Driving Time: 16 hours, 28 minutes
Distance: 908 miles
There’s something magical about hitting the road in Michigan, where every corner reveals a bakery, farmers market, or lakeside café serving up fresh, local flavors. For many campers, food is an essential part of the experience. In fact, food tourism is a top priority for campers, blending the love of the outdoors with discovering new culinary delights.
While most of this article focuses on where to find the freshest produce so that you can cook up a storm when you’re at the campsite, the cities selected are known for their diverse and delicious assortment of restaurants and eateries as well as cooking classes and demonstrations, food and wine tours, and more. You can pick and choose what you’d like to try. From Traverse City’s cherries to the Upper Peninsula’s pasties, pack your gear, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore the Mitten State’s most delicious destinations.
Stop #1: Eastern Michigan – Ann Arbor & Chelsea
Kick off your journey in Ann Arbor, home to one of Michigan’s top farmers’ markets in the historic Kerrytown district. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market offers fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and Michigan meats—ideal for campsite meals. Grab a cup of local coffee and a pastry while you shop, then head west to Chelsea, known for its farm-to-table culture. Agricole Farm Stop features fresh, local produce, dairy, and baked goods, perfect for gathering ingredients for a fireside meal or enjoying a café bite.
Nearby Camping:
● Apple Creek Campground & RV Park – A large, family-friendly park offering both modern and rustic campsites, perfect for RVs and tents. Enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled retreat just a short drive from Chelsea.
● Hidden Lakes RV Resort – A serene, lakeside campground offering spacious sites for RVs and tents, ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Stop #2: Lansing & Surrounding Areas
Next, head to Lansing, home to the Allen Farmers Market, where you’ll find local produce, jams, baked goods, and Michigan-made products—great for enhancing your campsite meals. Just outside of Lansing, Horrocks Farm Market offers a sprawling selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and even craft beer, perfect for stocking up on supplies or planning a picnic.
Stop #3: West Michigan – Holland & Grand Haven
Heading west, you’ll find the charming city of Holland with its year-round Holland Farmers Market, full of fresh produce, Dutch-inspired baked goods, and artisanal foods. Not far away, the coastal town of Grand Haven invites you to explore local fish markets for fresh-caught perch and walleye from Lake Michigan—perfect for grilling at the campsite or enjoying along the waterfront. This region is also the primary location in Michigan in which to find blueberries (nearby city South Haven is known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World,” so break out your blueberry recipes in July, August, and September. These blueberry recipes can help you get started.
Nearby Camping:
● Woodchip Campground – Located minutes from the beach, this park offers both tent and RV camping with beautiful lake views. The perfect spot for a beachside getaway.
● Duck Creek RV Resort – A lakeside campground offering the perfect access to the coast. Relax by the water and enjoy easy access to Grand Haven’s attractions.
Stop #4: Northern Michigan – Traverse City & Petoskey
Now we head north to Traverse City, where the Sara Hardy Farmers Market offers fresh produce, pies, jams, and artisanal cheeses—ideal for stocking up before heading to nearby campsites. You’ll find everything you need when the market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sweet and tart cherries are very popular later on in the summer. For a Northern Michigan experience, don’t miss Good Harbor Farm near Sleeping Bear Dunes (and go on a tour of Pierce Stocking Drive) – a short drive west from Traverse City in Leelanau County – for seasonal produce as well as stunning views. Nearby Petoskey also features a local farmers market with fresh produce, homemade goods, and maple syrup.
Nearby Camping:
● Holiday Park Campground – A lakeside campground with plenty of space for tents and RVs, just outside Traverse City. A quiet, scenic retreat perfect for nature lovers.
● Traverse Bay RV Resort – Offering lakeside campsites with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and easy access to Traverse City’s vibrant food scene.
Stop #5: Upper Peninsula – Marquette & Munising
Your final stop takes you to the Upper Peninsula. In Marquette, the Marquette Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and U.P. specialties like wildberry jams and whitefish. In Munising, stop by local fish markets for smoked whitefish or lake trout, and don’t forget to grab some Trenary Toast, a U.P. favorite. Or, after you’ve sampled a pasty or two, try your hand at making your own for a hearty campsite meal.
Nearby Camping:
● Rippling River Resort – A rustic campground right on Lake Superior, offering stunning water views. Perfect for a peaceful, nature-filled stay while enjoying the U.P.’s best flavors.
● Manistique Lakeshore Campground – A scenic park with modern campsites and easy access to nature. Enjoy a relaxing, quiet stay just minutes from Munising’s attractions.
From Ann Arbor’s bustling market to the shores of Lake Superior, Michigan blends local flavors, cozy campsites, and breathtaking nature. This adventure lets you savor the state’s best bites while embracing the charm of small towns and Michigan hospitality. Whether you’re cooking a campfire meal with fresh ingredients or enjoying a bite at a small-town café, this road trip offers food and fun in equal measure. So pack your cooler, gather your crew, and set off to discover Michigan’s culinary gems, one campsite at a time.
*This article was first published in March 2025.