Community Forums

Boeing Guy · 07-06-2012, 01:51 PM

My bride wants to go see the Macinac Bridge. I want to escape the Mid-west heat and humidity. Any good suggestions for camping near the Macinac Bridge. And it is mak-a-nak or mac-a-naw. Is it Macinac bridge and Macinaw city. WTF!!!!!!! (what's that for)

Perry White · 07-06-2012, 02:06 PM

I can't tell ya but it's 104 over here on the west side of the river from you. West St Louis County

demoon · 07-06-2012, 02:10 PM

IMHO the best choice is Mackinaw Mill Creek. Beautiful views of the bridge, shuttle to the island ferry. http:/http://www.campmackinaw.com//

By the way, no matter how it is spelled, it is pronounced, mackinaw.

michguy · 07-06-2012, 02:13 PM

Yes, it is the Bridge over the Straits of Mackinac, therefore, The Mackinac Bridge. Its Southern approach is in Mackinaw City. Just the crazy mixup when you have French trappers "Frenchifying" Indian names, and then Britishers throwing out the French and Anglicizing some things but not all.
Anyway, there's not a lot of choices for camping. Wilderness State Park is great, due west of Mackinaw City. If you want more amenities, there's a fabulous KOA in Petoskey, a short jaunt south. If you want total luxury, there are two in Petoskey, Hearthside Grove & Bay Harbor RV Resort.

Hope you enjoy your stay. Don't even think of not going over to Mackinac Island. You'll kick yourself forever if you miss it.
Spend lots. Michigan needs the money.
Michguy

SVTotem · 07-06-2012, 02:42 PM

Demoing and much guy got it right! It is a great area. As long as you got that far you might spend a little time on the UP, too.

FC Ontario · 07-06-2012, 02:47 PM

We enjoyed our stay last September at the KOA MAckinaw City. Very nice people and lots of trees for shade. You can walk a trail to the center of town.
JM2CW

clyon51 · 07-06-2012, 03:21 PM

After you hit MackinaW City and before you go over the MackinaC Bridge, check out Fort Michilimackinac

Built in 1715.

Not sure about escaping heat, I live 1 1/2 hr south and my weather station just dropped below 100.

Recommend the fudge and taffy in Mack City. Yes do not miss Mackinac Island! If you're into casinos, there's the Kewadin just over the bridge in St. Ignace. If you like smoked fish, get some smoked whitefish at a roadside stand....yum.

bullheaded · 07-06-2012, 03:29 PM

If you want someplace really nice try Hearthside Grove : Luxury Motorcoach Resort in Petoskey, Michigan

About 30 min south of the bridge

wa8yxm · 07-06-2012, 04:08 PM

In this weather if you have a 50 amp rig I'd recommend a full hook up 50 amp park (Already done by others) but if you have a 30 amp rig and do not mind limited hookup, ther eis Straights State Park, just east of the Bridge on the north side.

IF you park there, DO have a water pressure regulator in line A High capacity, A Sur-Flo or a Watts "Whole Houe" 1/2 inch or larger please, not the standard thing they sell that is a cylinder about 3/4 inch in diamater, Those don't do the flow needed.

Kazoo Tom · 07-06-2012, 04:56 PM

Here's another vote for Hearthside Grove just north of Petoskey. Fantastic park and no more expensive than the KOA (same owners btw). This is truely an RV "Resort". Nice large sites (many are privately owned) and the staff is wonderful. This is always our first choice of a place to stay unless we have our grandchildren with us. It is a class A only resort and is more targeted to adults. Although there are several families there too.

The KOA (about 1 mile south of Hearthside Grove) is also very nice. They continually receive recognition for being one of the best in the KOA system. If you have children with you the KOA might be a better choice. In fact we will be at the KOA at the end of this month with our grandson. There are more activities here for children than at Hearthside Grove.

You are only about 30 minutes south of the Bridge and since you have a towed sightseeing should be no problem. In fact you can even make a nice day trip up to Sault St. Marie very comfortably. Lots of things to see and do around Petoskey too.

If you enjoy casinos, there is a casino in Petoskey that we think is nicer than the one in St. Ignace. While enroute you may be passing through Manistee. If you do the Little River Casino there has a nice RV park. Very reasonable rates with paved sites (full hookup) and access to all the hotel amenities. Nice place to spend a night or two.

clyon51 · 07-06-2012, 05:20 PM

Dang, you guys are making me want to leave the house and check some of these CGs out. Never did much camping in me home state.

SVTotem · 07-06-2012, 06:07 PM

Sorry Demoon and Michguy. IPhone helps too much some times.

demoon · 07-06-2012, 06:50 PM

I've been called worse. :-)

Boeing Guy · 07-07-2012, 09:56 AM

That is why I love IRV2. I am pretty sure that any question concerning RVing can and will be answered and there will be enough information to make informed decisions.
Sometimes, my lightheartedness gives people wrong information. I refer to my bride, finance minister, social director, and secretary of war interchangeably. We are both in our 60s andwill not have kids with us. Although we might take grandkids some day.

Thanks to everyone who replied. We are not big gamblers, but we have stayed at many casinos. I don't mind playing a bit but if I lose $100, I think, "Damn, I coulda bought another power tool."
We recently got back from a Texas trip, 9 CG in 21 days. Too busy. I hope to find a centrally located park near the Macisomething Bridge, park the RV, put out the awning, patio rugand lawn chairs, and drive the Toad to the sights. I think i have enough info to make an informed decision.

Now if I could be a bit more indulgent. We are fairly new to RVing and IRV2. We are thinking about going to the IRV2 Rally in Tennessee. Has anybody ever been to one. What can I expect if we go. We won't know anybody, but RVers are usually pretty friendly. Thanks for your help.