Watch out for cost of Michigan State Parks
I've complained before and am again though I don't expect it to change anything. But sometimes I wonder if anyone really complains about price any more so the seller never knows?? We are from Illinois...
Forum Discussion
For a one-night stop in your situation, I would not recommend any Michigan State Park. Most state park campgrounds/sites are in the $25-35 range per night for electric only, but dump stations. There is a $10 online reservation fee for any length of stay (1 night or 15) so the per night cost varies. I'm not sure about just showing up to the office. The Recreation Passport fees are in line with the national parks. Much cheaper for annual than per day, but you have to use it 5+ days in order for the per-day costs to be insignificant.
That said, our family loves LSP! We have camped there 4 years in a row the week of July 4th. It's hard to get a reservation. It is busy. However, there are 354 campsites that have 90%+ occupancy every weekend Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most sites are close, so I am picky about which ones I'll book. The park is fantastic if you like sand, trees, and water. Sunsets at Lake MI expansive beach, smaller Hamlin beach for windy days, lazy river, miles of hiking/biking, lighthouse, dune overlooks, etc. This year we missed out on our typical week and went elsewhere. A friend that we also camp with at LSP stayed at a private campground in town instead last week. He said it sucked because all they did was drive back and forth to the park.
So I do encourage you to come back and try LSP or our other great state parks for a longer stay to spread out the fees and lower the per night cost. If you liked Platte River, you'll like many of the state parks too.
That said, our family loves LSP! We have camped there 4 years in a row the week of July 4th. It's hard to get a reservation. It is busy. However, there are 354 campsites that have 90%+ occupancy every weekend Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most sites are close, so I am picky about which ones I'll book. The park is fantastic if you like sand, trees, and water. Sunsets at Lake MI expansive beach, smaller Hamlin beach for windy days, lazy river, miles of hiking/biking, lighthouse, dune overlooks, etc. This year we missed out on our typical week and went elsewhere. A friend that we also camp with at LSP stayed at a private campground in town instead last week. He said it sucked because all they did was drive back and forth to the park.
So I do encourage you to come back and try LSP or our other great state parks for a longer stay to spread out the fees and lower the per night cost. If you liked Platte River, you'll like many of the state parks too.
