Renting an RV in Michigan

The Mitten is one of the Midwest’s dearest vacation spots. Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is an obvious stop for water-based recreation, but it’s also known for its gorgeous pine forests and outdoor recreation. What’s more, it’s a very driveable state, making it perfect for an RV-based road trip.

Renting an RV in Michigan allows you to see everything from the lakes to the inland forests to the sand dunes and enjoy them at your pace. It’s a great place to visit as a solo explorer and get outdoors, or take the whole family and see some remarkably wild country—especially in the Upper Peninsula (or the UP, as they call it in the heartland).

Why Renting an RV in Michigan Is the Way to Go

Michigan has a lot to see, and it’s a great state to see by road. It’s even better in an RV, where you can stay amid the nature you’re taking in. From lakes to pine forests to enjoyable cities, there’s plenty to find, do, and enjoy in Michigan.
Rent an RV

Renting an RV in Michigan allows you to see more of the state than you may be able to by making a regular road trip. It lets you enjoy the places you’re staying from dawn until dusk, if not even later. Especially if you’re traveling with family, the cost of camping sites gives you the opportunity to see and do more.

New to RVing? A road trip in a rental RV can help you decide if it’s something you want to invest in full-time. Owning an RV also means maintenance and service costs, which might be prohibitive. And renting one now lets you hit the road immediately, instead of dealing with titling and loans. If you decide you do want to buy an RV all for yourself, we’re able to help find the one that’s right for you.

10 Pure Places to See in Michigan in Your Rental RV

There’s a lot to love about Michigan (especially considering that it’s made up of two landmasses). Planning a vacation could take you all over the state. When you fire up your RV and get ready to hit the road, we’ve put together a list of 10 places that should be high on your list.

Holland State Park

Holland is an idyllic little town on the coast of Lake Michigan, and the nearby state park is known for its white-sand beaches and big, beautiful views of the lake. There are technically two beaches: one on Lake Michigan, and one on the smaller, inland Lake Macatawa. The town has a series of trails great for walking and sightseeing, and you’ll also see the iconic Red Lighthouse.

Inside the park, there’s plenty of hiking and walking places, a boat launch, and places to rent kayaks and other water-faring vessels. Modern campsites are available for your RV. Enjoy a day on the beach, have a quick meal in town, then come back to the water to see one of the prettiest sunsets you’ve laid eyes on.

Learn more about Holland State Park

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The sugar sand beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offer visitors tons of recreational opportunities. The water of the lakes and streams are great for swimming, kayaking or tubing. But it’s more than just beaches. There’s forest, inland lakes, plants, animals, and bluffs that overlook Lake Michigan. And, of course, the massive dunes.

Climb the dunes for spectacular views, or take a cruise along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Camp onsite in your RV, and watch the sunset over the lake. Visit the Glen Haven and Port Oneida areas, plus the Maritime Museum, to learn how the lake has impacted the area over the years.

Learn more about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is an idyllic little island sitting between the lower and upper peninsulas. Accessible by ferry, you can visit the island (and stay in several hotels, if you choose) for a day or several. The downtown area is full of shops, restaurants, and most famously, several fudge confectionaries.

Outside of downtown, there’s a paved strip that runs around the island that’s great for biking. (Fun fact: no motorized vehicles—including your RV—are allowed on the island, but bike rentals are plentiful.) Rent kayaks and see some of the spots only accessible by boat, or hike some of the inland trails. You can also visit Fort Mackinac for a history lesson, and see some of the gorgeous homes on the little island. Oh, and pro tip: it’s pronounced mack-ih-naw.

Learn more about Mackinac Island

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

One of the most picturesque attractions in Michigan is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Named for the almost-sheer cliffs that stretch up out of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks have mineral stains caused by groundwater in red, orange, blue, green, brown, black, and white. They sit between 50 and 200 feet above the water, making for amazing photos and beautiful sightseeing.

More than just the rocks, the lakeshore park also offers over 100 miles of hiking trails where you’ll see bluffs and pine forests. For a one-of-a-kind look, you can take a boat tour or rent kayaks and get in front of the painted rocks. There are also rock formations, a lighthouse, and year-round recreation.

Learn more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Lake of the Clouds

The Upper Peninsula features a lot of untamed land, and that makes it great for visiting some real nature. Among one of the most visited locations in the UP is Lake of the Clouds. A deep, pristine blue set against the green surroundings of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, you’ll love hiking up the nearby bluffs and getting a beautiful view of the whole lake.

In the surrounding area, there are 80 miles of marked trails that lead to other waterfalls, lakes, and ponds in the area. In the Lake of the Clouds, you can fish and kayak or canoe—but you’ll have to carry your light craft in for ¾ of a mile. There are night sky viewing events on occasion, but you don’t need an official event to enjoy the untouched starry sky viewable from the lake area.

Learn more about Lake of the Clouds

6. The Henry Ford Museum

While Michigan is and always will be a hub for natural beauty and outdoor recreation, it’s also long been a center for automotive innovation. Look no further than Henry Ford and his namesake museum in Dearborn. More than just autos, the Henry Ford Museum focuses on American innovation, much of which has happened in Michigan.

