left. It's even mid week not a weekend.

Anyone ever stayed up at the Wilderness State Campground west of Mackinaw City?

Wilderness is pretty cool. If I remember correctly, the coastline is pretty rocky there, so don't expect nice sandy beaches. Beautiful views, though it can be a bit exposed if a storm rolls in.

[SteveF]

Ludington sure fills up fast, don't it? I tried to get 3 nights in June and there one ONE campsite left. It's even mid week not a weekend.

Anyone ever stayed up at the Wilderness State Campground west of Mackinaw City?

Wilderness is pretty cool. If I remember correctly, the coastline is pretty rocky there, so don't expect nice sandy beaches. Beautiful views, though it can be a bit exposed if a storm rolls in.

Thanks--I don't really care about the beach--mainly looking for a base camp for some riding...