Ideas

Great Lakes Road trip ideas

Our full guide below will take you around all of the Great Lakes with lovely stops in between.

Chicago, IL

Head to Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, IL, to get started right with the best views of Lake Michigan in town. From there, check out the Navy Pier to explore a lakeside promenade of restaurants, cafes, and attractions. Walk off your meal on the Lakefront Trail, a paved path that winds along the shoreline.

RV campgrounds near Chicago:

*Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

*Camp Bullfrog Lake

Indiana Dunes Natonal Park

A 40-minute drive southwest of Chicago will get you to our next destination: Indiana Dunes National Park in Chesterton, IN. As the name suggests, it’s all about the dunes. Sandy beaches at the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan await you here.

RV campgrounds near Chesterton:

*Indiana Dunes State Park

*Dunewood Campground

Mackinac Island

Michigan’s Mackinac Island is renowned for its fudge, lack of cars, dining, amazing sunrises and sunsets, and its panoramic view of Lake Huron. Start by jumping on a ferry for a trip around the island’s lighthouse, or try a guided horse-drawn carriage tour ending at Fort Mackinac to get a full history lesson of the island.

RV campgrounds near Mackinac Island:

*Mackinac Island / Mackinaw City KOA Journey

*St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Witness the variety of interesting geological features just south of Lake Superior at Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Smooth sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, waterfalls, and wooded trails are all on the table at this scenic spot located in Munising, MI.

RV campgrounds near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

*Munising Tourist Park Campground

*Bay Furnace Campground

Niagara Falls

Our last destination lies along the Canadian-New York border. Head to this unique location for a view of a natural wonder. Be sure to hop on Maid of the Mist for an up-close view by boat. But be prepared to get soaked. If you’re feeling adventurous you can trek through the nearby Niagara Falls State Park or take in some history at Old Fort Niagara. Rest easy at one of the RV campgrounds below.

RV campgrounds near Niagara Falls:

*Cinderella Motel and Campground

*Branches of Niagara Campground

Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 14/08/2025

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