[HPY1]

Looking around at camp grounds and and things to do in the Traverse City area and the UP. We’ve always wanted to see both and from looking at maps I can’t really tell how driveable (I don’t know how traffic gets with summer vacations or what the roads are like)it all is and or the best place to go with my family. We are a family of 4, kids are 14 & 9. E’ve hear great things about both areas and are trying to figure out the best place for us. So please, tell us what you would do.

[michigan lizard]

I really like Sleeping Bear Dunes/Manitou Island and Traverse City. I haven't been to the UP in decades, though, so I can't give you a comparison.

[HPY1]

We Thanks for the reply.

Trying to have a little of everything to make everyone happy. Especially some unplugged from media time.

[michigan83]

The Traverse City area has a lot more traffic (mostly within the city), but it also has more things to do within a reasonable drive. There are a lot more places to get a bite to eat, etc. Driving isn’t too bad once you get outside of TC. The Sleeping Bear area is as beautiful as anything you’ll find in the U.P. but also gets a lot more tourists than the U.P. Driving on M22 around the Leelanau Peninsula might be my favorite scenic drive in the state.

The U.P. is much more remote. Driving is super easy up there. You can cover a lot of ground. There is more unspoiled nature and chances to enjoy it without a lot of people around. It is a beautiful place, but much more quiet than the TC area. If you want to experience pure nature and enjoyable driving, and less civilization, the U.P is a better bet.

[Coldjensens]

I would camp on a lake in the UP. Possibly near Munising where you can go sea kayaking at pictured rocks, hiking, and maybe some cliff jumping. TC has more commercial stuff and it is also one of the prettiest places, but everyone will be there. If you want down time with family, then more remote would be better. Just watch the season and location. Black flies can ruin a trip to the UP. Near Munising, we like Au Train lake campground. You can camp right on the lake. Marquette is a really awesome town if you want some town time. If you have 4x4 visit Paradise cove.


TC is unusually beautiful and varied, but it will be pretty busy and more commercial oriented vacation. Leelenau Pines Campground is awesome if you can get in. Platte River Campground is neat because you have river, inland lakes and lake Michigan all together.

[michmoldman]

There is no choosing, you need to do both at some point. Traverse city area is probably better for kids with tons to do, but the U.P is a must see also. In Summer you can swim in TC and also many beaches in the area. Check out Empire beach...it's amazing! The downfall of the U.P will be black flies and very cold water, but go to Munising, or Marquette areas (my fav) and you'll find plenty of awesome things to do.

[HPY1]

So Black flies... what time(s) of year are they bad? Is this a good fall trip w/out kids?

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by HPY1

So Black flies... what time(s) of year are they bad? Is this a good fall trip w/out kids?

Actually, it may not be the black flies as much as the regular looking flies that bite. Both are amazing Fall trips.

[michikawa]

If you make it to the UP, the area around Manistique/Gulliver has been transitioning its economy towards more lower cost tourism and is the closest for downstaters. Lake Michigan is right there, there are a couple of inland lakes in the area, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more impressive locations for bird watching and canoeing. The Manistique Lakes and their camp grounds have been popular with downstaters for years.


Further west, and more upland are rental cabins in the Hiawatha National Forest south of Munising, Pictured Rocks camping sites, and hiking in the Huron Mountains. Marquette is a good base camp for outdoor actives in Marquette County, but there are plenty of campsites and rentals in places like Michigamme and L'Anse. Lake Superior is really cold in spring/early summer so I wouldn't plan on swimming in it then.


Further Further West is Houghton, Iron, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties, which are a good +9 hour drive from SE Michigan. Outdoor stuff there off of the lake is essentially the same as camping in Northern Wisconsin. Ottawa Nation Forest has a ton waterfalls and ravines to go hiking about.

[HPY1]

Originally Posted by michikawa

If you make it to the UP, the area around Manistique/Gulliver has been transitioning its economy towards more lower cost tourism and is the closest for downstaters. Lake Michigan is right there, there are a couple of inland lakes in the area, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more impressive locations for bird watching and canoeing. The Manistique Lakes and their camp grounds have been popular with downstaters for years.


Further west, and more upland are rental cabins in the Hiawatha National Forest south of Munising, Pictured Rocks camping sites, and hiking in the Huron Mountains. Marquette is a good base camp for outdoor actives in Marquette County, but there are plenty of campsites and rentals in places like Michigamme and L'Anse. Lake Superior is really cold in spring/early summer so I wouldn't plan on swimming in it then.


Further Further West is Houghton, Iron, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties, which are a good +9 hour drive from SE Michigan. Outdoor stuff there off of the lake is essentially the same as camping in Northern Wisconsin. Ottawa Nation Forest has a ton waterfalls and ravines to go hiking about.

Thank You