If you love camping, you’ve got no shortage of great places to explore throughout Michigan. The Great Lakes State is home to some truly world-class campgrounds, whether you’re eager to unwind along the shoreline or get lost among forested splendor. If you’re ready to start planning your next camping adventure and you’re especially price-conscious, we’ve got some great options. These seven cheap campgrounds in Michigan will help you make lasting memories without breaking the bank. Make no mistake about it, however; while these places offer cheap camping in Michigan, each of these affordable campgrounds in Michigan boasts top-notch amenities and loads of scenic beauty.
Located in Hudsonville, this welcoming campground has been helping guests make family memories since 1967. When you choose to stay here, you’ll appreciate everything from swimming to fishing to an overall serene atmosphere that will take you away from the stresses of everyday life. If that weren’t enough, nightly prices throughout the campground do not exceed $40 plus tax, so your wallet will be happy.
Nestled among the natural beauty of Tustin, Michigan, Cadillac Woods Campground is home to everything from tent sites to RV space. This year-round gem rents RV campsites for a nightly rate of $42, while tent sites can be reserved at a rate of $30 per night. When you stay here, you’ll find 11 magical acres to explore, easy access to local trails and attractions, and a real sense of quietude. What’s not to love?
Make your way to East Jordan for a relaxing experience at Six Mile Lake Campground, which sits along the shores of Six Mile Lake itself. The campground is perfect for those who love the water, offering the opportunity to partake in kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more. Site rentals are only $45 per night and quiet hours begin at 11 p.m., so you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere throughout. Your family might just want to return to Six Mile Lake time and time again.
If you’re searching for a camping adventure in the reaches of the Upper Peninsula, DeTour State Forest Campground is the place to be. Offering frontage along Lake Huron, this 21-site campground can accommodate both tents and small trailers. You’ll only need to pay $20 for a night here, but be forewarned that sites are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis – no reservations. If you’re able to snag a spot, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a calm new world among the beauty of nature.
There’s a little something for everyone at this campground in Oscoda, which boasts everything from a heated pool to bike rentals to on-site wifi. Rates vary widely depending on the type of site you need, but some tent sites are available for $45 or less throughout the warm months. Whether you’re staying for a few nights or indulging in a longer vacation, this spot will capture your heart.
You might not immediately associate the Lansing area with great camping, but Cottonwood Campground will quickly change your mind. This family-owned and operated destination is home to 145 sites and also features a party store, a refreshing pool, a rec and laundry room, clean restrooms with showers, and so much more. Full hook-up sites are only $41 per night, while primitive campsites are available for just $31. You’re sure to find the perfect option for your family.
It’s no secret that Munising is one of the most stunning destinations in the Upper Peninsula, so why not spend a bit of time camping here? Otter Lake Campground boasts 92 magnificent acres and features a sandy beach, access to the beauty of Hiawatha National Forest, boat rental, a playground, and so much more. What sweetens the deal? Sites are available for between $25 and $40 per night, with slightly higher rates for sites directly along the lakeside.
Have you spent the night at any of these places for cheap camping in Michigan? What were your favorites? We always love to hear from our readers, so share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another unique place to stay in Michigan by completing our nomination form.
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Craving even more outdoor adventure? If so, go hiking in these nine beautiful parks in Michigan:
We're just going to come right out and say it: Michigan is the prettiest state in the country. There, it's out there. And you know what else? Michiganders love little more than to get outside and enjoy all the natural beauty that's been bestowed upon the Great Lakes State, and there are few better ways to do so than camping - no matter what the season. Although I love camping in many of our incredible parks, my favorite for year-round camping in Michigan has got to be Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Comprised of more than 46,000 Northwoods acres on the Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls is Michigan's second largest state park - and it's open for year-round adventure, including camping. Its three campgrounds offer nearly 300 sites, plus there are backcountry and cabin camping options, as well. The 36-site Rivermouth Pines Campground is open for rustic camping, as are select loops in other campgrounds, when facilities have been closed for the season. If you're camping off season, you should plan on bringing in your own water or getting it from park headquarters. But that's all part of the fun, isn't it?
The centerpiece of the park is Upper Tahquamenon Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. During summer months, several concessions, including a brewery, operate near Upper Falls. A few miles downstream, you'll also find the lovely lower falls - which is closer to camping facilities.
The park's extensive trail system - some of the best hiking trails in Michigan - includes everything from accessible, paved footpaths to rugged, backcountry trails. A segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail - the longest in the United States - runs for 16 miles through the park, as well. In the winter, almost four miles of trail are groomed for cross-country skiing, and nine miles are designated for snowshoeing. The remainder is open for backcountry Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, with its waterfalls, miles of trails, and vast backcountry, has an incredible amount to offer any visitor - during any season. One thing it does not have a lot of, though, is cell service. So before you head to the park or out on its more than 35 miles of trails, be sure to download park and trail maps from AllTrails Plus for offline use (it's also a good idea to have paper copies on hand, as well, in case of unforeseen technology issues).
To enter the park, Michigan residents will need a $14 Recreation Passport. Nonresidents can purchase a passport for $40 or pay a daily use fee of $11. Camping fees vary by type of site, time of year, and type of equipment. Visit the park on the DNR website for more information or to make camping reservations. What's your favorite time of year for camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park? Do you have a favorite year-round campground in Michigan? Be sure to tell us all about it!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
