Michigan offers countless wonders for nature lovers to enjoy on their next getaway. From the natural spring of Kitch-iti-Kipi to the sandstone cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Lake Michigan itself, nearly every corner of the state has something to behold. With major cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids serving as transportation hubs, travelers can easily reach the Great Lakes State from the East Coast, the Midwest, and West Coast.
Michigan’s abundant shoreline provides access to four out of five of the Great Lakes. If you want to reconnect with nature, plenty of glamping options will put you close to the water — from cozy cabins in the woods to luxurious tents. Whether you’re a seasoned glamper or a first-timer, this guide will help you find the perfect glamping spot in Michigan.
Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. The area boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery in the state, from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan to the dense forests and rolling hills of the Upper Peninsula. One of the best places to go glamping in Northern Michigan is at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here, you’ll find a variety of glamping options, from tents to cabins, that offer all the comforts of home in the heart of nature. From Traverse City hiking trails to exploring forests or picking fruit, you’ll find countless areas to investigate throughout the Upper Peninsula and the northernmost reaches of the Lower Peninsula.
Fun Things to Do
- Explore Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- Rent a boat and go tubing, wakeboarding, or explore the coastline of three Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior.
- In the winter, travelers come from all over to enjoy the snowy backcountry and frozen lakes, where you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, ice fish, fat tire bike, and ice skate. It’s also an amazing place to go snowmobiling.
Glamping Options
When looking for vacation rentals in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, consider this Thor Windsport.
This RV can comfortably sleep six guests for a truly glamorous camping experience. When not enjoying the power patio awning with integrated LED lighting, you can use this RV as a launching point to explore the sights and sounds of the region.
Lake Leelanau
Located just a short drive from Traverse City, Lake Leelanau is a great place to go glamping if you’re looking for a relaxing and secluded getaway. Lush forests and rolling hills surround the lake, and there are plenty of hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Some of the best glamping options in the area include cozy cabins and luxury tents that offer breathtaking views of the lake. If you enjoy majestic scenery, vineyards, hiking, and a day of boating on the water, Lake Leelanau might be the perfect place for you. Fishing, hiking, kayaking, and swimming are all popular activities in this region.
Fun Things to Do
- The area around Lake Leelanau offers wineries and vineyards. If you want to complement your outdoor adventure, consider trying some local vintages. Vineyards were planted over 150 years ago, so the locals are no strangers to wine here.
- Leelanau State Park boasts miles of trails and a beach where you can relax on a sunny day.
Glamping Options
If you want to find a comfortable RV you can use to explore the area around Lake Leelanau, consider this 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van known as Birdie.
This compact RV can sleep four, making it easy to see everything you want to experience in the area. Pull up next to a picnic table or a camping area in one of your favorite national parks, then park and enjoy a beautiful lakeside retreat or one of the local wineries.
You can also explore the area in this Ford Transit Leisure Tour Edition. This comfortable Ford Transit lets you explore while providing enough space to sleep two. The booking also comes with a two-person tent you can enjoy if you prefer to sleep under the stars. With features like AWD and off-road suspension, this RV will truly take you anywhere you want to go.
South Haven
If you’re looking for a glamping destination that’s a little closer to a city, South Haven is a great option. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, this charming beach town is known for its sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and vibrant downtown area. Glamping options in the area range from cozy yurts to spacious cabins, offering easy access to the beach and other local attractions. The city also serves as the Kal-Haven Trail’s ending point, attracting many outdoor lovers. The harbor and beaches bring tourists in from across the region.
Fun Things to Do
- The South Haven Lighthouse is a great place to visit.
- Local vineyards offer an afternoon of relaxation and vino.
- Local parks have biking and hiking trails and picnic spots to help you really appreciate this region of Michigan.
Glamping Options
You can go glamping in style with this extra large, family friend rig lovingly referred to as Peach.
Not only does Peach comfortably sleep six and accommodate furry companions, but it also has plenty of storage, including two bike racks, so you can bring your bikes along for exercise and site seeing. The owners also take the time to show how to operate all the amenities that Peach offers, and provide instructions on set up and take down from site to site.
Munising
Munising is a small town located in the Upper Peninsula that’s known for its stunning natural beauty. The area is home to a number of waterfalls, lakes, and forests, making it a popular destination for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers. When it comes to glamping in Munising, you’ll find a variety of options, including cozy cabins, luxury tents, and even treehouses.
If you’re interested in viewing some natural wonders up close, you’ll love the area around Munising. Visitors can explore sites like Munising Falls, Picture Rocks, the Miners Castle landmark, and Miners Falls. The opportunities are endless! In fact, deciding where to head first might be the most challenging part.
Fun Things to Do
- Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Lake Superior. This beautiful natural wonder is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, making it a sight to behold.
- Explore the lake by boating, fishing, swimming, or trying your hand at a variety of other watersports and activities.
Glamping Options
To make it easy for you to experience all that this area has to offer, head to one of the many rustic lodges in town. Au Train Island View Lodge, specifically, provides its guests with a balcony and views of Lake Superior, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. It also has water sports facilities on-site and bicycle rentals for an additional charge.
Lake Michigan
Finally, no guide to glamping in Michigan would be complete without mentioning Lake Michigan. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets, this Great Lake is a popular destination for glamping enthusiasts. Some of the best glamping options on Lake Michigan include cozy cabins and luxury tents that offer easy access to the beach and other local attractions. The beaches and the trails that run alongside them seem endless around Lake Michigan, which spans the entire west coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. As such, this area is a favorite amongst the beach-going set.
Fun Things to Do
- If you’re a hiker or biker, check out the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Good Harbor Bay Trail, and Empire Bluff Trail to get started.
- You can also explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the stunning lakeside beaches that line the lake.
Glamping Options
If you want to explore while glamping around Lake Michigan, you can rent a Four Winds Class C motorhome. It has a large master bedroom with a king-size bed, ample closet space, and convenient nightstands on both sides of the bed with power outlets. The outside of the unit has exterior speakers, a flat-screen TV, a power awning, and side and rear cameras, so parking is a breeze.
Go Glamping in Michigan
From the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan to the serene forests of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a great place to go glamping. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure in the great outdoors, it’s easy to find the perfect glamping experience for your needs and preferences. So pack your bags, grab some light camping gear, and get ready to experience the beauty of Michigan!