Top 5 RV-Friendly Road Trips from Houghton Lake

Admin
August 27th, 2025

Plus practical tips for campgrounds, highlights, and easy staging between trips

Houghton Lake sits in a sweet spot for RV travel. In a few hours or less, you can be on Lake Michigan dunes, under the Mackinac Bridge, or staring at sandstone cliffs on Superior. Use this as your idea list: five proven routes, what they’re great for, and a handful of tips to make each one smoother.

1) Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes

Head west on a relaxed drive that trades pines for shoreline and dune country. Set up near the Platte River or just outside Traverse City if you want an easy base with quick access to beaches, wineries, and the Dune Climb. The scenic drive through the dunes is worth planning around a clear afternoon so the overlooks pop. In summer, mornings are calmer for beach time and paddling; afternoons bring breezes and people. If you’re towing, aim to park the rig and use your tow vehicle to hop between overlooks and trailheads—parking is tighter at the most popular stops. Pick one or two headline hikes rather than everything in a day; sand climbs are sneaky tiring, and you’ll enjoy the area more if you pace it.

Tip: Traverse City can be busy during festival weeks. Book sites early and consider shoulder-season weekends for quieter trails and easier downtown parking.

2) Straits of Mackinac Basecamp (Mackinaw City & St. Ignace)

Rolling north brings you to big-sky water views and lighthouse territory. Camp on either side of the Straits for the best bridge scenery at dusk, and plan one late night for dark-sky stargazing along the open shoreline. Day trips are simple here: stroll the old fort grounds, wander small-town harbors, or ferry over to island bike paths if you want a car-free day. Winds can be strong across the bridge, so check advisories if you’re driving a tall rig; when in doubt, time your crossing for calmer mornings. If you’re chasing photos, sunrise along the eastern shore throws warm light on the bridge and lake freighters.

Tip: Leave some flex in your schedule for the weather. A breezy day at camp with books, a shoreline walk, and a long sunset can beat a packed checklist.

3) Pictured Rocks & Munising (Central U.P.)

This is Michigan’s postcard coast: mineral-streaked cliffs, teal water, and waterfalls tucked into cool cedar woods. Base in or near Munising so you can switch plans around the lake’s mood. Calm day? Take a boat tour or paddle with an outfitter. Breezy or foggy? Walk forested waterfall trails and save the big water for tomorrow. Lake Superior is stunning and changeable—build redundancy into your plans so a weather shift feels like an option, not a derail. If you enjoy photography, aim for late-day shoreline time when rock faces glow. Bring layers; even in summer, the breeze off Superior can feel like opening a freezer.

Tip: Campsites on the water go fast. Book early, and if you miss a prime spot, don’t sweat it—being five minutes farther inland is a small trade for quieter nights.

4) Keweenaw Peninsula to Copper Harbor

The further north you go, the slower everything feels—in a good way. Copper Harbor delivers end-of-the-road calm, a restored 1840s fort to wander, and a ridge drive with big views over Lake Superior. Plan at least one full day with nothing scheduled beyond a shoreline stroll, a lighthouse visit, and a sunset on the ridge. The Keweenaw is perfect for “slow-touring”: short hikes, coffee stops, and unhurried afternoons near the water. If you like history, the mining sites add texture to the trip; if you’re here for nature, the combination of rocky shore and dark-sky nights will keep you outside. Some campground loops undergo periodic upgrades—double-check your exact loop and site amenities when reserving.

Tip: Fuel up before the last stretch north and stock groceries in Houghton or Calumet. Fewer errands means more time with a chair pointed at the lake.

5) Ludington & the Manistee Coast

Head southwest for a classic Lake Michigan mix: wide beaches, dunes, and a favorite lighthouse hike. Ludington’s campgrounds are shaded and family-friendly, with riverside paddling and long shoreline walks right out of camp. Plan the lighthouse hike for a cooler morning or the golden hour; it’s an easy walk that feels special when the light’s right. If you’re traveling with bikes, bring them—rolling to the beach from camp saves time, and it’s nice not to move the rig once you’re set up. Beach days are simple here: umbrella, snacks, and a slow wander along the waterline.

Tip: Sand finds its way into everything. A cheap doormat outside the RV and a small brush by the door are worth their weight in gold.

Planning Notes That Make Every Route Easier

State park sites book months out during peak season. If your dates are firm, reserve early; if not, shoulder seasons in late spring and early fall are often the best balance of open sites, cooler hiking, and quieter beaches. Build one “float day” into every trip. Weather swings, and you’ll enjoy the area more when your schedule can flex.

When driving with a larger trailer or motorhome, think in terms of staging: set the rig at a central campground, then use your tow vehicle for tight trailheads, scenic loops, and town errands. It saves time and stress. For bridge crossings or long shoreline drives, mornings and evenings usually mean lighter winds and calmer traffic. If you’re heading into Superior country, pack layers, a warm hat, and a thermos, even in July—you’ll use them.

Food is part of the fun. Picnic supplies, a small cooler, and a coffee kit turn every overlook into a dining room. Keep a simple “departure bin” ready in the rig—hammock, headlamps, maps, camp chairs, microfiber towels—so last-minute weekends don’t become packing marathons.

Stage Your Adventures at Houghton Lake Boat & RV Storage

Starting and ending each loop at Houghton Lake keeps trip days focused on the good stuff. Our oversized, tall-door units make parking straightforward even with longer trailers, and the drive-through option means you can pull in and out without a spotter. Twenty-four–seven access, fencing, gates, lighting, and recorded video give you peace of mind. Month-to-month terms work well for weekenders; the free security disc lock and on-site power dolly simplify move-in and maneuvering. Sizes run from 10×20 up to 12×40, so whether you’re stashing a travel trailer, a pontoon, or both, you’ll have room to breathe.

Ready to move? Reserve a unit, run your chosen loop, and roll back to a clean, easy drop-off. Then start planning the next one.

Houghton Lake Boat & RV Storage