Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA

The Great Outdoors

One of the best things about RV campgrounds in a forest is just that: you’re already in the great outdoors, Manistee National Forest specifically. You’d almost be silly not to hike on one of the scenic trails that take you through the area; speaking of that, if you’re bringing your campervan rental, there are many stunning places to drive. You can also go fishing, nature viewing, or boating - or you can impress your fellow travelers by showing off your disc golf skills.Ludington State Park is located right next to its city namesake and is one of the most popular state parks in Michigan, so you know it’ll be great. There are hardwood forests, marshlands, and almost seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline - beach fun, anyone? Find a beach that works for you, with calm waters or waves to choose from. Or climb to the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse. If you want to see the shore from the water, there are kayaks and canoes that will give you a lovely view of the park.Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is just north of Ludington State Park and provides even more watery fun - including sand dunes. The small ponds and waterholes make for a really pretty landscape, and you can go fossil collecting, metal detecting, and even gold panning. If you don’t manage to find any precious metals, you might still spot a bird or two - perhaps the federally endangered (and very cute) piping plover is around.

Exploring the Area

Just because you’re camping at Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA doesn’t mean that you can’t go on a little ride. Or perhaps it’s not that little: SS Badger will take you from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and there’s great food, free movies, and spacious outside decks onboard. You can choose to come back the same day, and since SS Badger is a car ferry, you can take your motorhome rental with you and spend some time in Wisconsin.While you’re in Ludington, you might as well stop by the Historic White Pine Village, where you’ll step back in time to the turn of the 19th century and experience firsthand what it was like to be a pioneer in the new world. There are cars, trains, and buildings such as a trapper’s cabin and a school, and you’ll meet some of the settlers, too. It’s an all-around fascinating and entertaining place, open from May until October.If you’ve decided to book an RV in Mason County to experience some culture, then you’ve made a wise choice. Ludington is full of live music, both by local bands and at local festivals, and there’s more art than you can shake a paintbrush at. Look at stunning photographs at Todd and Brad Reed Photography or admire the work at Ludington Center Area for the Arts. You can’t miss the Art Gallery, founded by visually impaired Mary Case; her use of colors is simply gorgeous.After all the fantastic art, outdoor fun, and foam parties, you can have BBQ, Thai, or American cuisine - or some seafood. Either way, you should start looking for an RV rental near Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA right now.