State Park – Camp Michigan

Traverse City State Park Starting Spring Reservations

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Mike Sonnenberg

Traverse City State Park (AKA Keith J. Charters) near downtown traverse city has announced on the reservation website that they are taking reservations for spring starting February 14th. Reservations had been closed because of ongoing construction in the park. Here is the message that comes up on the reservations system.

Reservations opening Feb. 14 for May 20th camping

Reservations will open on February 14. The first night to camp will be May 20th in the central and east loop only. West loop will remain closed until the new toilet shower building is completed.

The campground is in the process of updating all the electric and building a new toilet shower building. We created 28 cement pad sites, 4 pull thru sites and all of west loop will be upgraded to 50 amp. All other sites will have their own pedestal with 20/30 amp.

Thank you for being patient during construction and please realize that construction is ongoing until both projects have been completed.

If you still need a place to camp this spring this is an option as most parks are full for Memorial weekend already.

Thank you for Subscribing to Camp Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

[jetpack_subscription_form title=”” subscribe_text=” enter your email address, I promise I won’t send you any spam, it’s just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read” subscribe_button=”Sign Me Up”]

Rustic campground to open at Ionia State Recreation Area

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Mike Sonnenberg

Starting this spring, visitors to Ionia State Recreation Area will have access to hike-in camping options at the popular, mid-Michigan outdoor recreation destination. The new rustic campground, opening May 15, was designed to provide the space and setting for people interested in a camping experience that puts them even closer to nature.

The campground will have 16 rustic campsites that require an easy, quarter-mile hike from the parking lot, including 10 sites set in the woods, five sites set along Sessions Lake and one site that backs up to a creek. Each of the rustic campsites includes a fire pit and picnic table and proximity to outhouses located along the access trail.

People can book these sites through the DNR reservation system, MiDNRReservations.com, starting Tuesday, Feb. 18. Campers aiming for more spontaneity can reserve available sites in person, on a first-come, first-served basis the day of arrival.

“These new rustic camping options will expand choices for overnight accommodations here at Ionia,” said Trevor McGinn, park supervisor. “We wanted to create a different experience for visitors on some prime real estate, and we’re confident that the lakefront spots will be very popular.”

The 4,418-acre park is located approximately 35 miles from both Lansing and Grand Rapids. The park provides a wide range of recreation activities, including camping, disc golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and equestrian trail riding. The park is home to a designated hunting dog field trial area, a campground, modern and mini cabins, a swimming beach and park store on Sessions Lake, Tibbets Creek, the Grand River and natural environments that are home to rare plants and animals. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Ionia.

For more information on Ionia’s new rustic campsites, contact Trevor McGinn, at 616-527-3750. To learn more about all DNR camping options (including rules, rates, policies and special programs), visit Michigan.gov/Camping.

Photo and information provided by the Michigan DNR

Thank you for Subscribing to Camp Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

Rifle River Recreation Area Road Contstrution

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Mike Sonnenberg

The Michigan DNR reservation website has a notice for the Rifle River Recreation Area that they will be doing some road construction late this summer and early autumn.

Grousehaven (modern) Campground will be closed from September 8-October 15

Devoe, Ranch, Spruce, and Org (rustic) Campgrounds will be closed from August 16-September 3 and September 30-October 15.

Cabin users will be entering the park through the south entrance gate from September 30-October 15

I am not sure exactly what they will be doing to the road but I know the dirt road heading back to the southern end of the park was getting really rough. It is great that they are making improvements to the roads.

Free Michigan State Park Checklist Map

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Mike Sonnenberg

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

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

2020 Michigan State Parks Construction Projects

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

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

Rifle River Recreation Area Road Construction Project
Due to road improvements, Grousehaven (modern) Campground will be closed from September 8-October 15 Devoe, Ranch, Spruce and Org (rustic) Campgrounds will be closed from August 16-September 3 and September 30-October 15. Cabin users will be entering the park through the south entrance gate from September 30-October 15

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.

Thank you for Subscribing to Camp Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

State Park Closing Dates

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

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.

Trick Or Treating at Bay City

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

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

Thank you for Subscribing to Camp Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

The Disappearance of Tawas Beach

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

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.

