US: Great Lakes, Family Camps-Affordable Summer Family Vacation Fun. Campfires and s’mores, scavenger hunts and hayrides, canoeing and archery, family camp is about enjoying the fun stuff with your kids. If your family vacation schedule is flexible then now is the time to secure a much coveted spot at a family camp. In Wisconsin hike the pine needle pathways of the north woods and in Minnesota go  muckwomping. This is the fun stuff. 

Michigan: YMCA Camp Pinewood. Spread across 20 acres of rolling hills on the westernmost side of Michigan family camp weekends (Friday evening through Monday morning) are designed to provide the perfect atmosphere for quality time. with your family in the outdoors enjoying a variety of activities together. As a family Campers have the opportunity to: boat, canoe, fish, sing songs around a campfire, roast marshmallows, practice archery, climb the wall, go on hayrides and horseback riding, do arts and crafts projects, and just relax. Need to know: If summer does not work, they also offer an annual winter camp experience in the snowy hills. Pinewood's warm, cozy cabins, heated lodge and blazing fireplace provide a perfect winter setting from which to enjoy the “lake effect” snow. Go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing and reconnect with camp friends and staff over a cup of hot chocolate. (4230 Obenauf Road Twin Lake, USA 49457. (231) 821-2421 or www.camppinewood.com)

Wisconsin: Camp Wehakee Family Camp. Enjoy a family-centered, fun-filled adventure in the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin this summer. Located on the Chippewa Flowage at the edge of the Chequamagon National Forest and not far southeast of Hayward, this faith based family camp welcomes all faiths and denominations. Since 1923 the Sinsinawa Dominicans have been conducting annual north woods family retreats. The sessions include three days of horseback riding, swimming, sailing and windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking, art’s and crafts, soccer and archery, and fun filled talent shows. Private sleeping quarters are available for families ad all meals are included. (N8104 Barker Lake Road, 54896. Toll-free 1-800-582-2267 or (608)787-8304 or www.campwehakee.com)

Minnesota: Camp Lake Hubert. Located on more than 700 wooded acres next to the lake, this is a family camp supreme. For those looking to find the quintessential north woods experience, complete with the rich aroma of conifers, the whispering of wind in the pines and the echoing sound of loons, this is it and with no extra charge for mosquitoes. Each family group has a chalet style cabin with three families sharing a central living room with a fireplace and a bathroom. Everyone gets three hearty meals, a fresh salad bar and home-baked breads and treats are also on hand every evening. Each family will enjoy as much activity or as little as they choose. Relax on the waterfront of spring fed Lake Hubert or join in an action-packed schedule of fun activities. (Lake Hubert, 55456. Toll-free  1-800-242-1909 or (218) 968-2339 or www.lincoln-lakehubert.com)

If we missed your favorite, e-mail us with the details. We are always looking for more great ideas for families. Please confirm details with specific locations before finalizing plans.