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Michigan: This is the Best Undiscovered Camping Area in the State

Author Anne Erickson
People camping during the sunset.

Michigan is one of the best places to camp in America, in my opinion. I have so many friends who travel up north every season to camp and be at one with nature. But, sometimes the usual camp spots can get boring. Why not venture out and try a new camping area that you’ve never tried before? As it turns out, there are plenty of undiscovered camping areas that are special in this state. So, what’s the best undiscovered camping area in Michigan?

I’ve scoured the web and Pure Michigan archives to find a new camping areas that are unique and not very busy. Before we get to some undiscovered camping areas, let’s highlight a popular one. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise is a super popular spot for camping. Pure Michigan named it the No. 1 most beautiful camping area in Michigan. “Take in the sights of one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” they state. “The Upper Falls stretches 50 feet high and more than 200 feet wide, deservingly making it a must-see attraction.” It also has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes and approximately 20,000 acres of nature to enjoy.

So, what about some undiscovered spots? My pick for the best undiscovered camping area in Michigan is Port Crescent State Park in the Thumb. I honestly feel like when people are planning Michigan trips, they often forget the Thumb. Lake Michigan gets so much attention, but Lake Huron is a gorgeous and pure lake. Port Crescent State Park offers glorious views of the sunrise. It’s beautiful, really, any time of the year, and it’s not as busy as many camping areas. Also, it’s just a road trip from Detroit, so a great choice for those in the Motor City. Find more on it via Pure Michigan here. Find a list of my favorite Michigan day trips on my Anne Erickson page. Camp now, because it will be snowing before we know it.

10 Adorable Michigan Small Towns to Visit Any Season

  • 10. South Haven

    South Haven is one of my favorite Michigan spots, no matter the season. My uncle lives around that area, and it’s simply breathtaking. The beach town is right on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, in the southwest part of the state. Its population is just over 4,000 residents, but it seems way larger during the summer months, as it’s a very popular tourist destination.

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  • 9. Frankenmuth

    I already mentioned Frankenmuth as being the Christmas hotspot of the world. It’s truly a wonder in the winter months, and it’s great in the summer, too. Some popular activates when visiting Frankenmuth include dating a carriage ride, going on a river cruise, trying the different German food, drinking some German beer, snacking on fudge and more.

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  • 8. Northville

    Northville is located 30 miles northwest of Detroit, between Wayne and Oakland Counties, and truly has a great small town feel. You’ll find lots to do in downtown Northville, too, including shopping, dining, and live entertainment. It’s a fun stop for those on the east side of the state.

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  • 7. Holland

    Holland is on the west side of the state, and it’s famous for its Dutch heritage. Who hasn’t heard of the Tulip Festival? It’s a popular spring event that draws people from all over the world. Holland is a charming town to visit any time of the year, though.

    Holland

    Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage, evident in many of its attractions and events. Visitors can walk back through time in the Dutch Galleries of the Holland Museum, the renovated splendor of the Cappon House and a recreation of 1890s Netherlands at Nelis' Dutch Village.

  • 6. Paradise is located in the Upper Peninsula about 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.

    Paradise really is, well, paradise. The small town is located in the Upper Peninsula about 70 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge. It’s surrounded by water, as Paradise has Lake Superior to its north and east, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to its west, and the National Hiawatha Forest to its south, as noted by Pure Michigan.

    Paradise

    Spend the day at Whitefish Bay on sandy beaches with great views of Lake Superior.Uncover hidden treasures at the Shipwreck Museum, ranked one of the top ten mari-time museums in the world.

  • 5. Saugatuck

    Saugatuck is another one of my favorite spots to visit year-round. My uncle lives fairly close to there, so I visit the small shops in the summer. Even though some of those shops are closed in the summer, it’s still a beautiful area to visit anytime. It’s off Lake Michigan.

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  • 4. Ludington

    Ludington has plenty of beautiful beaches. This small town is on the coast of Lake Michigan and offers lots of beach area, outdoors activities and more. Stearns Park Beach is a popular spot.

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  • 3. Pentwater

    Another special spot on the west side of the state is Pentwater. This little village is off Lake Michigan and offers pristine, sandy beaches. It’s also smaller than Ludington, but nearby, so if you want a smaller place to escape while in the area, it’s a good pick.

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    Discover Pentwater. Come for a day. A week. A life. Pentwater, Michigan - the village, township and surrounding area - is a quintessential, old-fashioned, laid back community with a rich history on the shores of Lake Michigan's clear waters and sugar-fine sandy beaches. It surrounds a 500-acre inland lake that's fed by a vibrant river.

  • 2. Marquette

    Going up north, Marquette is a choice spot for a trip. Since it’s so far north, it’s very cold in the winter, but if you love snow, then it’s a great choice. Marquette offers lots of nature and outdoor activities.

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  • 1. Petoskey

    Coming in at No. 1, I have Petoskey as a must-visit destination no matter the season. I remember as a little kid, going up to Petoskey and getting a real Petoskey stone. One of the bets spots to hunt for local stones is at Petoskey State Park. Enjoy it.

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    Petoskey is located on the shores of Lake Michigan's beautiful Little Traverse Bay in northwest lower Michigan. Long a resort area, Petoskey is known for its fresh air, spectacular beauty and, of course, Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey Stone.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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