Michigan Family Off-Road Adventures: 6 Amazing ORV Destinations with Camping, Trails & Eats

Thrilling Silver Lake Sand Dunes

There’s nothing quite like packing up the gear, loading the quads or dirt bikes, and heading out with the family for a weekend of mud, trail dust, and starry skies. Michigan is a dream playground for off-road enthusiasts — with miles of designated ORV trails, wide-open sand dunes, and rustic-to-modern campgrounds where families can bond after a long day of riding.

Whether you’re looking for dunes, forest trails, or deep mud holes, these six destinations offer the best of Michigan off-roading. Even better? Each spot includes nearby camping and a great local restaurant for that well-earned post-ride meal. So grab the helmets, zip up the gear bags, and let’s hit the trail!

1. Silver Lake Sand Dunes – Mears, MI

Why It’s Great: Massive sand dunes with a unique experience of riding next to Lake Michigan.

• Type of Riding: Open sand dunes

• Camping:

  • Silver Lake State Park Campground – ORV access, beach nearby, modern sites.

• Where to Stay (non-camping):

  • Dunes Waterfront Resort

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • Open Hearth Grille – Solid burgers, prime rib, and local brews.Where to Stay (non-camping):

ORV Trails

ORV Trail Stickers

2. Bundy Hill Off-Road Park – Jerome, MI

Why It’s Great: 350+ acres with trails for all skill levels, mud bogs, rock crawling, hill climbs, and more.

• Type of Riding: Trail, technical terrain, mud, hills

• Camping:

  • Bundy Hill Primitive Camping – On-site camping with a rustic vibe (tents, RVs welcome).

• Where to Stay (non-camping):

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Jackson – Clean, modern, about 20 minutes away.

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • Saucy Dog’s Barbeque (Jonesville, MI) – Top-notch smoked meats and classic BBQ sides.

St Helen Motorsport Area

3. St. Helen Motorsport Area – St. Helen, MI

Why It’s Great: 60+ miles of ORV trails, scramble areas, and easy access from town. Part of a larger trail network. Full guide to the ORV trails and Rock Scramble in St. Helen.

• Type of Riding: Sandy trails, forested loops, open ORV area

• Camping:

  • Lost Arrow Resort & Campground – Family-friendly campground with ORV direct access.

• Where to Stay (non-camping):

  • The Chalet at Houghton Lake – Comfortable, scenic, close to trails.

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • The Firehouse Bar & Grill – Local favorite with burgers, wings, and cold beers.

  • Buccillis Pizza - Fill your belly with Italian pizza. This family-owned restaurant in Houghton Lake will satisfy.

4. The Mounds ORV Park – Mt. Morris, MI

Why It’s Great: One of Michigan’s most rugged public off-road parks; tons of mud and technical terrain.

• Type of Riding: Mud, rocks, water crossings, trail loops

• Camping:

  • Wolverine Campground (Columbiaville, MI) – Modern campground on the Holloway Reservoir.

• Where to Stay (non-camping):

  • Baymont by Wyndham Flint – Close to the park with good amenities.

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • Cork on Saginaw (Flint) – Upscale bistro with craft cocktails and elevated comfort food.

5. Little Manistee Trail System – Wellston, MI

Why It’s Great: Over 100 miles of interconnecting trails through scenic forest. Connected to other trail systems like Lincoln Hills.

• Type of Riding: Long-distance trail riding, forest roads, sandy sections

• Camping:

  • Coolwater Campground – ORV-friendly with direct trail access and peaceful riverside setting.

• Where to Stay (non-camping):

  • Manistee Hotel – Manistee – A short drive away, modern and clean.

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • Big Al’s Pizza (Manistee, MI) – Massive portions and legendary pizza, great after a long day riding.

6. Whiskey Creek ORV & Campground – Custer, MI

Why It’s Great: 90+ miles of ORV trails directly accessible from the campground. Big-rig friendly and social. Planning a trip, here is a detailed guide to camping at Whiskey Creek

• Type of Riding: Sand, trails, direct ORV trail access

• Camping:

  • Whiskey Creek Campground – Full-service sites, direct trail access, amenities like a indoor pool and general store.

• Where to Stay:

  • Best to camp here — it’s part of the experience!

• Restaurant Recommendation:

  • Chuck Wagon Pizza (Custer, MI) – Locally loved spot for pizza, subs, and cold beer.

Access the trail system from your campsite at Whiskey Creek

Closing Thoughts: Memories Made in the Michigan Dirt

From the sun-kissed dunes of Silver Lake to the forested loops of Little Manistee and the muddy challenges at The Mounds, Michigan’s off-road trail system is the perfect setting for family bonding, adventure, and outdoor fun. These destinations are more than just places to ride — they’re where campfire stories begin, where kids learn to ride, and where families make memories that last a lifetime.

So next time you’re planning a weekend escape, skip the screens and hit the trails. With the right gear, a great campground, and a few trail snacks, you’re in for one unforgettable Michigan off-road adventure.

Drop a comment below and let us know where your favorite places to ride? Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan adventures.