Maintain your active, healthy lifestyle with a camping trip in the rustic wilderness of Michigan's state parks. Your campsite gives you a place to rest your head after a full day of hiking, swimming or wildlife viewing, while letting you pick up right where you left off with your next-day activities.
Types
Types of campgrounds and campsites vary throughout the state's park system. Types of campgrounds and sites include full hook-up, premium modern, modern, semi-modern, rustic, and equestrian campgrounds. Some state parks and campgrounds have several types of these sites, while others may not include all styles.
Features
Full hook-up sites include sewer, electric and water hookups with 20/30- or 50-amp service. Premium modern sites are near modern restroom buildings and showers, have 50-amp service and sanitation stations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resource's website states these sites are in high demand due to their many amenities.
Modern sites are similar to the premium sites, though the level of electrical service varies. Semi-modern sites are divided into two categories: those with vault toilets and electric service, or those with no electric service, but modern bathrooms. Rustic sites, the least expensive of the group, have vault toilets and pump water, no modern restrooms or showers. Equestrian campgrounds are the same as rustic, with the addition of hitching posts for horses.
Activities
Michigan's state parks are designed with healthy lifestyles in mind. Parks have different activities to choose from depending on their geographic features. Aloha State Park located in Cheboygan, for example, offers a boat launch, swimming area, hiking and fishing. Running through this park is the Mackinaw-to-Hawks Rails-to-Trails. During summer months, enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding down this, primarily, gravel trail.
All state parks also have picnic areas. Pack a healthy lunch or breakfast and enjoy a picnic either at your campsite or in other picnic areas throughout your chosen park. Eating alfresco lets you refuel and enjoy Michigan's natural settings at the same time.
Considerations
When camping in Michigan's state parks, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to the Michigan DNR's website, you should always check the weather forecast as conditions can change rapidly. You should also be prepared in case of emergency, meaning you should take enough food, water, equipment and clothing.
The website also suggests keeping your food in your car to prevent scavenging animals from getting it, or hanging it 12 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree trunk. Bring extra matches and take precautions for keeping your firewood dry. Michigan DNR also asks you to be a "No Impact" Camper by carrying everything you brought in back out with you. Use safe fire methods to prevent forest fires such as never leaving a fire unattended. Using bio-degradable soaps and keep all soaps, toothpastes and the like at least 100-feet away from natural water sources.
Rules and Regulations
Certain rules are in place to help keep Michigan's state parks and their visitors safe and healthy. Depending on your chosen park, alcohol may be permitted to a certain limit or it may be prohibited. Some campgrounds or portions of campgrounds are designated as "pet-free." Examples include the south-central campground loop at Traverse City State Park and 19 individual campsites at Baraga State Park. Consult your chosen park's website or call to find out more information regarding pet, alcohol and other campground rules and regulations.
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