Category Archives: State Park

I have seen some Michigan State Park maps with a checklist to check off the different state parks you have visited. I wanted one so I did a campmichgan.org map that can be printed on a standard 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper. It would probably print on larger 11×17 if you have a printer that prints that or you could take it to somplace like Staples.

If you are like me and working on visiting all of Michigan’s spectacular state parks feel free to download this pic and print it out to hang on the wall of your RV or home. You can download a printable PDF version by clicking HERE

Don’t forget to check out the Camp Michigan State Park Handbook and Journal available on Amazon by clicking HERE

If you are looking for unique and different places to visit while you are camping be sure to check ou the Lost In Michigan books on Amazon HERE

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As we get into reservation season since you can make them 6 months to the day it is almost time to make reservations for Memorial weekend and the summer. Some state parks have been making changes and improvements over the winter. Also, a few parks have closed some sites next year because of flooding and high water. Here is a list of the projects and changes I am aware of.

Burt Lake is updating their sewer, I am not sure if it is just maintenance or they are updating the dump station also.

Traverse City is updating the electrical system

Wilson SP in Harrison is building new bathroom buildings in both sides of the campground

Interlochen is building a new bathroom building in the south campground

Sleepy Hollow is upgrading their electrical system in the north campground

South Higgins is building a new bathroom building

Ludington State park most of the Beachwood campground will be closed in 2020 for new bathroom construction.

Otsego is cutting down some trees this winter because of disease

Young State Park some of the sites will be closed in 2020 because of flooding issues

Muskegon State Park the channel campground will be closed in 2020 because of the high water levels and flooding. It may open up for walk-ins.

Fisherman’s Island State Park some of the sites are closed because of high water levels but are planned to be open in the spring.

This is the list that I know about. If I am missing something please comment below.

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It’s that time of year when most state parks are closing the campground or converting it to rustic camping. The modern bathrooms are closed and the water is turned off. Some parks do have year-round modern camping including, Tawas, Mitchell and Rifle River. For the complete schedule of when parks close for the season click HERE

P.S. one thing I have noticed too is that when a campground switches over to rustic they usually close the dump station.

There were a few kids this weekend trick or treating at Bay City State Park’s Harvest Festival. I think I saw all of the Avengers, several princesses ( or is the plural of princess princei or princen) I also saw most of the Star Wars rebels and empire leaders, sadly no Jar Jar Binks. I am also waiting for the one kid to go as the Dopler Effect. Unfortunately, I am still waiting to see that kid. We gave out over 400 pieces of candy in about half an hour.

I am looking forward to next year. I can’t think of a better way to end the Michigan camping season with friends, a campfire, and candy

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On my recent trip to Tawas Point State Park, I was shocked to see how much the beach has changed. I took this photo of the beach in 2013. This is the main beach at the tip of the point near the lighthouse. It was a beautiful sandy beach with a volleyball net and plenty of room on the sand to lay out and soak up some rays.

This is what the beach looks like today. Most of the sand is gone. I am not sure if it is just the high water levels or erosion or both. The beach is not what it used to be. It still is a great place to hang out and cool off on a hot summer day. The water in Lake Huron is still cool, clear and refreshing and there is a long shoreline at the point but the beach has changed a lot this summer.

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Hidden among the pine trees in the heart of Hartwick Pines State Park is little log chapel. It’s a peaceful little sanctuary away from the hustle a bustle of modern day life. It is the perfect place to sit down and reflect on the beauty of nature.

Inside the church on the altar is written Nature’s Prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, Creator of all that is nature,
We humbly come to you in the midst of nature’s splendor,
To thank you that as Americans we are free
To worship as we please, work as we please,
And move about as we please to enjoy all that is nature:
Its mountains, its hills, its valleys, its lakes,
Its streams, and the living things that dwell therein;
We pray unto you that someday the world may be at peace
And all men be free to enjoy nature’s abundance.
We ask you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
That we be guided to protect this priceless heritage
Which we, in America, are privileged to enjoy. Amen.

It is a short little hike through the woods ( I would guess about 200 yards) down a paved path from the parking lot for the museum. It is well worth a visit to the little chapel in the woods.

If you want a Camp Michigan Shirt they will only be available for a short time this spring. I have a lot of trips planned around Michigan this summer and it will be difficult for me to fulfill orders so I am taking a break from T-Shirt sales for the summer. Now is a good time to order, if you want one they can be ordered from my Lost In Michigan website HERE

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The Michigan DNR is continually working on improving the State Parks. Here is a list of construction projects for the 2019 camping season. 

Baraga State Park

Beginning May 1, the north side of the campground will be closed for construction, reopening June 28. The south side closure will begin July 15 and continue through the end of the camping season. Construction is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.

Park improvements will include an upgrade to the electrical system, resulting in new 20/30 and 50-amp services, site renovations to include camper pads, more pull-through sites and the addition of 14 full-hookup sites offering 50-amp service, plus water and sewer.

Lakeport State Park

South Campground (sites 301-356, White Pine and Cedar cabins) will temporarily close for the replacement of the restroom building. The project will begin at the start of the 2019 season and is slated to re-open in mid-fall 2019.

F J McClain State Park

A new Bathroom building was completed but campground reconfiguration and construction are continuing because of massive erosion of the Lake Superior coastline.

Muskegon State Park 

The Channel Campground is closed for the 2019 camping season for bathroom replacement.

Muskallonge Lake State Park

The campground (sections 1 and 3) at Muskallonge Lake State Park will temporarily close due to electrical updates and site improvements. The two sections are slated to re-open in mid-July 2019.

Hoeft State Park

The modern campground, modern lodge and sanitation station at P.H. Hoeft State Park is being updated Some sites will be open for Memorial weekend. The remainder of the campsites will open June 14, 2019.

Wilderness State Park

The renovated West Lakeshore Campground opens this summer. The East Lakeshore Campground is slated for renovations in the summer of 2020

Let me know in the comments if I am missing anything.

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Spring is here and the modern campgrounds are opening for the season. Most of the parks open the first couple of week in April. You can see the Michigan DNR’s list of opening dates HERE I think the dates may change if it is going to be below freezing they may wait a little bit before opening the bathrooms so if you are going to the park opening weekend you might want to contact the park to be sure the bathroom buildings are open if it is important to you.

I am looking forward to this camping season we have reservations at 6 different parks and plan to visit several more.

P.S. if you are wondering the pic above is the beach at Twin Lakes State Park

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