It’s both an indoor and outdoor museum complex and has a wide array of artifacts. These include JFK’s limo, Abe Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre, the Rosa Parks bus, and a number of vintage autos, engines, and other things made in the United States. The immersive museum can easily take a full day to enjoy, and there’s no way boredom will set in with such a diverse set of exhibits.

Learn more about The Henry Ford Museum

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

Because of its proximity to so many bodies of water, Michigan has a rich history and has played a role in several wars. Fort Wilkins is a former army outpost in the northernmost tip of the upper peninsula. This fort is part of the living history program, where actors roleplay what it would’ve been like in the area in the mid- to late-1800s.

Elsewhere in the park, you’ll find two lighthouses, built-in 1866 and 1868. A stand of virgin white pines (called the Estivant Pines) and an old copper mine called the Delaware Mine are both located near the park as well. This is a great place to explore the UP and post up, as the park has several RV camping sites with hookups.

Learn more about Fort Wilkins State Park

Ludington State Park

Another favorite camping spot on the west coast of Michigan, Ludington State Park has sandy beaches and massive sand dunes, wetlands, marshlands, and forest. There’s also a lighthouse for the perfect photo opportunity.

Ludington State Park has 5,300 acres that offer three separate campsites, perfect for RVers. But it’s also a great spot for hikers (over 18 miles of trail), fishers (walleye, perch, bluegill, and more), and bikers. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent as well.

Learn more about Ludington State Park

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

At 60,000 acres—you read that right—Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the few truly large natural areas left in the midwest. Located in the upper peninsula, there’s a considerable amount of recreation opportunities you can enjoy in the area, and so much to see. Streams, untouched hemlock forests, waterfalls, and the famed Lake of the Clouds are all to be enjoyed here.

The park is home to more than 90 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty. You’ll also find stretches of Lake Superior shoreline, and several crashing waterfalls on several different trails. If you’re looking for a place to truly experience nature and get away from things, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers you everything that Michigan has to offer.

Learn more about Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary

Estivant Pines is a 500-acre virgin white pine sanctuary located near the northernmost point of the upper peninsula. The trees here are between 300 and 500 years old and measure three to five feet in diameter—huge for a pine tree. It’s the largest old-growth pine forest in Michigan.

Inside the sanctuary, you’ll find loads of hiking trails to get a good view of nature. That includes 85 species of bird, 23 ferns, 13 orchids, plus some old mine workings. It’s located near Fort Wilkins State Park, a nearby spot for camping.

Learn more about Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Michigan

Michigan is loaded with state and national parks. Because of that, camping and campsites are everywhere. While there’s an abundance of backcountry and primitive camping (especially in the particularly wooded areas of the upper peninsula), there are many RV sites as well with full hookups.

Because Michigan is such a popular vacation and tourism location in the midwest, it can get jam-packed during the height of the season. Campgrounds fill up well in advance, especially around holidays. It may mean you’re not able to freewheel quite as much as you like, but planning your route ahead of time can make your RV trip much more enjoyable. There’s not much worse than pulling up to a campground after a long day on the road and learning you can’t get in. Make reservations and be prepared to find somewhere nearby if your first choice isn’t in the cards.

If the park is full and doesn’t have any available spaces for you, it’s highly likely there will be nice RV parks and resorts nearby. While you won’t be in the thick of nature, you’ll be close enough to see the sights and still enjoy the locale. Good Sam keeps a list full of RV parks in Michigan.

Things to Note About Camping in Michigan

Michigan has temperate weather patterns and, because of its proximity to lakes, delightful weather during the summer. While it can still get remarkably humid, there’s usually a gentle breeze along the coast. Evenings can even get chilly, so pack and dress in layers so you can stay comfortable.

In some parts of Michigan, bugs and mosquitoes are especially fierce. Pack bug spray and mosquito repellent, and be prepared to seek shelter in your RV if you can’t get them to leave you alone. When you’re hiking in the woods, you may also come across ticks. Strong repellent should keep them at bay, but always check yourself carefully after a day in the woods.

Particularly temperate days near the lakes can give you a false sense of security when it comes to the sun. It may feel nice outside, but the sun is still beating down. Always wear sunscreen if you’re going to be in the sun for prolonged periods, especially if you’re on or in the water.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Michigan

Boondocking and dry camping mean camping in an RV without hookups. It’s a fun way to camp—albeit quite different than the experience you might expect to have in an RV. When you’re dry camping, you’re relying on the water you can carry in your tank, and any electricity will come from a generator you bring with you. Not all RVs are well set-up for boondocking, and if you’re new to it, it can be a unique challenge.

You can technically boondock on any state-owned lands in Michigan. This is a great way to get away from the hubbub of other campsites and have uninterrupted views of the night skies. There are a few more peaceful ways to travel in an RV. That said, your RV is probably not an off-road vehicle, so be very careful when traveling to a boondocking spot, and triple-check that you’re camping on state ground and not private property.

If you’re traveling and need to stop overnight well away from a camping spot, many big-box stores will allow you to camp in the parking lot for some well-needed shuteye.