Page 18 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds directory

Northwest Region
When Michiganders say “Up North,”
they mean the Northwest region. Extending west from the dividing line of I-75, north of Grand Rapids and all the way to the Straits
of Mackinac, Northwest is a bountiful, resplendent area that has beckoned travelers and settlers with its beauty and charm for decades. The region’s position on both sides of the 45th parallel, along with the arrangement of the landscape and ways of the winds, makes it ideal for growing grapes, hops, apples, cherries, and other crops.
Here, you can explore quaint downtowns, go surfing on the Big Lake, speed down snowy hills, eat at local restaurants with local produce on the menu, and of course, walk the sandy beaches along the coastline and many inland lakes. It’s a water community, a farming community, an artistic mecca, a wine taster’s paradise. And standing guard over it all is the mighty Lake Michigan.
Northeast/Thumb Region
This region is as diverse as it is extensive. In the northern half reside the cities of Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Tawas City, and Alpena –
all of which faithfully provide travelers the peaceful experience of the “The Sunrise Side” of the state along Lake Huron. These towns, and the areas surrounding them, receive neither the traffic nor the recognition they rightfully deserve. It’s a quieter area with an unpretentious, simple spirit, and the people there are helpful and willing to give you tips as to the best hikes, beaches, and fishing holes.
Traveling down the east side are the cities of Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, and Flint. You’ll find more manufacturing enterprises than beauty, though there are plenty of attractions! If you continue east, you’ll explore
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the Thumb, including along Saginaw Bay and more of Lake Huron. Campgrounds abound along the coastline, as do picturesque lakeshore towns, and for good reason. This region offers excellent fishing as well as views. Travel down the water trail, explore a Bavarian village, and take in the magnificent surroundings of this Michigan region.
Southwest Region
A summer vacation hotspot for Chicago dwellers for generations, this part of Michigan offers travelers with an abundant choice of activities and mouthwatering food. From the sand dunes of Silver Lake to the Fernwood Botanical Garden to the breweries of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, the Southwest has enough variety for everyone With this being an agricultural area, travelers can enjoy choosing fresh local produce at the farmer’s markets, visiting u-pick farms as the fruits come into season, and tasting authentic Michigan flavor at local restaurants.
Along the Lake Michigan coast are pretty little beach towns, filled with antique shops and unique stores that have hidden gems
of their own. There are hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all degrees of experience. If you head into the cities, you’ll find well-groomed streets, lively music, and unique museums. So pack up the RV, load the family, and hit the road in Michigan’s Southwest region, where beauty and fun intersect.
Upper Peninsula Region
Plan your escape to the Upper Peninsula. The region, largely unpopulated, is home
to virgin forests, fast-flowing rivers, and remarkable views, some of which will require physical endurance to witness. In smaller
Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
Discover the Uniqueness of Michigan’s Regions
Michigan isn’t just another state. It’s a destination! Its location in the U.S., high to the north, makes Michigan a place travelers have to decide to visit, and there are
plenty of reasons to do so. Regardless of how many trips you make, you’ll always find something new to discover, explore, and experience – and the favorite places you love remain true to memory and make you feel like you’ve come home.
towns, you’ll find restaurants with home cooked meals, friendly faces, and honest living. The cities themselves, Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie being the largest, are full of history and curious attractions. But you’ll find other things to see in the UP that you can’t find anywhere else. In fact, the region has a large number of quirky roadside attractions that only enhances the area’s down to earth charisma.
Coastal lighthouses, the famous Soo Locks, chilly swims in Lake Superior, enchanting waterfalls, and gut-busting pasties are what make the UP the UP. The richness of its wilderness is what first attracted loggers and fur trappers to this region back in the 1600s, and much of what captured their attention still does so today. It can be competitive to find a spot to camp because of the region’s popularity and limited number of campsites, especially in the summer and fall, so make sure to make your plans far in advance.
Southeast Region
The Southeast is an historic epicenter, both for Michigan and the United States. Home to the city of Detroit, Motown, the Motor City; birthplace of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler and dozens of other industry giants; and the location of nationally recognized colleges and universities, the Southeast can be best described as industrious and innovative. The region
can also be considered a transportation and economic gateway: the Ambassador Bridge over the Detroit River connects the U.S. with Lower Canada, and the freighters and barges seen on Lake Erie may have made the long trek through the Erie Canal.
Though the Detroit area in particular
has a reputation for falling on hard times,
it has shown itself to be resilient and open
to change, which should only help to bring about good things in future years. Its venues draw in visitors for sporting events, musical entertainment, and industry-related shows. Nearby cities such as Ann Arbor, Jackson,
Port Huron, and Monroe provide both historic and natural treasures that will captivate any traveler’s fancy. And not far beyond any of the city limits, you’ll find yourself once again deep in nature. That’s the beauty of Michigan – its natural splendor is never too far away.
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