How Long Are Michigan State Parks Open For Camping?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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reservations at state parks can be booked

up to six months in advance

, and overnight lodging and shelter reservations can be made up to a year in advance. The majority of the state forest campgrounds are first come, first served.

Are Michigan campgrounds open year-round?

Yes, winter camping is real in Michigan and

15 of Michigan's state parks are open to brave cold-weather campers

. If you feel like you are up to the challenge, here's a look at the parks where you can rent a campsite, cabin or yurt and enjoy the Michigan outdoors during the off season.

How late are Michigan state parks open?

Park Hours: 8 a.m. to

10 p.m.

with the exception of occasional events.

How long can you stay at Michigan state parks?

Anyone can make a reservation at a state park for

up to 15 days

, but many people try to game the system by making a long-term reservation, but then changing their plans.

Do you need a permit to camp on state land in Michigan?


A Recreation Passport is required for entry into state parks and recreation areas

, DNR-managed boating access sites (or boat launches), state (rustic) forest campgrounds, parking for hundreds of miles of trails… Only registered campers are allowed in the park after 10 p.m. with the exception of occasional events.

Can you camp long term in state parks?

State Parks – More Than Just Camping


Some state parks permit long term RV stays while others restrict how long you can camp

. RV camping facilities go from nothing to everything in State parks.

Where can I live in my camper year round in Michigan?

  • Warren Dunes State Park – Sawyer. …
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise. …
  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Ontonagon. …
  • Sturgeon Falls – Sidnaw. …
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Munising. …
  • Muskegon State Park – Muskegon.

Can I live in my camper in Michigan?

Can you live in a camper in Michigan?

You can live in your camper in Michigan in some townships but not all However, it will always be legal to do so in an official RV or mobile home park

. Aside from being registered, you should make sure you follow any zoning ordinances in place.

What campgrounds are open year around?

  • Letchworth State Park—New York. …
  • Dead Horse Point State Park—Utah. …
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park—Texas. …
  • Anastasia State Park—Florida. …
  • Cloudland Canyon State Park—Georgia. …
  • Fall Creek Falls State Park—Tennessee. …
  • Valley of Fire State Park—Nevada. …
  • Smith Rock State Park—Oregon.

Can you drink in Michigan state parks?

Alcohol restrictions at state parks and recreation areas.

You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage within the following described locations April 1 through Labor Day without written authorization of the park manager: Fort Custer Recreation Area – entire park

.

Are golf carts allowed in Michigan state campgrounds?

New rules will restrict what types of unlicensed motorized devices may be used on interior roads at state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, and will

exclude golf carts

, motorized skateboards, battery-powered scooters and little, plastic Barbie Jeeps.

Can you camp on Michigan state land?

CAMP REGISTRATION CARD


It is unlawful to camp on State-owned lands within one mile of a designated State Forest Campground

. Every member of the party shall be responsible for disposal of all rubbish and litter of any nature brought into or built upon the premises by the camping party.

Can you sleep in your car in Michigan state parks?

Yes. Because Michigan rest areas are open 24 hours a day, you can arrive at a rest area during night time hours and park overnight for an indefinite period of time. With no specified maximum time limit,

overnight parking is effectively permitted

.

Can you take rocks from state parks in Michigan?

*State Land Rules by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: It is illegal to remove from state-owned land more than the aggregate total weight of 25 pounds, per individual per year of any rock, mineral specimen (exclusive of any gold-bearing material), or invertebrate fossil for individual or non-commercial …

Where can I go dispersed camping in Michigan?

  • Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground. 2 Reviews.
  • Bear Cave RV Campground. 11 Reviews.
  • Evergreen Park Campground. 4 Reviews.
  • Fox River Campground. 1 Reviews.
  • Lake Marjory State Forest Campground. 1 Reviews.
  • St. …
  • Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground. …
  • Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground.

Can you camp on your own property in Michigan?

The proposed amendment would no longer require permits for camping on private property, no matter the proximity to a dwelling; currently,

permits are required

. Currently, the ordinance says a camper/travel trailer/motor home can be used for one 30-day period if it is located 1,000 feet or closer to a dwelling.

Is there BLM land in Michigan?


Michigan does not have BLM land

but plenty of forest service land. Most of these public lands are located in the northern half of the lower peninsula and through the upper peninsula.

What does Boondocking mean in the RV world?

In essence, RV boondocking is

off-the-grid RV travel

. Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Can you live in a RV full time?

These small, moving homes make traveling so much easier, as they come equipped with everything you could need on a trip. Ease of travel and enjoyment often lead RV vacationers to consider full time RV life. However,

living in an RV full time can be quite complicated, logistically speaking.

Is the Sequoias open?

The Giant Forest, General Sherman, and Wolverton areas in Sequoia National Park are

open 7 days a week

. You can drive to the Sherman Tree Trailhead along the Generals Highway (though parking is limited) and to Wolverton Snowplay Area. Lodgepole is now open for hining, but no other services are available in that area.

Can you camp long term?

Pro –

Long-term camping teaches you many invaluable skills

If you spend a long time living in a tent you'll very quickly learn the skills of patience, planning and team work. Trying to get camping, cooking and cleaning done in a small tent with more than one person requires communication and negotiating.

What is an Arctic package on an RV?

What is an Arctic package on an RV? An Arctic package on an RV means that

the motorhome is better isolated and fitted for long and cold winter days

. The package usually includes dual thermal pane windows, preinstalled heating pads for the water tanks, better floor and roof insulation.

Why winter camping is the best?

Cold-weather camping is a great way to savor those tranquil moments and settings only winter can provide—

untouched snow-covered landscapes, early nights and early mornings, a warm fire

—yet even some experienced campers balk at the prospect. It's easier than you may think to stay comfortable while winter camping.

Is Petoskey State Park open year round?

The park offers

year 'round

activities ranging from camping to biking to swimming to hiking to cross country skiing.

Can I pitch a tent anywhere in Michigan?

Michigan has plenty of wide-open spaces, but unlike some states out west, most of it is not government-owned, and there are more restrictions. Generally speaking,

you can do dispersed camping on any state-owned land, except state parks, recreation areas, forests, and game areas

.

Can you camp in Michigan in the winter?


Winter camping is available in select campgrounds statewide

, plus cabins, yurts, geodesic domes and lodges. Winter RV rentals are available. Reserve your site, then have one of the permitted businesses deliver to your selected destination.

How do you camp in a camper in the winter?

  1. Check the weather before you go. Winter weather can change quickly, so check the weather forecast regularly before your RV trip. …
  2. Check what is open. …
  3. Watch for black ice while traveling. …
  4. Keep your gas tank full. …
  5. Keep your plans flexible. …
  6. Have fun.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.