Eastern UP

Best Camping Near Mackinac Island

No cars, Victorian hotels, and 8.2 miles of shoreline road

Best: Summer, Fall

About Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island has no cars — and hasn't had them since 1898. You get there by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, and you move around by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. The 8.2-mile shoreline road loops the entire island and is one of the best bicycle rides in Michigan. Fort Mackinac occupies the bluff above downtown and is genuinely interesting — you can watch soldiers in period dress fire rifles and cannon. Grand Hotel's front porch is 660 feet long. The fudge shops are not a myth. This is the UP's most visited single attraction, and it earns it — especially once the ferries stop running and the island quiets to a handful of year-round residents.

Campgrounds Near Mackinac Island

Vetted campgrounds within the Mackinac Island area — from state park sites to private full-hookup RV parks.

Mackinac Island State Park Campground

State Park Reservable

$30 /night

Small island campground — very limited sites, book months in advance. No cars, ferry access only.

Book on Recreation.gov →

Trails Near Mackinac Island

Arch Rock Trail

Up to Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch 50 feet wide, 146 feet above Lake Huron.

2.0 mi

Easy

Hiking

Shoreline Road Loop (cycling)

The essential Mackinac Island ride. Flat, paved, 8.2 miles around the entire island. Rent bikes at the ferry docks.

8.2 mi

Easy

Cycling

Fort Holmes Trail

Climb to the highest point on the island for views across the Straits of Mackinac.

1.4 mi

Moderate

Hiking

Gear up for the trail

Don't forget the essentials

Bear spray, trekking poles, headlamp, and moisture-wicking layers — must-haves for UP trails. Quick links to Amazon for the most-searched UP camping gear.

Bear spray → Headlamp → Hiking boots → Trekking poles → Rain jacket →

* Amazon affiliate links — NorthPass earns a small commission. Prices and availability may vary.