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Michigan ‘Glamping’ is a Thing – Here’s Where to Do It

Author Anne Erickson
Starpik/Getty Images

Michigan is known for its great camping areas. But, have you heard of “glamping?” It’s a thing. Glamping is for people who want to do camping but with a more, well, comfortable experience. Michigan glamping is a big deal, and we’ve discovered one of the best places to do it.

Pure Michigan recently posted a story about glamping. “Camping has always been the perfect way to experience Michigan’s night skies, forest breezes and perhaps even the lullaby of a Great Lake,” they state. Pure Michigan adds, “The trend of ‘glamorous camping,’ or sleeping outdoors without the need to pitch a tent or sleeping on the ground, is catching on enough that you’ll find a variety of ways to camp in comfort.” That sounds like something I would enjoy. I love being outdoors, but camping has never been for me. Perhaps I’m too high-maintenance. Regardless, Pure Michigan has highlighted some of the best glamping spots in Michigan.

So, what’s the best spot for glamping in Michigan? According to Pure Michigan, ti’s RGarges Farm Vintage Airstream. It’s a 31-foot, circa-1973 airstream at a farm in Michigan’s southwest corner, roughly 40 miles from Lake Michigan. “You won’t need to leave the grounds though once you learn about the chance to feed some of the farm’s resident alpacas, gather eggs from the chickens or partake in activities like barnyard yoga, barn dancing and movies over the hayloft,” they explain. “The airstream is parked behind the farm’s 1832 farmhouse, which also is available for rent.” As for No. 2, that honor went to Mount Bohemia Adventure Resort’s Mountain-Top Yurt. There, you can book a yurt or log cabin, inn or hostel, according to Pure Michigan. Both of those areas sound like the perfect getaways. Find the full story on the best glamping places in Michigan via this link.

10 Beautiful Michigan Rivers You Have to Experience

  • 10. Jordan River

    The Jordan River flows through the Jordan Valley, and it’s really beautiful. People who love to fish trout will find lots in this river. It’s also a very clear river, making it a beautiful spot for a picnic, and a moderately calm river, so it’s good for canoeing.

    Jordan River

    Rafting down the Jordan River

  • 9. Rifle River

    Rifle River is a shallow river, so it’s perfect for families. This river is located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It’s always a popular spot in the summer months.

    Rifle River Recreation Area

    Rifle River Recreation Area provides year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more. The park is home to 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. There is an observation tower located along Ridge Road overlooking many of the parks features and a swinging (suspension) bridge across the Rifle River.

  • 8. Big Manistee River

    The Big Manistee River is actually part of the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its clean water and forests. This spot is also known for picturesque views. It’s a must-see spot for any nature lover.

    Big Manistee River - Manistee County Tourism - Manistee, Michigan

    This river is wide and smooth flowing. Some parts have tighter navigation and fast switchbacks which may take you a little off guard, but this is a great river for the casual paddler. You will also find an abundance of rope swings and great sand bars at which to stop and socialize.

  • 7. Boardman River

    Like the Jordan River, the Boardman is another great spot for trout fishing. The river runs a little over 28 miles and drains into the Grand Traverse Bay. Several other fish are also easy to find in this spot, including smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

    The Boardman River

    This classic trout stream is located minutes from Traverse City and offers Trout fishing on its upper sections and Steelhead and Salmon on its lower sections closer to town.

  • 6. Huron River

    The Huron River goes through so many cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. There’s something special about the nature feel of a river running through a bustling city. There are also good camping and picnic areas around this river.

    Welcome to the Huron River Water Trail! - Huron River National Water Trail

    The Huron River National Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river's natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

  • 5. Grand River

    The Grand River runs along the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of Michigan and flows into Lake Michigan. It’s actually the longest river in Michigan and runs 252 miles. I’ve been on this river many times, and it’s a favorite.

    The Grand River

    The Grand River is a Michigan favorite.

  • 4. Detroit River

    The Detroit River runs about 24 miles west and south, from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It’s also a strait in the Great Lakes system. The river is right between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It’s a landmark of the Motor City.

    Detroit River -

    Detroit River urbanization and the river In the early 1900s, Detroit became one of the largest cities in the United States, and the Detroit River played a major role. The river is 28 miles long and serves as the international border between Canada and the United States, connecting Lake St.

  • 3. Pine River

    Pine River offers exquisite views, as it flows through the Manistee National Forest. This is also a popular river for camping, and you’ll find campgrounds all along the banks.

    Pine River Campground, Canoe, Kayaking on the Pine River and Manistee - Michigan

    PRPC has a beautiful campground next to the Pine River and has the most extensive stock of canoes, kayaks, and raft rentals for trips on Michigan's Pine River and Manistee River. Perfect for paddle sport enthusiasts and families. Book online today!

  • 2. Platte River

    The Platte River runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and goes into Lake Michigan. It has a very gentle current, which is good for a variety of activities. There is lots of greenery around this river, too, making it lovely.

    About the Platte River in Michigan - Riverside Canoes

    The Platte River wanders for nearly 30 miles across beautiful northwest lower Michigan, a popular destination for canoe trips, kayaking and tubing.

  • 1. Au Sable River

    The Au Sable River runs a whopping 138 miles through the towns of Grayling and Mio. It runs into Lake Huron at Oscoda. This is another prized spot for trout fishing and was even named a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

    Au Sable

    The Au Sable River runs approximately 130 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio and enters Lake Huron at Au Sable.Spend the day fishing, canoeing, tubing, having a picnic.& [...]

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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Author Anne Erickson
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