9 Must-Haves for a Dreamy Michigan Camping Trip on the Lake

From the dunes of Lake Michigan to interior gems surrounded by old-growth forest, Michigan is rich in spectacular lakes that beg you to pitch a tent and stay a while. If the views, the breeze, and the fresh pine scent are calling you, this quickie packing guide is the answer that will have you on your way ASAP.

So this summer, load your friends, your family, and your Dollar General haul into your car or camper, and get ready to serve up a feast while you relax lakeside. Cooler? Lantern? S'mores essentials? The gang's all here, and they're all budget-friendly. All you have to do is fire up the grill.

1. Igloo Laguna Half-Gallon Water Cooler, BPA-Free, $8

Water is a top commodity at any camp site for drinking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and more. Keep one (or a few) of these half-gallon coolers on deck, and keep the H2O flowing.

2. Flame Glo Grilling Round Table Grill, $15

A camping trip is not complete without some delicious grilled eats. Bring along this mini version (which can still cook eight burgers at once!) that can sit on a tabletop with four sturdy legs.

3. Kingsford® Easy Light Charcoal Briquettes Bag, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling, $8.50

Make grilling even simpler with this easy-light bag of charcoal, which requires no lighter fluid and offers a smokey BBQ flavor to whatever you're serving up.

4. Pro Essentials Standard Duty Tarp, $10

A tarp is a must for protection from rain showers or sun, especially over your cooking or lounging area. Tie this one up over your weekend home away from home and know you're covered.

5. OFF! Active Mosquito Repellent, $7

Don't let mosquitoes ruin the vibe. This OFF! repellent works not just to keep away mosquitos, but also biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas—and the active formula is sweat resistant to last during all your camp-side adventures.

6. Open Trails Collapsible Camping Lantern, $10

Keep the fun coming after the sun goes down with this collapsible lantern, which includes three AA batteries and offers an LED light to illuminate your cooking area or light your path on a night-time excursion.

7. Playhem Light Up Ball Toss 'n Catch Set, $5

With two hand paddles and a light-up ball, this fun set is entertaining for both littles and bigs—and the dazzling light effects mean it can be used even after sunset.

8. Proscan Portable LED Light Bluetooth Party Speaker, $8.35

The soundtrack of camping is soothing water, rustles of leaves on trees, and crickets—but for moments when you want to turn the volume up on a different tune, this Bluetooth speaker comes in clutch. It's lightweight, portable, and has a USB port for charging.

9. S'Mores Kit, $6.25

Start with the honey grahams—then add marshmallows and chocolate, and you've got a complete set for s'mores priced less than $7. Happy campers, indeed.

PRO TIP: Be sure to download the DG app to save the most on your shopping trip through digital offers, like their $5 off $25 coupon on Saturdays!

*Prices current as of publish date and may vary.