While temperatures may get chilly and darkness will settle sooner, Michigan's state parks offer great fall camping.
Across Michigan's more than 100 state parks, many offer camping options this seasons, although schedules and available amenities may vary, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Some campgrounds have already or soon will close their reservation season, meaning you'll have to bare the elements with rustic camping, with the toilet/shower buildings closed.
Some state parks will offer camping with toilet and shower access into November, some even year-round, offering a more comfortable camping experience, according to the DNR.
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State forest campgrounds, which operate separately from state
parks, offer camping on a first come, first-servedbasis and can't be reserved, the DNR said. The only exception is Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail State Forest Campground (Otsego County). Advance reservations are available at MiDNRReservations.com.
Michigan's three national forests offer free dispersed camping, but also have campgrounds that require fees and reservations.
Here's what to know about fall camping in Michigan.
Are Michigan state parks open for fall camping?
Yes, state parks across Michigan offer camping into the fall, though timelines and available amenities will vary by state park, according to the DNR.
Reservation season, with full campground amenities available, is already over at some state parks, while others won't see the season close until mid-to-late October or November. This marks the switch to rustic camping, as toilet/shower buildings close.
Reservation season remains open year-round for several parks, offering visitors a full camping experience with the toilet/shower building remaining open.
If you're planning a camping trip this fall, be sure to check the schedule for your chosen state park before booking.
How can I book a campground site this fall?
The DNR allows campers to choose campsites at Michigan state parks and pay online on its reservation website.
How much does it cost to camp at a state park?
State park fees may vary by type of camping and your selected state park, and the DNR increased rates in August 2025.
State park modern and semi-modern campsites vary, and rates rose between $4 to $10, depending on the location and amenities, the DNR's website noted.
State park overnight lodging costs between $60 to $120 per night, with deluxe lodging $160 per night.
Modern lodges are undergoing a phased rate increase through 2027, when they will cost a nightly base rate of $236 per night at all locations. Some rates may vary with higher occupancy, the DNR noted.
How many state parks are in Michigan?
Michigan features 103 parks across the state, according to the Michigan DNR.
Which state parks have construction closures?
Construction projects are underway at state parks across Michigan, prompting closures at the following state parks with campgrounds, the Michigan DNR said:
- Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta: The sanitation station will close Oct. 19 to Nov. 2 amid wastewater system upgrades.
- Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix: The rustic campground is closed for the season and the day-use areas are closed to vehicle traffic amid culvert repairs on the main park road.
- Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park in Cadillac: A section of the park between the Mecosta County Parks office and 207th Avenue in Paris for construction, including removing a failed box culvert and installing a new bridge. The project is set to be finished this fall.
- Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling: Part of the Au Sable River Trail remains closed indefinitely because of the condition of its five footpath bridges.
- Interlochen State Park in Interlochen: A potential detour could occur for access to J. Maddy Parkway amid a Michigan Department of Transportation rebuilding of a 7.8-mile stretch of U.S. 31.
- Lake Gogebic State Park in Marenisco: The modern campground is closed through June 7, 2027, for the removal of around 800 trees infested by an invasive species.
- Ludington State Park in Ludington: The Skyline Trail, intersecting trails, the park amphitheater and its access road are closed for a reconstruction project set to run through mid-2027.
- Muskegon State Park in North Muskegon: Lake Michigan Beach House renovations have been delayed. The Muskegon Lake Channel walkway and adjacent parking lot are closed through Nov. 14 amid restoration work.
- Otsego Lake State Park in Gaylord: Lake to Lake Rentals is closed for the season for construction.
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford and White Lake: The modern campground and A-frame cabin is closed for the 2026 season amid delays on updates to the sanitation station and a solar project. The park's day-use area, shelters, equestrian campground and group camp are still open.
- Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground in Osceola: The campground is temporarily closed because of a lack of potable water.
- Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Middleville: State officials are working to draw down Hall Lake Dam, leading to the closure of the boat access site for Hall Lake, along with intermittent road closures and detours. Once a new water level for Hall Lake is established, the DNR will consider whether the site could be replaced with a carry-down access site.
Can you camp in national forests?
National forests in Michigan offer dispersed and primitive camping without fees or permits, as long as you are more than 200 feet away from any body of water.
Developed campgrounds in national forests may require reservations and fees.
There are campgrounds in the Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest and Ottawa National Forest.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ready for fall camping? How to find a state park campground
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