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Ah yes, family vacation season is upon us. That time of year when you and the kiddos start making grand plans for the summer. They want Disney World. Needing to stretch those dollars, you were thinking more like extended road trip.

Fear not, budget conscious travelers. Luckily in Michigan with its abundance of outdoorsy destinations, there are tons of options on places to stay that will put you right in the middle of all the action. Whether you favor the beaches of Lake Michigan, are more of a woodsy type, or looking to lose yourself in the UP, we have some options that your family will love (and your wallet will thank you for).

1. Get a room with a view.
Bella Vista Motel/Facebook
Bella Vista Motel/Facebook
Heading up to Isle Royale, you'll stop in the UP town of Copper Harbor. Stay at the waterfront Bella Vista Motel in one of its cottages and motel rooms for $65-$100 a night. And the view? Quite remarkable.
2. Stay in a lighthouse.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Here's a little known fact. If you volunteer to be a keeper at many of the state's lighthouses, housing is free. Imagine staying at the Au Sable Light Station at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (pictured here).
3. Check out the big city.
Hostel Detroit/Facebook
You've been hearing about Detroit's big comeback. Why not come see for yourself, on a budget. If you would rather save your cash on seeing the sights, then Hostel Detroit is the economic answer. $30 gets you a bed in a communal dorm space, $45 affords you a private single room, and $60 gets a private room for you and one other person ($64 for a room with bunk beds).

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4. Rent a teepee.
jimflix!/Flickr
For around $30, several state parks give you the option to rent a teepee. Pictured here, one such teepee at Interlochen State Park.
5. "Move" back into the dorms.
Wikipedia
Planning to attend the big Cherry Fest in Traverse City? Reserve a dorm room at Northwestern Michigan University. A double room goes for $35 a person, singles are $55, and an entire family can book a suite for $80.
6. Book a cabin at a state park...
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office/Flickr
Need a place that's a little sturdier than a teepee? The state parks also rent out cabins for $39 to just over $100, depending on the size and amenities. Pictured here, a cabin at Onaway State Park on Black Lake.
7. Or even a yurt.
ryangs/Flickr
Somewhere between a cabin and a tent is the yurt. It's a structured enough so that you're not in constant anxiety of it collapsing on you in the middle of the night, yet still gives you that rustic camping feel. They usually rent for $65 a night and accommodate a family of four.
8. The state parks even have cabin rentals right by the beach.
Blaine Courts/Flickr
Mini cabins at Ludington State Park go for $39-$49 (higher price during the peak season).

Just what we needed to start thinking summer of fun! Tell us: where are your favorite overnight stays in Michigan that are kind on your checkbook?

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