RV Family Adventure! Northern Michigan & the UP

Written by

Kyle Hamilton

in

Trip Overview

This was a big one—our very first RV adventure as a family. Over the course of a week, we road-tripped through Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, staying at a mix of campgrounds, hiking scenic trails, trying local flavors, and soaking up time together. From peaceful paddles to spontaneous pit stops, this trip was full of freedom, laughter, and unforgettable moments on the road.

Most Memorable Moments

Paddle boarding with my parents – Calm mornings on the water made for some of the most peaceful moments of the whole trip.

Biking into Copper Harbor – We rode into town for a beer with my dad – what more do you need?

Card games in the RV – A new nightly tradition. Rain or shine, we circled up to play—laughing, scheming, and definitely getting competitive.

JR’s Bar – We were driving when we got the news that my sister had just had her first child, JR. A few minutes later, we passed a little dive called JR’s Bar. Naturally, we had to pull over and raise a toast.

Walking across the Mackinac Bridge – Once a year the bridge closes for a race and for folks to walk across. I’m so glad the timing worked out for it.

Logistics & Practical Information

Accommodation

  • Traverse City
  • Wilderness State Park
  • Pictured Rocks KOA
  • Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
  • Manistique Lakeshore Campground

Transportation

  • RV of course! This was our first-ever RV trip, and while it had a learning curve, it ended up being the best way to travel. Having everything with us—kitchen, beds, bathroom—made the journey as much a part of the fun as the destinations.

Food

  • We cooked a lot in the RV, but two food stops stole the show:

Activities

  • Paddle boarding and biking
  • Hiking at Pictured Rocks and the “Porkies”
  • Exploring lighthouses and small towns
  • Playing cards and relaxing at camp
  • Swimming (and occasionally freezing!) in the lakes
  • Celebrating spontaneous life moments on the road

Tips for Travelers

  • Plan for “shit.” Literally and figuratively. Waste disposal is part of RV life, and so are unexpected curveballs. Laugh about them, and prep accordingly.
  • Leave room in the schedule for surprises—like JR’s Bar.
  • Bring games, books, and campfire gear. Evenings are magical.
  • Reserve your campgrounds early—these spots book up, especially in peak summer.
  • First-timers: take it slow. Backing into tight sites isn’t a race.
  • If crossing the Mackinac bridge, be aware that it is closed for a good part of the day on Labor day.

Reflections & Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about exploring Michigan—it was about bonding, slowing down, and saying “yes” to the open road. The RV gave us freedom, the forests gave us peace, and the time together gave us stories we’ll tell forever. For our first RV experience, it couldn’t have gone better.

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