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Earth Tube Concept and Drawings

Earth tube concept and drawings slideshow, showing how to create an earth tube for natural heating and cooling without electricity at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.

Slideshow - Earth Tube Concept & Drawings

Earth tube diagram of air circulation. © Frank Rogala. View Full Size Image

Earth Tube Drawing (1 of 5)

Select fresh air or to recirculate air. Air is recirculated only in very humid or very cold conditions. Use a disposable or washable air filter. Incoming air will precipitate moisture as it cools (auto-dehumidification).

Earth tube diagram of intake and return separation. © Frank Rogala. View Full Size Image

Earth Tube Drawing (2 of 5)

Separate intake and return as much as possible.

Earth tube diagram of thermal chimneys. © Frank Rogala. View Full Size Image

Earth Tube Drawing (3 of 5)

Thermal Chimney's installed above insulation in attic. Hot attic heats chimneys and moves air up and out automatically. The hotter the weather, the faster the air will move. Warm air inside the building will naturally rise to the ceiling and then be drawn up and out of the thermal chimney.

Earth tube diagram of cold and humid conditions. © Frank Rogala. View Full Size Image

Earth Tube Drawing (4 of 5)

In cold conditions, close vents to prevent outside air from entering; recirculate inside air. Each half of the building will need to be relatively "sealed" so air will efficiently move through earth tubes and up and out thermal chimney. Doors weather-stripped, with self closers; windows closed; outdoor vents on lower level closed. Fans would be needed whenever recirculating air is necessary.

Earth tube diagram of cable for sterilization. © Frank Rogala. View Full Size Image

Earth Tube Drawing (5 of 5)

Install tubes with cable strung through inside, to allow attaching bleach soaked towel that can be drawn through to sterilize and prevent mold/mildew.

The experience I had at your campground was excellent! The team at your campground is doing an outstanding job and I wanted to compliment all of you on how well kept your sites are.

My friends and I camped the weekend of August 7, 2014. We saw pictures on the campground's website and we were excited to spend the weekend together. The cabin description said we would have a view of the Mackinac Bridge and could see Mackinac Island from our cabin porch. When we arrived the first thing we saw from the porch was just that. Before unpacking, we all walked in the cabin to see what we were going to be staying in for the weekend. The cabin was so clean. We were just amazed at how fresh and new the furniture and beds looked. The floors were free from any dirt and the place overall was spectacular. It was so pleasant having a beach right down the road that was never too crowded. Having the camp store in the middle of the campground was also very convenient. We were first time campers, so we did forget some necessities, but with the camp store down the road from our cabin it made it easy for us to pick up the things we forgot to bring from home.

The entire weekend my friends and I repetitively said to one another, we picked the perfect place to stay this weekend, and we could not have chosen a better campground. The amount of fun and laughter my friends and I shared that weekend was one to remember. Camping at Mackinaw Mill Creek was one of my most fond memories from this past summer. I cannot wait to come back next summer and spend more time there. Thank you so much for taking care of us and keep up the good work. We will see you next summer!

Alyssa Z. - Sterling Heights, MI Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping October 9, 2014

CampMackinaw.com is the official site for Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, formerly known as Mackinaw Campground, located two and a half miles south east of the Mackinac Bridge on US 23. Mackinaw City cabins and camping with over 600 sites, including knotty wood pine cabins in Mackinaw City. Site types for all types of campers from full hook-up RV sites to cabin rentals and tent sites. Our Mackinaw cabins and campground are open to the public and conveniently located for campers in and around Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Paradise Lake, Carp Lake, Alanson, Pellston, St. Ignace, Levering and Cheboygan, Michigan.