Decide when you would like to visit a Michigan state park or recreation area. The majority of visitors arrive during the summer months in order to take advantage of the parks’ recreational activities. Hunting and fishing are popular fall activities, and the parks are quieter at this time of the year. Snowmobile riders particularly enjoy the 6,000 miles of trails that cover the state in winter. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the emerging leaves and the slightly warmer weather.
Select the type of cabin you would like to rent. Rustic cabins are open year-round and offer accommodations for two to 24 people, depending on size. Cabins provide beds, table, chairs, electricity and a wood stove or propane heater. There is no kitchen or bathroom in rustic cabins, offered at Bald Mountain, Brighton, Cheboygan, Craig Lake, Fort Custer, Harrisville, Hartwick Pines, Holly, Island Lake, McLain, Ortonville, Porcupine Mountains, Rifle River, Sleeper, Van Riper, Waterloo and Wilderness parks.Mini cabins are on camp sites in state park campgrounds. They are one-room buildings furnished with bunk beds and mattresses. Picnic tables, grills or fire rings are outside each cabin. There are no kitchens or bathrooms in the cabins. Mini-cabins are found at Baraga, Brimley, Fort Wilkins, Indian Lake, McLain, Straits, Twin Lakes, Van Riper, Bay City, Burt Lake, Clear Lake, Harrisville, Hoeft, Leelanau, Ludington, Mitchell, North Higgins Lake, Orchard Beach, Otsego Lake, Petoskey, Port Crescent, Sleeper, South Higgins Lake, Tawas Point, Traverse City, Wilson, Young, Fort Custer, Hayes, Holly, Ionia, Lakeport, Metamora-Hadley, Muskegon, Proud Lake and Warren Dunes parks.Camper cabins are similar to mini-cabins but slightly larger. Camper cabins offer two rooms and feature two sets of bunk beds in the back room and a futon in the front. Cabins also feature electrical outlets and shelves for food storage. Camper cabins are available at Mitchell, Lakeport, Pinckney, Waterloo, Holland, Tawas and Interlochen parks.
Lodges feature bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and televisions. Some even have washers and dryers. Most parks only have one lodge, so book early if you would like to stay. Lodges are available at Proud Lake, Mears, Twin Lakes, Grand Haven, J.W. Wells, Fayette, Highland and Porcupine Mountains parks.
Make a reservation. Cabin reservations may be made online or by calling 1-800-447-2757. Lodge reservations must be made directly with each state park offering lodges.
