It’s officially summer road trip season in the Mitten! Whether you’re a rookie or well-versed RVer, Michigan’s open roads await and are ready to explore. While the ‘90s are definitely having a comeback, we’ve spared you the stress of unfolding a paper map and instead put together a go-to guide for your adventures ahead.
Before you begin your trip you need to plan, plan, plan!
Plan your budget, food supply, route, what stops you want to make and campgrounds along the route. Pack a travel toolkit that includes Allen wrenches and duct tape. Also make sure to get a great first aid kit, in case a medical emergency pops up (or if you get blisters from your new hiking boots).
Take your RV for a practice spin.
Getting a feel for being behind the wheel is especially helpful for those who are new to driving an RV. Consider the roads you plan to drive on and take a small trip on a similar terrain. Pretend you’re getting your driver’s license again and practice switching lanes, ascending hills and parking.
Pay attention to the inside of your RV, as well. If your kitchen drawers pop open when you turn right or your engine makes a strange noise while going up a hill, make note. It’s much better to handle the adjustments and repairs before you are hundreds of miles away from home.
Decide on your destination.
Now comes the fun part: your destination! Michigan has a reputation for spectacular road trips. From outstanding natural scenery to unique historical sites, there’s plenty of cool places waiting for you to discover.
If you are looking for more camping sites for your RV, there are a lot of resources available to you. MARVAC, Michigan’s Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, has a newsletter and a list of RV-friendly campsites on their website.
Get an app to guide you as you go.
If you’re not staying at a state park or campsite, there are also apps that can help you find a place to park your Home Away from Home for the night. Below, we’ve listed two of the most popular ones.
Campendium is like Yelp for RVers. Providing honest reviews and detailed information on middle-of-nowhere spots where users can stop for a rest or pay for a plot to camp on.
Harvest Hosts is an app that connects users with a number of unique places to stay overnight at no cost. After an annual fee, users can stay at farms, wineries, museums and other local attractions that have signed up as “hosts.” It’s not only a fun destination for you as a guest, it also helps support the local business you are visiting.
You’re ready to roll!
You’ve planned every stop on the way, packed every essential camping item and found a campsite for the night. Now, it’s time to back out of the driveway for the weekend and enjoy all of the beauty our state has to offer.
Good luck on your journey and enjoy your Michigan RV voyage!
