First Time Camper? This Accessible Campground in Michigan Will Make You a Camping Convert

With all of Michigan's natural beauty, including the shorelines of four great lakes, a handful of national forests, and several stunning state parks, it's no wonder Michiganders love getting outside as much as they do. In fact, with such widespread love for outdoor recreation in the Great Lakes State—from hiking and paddling to fishing and hunting—I wouldn't be surprised if some residents felt a bit of pressure to get outside and explore. What if, however, you don't have much experience in the outdoors, you never grew up with it, or just never had the chance to do it? Some things are relatively simple, like hiking: You find a trail, make sure you have the basics for a short hike, and you start walking. But what about something requires more of a commitment—and gear—like camping? Fortunately, there's a way to ease yourself into camping, whether you're a first timer or returning to it after a long break, that will allow you to decide if it's for you without a bank-breaking shopping trip to your nearest outfitter. All you have to do is book a stay at the 2Chicks and a Farm Hipcamp in Michigan.

This Hipcamp is a 20-acre working farm northwest of Bangor, Michigan, on the Lower Peninsula. Only 15 minutes from South Haven and the Lake Michigan shoreline, 2Chicks and a Farm also offers several camping options on its largely-wooded acreage. One site, near the front of the property, can handle an RV or camper. Seven other sites are scattered in clearings with picnic tables and fire rings across the property's woods and pastures. These are ideal if you have your own tent and are looking for a little seclusion without being too far from town or other people.

What I think is particularly cool about 2Chicks and a Farm, though, is that they also offer two yurt sites which will be set up on your arrival. They come complete with camp chairs, cots, fire bowls, picnic tables, and wood stoves in the yurts for heat and cooking. All you need to bring is bedding and food to cook.

Another pre-set up, "Bohemian" site includes a larger, traditional-style camping tent, chairs, camp beds, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Again, bedding and food is all you need to bring. A similar tipi site is also available. A final option that caught my eye is the hammock site. I'm a traditional camper, but I've always been hammock-curious. The pre-slung hammock site includes two hammocks with rain flys, bug nets, a picnic table, and fire ring. A stay at 2Chicks and a Farm would be an excellent way to find out what the hammock fuss is all about without buying any new gear.

Guests on the farm are also welcome to interact with the animals and even help out with chores. I don't think there's a better place for a first-timer to experience camping in Michigan. To see more photos, choose a site, and make your reservation, visit 2Chicks and a Farm on the Hipcamp website.

Have you stayed at 2Chicks and a Farm or a similar Hipcamp? We'd love to hear about your suggestions for the best campgrounds—or campsites—in Michigan for beginning campers.