Camping near Mackinaw City
Two Great Lakes, an old-fashioned island, and diverse campgrounds make Mackinaw City camping a hit.
- Mackinaw City
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Camping near Mackinaw City guide
Overview
Flanked by Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east, Mackinaw City is full of water views and shoreline campgrounds. Known as the “Gateway to the Upper Peninsula,” Mackinaw City entertains campers year-round. Take a step back in time when visiting Mackinac Island, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Head to Wilderness State Park and hike along the shoreline. And pay a visit to Headlands International Dark Sky Park to spot constellations, search for shooting stars, and catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Campers can choose from a range of accommodations including large-capacity cottage rentals for big families, glamping in canvas yurts, or amenity-filled campsites for RVs and tents.
Where to go
Mackinac Island State Park
Grab a 20-minute ferry to Mackinac Island State Park—a car-free paradise that transports visitors to a simpler time with horse-drawn carriages and a historic downtown. Mackinac Island State Park covers roughly 80% of the island and features famous landmarks like Arch Rock, Skull Cave, and Sugar Loaf sea stack. Camping isn’t allowed on the island itself; however, there are tons of nearby private campgrounds on the mainland, including RV resorts with full hookups, cottage rentals equipped with kitchens, and glamping campsites with canvas bell tents featuring queen beds and private bathrooms.
Wilderness State Park
Drive to Wilderness State Park, which highlights over 10,000 acres of land and 26 miles of shoreline. The diverse landscape is made up of sandy beaches, forests, and wetlands. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling dominate in wintertime, while warmer weather brings hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, geocaching, and boating to the forefront. Rustic cabin rentals and lakeshore campsites for tents and RVs are available within the park. Some feature electrical hookups and access to potable water, dump stations, and washrooms with flush toilets.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Only 10 minutes from the city center is Headlands International Dark Sky Park. It offers 600 acres of old-growth forest and five miles of trails to discover. There is no entrance fee and the park is conveniently open 24/7. Walk the Dark Sky Discovery Trail to learn more about the area during the day, then cozy up with blankets in the evening to watch the stars brighten the sky. Roomy cottage-style vacation rentals are available within the park, but there is no primitive or RV camping. Stay nearby at Burt Lake State Park for campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to boat launches.
When to go
Mackinaw City has warm, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters. Many shops and restaurants close for the winter season, so be prepared for fewer options from December through March. January and February deliver the best snowpack for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Stargazers can visit Headlands International Dark Sky Preserve year-round, but the northern lights are best seen in spring, fall, and winter. The Milky Way steals the spotlight in summer.
