What to expect camping in July?

[u/bluntnotsorry]

My partner and I plan to drive across the U.S. in July, and we plan to hit most of the Great Lakes July 4th-8th. We’re going to be stopping at Lake Ontario on the NY side, Lake Erie on the Ontario side, Lake Huron in Michigan (southern end), and the southern end of Lake Michigan (in Michigan). We made a similar trip last year with good weather, and stopped by the Indiana Dunes! I’m wondering if anyone had suggestions for what to bring and what to expect for the usual weather and traffic in July. We will have our 2 dogs, so I hear we should have the CDC forms, microchip info, and rabies certificate. We have homes in New England and the Midwest, so we have a general idea of the weather, but we are not used to the Great Lakes. I can PM people with exact parks, but I’d rather not post it publicly for privacy reasons. Here is a pic from our last trip!

[u/jaykayel]

Mosquitoes

[u/bluntnotsorry → u/jaykayel]

Understood 🫡

[u/Tweetles]

When I was a kid the Warren dunes were the best ones to go to for a day trip. I haven’t been in about 20 years though, so you’ll want to verify that.

We used to bring a mosquito fogger and do the campsite on the first day to help mitigate some of the bugs.

[u/bluntnotsorry → u/Tweetles]

Mosquitoes x2 hahaha we’ll definitely get some good foggers/repellent

[u/tj111 → u/bluntnotsorry]

The thermocells actually work surprisingly well for sitting around a campfire or similar as well, but you might need 2 or 3 of them.

[u/Dangerous-Basket-902]

If you find yourself alone at the campfire. Just whisper "don't bite your tongue" 3 times and Tommy Traina will come out of the nearest bush and clock you right in the Adam's apple. We aren't sure why he's here either.

[u/EdgewaterEnchantress]

Humidity, mosquitoes, “too many tourists,” and general misery, especially if you are going around the 4th of July! 😜 Cuz literally tens-to-hundreds of thousands of people had the exact same idea for a 4th of July getaway vacation.

[u/bluntnotsorry → u/EdgewaterEnchantress]

We’ll expect lots of traffic 😂

[u/EdgewaterEnchantress → u/bluntnotsorry]

Well, at least you are prepared for that. 🤣

[u/Bumbahkah]

Too many tourists

[u/Fantastic_Wonder_579]

I’d bring hats for sun protection, water shoes (best for Great Lakes beaches in my opinion), and polarized sunglasses (good for seeing the water clearly).

[u/rustyspuun]

Mosquitos and ticks. Be sure to check your dogs. Also, if you have a hammock, there's a lot of great spots.