Affectionately referred to by locals as the "Porkies," this state park totals nearly 60,000-acres and is one of the last of its kind in the Midwest. Tucked away in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, the large wilderness area boasts a number of natural beaches, miles of wild rivers and plenty of streams with access to fishing, swimming and canoeing. Black bears are common in this region, so be sure not to leave your trash out too long (raccoons, especially, love those leftover barbecue scraps). As of 2010, Porcupine Mountains offers 50 rustic campsites at $14 per night.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
33303 Headquarters Rd.
Ontonagon, MI 49953
906-885-5275
800-447-2757
michigan.gov/dnr/
Originally named Pine Park, Interlochen Green Lake is situated in northern Michigan on the popular Green and Duck lakes, providing an abundance of fishing opportunities. The 200-acre recreational area is also noted as Michigan's first state park, established in 1917. Next to fishing, canoeing is the most popular past time at here. As of 2010, Interlochen offers 58 rustic campsites priced at $12 per night.
Interlochen State Park
M- 137
Interlochen, MI 49643
231-276-9511
800-447-2757
michigan.gov/dnr/
With nine different trails for hiking, sightseeing and skiing, this rustic southwestern Michigan campground is the ideal getaway for active types. Open year-round, Warren Dunes touts nearly 2,000-acres of recreation and an expansive three-mile shoreline. The name itself, paying homage to the park's main attraction, also helps pull in plenty of visitors each year; the site's awe-inspiring dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake. As of 2010, Warren Dunes offers 36 rustic campsite for $16 per night.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Hwy.
Sawyer, MI 49125
269-426-4013
800-447-2757
michigan.gov/dnr/
Located near the quaint village of Lake Orion in southeastern lower Michigan, this rugged recreational area made national headlines in the 1990s as one of Dr. Jack Kevorkian's assisted-suicide sites (according to the New York Times, the act took place in one of the park's rustic cabins). The park itself offers two hiking trails, totaling 15-miles together; the south unit trail permits snow-mobiles during the colder months, while the north unit makes room for cross country skiing. As of 2010, Bald Mountain offers two rustic cabins at $80 per night.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area
1330 E. Greenshield Rd.
Lake Orion, MI 48360
800-447-2757
michigan.gov/dnr/
