Gift Guide for Your Favorite Camper & Hiker
If you know someone who loves the outdoors as much as I do, here are some great gift ideas that might help you support the camper and hiker in your life.
A Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park
Sleepy Hollow is located 4 miles outside of Laingsburg, Michigan. While merely a 30-minute drive from the city of Lansing, this campground still manages to serve up that “up north” feel that most of us drive hours to achieve.
Campfire Ethics
Who doesn’t love having a campfire? It is one of the most iconic aspects of the camping experience. We rely on fires for food, warmth, and happiness.
Whether roasting marshmallows for s’mores or having a laugh with friends and family, fires are a place of comfort. However, with the enjoyment comes the responsibility of following fire safety and ethics.
Camping at Sleeper State Park
Sleeper State Park is located in Caseville, Michigan at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Caseville is most prominently known for its annual cheeseburger festival. While we weren’t there to celebrate the cheeseburger, we did enjoy our time at Sleeper State Park.
Are You Tick Aware?
It is spring and the prime season for ticks. These little creatures can be intimidating and scary. They have the power to dampen what could be a fun hiking or camping trip. But the reality is, we need to learn to co-exist with them because they aren’t going anywhere. To do that, it is important …
A Wonderful Cabin for a Winter Weekend Getaway
Winter has been lacking this year in our area of the state. Snow has not been sticking around. So we decided to pack up the pups and head north in search of a cozy cabin for a winter wonderland getaway. We found just that in Afton, Michigan.
Camping at Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park is located 10 minutes south of South Haven, Michigan. With over a mile of sandy dune shoreline, close to major tourist cities, and miles of hiking trails, this state park is an ideal place for a summer camping trip.
A Weekend Stay at Green Lake Campground
Located in Waterloo Recreation Area, Green Lake Campground provides an excellent home base for exploring the great outdoors. Access to miles of hiking trail, boating, and horseback riding, this campground is perfect for a weekend get-a-way.
Homemade Wax Firestarters
Firestarters can make the process of building a fire faster and require less work overall. While the basic principles of fire building still apply, these tools can have a big impact on how easy your ideal fire starts.
Let’s Talk Trail Etiquette
If you’re going to be using the trails for any type of recreation, it is important to understand and respect the unwritten (and written) rules that govern the trail. By learning and practicing these policies, like trail etiquette, you’re not only being a responsible trail user but also respectful to those around you.
Camp Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a well-known gem in the state of Michigan. However, what most people don’t know is that the park offers so much more than just this famous waterfall. Consisting of nearly 50,000 acres, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to multiple campgrounds and miles of scenic woodland trails.
Camp Petoskey: Dune Campground
Petoskey State Park is located in the charming town of Petoskey, Michigan. It contains 303 acres of forested land and includes 1 mile of sandy beach shoreline. Offering camping and hiking opportunities, Petoskey State Park is a pleasant place for a weekend getaway.
Exploring The Pigeon: Pigeon River State Forest Campground
By now, it should be no surprise that Steve and I love Pigeon River State Forest. It remains our favorite location in Michigan’s lower peninsula. This trip we decided to hang our hammocks at Pigeon River State Forest Campground.
Delicious Campfire Kebobs
I love making meals for camping that allow everyone to choose their own ingredients. Kebobs are perfect for that very reason. The flexibility of ingredients to the marinades ensures that everyone can have the flavors and food that they enjoy.
Camping with Black Bears
There are 2 common viewpoints when it comes to bears. Cute and cuddling or aggressive and mean. The reality is Black Bears can be both. They are curious, playful creatures but can be dangerous in certain situations.
Off the Beaten Path: Camping at Perkins Park
Big Bay is a small village north-west of Marquette, Michigan. Nestled in the wilds of the north, it offers plenty for those seeking isolation and outdoor adventure. Perkins Park is one of the many recreational opportunities in this area.
An Autumn Cabin Rental at Mill Creek
My mom and I kick off autumn with a cozy cabin rental in one of Michigan’s most iconic cities; Mackinaw City. Mill Creek Campground is located just outside of the city and offers a great outdoor experience for modern campers. From campsites to cabin rentals, they have something for everyone.
Camp Beside the Manistique River at Northland Outfitters
Located in the small town of Germfask, the Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe/Kayak Livery offers guests scenic views of the Manistique River. With campsites and cabins, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Conveniently located off of M-77, we stopped here as an overnight stay between home and the Porcupine Mountains. What We …
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Camping at Otter Lake Campground
tled within the Hiawatha National Forest, Otter Lake Campground gives campers the experience of being away from the city while still conveniently within driving distance of Munising, Michigan.
Pre-made Mini Quiches for an Easy Camping Dinner
Finding healthy, easy camping dinners can be tricky. No one wants to deal with the hassle of clean up after a long days of exploring. These pre-made mini quiches are an excellent option.
A Weekend Stay at Rippling River Resort
Marquette, Michigan is a unique place. An outdoor enthusiasts playground with the amenities for those who love the city. Miles of biking and hiking trails mixed with local breweries and unique restaurants. Where it lacked, however, was in campground options. Up until a year ago, if you wanted to camp near the city, your choice was limited.
Rustic Camping at Presque Isle Campground
With mountains, old growth forests, and waterfalls to explore, Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is a hiker’s paradise. It also offers a variety of camping options, including backpacking, rustic, and modern campgrounds.
A Weekend Cabin Rental at Traverse City’s KOA
Despite toting the name KOA, the Traverse City’s KOA is a cozy little campground, nestled 15 minutes south of Traverse City.
Why We Love Dispersed Camping in Manistee National Forest
The isolation of dispersed camping is the perfect cure to the hustle of every day. It’s remote, quiet, and provides campers with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. From his previous years of backpacking, Steve was already hooked on dispersed camping but I had not experienced it until 2010. I immediately fell in love and …
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A Winter Stay at Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park is a located north of the city of Ludington, Michigan. It contains 5,300 acres of diverse habitat, including hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Lake Michigan & Dunes The drive into the park twists through ever changing sand dunes with hints of Lake Michigan peaking through. It’s stunning…