Michigan campgrounds?

Question

I screwed up my labor day weekend plans and now need to find a campground on a lake. Someplace where I can leave my boat in the water over night just off shore would be perfect. Friends from Detroit are meeting me in Bay City/Midland area. So it would be nice to find something around that area, but we are willing to travel throughout Northeast MI and North central MI. One last thing, we want to be able to ski and tube on the lake so the lake should be big enough to support that kind of thing.. please help.. thanks

Answer 1

Hmmm,

First please note, Ash wood is now illegal in all State Parks. The reason I bring this up is that the last place actually checked. Most State sites now sell wood at the gate or just outside the park.  You can also call a local distributer (by the face cord) and ask about 1/4 cord which may be cheaper.

Here is the Labor Day occupancy report for State of Michigan campgrounds (state not private)

http://www.midnrreservations.com/campgro...

You could keep checking the CRS reservation site for any park you choose and hope to get a spot in the LP.

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrail...

I haven't been to the previous sites mentioned in the thumb but those would be your "best" closest choices. Some will have a State Harbor close by for your boat. Not a fan of the one where you'll meet.

There are some places that have group camping available only by calling the park. This will only be on the local park website, and the sites do not appear in the CRS system online.

Another possible choice would be a Federal Forest site. These will all be rustic with pump wells and vault (pit) toilets.

http://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?g...

I wish you luck and hope you have a great weekend.

Answer 2

I don't really know anywhere except places in the thumb. I spend a lot of time at Port Hope which is nice, but I'm not sure about specifics of where you can stay and leave your boat in the water. Some of the cities in that area on the water are Port Hope, Port Austin (VERY NICE), Grindstone City, and Caseville. You should check them out.