When planning a winter trip to cross country ski or snowmobile, the necessary requirements for a top destination include decent snow, accessibility to a network of trails and some sort of cozy lodging. Add to that list the option of finding all three in one convenient, affordable location, and the clear winner is Michigan State Parks. With more than 30 parks offering winter lodging facilities, ranging from rustic cabins to fully furnished lodges, it has never been easier for winter recreation enthusiasts to enjoy their outdoor pursuits while staying on or close to the trails they are using. Depending on which type of trails are being used and how many people are in a group, Michigan State Parks offer five different types of winter lodging to meet the needs of diverse types of users.

For large groups looking for all the conveniences of home, there are modern lodges located in several state parks. The modern lodges accommodate between six and 24 guests. Most are fully furnished and the kitchens equipped with appliances, dishes and cookware. Some of the lodges are equipped with linen service and beds are made before the visitor's arrival. Potential renters should check with the individual park for the included amenities and prices. The lodges also make a convenient and easily accessible base camp for cross country skiers who prefer to have electricity and heat available while still staying in the state park, close to miles of groomed trails. State park modern lodges located along snowmobile trails can be found in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Parkand P.J. Hoeft State Park. These three parks, along with Fayette State Historic Park and Proud Lake State Park, also offer groomed networks of cross country ski trails adjacent to or near the modern lodges.

A second alternative for cozy accommodations in winter are the camper cabins. Equipped with electricity and heat, these log cabins cost $80 per night and can sleep up to six people in two bedrooms and a living room with a futon. Visitors should plan to provide their own bedding, cookware and camp stove. Snowmobiles can be ridden directly to the brand-new camper cabin at Van Riper State Park, which is perched on the shoreline of Lake Michigamme, while the camper cabin at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located near a snowmobile trail and cross country ski trails. Camper cabins also are available in winter at the following state parks with groomed cross country ski trails: Mitchell, Tahquamenon Falls, Port Crescent and Proud Lake.  Additionally, Holland, Waterloo, Pinckney and Tawas offer camper cabins in winter with access to ungroomed trails.

A third choice for state park winter lodging is known as the mini-cabin. These small, one-room cabins are located within established campgrounds and have electricity and heat. Mini-cabins can sleep four people on bunk beds and generally cost $35 per night during the winter months. Renters should bring their own bedding, cookware, flashlights and cookstove. Both snowmobilers and cross country skiers can easily access the mini-cabin at North Higgins Lake State Park and Fort Wilkins State Historic Park. Mini-cabins also are located at the following state parks with networks of groomed cross country ski trails: P.J. Hoeft, Ludington, McLain, Muskegon, Port Crescent and Sleeper.

For winter outdoor enthusiasts who would like to get away from it all and unplug, the rustic cabins and yurts available for winter lodging might fit the bill. Rustic cabins range in cost from $50 to $80 per night and offer lodging for groups ranging in size from two to 24 people. These cabins typically are furnished with a table, chairs, heater or woodstove (firewood is provided) and beds with mattresses. Except for Sleeper Lake State Park and Holly Recreation Area, rustic cabins do not have electricity, and renters are encouraged to bring their own cookware, bedding and lanterns. Rustic cabins are available in winter at the following state parks with groomed cross country ski trails: Cheboygan, Hartwick Pines, Porcupine Mountains, Rifle River, Sleeper and Wilderness. The rustic cabins at Sleeper State Park do have electricity. Other rustic cabins available in winter are at Bald Mountain, Brighton, Fort Custer, Harrisville, Holly, Island Lake, McLain, Ortonville, Van Riper, Waterloo and Wells. Many of these parks allow snowmobiling and all allow cross country skiing.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Pinckney Recreation Area offer yurts -- sturdy, weather-tight, circular tent structures -- during winter. Yurts sleep four to five on bunk beds or futons and rent for $60 per night. Heat is provided from a propane furnace or woodstove, but yurts do not have electricity. Cookware is available at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Yurts and rustic cabins are extremely popular with cross country skiers because they often are located right on the ski trails. In some of the parks where the cabins are not accessible by road, skiers will pack in their supplies and then set up a base camp to return to each evening after spending a day on the trails. Winter visitors to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will find ski trails that are groomed and track set for skiers, and snowmobiles are allowed on designated trails in the park. Cross country skiers using the yurt at Pinckney Recreation Area will find easy access to the ungroomed Potawatomi Trail.

