📷 Photo by Dillon Austin on UnsplashMackinac Bridge
Mackinaw City, MI
A five-mile suspension bridge linking Michigan's two peninsulas. Ferries to car-free Mackinac Island leave nearby.
The Mackinac Bridge has linked Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, and with them Michigan's two peninsulas, since November 1, 1957. At roughly 5 miles (8 km) overall with a 3,800-foot (1,158 m) main span, it is the longest two-tower suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere; the towers rise 552 feet (168 m). After the 1940 collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, it got deep stiffening trusses and an open-grid roadway. If you'd rather not drive yourself, the bridge authority runs a driver program. Walking is traditionally possible only on Labor Day, when thousands cross in the Bridge Walk.
A note for RVs: the speed limit is 45 mph (72 km/h); in winds of 20 to 35 mph (32 to 56 km/h) high-profile vehicles are limited to 20 mph (32 km/h), after that they wait for an escort, and above about 50 mph (80 km/h) they may not cross. At 65 mph (105 km/h) the bridge closes completely. Ferries to Mackinac Island, where motor vehicles are banned, leave from Mackinaw City. Headlands County Park keeps bright light out and is good for stargazing; Wilderness and Straits State Parks offer camping.
- Nearest town
- Mackinaw City, MI
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.8174, -84.7278
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Tee Pee CampgroundsMotorhome stopover4 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsMotorhomes
- Tiki RV ParkMotorhome stopover4 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Castle Rock CamparkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Roberts Landing CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsMotorhomes
- Wilderness State Park CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wilderness State Park Pines CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Mackinac BridgeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Michigan · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mackinac Bridge?
Mackinac Bridge is in Mackinaw City, MI, at GPS 45.8174, -84.7278. It is about 3 mi from St. Ignace.
Can you camp near Mackinac Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Straits State Park Semi Modern Waterfront, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mackinac Bridge?
Mackinac Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Michigan's dune coast and Tunnel of Trees and Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula.
What is there to see near Mackinac Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Colonial Michilimackinac (2 mi), Fort Mackinac (6 mi), Arch Rock (6 mi) and Tunnel of Trees (M-119) (26 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mackinac Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)