This is the Best Secret Camping Area in Michigan
Michigan is great for camping. This time, why not head to a new camping area that you’ve never tried before? So, what’s the best secret camping area in Michigan? As…
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Michigan is great for camping. This time, why not head to a new camping area that you've never tried before? So, what's the best secret camping area in Michigan? As it turns out, there are plenty of undiscovered camping areas that are special in the Mitten. Chances are, some of these are very new to you.
I've done some research and looked through Pure Michigan's roster to find a new camping areas that are different and also not very jam-packed with people. Of course, if you want to be in one of the busiest and most popular camping spots, that's totally understandable. If so, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise is a very popular area for camping. It's one of the most popular in the state. 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," Pure Michigan says of the area. "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. That sounds lovely.
So, what about some off-the-radar areas? My No. 1 selection for the best secret camping area in Michigan is Port Crescent State Park in the Thumb. Lake Michigan gets so much attention, but Lake Huron is a pristine and pure lake. Port Crescent State Park has great views and a lot of prime camping spots. Also, it's just a road trip from Detroit, so it's a good area for those in Detroit and on the east side of the state. Find more on it via Pure Michigan here. Find a list of my personal favorite Michigan day trips on my here.
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.
