Interlochen State Park
Michigan's first state park, nestled between Duck and Green Lakes, offering beaches, fishing, camping, and serene nature trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Interlochen State Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Michigan's first state park, nestled between Duck and Green Lakes, offering beaches, fishing, camping, and serene nature trails.
"A true Michigan gem for nature lovers, offering a perfect balance of comfort and wilderness."
Book 6 Months Ahead
Campsites, especially for summer, fill up fast! Reserve your spot up to 6 months in advance. :ticket:
Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the park with your furry friends, but ensure they are respectful. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duck Lake Beach
Duck Lake shoreline
Miles of sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear waters of Duck Lake. A summer must-do!
Green Lake Access
Green Lake shoreline
Ideal for fishing and kayaking, Green Lake offers a more serene experience. Enjoy the peaceful waters and abundant wildlife.
Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore scenic trails winding through tall pines, offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Sunset Views
Lakefronts
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the lakes, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A perfect end to a day in nature.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Embrace the Lakes
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book 6 Months Ahead
Campsites, especially for summer, fill up fast! Reserve your spot up to 6 months in advance.
Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the park with your furry friends, but ensure they are respectful. :dog:
Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and other insects can be present, especially near the water. Pack repellent for comfort. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:
Explore Nearby
Interlochen Center for the Arts is next door! Also, Traverse City is a short drive away.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book 6 Months Ahead
Campsites, especially for summer, fill up fast! Reserve your spot up to 6 months in advance.
Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the park with your furry friends, but ensure they are respectful. :dog:
Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and other insects can be present, especially near the water. Pack repellent for comfort. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:
Explore Nearby
Interlochen Center for the Arts is next door! Also, Traverse City is a short drive away.
Firewood Deals
Get 3 bundles of firewood for $20 from the third-party seller near the store. Cash or Venmo accepted. :fire:
Tent Camping Tip
Tall, sturdy trees are great for rain tarps or hammocks. Many sites offer good shade. :tent:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Interlochen State Park, praising its beautiful lake access, clean facilities, and spacious campsites. Many highlight it as a peaceful and family-friendly destination, with the added bonus of being Michigan's first state park. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowding during peak season and the need for advance reservations.
"Michigan’s 1st State park did not disappoint. We stayed on sites 466 and 362 and both were very spacious. We had a 25 foot camper on one and 4 tents on the other. The bathrooms were recently updated and were very nice. It was very hot so we were at the beach every day and that was very nice. It was a little crowded but we still had no issues finding shade and even had a picnic table every day. Duck lake is beautiful and we saw all kinds of wildlife."
Zach Gilbert
"I love this campground! It is very large and lots of tent and rv sites. They also have cabins. we tent camped and our site had plenty of room for multiple tents. It is close by to lots of things, including a nice grocery store right up the road.
We were at the south end of the south campground. I did not see the north campground but I really like the south campground. We were close to 2 bathrooms, one of which was a tornado shelter and very nice and clean.
We were site 479 and all the sites by us were very nice.
The other bathroom was older but clean too. Both had showers.
The beach is very nice too! There were 2 playground areas close to us.
It was very quiet here. Lots of people coming and going but the sites were large and overall there's plenty of room. I loved it!"
Kathryn Friedlund
"Interlochen State Park – A True Michigan Gem for Nature Lovers
If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-rich camping experience in northern Michigan, Interlochen State Park is the place to be. Nestled between Green Lake and Duck Lake, this campground offers a perfect balance of comfort and wilderness.
⛺️ Tent and Cabin Options
Whether you’re pitching a tent or staying in one of the cozy cabins, you’ll find a great setup. Tent campers will appreciate the many tall, sturdy trees—perfect for tying rain tarps or hammocks. The sites vary from grassy and shaded to gravel and open, giving you flexibility based on your preference. Cabins are simple but charming, and a great option if you’re looking for more shelter.
🚿 Clean Facilities
The bathhouses are reliably clean and offer hot water showers, which is always a win after a day outdoors. While like any busy park things can get a little messy at peak hours, the facilities are generally well-maintained.
🐶 Pet & Family Friendly
Expect to see lots of happy dogs here—Interlochen is definitely dog-friendly, so long as your pup stays leashed and respectful. It’s also very family-oriented, so keep an eye out for kids biking around the loops or playing near the roads.
🌲 Friendly Campers & Great Trails
The campground has a warm community feel—campers are friendly, respectful, and often happy to chat. You’ll also find lovely walking trails that wind through tall pines and natural surroundings, perfect for a morning hike or a sunset stroll.
🔥 Camp Store & Firewood
There’s a nice camp store on-site with the essentials and some souvenirs. Firewood is available from a third-party seller near the store—3 bundles for $20 (cash or Venmo), which is a convenient and fair deal.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Interlochen State Park is a beautiful place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy Michigan’s outdoors. With its variety of campsites, tree coverage for tarps, peaceful trails, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s one of those places you’ll want to return to year after year."
