Though many people think of the rural campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula, urban areas in Michigan are equally suitable for campers. You can stay in the Ann Arbor area to watch the University of Michigan play or get closer to Detroit for the casinos and museums. Lansing is another popular city as it has a zoo and riverboat within its limits. Thanks to urban camping in Michigan parks, you can experience the culture and excitement that you crave while retiring to the great outdoors at night.
Urban RV Parks in Michigan
Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park
You don’t need to stay during the fair to enjoy the benefits of the Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park in Belleville, which is a Detroit suburb. All sites have a pull-through or back-in design and 30- and 50-amp and water and sewer hookups. You can pay by the night or get a discounted weekly or monthly rate at this park that’s only 10 minutes from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA
Located in Ypsilanti, the Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA is one of the top urban RV parks in Michigan. The park is open from April to October and offers large full hookup RV sites with patios and access to cable and Wi-Fi. You’ll find a dog park and nature trail as well as a swimming beach and picnic spots right on the lake.
Haas Lake RV Park Campground
Another option for Ann Arbor visitors is the Haas Lake RV Park Campground in nearby New Hudson. Daily activities range from trivia contests to dances with a DJ spinning records. You can choose a full hookup site that overlooks the water and is close to the general store and athletic courts.
Steamboat Park Campground
Lansing is a popular choice for visitors looking at where to urban camp in Michigan because of parks such as the Steamboat Park Campground in the city. The heated swimming pool overlooks the river and is close to the boat ramp that only guests can use. You’ll also find a bathhouse with an on-site laundry room and a large playground for kids.
Lansing Cottonwood Campground
Also in Lansing is the Lansing Cottonwood Campground, which the same family has owned and operated for more than four decades. You get one night for free when you stay for six nights, and you can book a site for a whole month. This campground has two large ponds for fishing and a swimming pool that sits right next to the office and general store.
Where to Urban Camp in Michigan
Urban RV camping in Lansing lets you take a tour on the Michigan Princess, which is a riverboat that hosts Vegas nights and other special events. The Potter Park Zoo is the only zoo in the city and has more than 100 animals as well as chances for visitors to see some of those animals up close. If you’re a fan of mysteries, book the Murder Mystery Tour that takes guests on a train ride and asks them to solve a crime. Lansing is also home to an MLB farm team called the Lansing Lugnuts and the Michigan State University campus. Many people flock to the city for the Lansing Summer Festival that features live music and art shows along with a parade and rides. County Farm Lake has multiple pieces of equipment for kids and gardens for adults.
Fans of the Michigan Wolverines often stay in Ann Arbor and get tickets to the team’s football games. The University of Michigan Museum of Art is also worth a visit if you’re craving a cultural experience.
The Henry Ford Museum of Innovation is one of the top attractions to visit in Detroit. It includes the Greenfield Village, which consists of historic buildings that Ford moved there. If you love music, the Motown Museum lets you learn about Diana Ross and other famous names who recorded on the Motown label. Many visitors also head to the MGM Grand Detroit. You don’t need to check into the hotel to play a few games or hit the slot machines. The casino also hosts live shows nearly every day and has an on-site spa.
Urban RV Camping in Michigan
Even if you’re not a fan of sports, you should check the Wolverines’ schedule before planning an urban camping trip to Michigan. As more fans head to Ann Arbor on game days, you’ll find tons of traffic around the city. It can be hard to find a place to stay as many fans camp too. Another thing to keep in mind is that city noise is quite loud and likely louder than the noises that you hear at home. You can use headphones and listen to a book or some music to block out those noises.
Don’t forget to look at travel times either. Many urban campgrounds are in the suburbs of larger Michigan cities and give you more space, but you may need to drive a little further to reach your favorite places. Campgrounds that are farther from Detroit and other cities may have limited public transportation options and require that you bring a car.
Planning your trip to the Wolverine State and learning what to do is easy. Take a look at some RV travel tips that you can use in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, or any other big city where you want to stay.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
