Michigan State Park Campground Updates: What to Expect in 2024
Michigan’s state park campgrounds are open for booking for 2024 summer stays, but some of the system’s popular campgrounds might be closed for the season or operating for a shorter time frame due to ongoing projects. A combination of recreation passport funds and American Rescue Plan Act/Building Michigan Together Fund dollars is helping get the DNR caught up with projects that have been needed for a long time. Last year saw a number of campground projects get completed, including Straits State Park’s new bathroom building at the upper campground and new roads at Hoffmaster State Park. Below is a look at some of the state parks that will be opening later than normal or will be closed for the entire season, as well as couple that have projects starting late in 2024 and stretching into next year. We hope this helps with summer planning, and remember there are lots of great choices for another Michigan state park campground close to these ones with closures!
Delayed openings:
Algonac State Park – This campground is not currently accepting reservations as work continues on upgrading sites to full hookup, paving park roads, and improving sanitation. This popular campground has 220 sites near the St. Clair River, where you can watch freighters pass by.
Bay City State Park – The modern campground will open in late May after work wraps up on park entrance improvements and flood prevention efforts. This campground has close to 200 sites on the shores of the Saginaw Bay, as well as miles of hiking trails and an incredible visitor center. The visitor center recently reopened after extensive upgrades to the exterior and interior so be sure to stop by and check that out when you visit!
Brimley State Park – One of our favorite Upper Peninsula campgrounds will not be open until late May as work continues on electrical upgrades. This park has been long overdue for some TLC, and repairs to the sewer and water lines will also see it closed after Labor Day. You have a short window this year to enjoy this campground’s more than 200 sites on the shores of Whitefish Bay, so make the most of it!
Sleeper State Park – Another late May opening is Sleeper State Park in the Thumb, as sewer upgrades are finished up in the modern campground. There are 226 sites here and a sandy beach on Lake Huron. Look for an update in mid-February for when reservations will resume.
Wilderness State Park – The 100 sites in the Pines campground here will not open until late May as the Michigan National Guard completes a handful of projects. Just west of Mackinaw City, this beautiful park on Lake Michigan is known for its miles of hiking trails and its solitude.
Young State Park – The Spruce campground will be closed until late summer, leaving only two small 40 site modern campgrounds for 2024 summer visitors. Work here includes paving roads, replacing sewer pumps, and placing shower/bathroom buildings.
Partial closure:
Indian Lake State Park – Shoreline restoration projects at the modern campground will have more than a dozen campsites closed during the 2024 camping season. There are still many other options in the 145 site modern campground or the 72 site semi-modern campground on the other side of the lake. Indian Lake is the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula and beloved for its swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities.
Muskallonge Lake State Park – Section 3o of the modern campground is closed until at least late summer as a bathroom and shower building is replaced. There are more than 150 campsites at Muskallonge Lake State Park, which has shoreline on Muskallonge Lake and Lake Superior.
Seven Lakes State Park – This state park in Holly will see the modern campground closed from May to July as electrical improvements are made and road paving is completed. The park’s popular hiking trails will still be accessible.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park – The Hemlock Loop of the modern campground at Lower Tahquamenon Falls State Park will be closed from May until July for a restroom and shower building project, then the Portage Loop will close in September for a different project. Known for being home to Michigan’s most famous waterfall and miles of stunning trails, Tahquamenon Falls State Park has 188 modern campsites at the Lower Falls campground and another 72 sites at the Rivermouth Unit campground.
Closed for 2024:
Interlochen State Park – Make plans that don’t involve Interlochen State Park this summer. The day use area will be closed for spring and summer and the north loop of the modern campground will be closed all year. The south loop could open after Labor Day, updates will be posted in mid-March. Located near two lakes beloved for swimming and fishing, Interlochen State Park has almost 400 campsites in normal years.
Port Crescent State Park – The day use area will remain open here and the beach house is supposed to be open by Memorial Day. The modern campground will be closed all year for road paving, electrical and sewer upgrades, and sanitation station upgrades. Visitors will be able to return and enjoy the 142 campsites in 2025.
Late 2024 projects:
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park – The west loop of the campground (which includes the mini cabin) will close in August and be closed through next spring for construction of a new restroom and shower building. The east loop will remain open so if you’re booking for late season adventures things may get a little tight. We love staying here while checking out the lighthouse, waterfalls, historic fort, and copper mining history in the area
Tawas Point State Park – This popular park’s modern campground will close from September 3rd of this year until late spring in 2025 for electrical upgrades. Known for its sandy beach, historic lighthouse, and great birdwatching, this park has 193 campsites as well as two mini cabins and a yurt.
2024 should be another amazing year for camping at Michigan state parks! As with any year, we encourage everyone to stay informed and plan ahead as these campgrounds fill up fast. Be patient with these projects and remember the funds being used had a timeline on them that forced projects to be done quickly.