Ricky Houseman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Interlochen State Park is located in Interlochen, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car. From Traverse City, head south on US-31 S, then turn onto M-137 S. The park entrance will be on your right.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best to drive or arrange a ride. Many visitors use ride-sharing services if they are in the nearby Traverse City area. :car:
The park has a main road that loops through the campgrounds and connects to the beach areas. Maps are available at the entrance station and online. Many visitors enjoy biking around the park. :bike:
The closest major airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, which is about a 20-minute drive from the park.
Yes, day-use visitors can access the park's beaches and trails, though there may be a day-use fee. Check the park's official website for current fees. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into all Michigan State Parks, including Interlochen. You can purchase it when you renew your vehicle registration or at the park entrance.
The park is generally open year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM. However, campground hours and access may vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official Michigan DNR website for the most up-to-date information. :clock1:
Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (modern, rustic, cabin) and the season. Expect to pay between $20-$40 per night for most campsites. Reservations are highly recommended.
Absolutely! Campsites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through the Michigan DNR's reservation system. Popular sites book up quickly, especially for summer weekends.
While there aren't specific discounts for camping, purchasing a Michigan Recreation Passport can save you money on daily entry fees if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year. :money_bag:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the Duck Lake beach, fishing and kayaking on both Duck Lake and Green Lake, hiking on scenic trails, and picnicking. The park also has playgrounds for children. +1
While there aren't dedicated bike trails within the park, many visitors enjoy biking on the campground roads and paved paths. The surrounding areas also offer biking opportunities.
Yes, Interlochen State Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities on both Duck Lake and Green Lake. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species.
The park features modern, clean bathhouses with hot water showers. Some bathrooms have been recently updated and are very nice.
Cell service can be spotty within the park, especially in more remote camping areas. There is no public Wi-Fi available. It's a great place to disconnect! :iphone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. However, the park store offers snacks, ice cream, and some hot food options.
A nice grocery store is conveniently located just up the road from the park entrance, making it easy to stock up on supplies for your camping trip.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire pits, perfect for enjoying campfires. Remember to check for any fire restrictions that may be in place due to dry conditions.
Yes, there's a park store that sells essentials, souvenirs, snacks, ice cream, and some hot food items. It's a convenient spot for last-minute needs.
The nearby town of Interlochen has a few local eateries. For a wider variety of dining options, Traverse City, about 20 minutes away, offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lakefronts, especially during sunrise and sunset. The tall pine forests also offer beautiful, atmospheric photo opportunities.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and other local wildlife, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the lakes and forests, and camping lifestyle photos are very popular. Drone footage also captures the park's beauty from above.
Yes, drone photography offers spectacular aerial views of Interlochen State Park, showcasing its unique location between two lakes.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers good opportunities for capturing beach activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many campsites are spacious enough to accommodate tents and play areas for children. The generally quiet atmosphere and friendly campers contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment. Remember to bring bug spray and supervise children closely near the water and on the roads, as bikes are common.
🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities, especially on the calmer waters of Green Lake. The park's location between these two bodies of water provides diverse aquatic experiences. Pack your fishing gear, kayaks, or paddleboards to make the most of your visit.
:fishing_pole: :kayak:🏕️ Campers Seeking a Relaxing Getaway
Enjoy leisurely walks on the trails, spend your days by the lake, or simply relax at your campsite with a good book. The park's natural beauty and the friendly community of campers make it an ideal spot to unplug and recharge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Interlochen State Park
When booking, consider the location of your site. The south campground is often praised for its proximity to updated bathrooms and playgrounds, while sites on the south end of the modern loop can be a bit closer together. Regardless of your choice, the park generally maintains a quiet and friendly atmosphere among campers. Remember that reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as campsites can be booked up to six months in advance.
Key Camping Features:
* Site Variety: Modern, rustic, and cabin options.
* Amenities: Electricity, fire pits, picnic tables at modern sites.
* Tree Coverage: Ideal for tarps and hammocks.
* Reservations: Essential, book up to 6 months ahead.
Water Activities on Duck Lake and Green Lake
Green Lake, on the other hand, offers a more tranquil experience, ideal for fishing and kayaking. The calmer waters and scenic surroundings make it a peaceful escape. You can rent kayaks or bring your own to explore the lake's nooks and crannies. Anglers will find both lakes to be productive, with a variety of fish species to be caught.
Water Activity Highlights:
* Duck Lake: Swimming, sunbathing, beach activities.
* Green Lake: Fishing, kayaking, peaceful exploration.
* Wildlife: Keep an eye out for waterfowl and other aquatic life.
Exploring Interlochen State Park Trails
These paths are perfect for a leisurely morning stroll, an afternoon hike, or a peaceful sunset walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore; the park is home to various bird species and other woodland creatures. The trails are generally easy to navigate, making them suitable for most fitness levels.
Trail Tips:
* Terrain: Mostly flat, winding through pine forests.
* Best for: Morning walks, sunset strolls, nature observation.
* Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit