Lake Michigan state-park campgrounds hug the 1,638-mile shoreline, providing waterfront experiences with a backdrop of Wisconsin shores, Indiana's Great Lakes dunes, the expansive golden sand beaches of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and more. While not always required, it's advisable to secure campsite reservations well in advance of a visit to any of the parks.
Sun, swim and stroll along 3 miles of Lake Michigan's Green Bay shores at J.W. Wells State Park. Located at Cedar River in the western Upper Peninsula, the year-round park offers choice waterfront campsites. It has 150 modern sites, some with 50-amp service, and modern restrooms. Park activities include boating, hunting, hiking and cross-country skiing. Three shelters offer trail users cover and rest. Leelanau State Park sits at the tip of the Lower Peninsula's Leelanau Peninsula. The 1,300-acre year-round park near the tiny town of Northport offers 52 rustic campsites and vault toilets. Nearly 9 miles of trails wind through the coastal landscape alive with autumn color for fall hiking and blanketed in snow for cross-country skiing in winter. Park property includes the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum with its period furnishings and climbable tower. Leelanau State Park's shoreline is one of the few places to find Petoskey stones, the official state stone.
Indiana Dunes State Park sits along Lake Michigan's southern tip at Chesterton. Its classic Great Lakes dunes tower 200 feet above the shore, creating a distinct ecosystem to explore. Spanning 2,182 acres, it's the only Indiana state park along Lake Michigan. It encompasses 3 miles of shoreline and offers guarded swimming and play. Open year-round, 140 campsites provide 50-amp electric service, access to modern restrooms, showers and the convenience of a camp store.A youth camping area is available. More than 16 miles of trails offer hiking, bird-watching and cross-country skiing. Campers also may enjoy picnics and smelt fishing. The more than six surrounding dunes-area communities provide dining, shopping and entertainment for recreation beyond the campground.
Illinois Beach State Park spans more than 6 miles of the western Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Illinois at Zion. The 4,160-acre park situated near the Wisconsin border is the only Illinois state park bordering the inland sea. It has 241 campsites with electricity, showers and a dump station. The camping season begins in April to coincide with a burst of wildflower blooms and ends December 31. Campers may enjoy guided nature hikes showcasing the scenic coastal ridge, parkland oak and pine forests, marsh and more than 650 plant species. Five miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Residents of Zion welcome campers to community festivities, including Jubilee Days and Parade in September and June's Nostalgia Days.
Remote camping and 11 miles of Lake Michigan coastline attract outdoor lovers to Wisconsin's Newport Beach State Park nestled at the tip of the Door Peninsula. The 2,373-acre park is the state's only recognized wilderness park. All 16 campsites require a 1/2-mile to a little more than a 1-mile hike in. Site amenities are limited to pit toilets, benches, fire rings and metal boxes for food storage. The park's 30-mile trail system meanders through forests, wetlands and meadows, engaging campers in off-road biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoe adventures. While the campground is without a boat launch, fishing is allowed from the beach and at Europe Lake. Hunting and trapping are permitted. The park is one of five state parks located within Door County, a premier Midwest vacation spot. Door County is home to 11 lighthouses, 53 beaches, wineries, breweries, museums, performing-arts venues, golf courses, Great Lakes fishing charters and more.
