Day 42: Saginaw to Mackinaw

Another 200+ mile drive; arrived at a campground the size of a Village.

I arrived just in time for early check-in, which is 1:00 pm. I approached the check-in counter. It was more like picking up ‘will-call’ tickets at the main gate at Disney. Seven clerks/reservationists (that’s right, SEVEN) lined up in a row, each ready at their window and computer to answer any questions a guest might have. When I checked in, I discovered I was one of 150 arrivals (my clerk said it was a moderately busy Saturday). WHAT?

Where was I, at a big city hotel?

Nope, I was at a campground, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.

Located only three miles from Mackinaw City, MI., the campground is ideally situated on 240, mostly wooded acres with 600 RV and tent campsites (200 of them with full hook-ups) and a mile of shoreline on the waterfront of Lake Huron.

The property is going through an expansion and will soon boast nearly 1,000 tent, RV, and log cabin sites. It claims stunning views of Mackinaw Straights, the Mackinaw Bridge (more on that tomorrow), and Lake Huron. Rose and Richard Rogala founded the campground over 55 years ago. Today their four sons are still involved in the day-to-day operation of the complex facilities.

My campsite #683 was pretty private; hedging on both sides of the rig provided a ‘woodsy’ feeling. My neighbors near and across the street from me were also very quiet, ensuring a peaceful camping experience.

This place is truly one of a kind.

Campground Check-In

As a former hotel operator and executive with over 37 years in the business, I can confirm this is a well-run operation.

Enough talking; let these images give you a feel of the setting.

Eli takes in the beach view.

Fresh water creek runs through the campground.

The Mac bridge is located at Mackinaw Straights, where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan collide. Viewable from the campground's beachfront.

Waterfront camping pressures. The lady checks the incoming wave to ensure it isn’t too rough.

Kids using these kayaks had just been called to their camper (across from the beach.

Campground Security Detail. Very Nice, But Firm about the Rules. They provide an 888 phone number that anyone can call after 10 pm if a camper is loud, disruptive, or unruly, and they will handle it (with local authorities if necessary). That is awesome!

Beautiful bathhouse gardens

HUGE camp store, selling groceries, supplies, clothing, you name it!

Plenty of walking and riding trails

Local services like a FREE shuttle to the ferry to Mackinaw Island. Brilliant!

Acres of trimmed waterfront grass areas for families to bring their chairs, bikes, and awnings to relax during sunset (or during the day).

Two climbing bears rest stop.

The afternoon clouded up and tomorrow’s forecast looks gray and rainy, with heavy downpours starting tonight. UGH. Hopefully, the storms will roll through quickly and clear before I board the 8:30 am shuttle to Mackinaw Island because I have a renowned breakfast shop I want to visit. Time will tell.

I hope you enjoyed the campground tour. What do you think of my Mackinaw three-night getaway location?