Gear for Michigan camping, from Lake Michigan sand to Upper Peninsula mosquitoes

3-season tent

Covers spring through fall, which is the whole Michigan camping season for most people. Summer thunderstorms can be heavy, so rain protection matters more than ventilation alone.

Look for: a rainfly that reaches close to the ground, taped seams, and mesh panels for airflow. Size up by one person for gear space.

Tent footprint or ground tarp

Protects the tent floor from roots, stones and wet ground, and adds a layer between you and morning dew.

Look for: a footprint sized to your tent, or a tarp cut slightly smaller than the tent floor so rain doesn't pool under it.

Sand-friendly tent stakes

The thin stakes that come with most tents pull out of loose sand easily. That's a real issue at dune and lakeshore campgrounds.

Look for: wide, Y-shaped or V-shaped stakes, or sand stakes designed for loose soil.

Rain tarp or canopy

A tarp over the picnic table keeps you cooking and eating during a passing shower instead of sitting in the car.

Look for: grommets at the corners, plus rope and a few extra stakes.

Sleeping bag

For most Michigan trips outside mid-summer, a bag rated around 20°F gives you a comfortable margin. In July and August a lighter bag works, and you can vent it on warm nights.

Look for: the comfort rating, not just the "limit" rating. Synthetic fill dries faster if your gear gets damp.

Sleeping pad

The ground pulls warmth out of you all night. A good pad often does more for comfort than a warmer bag.

Look for: an R-value of 3 or higher for shoulder-season camping. Self-inflating pads are a good balance of comfort and simplicity.

Camping pillow

A small inflatable or compressible pillow beats a bundle of clothes, and it packs down almost flat.

Screen house

A screened shelter over the picnic table gives you a bug-free place to eat and hang out. If your campsite is buggy, this is the piece of gear you'll be glad you brought.

Look for: a setup you can pitch alone in a few minutes, with a floor or with room for a ground tarp.

Insect repellent

Pack a repellent for skin and consider a separate permethrin treatment for clothing if you'll be in tick country. Follow the label directions on any product.

Look for: repellents that list an active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin, in a size that matches your trip length.

Bug head net

Cheap, light and surprisingly effective during peak black fly or mosquito hours on the trail.

Rain jacket

Michigan weather can change quickly. A packable waterproof shell also works as a windbreaker on the lakeshore.

Look for: a hood that fits over a hat, and pit zips or breathable fabric so you don't get soaked from sweat.

Warm layers and wool socks

Skip cotton for cool evenings. A fleece or light insulated jacket and a few pairs of wool or synthetic socks keep you comfortable when the temperature drops after sunset.

Two-burner camp stove

Boils water fast, works in rain under a tarp, and doesn't depend on whether the fire ring cooperates. Check current campground fire rules before your trip, since restrictions can change.

Look for: built-in wind screens and a size that fits a large skillet. Remember the propane.

Camp cookware set

A nesting pot and pan set with a few utensils covers most camp meals and packs into one bag.

Cooler

For a weekend trip, a well-insulated cooler keeps food safe for days. Pre-chill it and pack block ice or frozen bottles at the bottom.

Look for: a tight lid seal and a size you can lift when it's full.

Water jug

A refillable jug with a spigot saves trips to the spigot and makes hand-washing and dishes easier.

Fire starters and long lighter

Dry starters help when wood is damp. A long lighter keeps your hands away from the flame.

Headlamp

Hands-free light for cooking, setting up and walking to the restroom. Bring spare batteries or a rechargeable one.

Look for: a red-light mode, which is easier on night vision and on your neighbors.

Camp lantern

Lights the whole table and the tent interior. LED lanterns are safest to use around tents.

First-aid kit

Blisters, bites, cuts and sunburn happen on almost every trip. A ready-made kit is a good base you can add to for your group.

Portable power bank

Most rustic sites have no outlets. A power bank keeps your phone charged for maps, the park's reservation info, and emergencies.

Leveling blocks

Campsite pads aren't always flat. Blocks let you level side to side without unhitching or hunting for boards.

Look for: interlocking blocks rated for your RV's weight, and a set that includes a carry bag.

Wheel chocks

Keeps the RV from shifting while you level, hook up or unhitch. Bring a pair for each side you might need.

Surge protector or electrical management system

Campground power can be inconsistent, and a bad pedestal can damage your RV's electronics. A surge protector or EMS is cheap insurance.

Look for: a unit that matches your RV's amp service (30 or 50 amp) and that checks for reversed polarity and low voltage.

Power adapters and extension cord

Sites vary in amperage, and your cord may not reach the pedestal. An adapter (often called a dogbone) and a spare RV-rated extension cord cover most situations.

Look for: RV-rated cords and adapters in the right amp rating for your rig. Check the plug type on your RV first.

Drinking-water hose and pressure regulator

Use a hose made for drinking water, not a garden hose. A regulator protects your RV's plumbing when campground water pressure runs high.

Water filter

An inline filter cleans up taste and sediment from campground spigots before it reaches your tank.

Sewer hose kit

For full-hookup sites and dump stations. Pack a kit with the fittings and a clear elbow so you can see when the tank is empty.

Look for: a kit long enough for your setup, with a secure bayonet or threaded connection, plus disposable gloves.

Portable waste tank

If your site has no sewer connection, a wheeled tote lets you take waste to the campground's dump station without moving the whole RV.

RV toilet paper

RV-safe tissue breaks down faster than household paper and is gentler on your holding tank.

Tire pressure monitor

Watching tire pressure on the drive matters as much as any camp setup. A monitoring system alerts you before a small leak becomes a blowout.

Camp chairs

Picnic table benches get old fast. A comfortable folding chair is the upgrade most campers say they should have made sooner.

Quick-dry towel

Handy for beach days at the lakeshore parks, and it dries overnight on a line.

Folding camp table

Extra prep space next to the stove, especially at sites where the picnic table is far from the tent.

Hammock

A lightweight hammock makes a great afternoon spot. Use wide straps that protect tree bark, and check the park's rules on hanging gear from trees.