Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Rolling Into Summer: RVing in Northern Michigan
Uncover the magic of Northern Michigan on this RV-friendly road trip—where towering forests and endless lakeshores meet charming small towns serving up comfort food classics.
Overview
If your love language includes cannonballing into crystal‑clear lakes, savoring still‑warm slices of homemade pie, and quality time spent exploring nature, then summertime in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula might be your perfect match.
In the heart of summer, the last traces of snow have finally melted, renewing the streams, rivers, and lakes. Wildlife is wide awake, and the whole region hums with that unmistakable “outdoor summer” energy. Towering forests, endless lakeshores, and small towns serving up comfort food classics make it feel like stepping into a nostalgic, throwback summer vacation—in all the best ways.
And experiencing it all from the comfort of our RV made the journey even sweeter. Michigan delivered summer adventures we won’t forget. Join us as we share how we explored the state’s beauty, one campsite, one trail, and one slice of pie at a time.
WHERE TO STAY
Tucked into the quiet countryside of northern Michigan, Vista Green RV Resort feels like the best kind of surprise—rural in setting, but every bit a luxury escape. Located off Highway 131 in South Boardman, the resort is just 30 minutes southeast of Traverse City, making it an easy home base for exploring the region’s lakes, forests, and small‑town charm.
What struck us first was how immaculately clean the entire property is. Wide paved big rig friendly roads through beautifully landscaped grounds, and each oversized concrete site comes with full hookups, and a grass yard—perfect for travelers who appreciate both space and convenience. Despite the peaceful, rural surroundings, the resort delivers a full lineup of luxury amenities: a huge pool and hot tub, trailheads for evening hikes, just keep an eye out for bears, and a community fire pit for gatherings.
For RVers, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels like a retreat. Quiet nights, clear skies, and close to both city sights and lakeshore adventures.
Where to Stay:
Vista Green RV Resort
Address: 6100 Larson Rd, South Boardman, MI 49680
Phone Number: (231) 400-2006
1
Torch Lake Splendor & Gas Station Grub
Torch Lake
Torch Lake had been on our radar for a few years—everyone who had been to Michigan was always telling us it was one of Michigan’s clearest, most beautiful lakes, and since we grew up near Lake Tahoe, we had to see for ourselves.
We finally made the trip to see what the hype was about, and the moment we stepped onto the shoreline, we understood. With crystal‑clear, Caribbean‑blue water that glows in the sunlight, this lake is the kind of place that stops you in your tracks. It’s peaceful, impossibly clear, and truly a Michigan gem.
We headed to the south end to experience the famous Torch Lake sandbar—a wide, shallow stretch perfect for families. Our family spent the day snorkeling in water so transparent you could see every ripple in the sand, lounging on pool floats, and watching kayakers and boaters drift by. It’s the kind of slow, sun‑soaked day that feels like summer at its best.
It was just under a 30-minute drive from our RV resort, so perfect for a day trip, but parking can be a little tricky, so this definitely isn’t a spot to bring your RV. But we found one of the many public access points, parked our dually truck with no issue, and walked just 50 feet to the shoreline. Once you’re standing in that turquoise water, everything else fades away.
Torch Lake lived up to every bit of its reputation—and then some.
Nico’s Pizza & Grinders
After a full day of sun, swimming, sunning, and snorkeling, we were absolutely starving. So on the way back, we made a beeline for the highly recommended: Nico’s Pizza & Grinders. It’s one of those “don’t judge a book by its cover” spots—tucked inside a gas‑station–liquor‑store combo—but trust us, this place is a diamond in the rough.
Nico’s is a perfect place for massive, delicious, and shockingly affordable grinder sandwiches that could win over even the pickiest eater. We were genuinely stunned at how huge they were, and every ingredient tasted fresh and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that makes you laugh at how hungry you were and how happy you are now.
Gas station or not, you will not regret stopping here. Nico’s proves that sometimes the best bites come from the most unexpected places.
2
Traverse City & Cherry Street Market
Traverse City
Traverse City may be the largest city in Northern Michigan, but it still carries the charm of a lakeside town, and it’s easy to explore. Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, every July the city hosts the National Cherry Festival—one of the biggest summer celebrations in the Midwest. Beyond cherries, Traverse City is also famous for its wineries, sandy freshwater beaches, and a vibrant arts scene that gives the downtown area its creative pulse.
