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.
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.
Finding the perfect suspension system for my Hennesy Hammock has been a journey. I have used everything from the standard knot setup to the beetle buckles. Nothing worked as well as I had hoped. The search continued until this year when I discovered the Dutchware cinch strap buckles.
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.
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.
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.
This tasty snack is packed full of goodness. A great source of fuel for those long hikes or to re-energize after a long run. Pre-make at home and enjoy.
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.
I decided to upgrade my Hennessy Hammock Rainfly to something with more versatility. I wanted it to provide a covered spot outside of the hammock and better protection from weather. I was impressed with how well Steve’s Warbonnet Superfly worked and wanted something similar. This led me to the smaller version of the Superfly; the Warbonnet Thunderfly.
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.
Granola is an excellent breakfast option for both camping and hiking. This quick to make and delicious granola is one of my favorites. Make it home before you hit the trail.
The Coleman Camping Stove is a basic stove that does exactly what it is supposed to. It is reliable, affordable, easy to use, and works great. It is an excellent addition to the car camper’s gear.
Cooking in the backcountry can be a bit of a chore after a hard day’s hike. The right tools and some good meal planning can make a big difference. We bought the original Jetboil years ago for exactly that purpose. The Specs Anodized aluminum 1-liter cooking cup Full system weight – 15.25oz Stove weight – …
Delicious pre-made Chili is a perfect, easy camping dish that can pack a punch when it comes to protein and flavor.
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.
Hiking during hot days requires a bit of creative thinking and planning. Avoiding mid-day temperatures can help but what about those days when it can’t be avoided? We had this very problem when we did our hike through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Our solution was the Mission Enduracool Microfiber Towel.
No one wants to get sick on a camping trip, especially from bad water. Harmful water can contain viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and particulates. Having a good filtering system that helps protect you from bad water is a key component to any camping or backpacking trip. The MSR Guardian first grabbed our attention in 2016 after …
Fire has 3 basic needs; fuel, heat, and oxygen. The Pocket Bellows by Epiphany Outdoor Gear directs oxygen with pinpoint accuracy, directly to where its needed. No more blowing aimlessly until you are dizzy.
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.
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.
On May 12th, one hundred years ago, the Michigan State Park Commission set out to create wonderful recreational spaces that visitors could enjoy and be closer to the beauty of Michigan.
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.
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 …
Read more “Why We Love Dispersed Camping in Manistee National Forest”
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…
Snug within the Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers the perfect getaway for any outdoor enthusiast. Surrounded by roaring waters, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, this campground is one of the best we have visited. There are no fees to camp at Sparrow Rapids. Considered a “limited service” campground, all visitors must pack-out all …