Otsego is known for being one of the most family- and biker-friendly towns in Michigan. Motorcycle camping is available at city, county and state-owned facilities throughout Otsego County. Campgrounds offer outdoor enthusiasts year-round opportunities to hike miles of trails, explore nature centers, fish from lake shores and piers or enjoy exhilarating cross-country skiing.
Otsego
Situated at the city's eastern limits on M-89, Brookside Park offers overnight camping free of charge to a maximum of three consecutive days twice per year. Four of the park's six sites offer electric hook-up year-round. Reservations are not accepted and you must register with the Otsego Police Department to obtain a camping permit. Amenities include two play areas and a covered pavilion. Memorial Park provides shuffleboard, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a picnic pavilion and rocket football area.
County Campground
Markin Glen County Park in Kalamazoo is located on 160 wooded acres and offers 38 full hook-up campsites featuring restroom and shower facilities. On-site amenities include volleyball nets, horseshoes, shore fishing and two fishing piers. From the park you can access the 14 mile multi-use, paved Kalamazoo River Valley Trail for jogging or hiking. Just north of the park explore the Kalamazoo Nature Center, offering 14 hiking trails that encompass more than 10 miles of diverse habitat from ponds to forest.
State Park
The Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Middleville encompasses 5,200 acres and offers 200 electric hook-up campsites at Yankee Springs Gun Lake. The area provides seven hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails ranging in length from half a mile to five miles. Highlights of the park include the glacially-carved Devil's Soupbowl, Graves Hill Overlook and The Pines.
Recreational Passports
As of October 1, 2010 all vehicles, including motorcycles, entering state parks, recreation areas and boat launchers are required to purchase a recreational passport. Residents can purchase a passport when renewing their vehicle registration and non residents can purchase a passport when entering the location. Individual site camping fees will still apply.
Camping Equipment Considerations
When you're planning a motorcycle camping trip take into account storage options. Saddle bags provide limited space for necessary equipment, so you might want to consider attaching a luggage rack or box to the rear of your motorcycle. Gear should be compact, waterproof and lightweight, similar to backpacking equipment. If you plan on taking a lengthy trip, a pull-behind motorcycle camper or cargo trailer provides room for extra gear.
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