Guide to Canoeing, Tubing, Kayaking, and Camping in Northern Michigan

Are you considering a summer weekend trip to Northern Michigan, but unsure of where to begin? Here's your guide to canoeing, tubing, kayaking, and camping in Northern Michigan.

1. Know which river you'd like to visit and what type of group you will be bringing with you before you call for more information.

There are several different rivers in Northern Michigan, some more laid back than others. You don't want to find yourself on a river that is too fast for your small children, nor do you want to find yourself at a family-oriented campground when you want to party with your adult friends. Just keep in mind exactly who is coming with you and realize that certain campgrounds and canoe liveries cater to certain clientele.

2. Avoid Saturdays during July and August if you hate crowds.

Most campgrounds and canoe liveries are booked solid on weekends during July and August. June, early September, Sunday afternoons, and weekdays are all great times to be out on the water or at the campground when you want a little more seclusion. If you are bringing a larger group, usually fifty people or more, you might even be able to negotiate a discount if you come during the week.

3. Decide exactly what you'd like to do before you make the reservation.

A lot of people want to spend the weekend at the campground, but are unsure as to whether they want to canoe, kayak, or tube. Today, there are so many different items to rent it can be difficult to make everyone happy right off away. Make the decisions before you make the reservation. If you have to split up the group, do so. In that way, everyone will have a good time. You can always change your reservation.

4. Realize that canoe liveries and campgrounds run on schedules.

People are tempted to think that they can just go canoeing, tubing, kayaking, and the like whenever they would like; however, they need to keep the schedule in mind. Some canoe liveries transport customers to the drop off point, the customers traveling back to the campground and canoe livery by river. Certain trips leave at certain times. On the other hand, other liveries offer trips that leave right from the location. In that case, people might have to wait to be picked up at the end destination. It is likely that the livery will pick up customers at the end destination on a schedule as well. Either way, you may have to wait.

It is important to ask how the whole process works when you call for information. Not only will you know what to expect once you arrive, it may just save you from having to wait. You will probably be given a time schedule when you ask for more information.

5. Always make a reservation if possible.

If you want the best experience camping, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing experiences, always make a reservation. Not only will you know how much everything will cost, you will be sure that the campground and canoe livery you choose will be prepared for you. In addition, you will be given a lot of information that will help you plan your trip more efficiently. Also, if you wish, you can pay for the entire thing up front, thereby preventing the need to bring much money with you. With a little planning, you will have a great experience without a lot of hassle.