If you are a Michigan resident you can choose to purchase a Recreation Passport at the time when you renew your license plate. The $10 passport fee helps to support outdoor recreation and preserve green spaces for future generations. The Recreation Passport also replaces the state park sticker to get you into all 98 state parks and 1,000 boat launches.

First Time Camper Program

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources once again offers the First Time Campers program at 19 campgrounds across the state. The program, sponsored by Gander Mountain, is a unique one-time experience for people who are new to camping. For $20, all of the gear, guides and good times will be provided for a two night stay. When campers check-in, the park representative will walk them through the process of setting up camp and settling in for a great Michigan adventure. While the campers won't get to keep the gear they use, Gander Mountain offers great discounts on everything they will be trying. Vehicle fees to state parks and camping fees still apply for all campers. To reserve your First Time Camper experience, contact one of the 19 state parks in which you wish to stay and ask to enroll in the First Time Camper program.

State Forest and State Park Camping

Throughout Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, state forest campgrounds provide over 3,000 campsites in the nearly 4-million acres of state forest. Families wishing to plan a camping vacation this summer are encouraged to reserve space early. There are 80 state park and recreation areas that offer campgrounds and rentals of cabins, tepees and yurts. Log on at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources State Park Campground and Harbor Reservation page for both camping and harbor reservations.  

RV Road Warriors

RVs come in all shapes and sizes from van campers to luxury motor homes outfitted with all the conveniences of home. Summer months bring the sight of RVs traveling on Michigan highways to favorite camping sites and RV resorts for a getaway weekend or extended vacations. What began more than 100 years ago with the first “tin can tourists” emerged the opportunity for Americans to hit the road without luggage restrictions and flight delays. A RV vacation brings families together to enjoy beaches, state parks, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking and popular tourist attractions and destinations. Even in today’s tight economy RV families planning a visit to Michigan are making hundreds of reservations for RV campgrounds and RV resorts. Early reservations are encouraged.

RV camping locations

The Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds of Michigan is updated every year and offers a Michigan Campground Directory. The directory also offers tips for RV camping, rules of the road, locations of Michigan Welcome Centers and other useful information. Choose from hundreds of campgrounds for your family vacation. Many of the campgrounds do permit pets, but have very specific rules on breeds and behavior. Not all campgrounds permit campfires but usually provide a campfire ring for evening activities.

Camp Dearborn in Milford, owned by the City of Dearborn, offers more than 600 acres of hills, trees and lakes and close to 200 RV camping sites among other camping style options. The camp offers beach swimming and a heated pool, picnic areas, fishing, paddle boat rentals, hayrides, canoeing and the Mystic Creek Golf Club with mini golf. Plus there are organized activities including a fitness program, arts & crafts, games, afternoon hikes, evening campfires and a weekly talent show and an open-air dance every night.

Swim in a pool in the shape of Michigan with a road map on the bottom at the Indian River Jellystone Park RV Resort. This campground with more than 160 camp sites is adjacent to the 406-acre Burt Lake State Park with a 2,000 foot sandy shoreline. The Indian River complex offers RV hook-up services, sports and games, hiking trails, Yogi Bear cartoons and wagon rides, mini-golf, laundry facilities and other camping amenities.

West Houghton Lake Camground offers 128 camping sites on 33 acres. Pets are welcome here and families can enjoy a playground, volleyball, basketball, baseball, a game room, Wireless Internet, hiking and boating and fishing on Houghton Lake.

Upper Peninsula RV Campgrounds

There are more than 20 RV campgrounds in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. Here’s a sampling:

The Saint Ignace KOA is the perfect location if you are interested in combining your RV vacation with a side trip to Mackinac Island. The camp offers RV hook-ups, swimming pool, mini golf and tours. If you must be connected during your vacation, the camp offers free Wireless Internet.

Want fudge but don’t want to take the trip to Mackinac Island? Reserve your RV vacation at Gitche Gumee RV Park on Lake Superior 15 miles east of Marquette. Along with an on-site Fudge Factory, there are 95 full hook-up sites, swimming pool, private showers, cable TV and Wireless Internet, laundry facility, club house and access to a two-mile sandy beach. Make Gitche Gumee your base camp for touring UP sites.

