For many of us, no outdoor adventure is complete without time out on the water. Whether it’s by boat or kayak, or just visiting a beach, nothing says the great outdoors like the open water. While states like California and Florida tend to get the most attention for their coastlines, don’t sleep on Michigan. It’s got over 3,000 miles of pristine shoreline along the Great Lakes, with plenty of state parks and campgrounds to explore.
If you’re looking to escape summer heat, plan an activity-filled family vacation, or venture into the backcountry, Michigan state parks are the place to be. We talked with locals and natives to find the five parks that you’ve got to add to your bucket list, with tips and tricks for making the most oof your visit.
Wilderness State Park
If you’re on the hunt for a summer vacation destination where you could camp for a whole week, look no further than Wilderness State Park. It’s got plenty to keep the family occupied, including fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, and swimming. Located in the northernmost part of the state’s Lower Peninsula, it stays in the 70s during the summer, making it a perfect place to escape when the rest of the Midwest hits triple digits.
Things to note: Two of the park’s beaches allow dogs, provided they are leashed. With cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the park is also a great spot for winter recreation.
Must-do activity: Stay up late and go stargazing; the park is a designated dark-sky preserve.
Trails: The park is home to around 20 miles of trails, many of which follow the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Try the 2.6-mile Sturgeon Bay Trail to explore the sand dunes.
Camping: There are four modern campgrounds, one basic walk-in campground, two backcountry campgrounds, and six rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Walk-in sites start at $25 per night, while cabins cost $108 per night. For backcountry campsites, call 231-436-5381 to make a reservation. Other campsites can be reserved online.
Ludington State Park
Located less than 5 hours from Chicago and Detroit, this state park is a convenient escape into nature. It’s next to three bodies of water: Hamlin Lake, Lake Michigan, and the Big Sable River, so you can maximize your fun in the sun.
Things to note: Do not move firewood, even if it’s within the state. This can allow invasive species to spread. Instead, purchase heat-treated firewood sold in the park.
Must-do activity: Hike or bike the 1.8-mile trail to Big Sable Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1867, for fantastic vistas and the chance to learn about maritime history.
Trails: 21 miles of trails traverse the park’s diverse landscapes, which include sand dunes, wetlands, and forests, and the 5.6-mile Ridge Loop is the best way to explore all of them.
Camping: The park has three modern campgrounds, three mini cabins, and one rustic, walk-in campground. Sites start at $20/night and are reserved online.
Muskegon State Park
Muskegon is one of the rare, special state parks that shines just as brightly in the winter as in the summer. When the weather is warm, visitors can traverse the shorelines of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. During cold weather, take the opportunity to explore the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, which is home to an Olympian-designed luge course, ice skating trails, and a sledding hill.
Must-do activity: Visit the park on select days for a 90-minute guided hike. Park staff will explain the geology, history, and ecosystem of the park in an engaging, informative experience.
Things to note: The sports park charges per activity, and visitors can reserve spots in advance. The park has several planned construction projects, so be sure to check the website before making plans.
Trails: For a lovely, easy stroll, try the 3-mile Lost Lake Loop. It is prime territory for wildflower viewing and bird watching.
Camping: Visitors wishing to stay overnight here have several options, including modern campgrounds, yurts, and mini cabins, which range in price from $45 to $80/night. Reserve online. Potable water may not be available during the off-season (October–April).
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
With miles of scenic shoreline, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a must-see destination, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of the best home bases for visitors. The state government recently finished multiple renovation projects in the 50,000-acre park, including adding an accessible boardwalk to the Upper Falls. Folks can fish by boat or on a designated pier, provided they have proper licenses.
Things to note: Hunter Shuttle Service provides transportation between Upper and Lower Falls for a fee.
Must-do activity: With a width of over 200 feet, the Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the Midwest. The nearby Lower Falls is smaller but with more cascades, and is equally as scenic. Explore them by foot or by boat.
Trails: There are 35 miles of trails here. For those looking for a challenge, 16 miles of the North Country Trail, a 4,800-mile thru-hike, pass through the park.
Camping: Lodging options at the park include three modern and one rustic campground, backcountry sites, and one cabin. There is also a lodge that sleeps eight people and is reservable for a week at a time. Sites start at $20 per night.
Fayette Historic State Park
Home to a preserved townsite from the 19th century, this park will satisfy folks who like a bit of culture with their outdoor experiences. Its unique position in the Big Bay de Noc on the UP translates to stunning limestone cliffs and calm beaches.
Things to note: The park is located approximately a 40-minute drive away from another popular state park, Palms Book, and around an hour and a half from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Must-do activity: Take a guided tour of the Fayette Historic Townsite and learn about its role in American industry.
Trails: The 711-acre park has around 5 miles of hiking trails, as well as mountain biking trails.
Camping: The park has 61 campsites (starting at $35 per night) and a lodge that has a two-night minimum stay. Find out more and make a reservation here.
Fees
Michigan requires a Recreation Passport to visit any state parks or forests. Michigan residents can purchase it for $15 when they renew their car registration.
Out-of-state visitors traveling by car can pay $42 for an annual pass or $12 for a day pass. If you plan on visiting multiple parks over multiple days, the annual pass is the best deal. Entry for pedestrians and bicyclists is free. The Recreation Passport is separate from camping and lodging fees.
