Michigan ‘Glamping’ is a Thing – Here’s Where to Do It
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,…
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Starpik/Getty ImagesMichigan 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.
Here in Michigan, we have the Great Lakes and many beautiful inland lakes, but what about the amazing rivers in the state? Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a pontoon ride down the Grand River. It was so perfect outside, and watching the water ripple as the boat moved along was very relaxing. I had to watch getting sunburned, though. It's so much easier to get burned on the water than on land.
Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are very popular activities in Michigan along our rivers. But, even if you don't do either of those, just laying by a river on a warm, summer day can be fun. There are plenty of rivers that run through our cities, too, so chances are one is just a short drive away.
You know what else is great to do in the summer? Set up a picnic right by a river. Sure you might have to chase some mosquitos away, but laying on a blanket and having a picnic on the edge of a river is a very special activity.
Read on for 10 of the best rivers in Michigan. These are my personal picks, and I'm sure I left out some great ones. Reach out to me on social media with your top choices.
Best Rivers in Michigan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