I hope you will subscribe to email notifications so you won’t miss any new posts, [jetpack_subscription_form title=”” subscribe_text=” enter your email for notifications on new posts” subscribe_button=”Sign Me Up”]

The Tower at Burt Lake State Park

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

Burt Lake State Park was started in 1921 with the donation of 83 acres of land by Cheboygan County along the Burt Lake shoreline to the recently formed Michigan State Parks Commission. It was one of the first 25 parks the commission created. Shortly after the donation by the county an additional 40 acres was deeded to the State of Michigan which increased the park to 123 acres. From 1931-1939, through land exchange and transfers, additional acreage was acquired bring Burt Lake State Park to its present size of 406 acres.

The park also had a tall observation tower. I could find little information about it. I did see a postcard the referenced a telescope was at the top for visitors to look through. The postcards I found were dated back in the 1930s so it must have been constructed close to that time. I am not sure when or why the tower was taken down. I was told years ago by someone that it stood on the ridge near the corner of Old US-27 and M-68 where another shorter platform stood. I think that one is gone now also. It’s been a few years since I visited it. I am wondering with the tourists visiting the tower if that is what influenced the the Cross In The Woods Shrine.

If you want to read my full review of Burt Lake State Park check out the State Park Handbook HERE

[fbcomments]

Michigan State Parks for Lighthouse Lovers

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Mike Sonnenberg

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the United States. Of the approximately 125 lighthouses still standing in Michigan, a few of them are located in some of Michigan’s State Parks. Here is a list of parks you will want to visit to see the lighthouses that call these parks home.

Ludington State Park
Big Sable Point Lighthouse stands in the dunes along Lake Michigan. It is a few miles from the campground and parking lot but well worth the hike to visit it.

Belle Isle State Park

The only light tower constructed for navigation is the Livingstone Memorial Light that proudly stands on the east end of the Island.

Tawas Point State Park

The park is home to one of the most visited lighthouses in the state. While you are camping you can see the light shining at night.

Leelanau State Park

The Grand Travers Lighthouse stands at the lip of the Leelanau Peninsula and is a popular destination for tourist visiting the peninsula. They say the old lighthouse is haunted and tours on the weekends in October are a popular event.

Grand Haven State Park

The beach at the Grand Haven State Park is one of the most popular beaches in Michigan. The bight red Grand Haven Lighthouse stands on the pier separating the channel from the beach.

Fort Wilkins State Historic Park

The Copper Harbor Lighthouse is part of the state park. You can see it from a parking lot on the west side of M-41 that faces the harbor. The lighthouse is separated by private property and the road to the lighthouse is not open. Unfortunately the ferry service that took visitors to the lighthouse is no longer operating but hopefully, the state will be able to find a contractor to start the service again.

Sturgeon Point State Park

The small state park on Lake Huron near Harrisville is home to the lighthouse maintained by the Alcona Historical Society.

Holland State Park

The lighthouse is known as “Big Red” guides sailors into the channel next to the state park beach. You can not access the lighthouse from the state park but you can get a good view and photographs of it from the park.

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

One of the newest lighthouses in Michigan stands on the Detroit River at the state harbor near the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center.

McLain State Park

The state lists a lighthouse at McLain State Park in the Keweenaw near Hancock. It’s more of a beacon that stands on a breakwater than a lighthouse but I figured I better include it on the list.

Silver Lake State Park

The park is most noted for the sand dunes and ORV area but it does have a lighthouse. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse stands along Lake Michigan in the park and is open to visitors.

Colonial Michilimackinac Historic State Park

If you have ever driven across the Mackinac Bridge you have probably seen the Old Mackinaw Point Lighthouse that stands on the shoreline in Mackinaw City. It is one of the most popular places to stop and take a pic of the bridge.

Cheboygan State Park

You probably won’t find a lighthouse listed at the state park probably because it is no longer standing. The foundation can be found off the hiking trails and is still worth visiting. From the shoreline where the old lighthouse once stood you can see the Poe Reef Lighthouse in Lake Huron.

[fbcomments]