Tips for Winter Camping in Michigan

As you step out of your cabin or unzip your tent to welcome in the first morning light, a stillness fills the air – the kind that only comes with being in nature at just the right time. Nearby waterfalls are frozen in air, with few other souls around to distract you from the moment. Hear the muffled crunch underfoot as you snowshoe across a thick layer of freshly fallen snow. While Michigan winters are no sweat for hardier outdoor enthusiasts, even newcomers will fall in love with the experience of winter camping when it’s done right.

As you step out of your cabin or unzip your tent to welcome in the first morning light, a stillness fills the air – the kind that only comes with being in nature at just the right time. Nearby waterfalls are frozen in air, with few other souls around to distract you from the moment. Hear the muffled crunch underfoot as you snowshoe across a thick layer of freshly fallen snow. While Michigan winters are no sweat for hardier outdoor enthusiasts, even newcomers will fall in love with the experience of winter camping when it’s done right.

Michiganders are so devoted to the outdoors that several state parks and campgrounds stay open year-round. Popular spots like Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Muskegon State Park are yours to explore – some offering rustic lodges, cabins or yurts if you’re not up for pitching a tent in the snow. While some campgrounds have limited amenities in winter, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provide up-to-date information on what’s open and available. In fact, campsites can fill up quickly so it’s advisable to book your spot in advance.

Learn more about the different types of winter lodgings available in Michigan’s parks.

Proper preparations make for an unforgettable getaway.

Snow, ice, slush or rain, it’s up to you to dress for the occasion! Standard gear won’t hold up to the conditions, so you’ll want to prioritize staying warm and dry with proper insulation and layers. The same rules for winter sports apply here:

• Moisture-wicking base layer, a thick insulating middle layer and a fully waterproof outer shell. 
• Waterproof gloves, a hat and a scarf are also recommended. 
• Cold-weather sleeping bag, a four-season tent and safety equipment, like a snow shovel and headlamp, are also essential.

Just as if you were going on a winter hike, it’s important to bring a buddy and alert others where you’ll be. Set up check-in times and carry a two-way communication device that can work in remote locations.

Get more tips on navigating ice and snow in our safety series.

Ready to go? Choose your snow-covered adventure!

Get the rundown of sites with options for all kinds of campers, and find even more wonderful winter camping locations in Michigan. (Book your reservation with the Michigan DNR, and double check for any closures and availability of amenities.)

While the modern campground at Cheboygan State Park is currently closed for renovations, rustic cabins are open for the season. Plan an exhilarating winter escape for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking over breathtaking trails.

In southwest Michigan, Fort Custer Recreation Area has access to three lakes and the Kalamazoo River, along with both modern and rustic campgrounds that are open all year. Hiking is a common pastime, and you may spot locals ice fishing and even dog sledding! 

Just 40 minutes from Detroit, Proud Lake Recreation Area has modern cabins and mini cabins, with opportunities for snow hiking, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the Huron River. 

J.W. Wells State Park sits along 3 miles of Michigan’s Green Bay in the Upper Peninsula. Rustic cabins are open in winter for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Marvel over two spectacularly frozen waterfalls inside Tahquamenon Falls State Park, where camping is a popular activity all year round.

And if you prefer to soak up those winter views next to a fireplace with a glass of wine in hand, we have options there too. Cozy up in these historic hotels in Michigan.