From Safaris to Saunas: Unique Ways to Camp in Michigan
Throughout the generations, summer in Michigan has brought a familiar scene. A tent staked at the edge of the lake. Across the water, the sun sets, turning the clouds into burning ribbons of red, orange and pink. Venus flickers in the dark blue sky above, alongside early rising stars. A bass jumps, snatching a bug from the air and splashing into the water. Crickets chirp. Logs crack in the fire. Woodsmoke drifts in the light breeze, wrapping through your hair. There’s no noise, no hustle, just peace and quiet.
Put your own spin on this classic rite of passage with one of Michigan’s many unique, modern, often luxurious, options scattered across the state.
Upper Peninsula
Pictured Rocks Yurts – Munising
Wake up on the edge of one of the most photographed national lakeshores in the country. Perched overlooking Munising Bay, Pictured Rocks Yurts is a short drive or walk from downtown Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where 40 miles of sandstone cliffs, sea caves and waterfalls sit along Lake Superior. Each unit has full plumbing with a private bathroom and kitchenette, a king or queen bed, and a private deck with a firepit overlooking the water. Larger 24-foot yurts include a sleeping loft for kids and accommodate up to eight, while 20-foot units sleep five. A continental breakfast comes with your stay.
Lake Michigan Surf Camp + Sauna – Manistique
Tucked into an aromatic cedar grove on the Lake Michigan shore, this off-grid site – perfect for a tent or small camper – pairs rustic camping with the perfect complement to your relaxation: a hand-built, wood-fired barrel sauna. After exploring nearby Kitch-iti-kipi or Fayette Historic State Park, strolling the Lake Michigan beach steps from your campsite, or gazing at some impossibly clear stars, hop into the sauna and throw water on hot stones until all your worries drift away with the steam.
Fresh Coast Cabins – Eagle Harbor
If you've never watched a Lake Superior sunset or stargazed from a Finnish sauna, Fresh Coast Cabins can fix that. Nestled on the edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the cabins and sauna offer unobstructed views west across the largest of the Great Lakes. Takka Sauna sessions follow the tradition carried to the Upper Peninsula by Finnish immigrants. Heat up, cool down with a roll in the snow or a plunge into icy water – Lake Superior will be happy to oblige – and repeat. Eleven distinct cabins line the property, each with its own unique character.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Glamp Michigan – Benzonia
How would you like to disappear into nature? Glamp Michigan is home to two mirror houses – named Lumi and Sol – whose reflective walls allow you to step inside and dissolve into the trees. If you’re looking for something more panoramic, the property also features two geodesic domes – Aurora and Löyly. All four sit on 13 wooded acres just miles from Crystal Mountain, and each comes with the same suite of amenities: a private hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, and firepit. This USA Today Top 10 glamping destination puts you within reach of Crystal Mountain, Frankfort and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Beaver Island Retreat – Beaver Island
Reachable only by ferry or small plane, Beaver Island is one of the most remote inhabited places in Michigan, and Beaver Island Retreat offers a respite from the chaos of ordinary life. Luxury safari tents come with a chef-grade communal kitchen, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and dark skies that have made the property a repeat USA Today Readers' Choice winner. Adults-only, pet-friendly and private, Beaver Island Retreat is your ticket to serenity.
Lost Woods Farm – Boyne Falls
More than a glamping property, Lost Woods Farm doubles as a retreat destination. Beyond its five sites – each with panoramic views of Boyne Valley and access to a wood-fired sauna – the family-run operation programs themed weekends throughout the season, including a Romance Reading Retreat, Mother Daughter Camp and several Women’s Wellness Retreats. Pick your own berries and apples from the farm between wellness sessions. Charming towns like Petoskey and Boyne City sit just down the road, as does easy access to some of the region’s best summer hiking and winter skiing.
Southern Lower Peninsula
Twin Peaks A-Frames – Fennville
Twin Peaks A-Frames seamlessly blends nature and luxury into an unforgettable stay. Two high-end A-frame cabins, each with five bedrooms across three floors, a private in-ground heated pool, hot tub and firepit, sit on six wooded acres just outside of Saugatuck. Rent one for an intimate getaway or book both for anything from a family reunion to a wedding weekend – all without losing the feeling of being tucked into the trees. A short drive from cideries, vineyards and Lake Michigan beaches, Twin Peaks A-Frames offers easy access to both adventure and tranquility.
The Woods Fennville – Fennville
With four distinct cabin styles spread across 45 wooded acres, The Woods Fennville offers more variety than most Michigan glamping properties, so you can pick the cabin that fits your trip, from a couples retreat to a multifamily stay. You’ll be treated to winding trails lit by fairy lights, yard games, fresh eggs from the property’s resident chickens, and more. Fennville, Saugatuck, South Haven and Holland are all within easy reach, and you’re 2.5 hours from both Chicago and Detroit.
The Fields of Michigan – South Haven
Set on a working blueberry farm a short drive from the Lake Michigan shore, The Fields of Michigan offers glamping with cozy farm flair. Head to town on complimentary bikes, settle down with a premade picnic basket, and pick blueberries straight from the bush for dessert, relax with a massage at an open-air cabin, or wind down with a meal at the seasonally inspired Supper Club. No matter what you choose, enjoy the chance to slow down and soak it all in.
DayDreamer Domes – South Haven
A luxury glamping resort, DayDreamer Domes leans into wellness. Think gold-clad geodesic domes, private saunas, a sound bed, float tank sessions, guided breathwork and meditation, and stunning forest trails. If you’re more interested in living it up, the property’s signature bright pink pool hosts live music, pool parties, cocktails, and more throughout the summer season. South Haven’s beaches and downtown are minutes away. Friday through Sunday nights in the summer are 21-plus, with kid-friendly weekends carved out around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Dancing Fire – Port Huron
If you've ever wanted to sleep in a vintage Airstream, Dancing Fire’s Vintage Lane and Airstream Alley deliver. The property offers restored classic Airstreams and other vintage RVs alongside other glamping options – including a remodeled school bus. Fill your stay with yoga classes, pickleball or shuffleboard, and a food truck courtyard. Port Huron itself is just minutes away.