Favorite Destinations for Fall Camping in Michigan

   

By Karen Rozanski


Michigan is the ideal place for a picture-perfect camping trip, especially in the fall! Set up your RV under a colorful canopy and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life to spend quality time with friends and family. Many of Michigan's amazing state parks and campgrounds are open through the month of October and beyond. Here are some of our favorites at Price Right RV!
 

1. PJ Hoffmaster State Park- Muskegon

PJ Hoffmaster State Park is one of the most popular state parks in West Michigan, and for good reason! Located in Muskegon, the park is situated on 3 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and features a modern campground, towering dunes and 10 miles of scenic trails. But hurry, the camping season at Hoffmaster is coming to an end soon! This is perfect for a spontaneous camping trip, or continue reading for more campground suggestions that are open later into the season. 

   





















The Lake Michigan Beach at PJ Hoffmaster is beautiful year round

2. Lincoln Pines Resort- Gowen

Lincoln Pines Resort offers a tranquil setting with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, modern facilities and easy access to area attractions. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lincoln Lake, which is surrounded by trees bursting with color. While you're there, be sure to visit Frugthaven Farm, a locally owned farm featuring an orchard, cidery and coffee bar. You'll feel like you've found the Michigan version of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Farms! 

                                                                                                  Frugthaven Farms Cidery- Courtesy of Facebook                




























Frugthaven Farms is a short drive from Lincoln Pines Resort

3. Grand Haven State Park

If the beach is calling your name, then you'll love camping on the shores of Lake Michigan at Grand Haven State Park. This is a 48-acre park with the beautiful sandy shore of Lake Michigan along the west side and the Grand River along the north side. The park consists entirely of beach sand and provides scenic views of Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse. The campground will be open until the end of October. There are no shortage of things to do in Grand Haven this fall! 

                                                              


















The Grand Haven Pier is a local favorite for fishing and catching the sunset


3. Sterling State Park - Monroe


This campground is open through the end of October, and is the only state park on Lake Erie. There are 1,300 acres of amazing recreational opportunities, including over one mile of beach, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing, fishing and 6 miles of trails. Sterling State Park Campground is great for hikers and RVers who need a weekend getaway from Detroit. Lots of trees- great to go if you may have missed the colors in the northern half of the state.
 
Sterling State Park Pedestrian Bridge

When preparing to go camping in the fall, don’t forget a few of my go-to tips:


  • Hot Cocoa, cider and tea by the campfire are a must! For the adults, add a bit of Butterscotch Schnapps and Irish Cream to make the perfect Hot Butterball for a chilly night. 
  • It's totally OK to overpack in the fall! I always take more clothes than I think I’ll need because layering for unpredictable fall weather is key! 
  • Be prepared for rain. Rain can be a major factor when camping in the fall, so a raincoat is a great to pack to protect against water and wind. Hopefully you'll have the ideal sunny fall weather for your camping trip, but it's great to be prepared just in case. 
  • There's just nothing like a crackling fire on a crisp fall evening. I always try to start a fire with smaller sticks and leaves, and you can even bring dryer lint from home to help get your fire started. If you have kiddos, try these fun DIY Firestarters that you can make together.
  • S’mores and fall camping go together like, well...chocolate and marshmallows! I like to switch out chocolate for Nutella to make them even more delicious and a little easier to put together.

Do you have a favorite campsite to visit in the fall, or great fall camping trips? Let us know and we'll add them to this list! Email them to krozanski@pricerightusa.com 


About the Author: Karen Rozanski is the Digital Marketing Director for Price Right RV & Auto in Dewitt and Metro Detroit.  As an avid camper, trail hiker, and mom of 5 girls, Karen loves exploring new campgrounds and loves the peacefulness of being in nature.