OT: Lake Michigan

[Shannone1]

We are new tent campers....LOVE IT!!! anyway, we are located in the Indianapolis area and don't have a lot of vacation time, so are looking for campgrounds a little closer to home than FW. I would love a beach vacation, but the closest coastline is Lake Michigan. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Are there campgrounds on the lake? Is it an appropriate destination for little kids (6, and 3)?

There are so many great places in Michigan to visit !! I'm sure people have told you all about the state parks. I know they book up early. My favorite parts of the state are Ludington, Traverse City and Mackinaw.

Even if you can't find a campsite right on the lake at this point, I would suggest looking at private campgrounds in the area. There are many in the Ludington area. There is a wonderful public beach right downtown, parks, and Mac Woods dune ride in Mears which is about a half hour away. You could also find a place in Mears. You could do the dune rides and then head over to the beach and see Little Sable Lighthouse. It is a huge, beautiful beach and only costs a few dollars to get in. There is a mini golf and ice cream place in Mears too.

http://www.macwoodsdunerides.com/

Here is a link I like to use to find new campgrounds. You can search for campgrounds based on your needs.

http://www.michcampgrounds.com/arvcmich/search_listing.php?FTYPE=ONLINE&SORTBY=zone

 

[cobbler]

Hey Cobbler ... you must be from SW Michigan!

We check in to Van Buren on Thursday for a 6-night stay!

Well we live in the burbs of GR. But anywho, we check in on the 3rd

 

[GreatLakes5]

Finding something on the Lake will be difficult - the sites really fill up. BUT with a tent you may have a shot at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. We love the KOA in Petoskey (which would take you quite far north)...it's not on the beach but it's a fun campground for kids. If you can get in, our preference is Grand Haven!

Inland you could try something on Gun Lake.