Anglers hook up at Whitefish Hill RV Park and Campground in Rapid River just five miles from Little Bay De Noc for great fishing – charter boats are available. The campground is RV ready with full hook-up service, private showers/bathroom, laundry and recreation center with free computer modem service. Pets are welcome on leash.  There are nearby hiking trails and two lighthouses less than 20 miles away – Historic Peninsula Point Lighthouse in Stonington and Sand Point Lighthouse.

Get Ready to Go Camping 

A day trip is always fine but if you want to instil in your children a genuine love and appreciation for the beauty of wildlife then the only way to do that is to let them experience living in it. Thus, you have to gear up for camping. Camping at the park is very affordable and you can even enjoy discounted rates during the off-season. There are mini-cabins available as well as 237 camping sites, some equipped with 50 AMP electricity hook-ups. If you’re afraid of roughing it completely, don’t worry because the campgrounds also offer free use of modern restrooms.

Hiking

Children are bundles of excessive energy and instead of letting them tire you out, you can turn the tables around...in a good way of course. Start early from camp for a hiking trip around Brimley State Park. Although the park doesn’t come with established trails, the grounds are still fairly safe and easy to explore as long as you have sufficient experience.

There’s also an abandoned railroad corridor nearby that can add a sense of excitement and adventure to your hiking expedition. While exploring the area, you can take the time to educate your children about the different flora and fauna that you come across. Let them know what their natural habitats are, how they survive, and what various man-made activities are endangering their lives.

Fishing

Brimley State Park is home to quite a number of aquatic species including walleye, bass, northern pike, perch, and whitefish. Fishing is normally a bit too “passive” for children’s tastes but there’s a way you can make it more fun for your children. Teaching them neat tricks about baiting should do the trick. You can also turn your fishing trip into a competition and reward the first one to have a great catch.

While waiting for a bite, you can entertain your children with stories about the different fish species they can expect to encounter, how they interact with each other, and what would happen if the life cycle or food chain became unbalanced due to man-made activities like dynamite fishing.

Brimley State Park also offers other recreational activities such as boating and skiing, both of which give your children the ability to view the area with a different but equally delightful perspective.

Submitted by Belle Arzadon, camper, nature lover and writer September 2010.

Grab the Michigan ORV/ATV trail maps, pull on the helmet, strap on the goggles, get the winch ready and head to the great outdoors for a ride to remember, whether it’s an scenic trail excursion or a white knuckle track experience.

The State of Michigan’s ORV system of motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and ORV routes crosses mostly state forest land. The system also has five scramble areas, where a variety of vehicles mix and mingle (some restrictions may apply), including the popular Silver Lake State Park where driving on the sand dunes is allowed. The state has multiple regulations and guidelines, from licensing to land use, equipment requirements, age restrictions and sound emission (maximum 94dB A). Read all about it in the online Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws.

Need wheels? You’ll find sources for rentals at michigan.org, as well as details on the following ORV sites and more public areas and privately owned parks where you can take the family to play, get a grip on your ride, or challenge your skills and your vehicle.

    

Southern Lower Peninsula

Michigan's designated scramble areas are places where, unless otherwise restricted, any size or type of ORV can be driven. This typically means full size trucks & SUV's to RUV's, ATV's and motorcycles. Operators are allowed to 'go where they please' even creating their own trails. These scramble areas are a part of Michigan's designated trail system. >more 

    

    

Northern Lower Peninsula

Michigan offers many trail riding opportunities. Michigan's public ORV  trail/route system provides four types of riding opportunities: motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, ORV routes which are open to ORVs of all sizes including Secretary of State licensed vehicles, and scramble areas. >more 

    

    

Upper Peninsula

In the Upper Peninsula, it is legal for ORVs to operate on state forest roads as well as the designated trail system, unless a specific state forest road is posted closed to ORV use. Trails are lightly groomed and riders are likely to encounter narrow sand trails, rough moguls, steep hills, stumps, rocks, brush, loose surfaces and other hazards. >more 

    

Michigan’s Recreation Passport-- your $10 ticket into all state parks, recreation areas and boat launches. The $10 Passport will also help preserve and protect state forest campgrounds and trails, historic and cultural sites within state parks, and parks in your own community through a new grant process. 

You can get your Recreation Passport when you renew your license plate online, by mail, at Self Service Stations, at a Secretary of State office or when getting a new plate.