Sleeping Bear Dunes

HappyRV · 09-20-2011, 05:41 PM

Hi all...we've started our cross country trip...heading to Sleeping Bear Dunes this week...would love some personal recommendations on where to stay...doing the entire upper penninsula across to Wisconsin...any advice would be greatly appreciated...we are travelling with a '37 fifth wheel and 26' travel trailer...thanks!!

portliz · 09-21-2011, 08:47 AM

We did the circle tour of lake Superior last August. We had a wonderful trip. If you are going on the southern shore don't miss Munising. Stay at Munising Campground on the Lake. I think it is the Tourist Park. Go to Painted Rocks. There are other great campgrounds all along the Lake. Mackinac is beautiful as well. Take the ferry to the island if possible.

PanJH · 09-21-2011, 02:48 PM

We stayed at Indigo Bluffs just outside of Sleeping Bear as the national park had no sites available when we were there . Then we were at the KOA on St. Ignace and then over to Soo Locks park in Sault St. Marie. In the Painted Rocks area we stayed at Munising Tourist Park. Hit a couple of county parks on the way back around thru Wisconsin

**NLOVNIT** · 09-21-2011, 03:13 PM

We also stayed at Indigo Bluffs while visiting SPD. They've got 2 parks: 1 for Class A motorhomes & 1 right next to it for everything else. It's got nice shade trees.

Lori-

HappyRV · 09-22-2011, 09:44 PM

for all the info...we arrived at Indigo Bluffs today...dunes were amazing...spending another day here then will stop at Traverse City on our way up to St. Ignace.

CamperKirk · 09-23-2011, 10:52 AM

We went to Porkupine Moutain State Park on Lake Superior last fall. Thats a must see!! Then drive up through Houten and Hancock to the tip of the Kewahneh paninsula. Also, Taquaminan (spell) falls is really nice too.

Possum · 09-23-2011, 11:20 AM

If you can once you get your fill of the "Soo" on your drive west in M-28 turn north and take the short drive up to Paradise and the Great lakes Shipwreck Museum. I found the info shown to be marvelous.

I'm not sure if it still runs (moved away years ago) but the boat ride to Tahquamenon Falls is a short trip to yesteryear; great views especially in the fall.

If, when you are in Soo Michigan, and a side trip into Canada isn't too much out of the way, I would highly recommend a day trip on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train which departs daily from the Canadian Soo's largest Mall. The station is about four blocks from the customs booths at the International Bridge. The beauty of the fall colours at this time of the year are hard to describe and well worth the day long side trip. Last time I was there I saw lots of motorhomes over-nighting in the mall parking lot but I doubt there is a Walmart in Station Mall.

HappyRV · 09-23-2011, 05:37 PM

Thanks again...we are leaving Indigo Bluffs tomorrow and heading to a bridge view site at Mackinac Mill Creek Campground in Mackinaw City...highly recommended by other campers!!

ahicks · 09-23-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyRV

Thanks again...we are leaving Indigo Bluffs tomorrow and heading to a bridge view site at Mackinac Mill Creek Campground in Mackinaw City...highly recommended by other campers!!

Neat place, are you going out to the island while you're there? A buggy ride from town along the North shore is something we enjoy doing if you decide to go out there (big buggy, team of horses, everyone can go at once). Good luck trying to stay away from the fudge in town or out on the island. Second thought, to heck with staying away from it. You should be able to become quite sick of it soon enough just trying to see which flavor you enjoy most!

Staying away from it no problem for quite a while after that....

If you're headed for the Soo, you'll want to take a tour of the Soo Locks for sure! If you don't get to the area often, that trip will carry many memories forever.

State Park at Brimley is nice if you're looking for a place to stay in that area, and the County Park near Munising (NW of town, is closer to Christmas) would get my vote as well. Pictured Rocks are cool, but from there and further west, get something to show you where to find the waterfalls so you can check them out on your way.

If you have the time to run up to Copper Harbor (very nice State Park there), you have to see Brockway Mountain Drive. Just don't do it with your RV in back of you. It has to be one of the most scenic drives in the state.

Porcupine Wilderness State Park has Lake of the Clouds and a few other scenic outlooks as well. Lots of hiking opportunities and another great camping area.

Just some ideas if you're in the area! Have a great trip!

baraff · 09-23-2011, 06:11 PM

We stayed at Mackinaw Mill in August, at one of the bridge view sites. It is a very nice campground, however be aware the bridge view sites are very narrow, as in, awning-to-sewer-hose-tight. If we go back we'll stay at one of the sites in the next row back, much roomier. Hopefully this time of year it won't be wall-to-wall.
We spent quite a few lazy hours in lawn chairs by the water's edge. Highly recommended.

HappyRV · 09-25-2011, 10:35 PM

bridge view site was certainly worth it! A bit tight compared to other sites, but oh the view!!! Off to pictured rocks then leaving the UP and off to South Dakota...thanks again for all the advice!

baraff · 09-26-2011, 07:32 PM

@Happy RV - glad you enjoyed the campground. I'm curious, what was it like this time of year, very crowded, weather, etc? We've only been there the one time and would like to go back in the "off" season.

HappyRV · 09-27-2011, 08:25 AM

Yes this campground was a bit cramped..bridge view...but very worth it..our friends with a 25' trailer had a much narrower site...our 37' fiver with 4 slides fit perfectly, with the awning out!! The view is magnificent...very clean...just no laundry! This time of year was beautiful..we called the day before, they had 4 bridge view sites available..hope this helps! We are now in Munising...at the Tourist Park..best site so far...nothing outside our door but Lake Michigan!!

ahicks · 09-28-2011, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyRV

Yes this campground was a bit cramped..bridge view...but very worth it..our friends with a 25' trailer had a much narrower site...our 37' fiver with 4 slides fit perfectly, with the awning out!! The view is magnificent...very clean...just no laundry! This time of year was beautiful..we called the day before, they had 4 bridge view sites available..hope this helps! We are now in Munising...at the Tourist Park..best site so far...nothing outside our door but Lake Michigan!!

Neat park.... but I think that's Lake Superior you're looking at?

Have a great trip!