If you’ve been here awhile, you know we love being outdoors in Michigan. One of our favorite, and cost effective ways, of seeing Michigan’s nature scene is through camping. If you’re not quite ready for a full-on Bear Grylls tent camping experience, you should give glamping a shot. Glamping combines the creature comforts of staying in a hotel, like a plush bed and running water, with the great Michigan outdoors. As a bonus, many of these wonderful sites are just a little bit of a drive outside Detroit.
We have researched the very best campgrounds offering glamping in everything from yurts to tiny cabins. Each and every one has a unique experience waiting for you and your family. For reference, we have noted the drive time from Detroit using Royal Oak as a starting point, so your drive may be a little longer or a littler shorter depending where you live. Happy glamping!
1 Hour or Less
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area | Waterford, 45 minutes
Highlights: Pet friendly, Recreation Passport required, swimming beach, fishing dock.
An A-Frame mini cabin sits amongst the trees in this Metro Detroit campground. Inside, two single beds and electrical outlets bring major convenience to camping. The cabin is just steps away from the restrooms and showers. If you’re bringing your family, they also have full-size cabins for rent complete with bathrooms and a full kitchen inside.
Highland Recreation Area | Highland, 45 minutes
Highlights: Pet friendly, Recreation Passport Required, trails for hiking and biking.
If you’re inching towards tent camping, this is the place for you! A glamorous safari-style tent comes complete with a queen bed, a heater, and a camp grill. All you have to bring is the food and bedding.
Sterling State Park | Monroe, 1 hour
Highlights: Pet friendly, kayak rentals, one-mile beach, boat launch.
Beautiful log cabins that sleep up to seven comfortably have a direct view of Lake Huron. These cabins come with all the essentials including kitchen utensils and linen service.
2 to 4 Hours
Sleeper State Park | Caseville, 2.5 hours
Highlights: Pet friendly, nature trails, boat rentals.
This hike-in campsite sits right on the edge of Lake Huron. The pop up tent comes complete with a queen size bed, adirondack chairs, and a picnic table.
Mai Tiki Resort | Oscoda, 3 hours
Highlights: Fully equipped kitchens, movie nights, playground area.
Mai Tiki Resort is like a Caribbean vacation without leaving beautiful Michigan! They have ten condos right on the beach of Lake Huron as well as separate cabins with the full list of amenities.
The Fields of Michigan | South Haven, 3 hours
Highlights: Pet friendly, kid friendly, breakfast included.
The tents at The Fields are the ultimate luxury camping experience. Situated on a blueberry farm, you’ll be in heaven in these gorgeous tents. Your stay includes breakfast, and they’re even opening a spa this year.
Rocky Tops Farms | Ellsworth, 4 hours
Highlights: Pet friendly, lakes, hiking trails.
Boasting such glampsites as the Treehouse, The Cabin, and Pop’s Pride, you have several choices for how you want to spend your time away. The Treehouse is perched in the middle of a cherry orchard and even has a hot tub.
Wild Cherry Resort | Lake Leelanau, 4.5 hours
Highlights: Pet friendly, driving range, short drives to area attractions.
Offering rustic yurts in the woods, you won’t find electricity or running water directly inside. But as a part of one of the most beautiful RV resorts in the Midwest, you have access to plenty of trails and their Cherry Bark Lodge. Wild Cherry is just minutes away from Sleeping Bear Dunes and many great Northern Michigan wineries.
Beaver Island Retreat | Beaver Island, 4 hours to Charlevoix + ferry to Beaver Island
Highlights: Pet friendly, restaurant on site, kid friendly.
The safari tents at Beaver Island Retreat will sweep you away to a luxurious outdoor adventure. Each tent has hotel-style amenities from memory foam mattresses to bamboo sheets. Relax in your very own hammock and rinse the day off in their private bath houses. Their shared kitchen and pavilion are open 24 hours a day for all of your needs. And you get the experience of staying and playing on the island, too!
5+ Hours
Lime Island Recreation Area | Lime Island, 5 hours to Raber + boat ride across St. Marys River
Highlights: Pet friendly, unique experience, no motor vehicles allowed on the island.
For the ultimate adventure, charter or bring a boat to cross the St. Marys River to this island on the border of Michigan and Canada. They have two- and three-bedroom cottages that sleep up to eight people, and come with an eye-level view of the freighters navigating the waters.
Paddler’s Village | Munising, 6 hours
Highlights: Kid friendly, tons of activities, scenic overviews.
A Paddler’s Village is set up as the ultimate glamping experience. You can choose to stay in a yurt, tipi, safari tent, or a cabin, and all the setup is complete upon your arrival. All you need is a sleeping bag, food, and personal items. This location also offers kayaking, guided tours, and has a restaurant on site.
Mount Bohemia Adventure Resort | Mohawk, 9 hours
Highlights: Open year-round, spa, restaurants on site.
This all-inclusive resort is the perfect place for a summertime getaway. Choose one of their cabins or a mountain top yurt complete with tons of beds, full bathrooms, and high speed internet.