Only a 30‑minute drive from our RV resort, we found convenient public parking downtown—affordable, spacious, and surprisingly accommodating for our big F‑350. From there, it was a short, scenic walk past the marina, where rows of sailboats and speedboats bobbed on the bright blue water of West Grand Traverse Bay.
Our first stop was Clinch Park, a two‑mile stretch of waterfront. With beach access, shaded picnic areas, water features, and a splash pad, it’s the perfect place for families to cool off on a hot summer day. The concession stand even serves fresh fruit smoothies—our go‑to treat before continuing along the paved path that leads straight into downtown.
Downtown Traverse City has an artsy, walkable vibe with a mix of restaurants, breweries, galleries, boutiques, and plenty of coffee shops for a mid‑day pick‑me‑up. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and stumble into something fun. After exploring the shops and murals, we made our way to the public beach along Grand Traverse Bay. The water was crystal clear and refreshingly cold—perfect for dipping our toes after a humid Michigan afternoon.
Cherry Street Market
To wrap up the day, we took a short driving detour to Cherry Street Market in the nearby town of Kalkaska—and it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the entire trip.
This charming farmers‑market‑meets‑country‑store feels like stepping into a postcard version of small‑town Michigan. The layout is spotless and beautifully organized, with rows of colorful produce, baskets of just‑picked fruit, and shelves lined with local jams, canned goods, and fresh‑baked pies and pastries. The air smells like warm dough, ripe berries, and herbs from the nursery section outside.
We wandered through aisles of potted plants, flowers, and herbs before loading up on baked goods for the road. We definitely tested out our RV oven by baking several fresh cherry pies.
3
Mackinac Bridge & Lake Superior Cliff Jumping
Mackinac Bridge
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—affectionately known as the U.P.—feels like stepping into a wilder, quieter version of the Midwest. The forests grow thicker, the towns spread farther apart, and the lakes somehow seem even bigger. Locals proudly call themselves Yoopers, and once you cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge, you immediately understand why this place inspires such loyalty.
Crossing the nearly five‑mile span of the Mackinac Bridge with our RV in tow was an adventure in itself. The bridge links Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to the UP, stretching over the Straits of Mackinac where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. We lucked out with perfect weather—blue skies, calm water, and panoramic views that made the toll at the other end feel like a small price for such a grand entrance.
Marquette
After settling into an RV park outside Marquette, we headed back into town to explore. Marquette is the largest city in the UP, but it still feels like a laid‑back, outdoorsy college town thanks to Northern Michigan University. Students on bikes, hikers with daypacks, and families heading toward the lake give the whole place an energetic, adventurous vibe.
Lake Superior Cliff Jumping
Our first stop was Presque Isle Park, a peninsula of forested trails, rocky shoreline, and sweeping views of Lake Superior. The loop trail is easy and scenic, with plenty of spots to pause and soak in the deep blue water of the largest freshwater lake in the world.
It was along this trail that we stumbled onto one of our favorite memories of the entire trip: Black Rocks.
A cluster of college students was cliff‑jumping off the dark volcanic rock into the chilly cove below, laughing, cheering, and daring each other to go higher. The jumps ranged from 15 to 25 feet, and before we knew it, our whole family was caught up in the moment. We kicked off our shoes, stripped down to our shorts, and joined in.
That first leap into the icy water was shocking, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable. Even our eight‑year‑old daughter became obsessed—climbing out, swimming back, and jumping again and again. It was one of those spontaneous decisions that instantly becomes a family core memory, the kind you talk about for years.
Local Eateries
Soaked and smiling, we hiked back to the truck in our wet clothes and went in search of warmth and food. We found our caffeine fix at Velodrome Coffee Company, a local favorite known for its handcrafted lattes and cozy atmosphere. Once we thawed out, we headed to Stucko’s Pub & Grill, a casual spot with huge portions—exactly what we needed after a day of hiking and cliff‑jumping. French onion soup, burgers, and a mountain of chicken nachos hit the spot.
Cost-Saving Tips
Stock up before you arrive: If you are coming from the south, stop in Cadillac, MI, for fuel, and there is a Walmart for groceries.
Ask about weekly rates: RV sites often offer discounts compared to nightly stays.
Book early: Many RV parks and accommodations in the area close seasonally for winter, and book in advance for the next year.
Final Thoughts
Traveling by RV through Northern Michigan surprised us in the best ways: rugged scenery, a youthful energy, and the kind of spontaneous adventure that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
