Three Awesome Overnights Up North
Perfect spots for beginner, intermediate, and advanced campers above the 45th parallel By Alex Dailey As we near the summer season in northern Michigan, campgrounds across the region are preparing for the arrival of novice and die-hard nature enthusiasts alike. Not sure what camping style suits you and your outdoorsy skill levels best? Well, Northern Express has done the research. What follows are our top three suggestions based on beginner, intermediate, and experienced camper tiers that offer a variety of activities, diverse scenery and wildlife, and the glorious opportunity to commune with nature.
WILDERNESS STATE PARK
BEAVER ISLAND
The waves of Lake Michigan lap upon one of Wilderness State Park’s beaches. (Photo credit: Katelin Dailey)
Beaver Island Retreat offers private Hotel Safari Tents bedecked in string lights for an atmospheric setting beneath the stars. (Photo courtesy of Maria and Brian Vaeth, owners of Beaver Island Retreat)
Wilderness State Park is located in the town of Carp Lake on the shore of Lake Michigan. (Photo credit: Katelin Dailey)
BEGINNER & FAMILY-FRIENDLY First up is an easily accessible option, ideal for families and those just beginning their camping adventures. Wilderness State Park, situated on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, is a short 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, a popular destination full of restaurants and shops. Being near civilization can be a good choice for novice campers who may not have all the gear— or patience—for full-time rustic living. Plus, you’ll be within easy driving distance of U.P. attractions above the Mighty Mac when you need some time away from the campsite. Within the domain of Wilderness, you’ll find 26 miles of lake frontage, over 20 miles of trails for biking and hiking, and both swimming and pet-friendly beaches. This state park offers a diverse landscape, including coniferous and hardwood forests, meadows, ponds, and wetlands. Campers can also fish, try out paddlesports, enjoy the picnic area, or even attend the Michigan State Park Explorer weekly nature-based programs. Bonus: the park is also a designated dark sky preserve and just nine miles away from Headlands Dark Sky Park. Nine different campgrounds are at your fingertips, and you can choose from modern campsites, full hook-up sites, tent-only sites, and rustic cabins or bunkhouses depending on how confident you feel about your camping skills. (With contemporary amenities in some areas, like flushing toilets and running water, Wilderness State Park is an especially good fit for groups with children.) We recommend making reservations in advance, as this is a popular camping locale with 10,000-plus acres ready to be explored. Make your reservations at midnrreservations.com.
12 • may 23, 2022 • Northern Express Weekly
INTERMEDIATE & GLAMPING For intermediate campers—those of you who have tested your mettle and survived without luxurious conveniences—we recommend Beaver Island. The third largest island in the state rests just 32 miles off the coast of Charlevoix in Lake Michigan and offers two traditional campgrounds: Saint James Township Campground and Bill Wagner Memorial Campground. The former is nestled on the north end of Beaver Island with a $15/night per campsite fee. The latter resides on the island’s east side and costs $10/night per campsite. Both options are rustic and primitive, with pit toilets and hand pumps. (The nearby Emerald Isle Hotel offers showers, complete with soap and towels, when needed, with fees of $10/adult and $5/child.) During the day, be sure to explore the island by visiting quaint museums and the lighthouse, renting kayaks and paddleboards, and stopping by Whiskey Point Brewery. Neither campground accepts reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information can be found at beaverisland.org. Now, suppose you give this intermediate-level camping a try only to discover that roughing it isn’t your thing. In that case, Beaver Island has an alternative—Beaver Island Retreat. Revel in your natural surroundings while savoring the luxuries of a private, 180-square-foot glamping tent, a fully-stocked guest kitchen, and individual bathhouses. A reservation includes unlimited ice, firewood, and lump charcoal, plus a bottle of wine upon arrival. Maria and Brian Vaeth, owners of Beaver Island Retreat, opened the business in July of 2019, and since, the demand for their services has outpaced the number of sites. “Guests enjoy a quiet setting with an extraordinary view of the night sky, including the Milky Way,” Maria explains. “Many vacationers book up to a year in advance to ensure their preferred weekend is available, but sometimes would-be glampers can find a midweek spot three or four months in advance.” For more information and to book your reservation, visit beaverislandretreat.com.
