Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park

1132 US-31, North, Traverse City, MI 49686
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Reservations
Accessible pathway to the beach Photo
Traverse City beach Photo 2
Paddleboarders on the water at Traverse City State Park Photo 3
Aerial view of the Traverse City State Park beach Photo 4
Tepee at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park Photo 5
Playground near the beach Photo 6

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a popular urban park located on the east arm of the Grand Traverse Bay, just 2 miles from downtown Traverse City. The 75-acre park is home to a modern campground, a fully equipped lodge, mini cabins and a day-use area. The day-use area is located directly across U.S. 31 and features a quarter-mile of sandy beach, a small beach house and a picnic area.

In addition, the 10.5-mile-long TART Trail runs parallel to the park, offering a paved urban route between Acme Township and Traverse City. The Leelanau Trail provides an additional 17 miles of paved trail between Traverse City and Suttons Bay.

A short drive will take you to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

Great Lakes beach safety.

Maps & Area Guide to park.

Before visiting a state park, boating site or trail, it’s always a good idea to check the latest closures due to weather-related events, planned improvement projects and repairs. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

Local: (231) 922-5270
Free World: (800) 447-2757

Social

Review Rating: 4 out of 5
mrs_romence | June 2022
Urban Camping
This park is definitely urban camping. I have been here many years before and I found that this park is unchanged in good and bad ways. The good: everything is very close by including convenience...
Review Rating: 4 out of 5
551erinb | August 2020
Decent campsite
Our site was large on a corner so I had no complaint there. Other sites you could tell were smaller. You can’t have any media after 10pm even on your cell phone because they will come and tell you to...
Review Rating: 2 out of 5
Brian D | July 2019
Bad time
I have stayed at this park 3 times in the past 14 months. I have complained that people are being noisy even as last at 1am. They dont clean their bathrooms as much as they should. The showers we had...
Review Rating: 4 out of 5
bnjo | June 2019
Movie theatre
Old restored theatre. Beautiful comfy rocking seats very clean. Friendly staff. Saw musical and full screen sound was awesome . Highly recommend. Show a variety of different types of shows...
Review Rating: 3 out of 5
Carl S | April 2019
typical state park
Sites were OK, a little close together, typical of many older state parks. Some road and airport noise, but then you are camping in a city. Get wood on 4 mile for a better price. They do not allow...

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5

Based on 74 TripAdvisor Reviews

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Amenities
Features
  • Accessibility
  • Family-friendly
  • Pet-friendly
  • Open Year-round
  • Motorcoach Parking
Sustainability Initiatives
  • Eco-friendly
Season(s) of Operation
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter
Accessible Travel
Accessible Facility Amenities
  • Floating Chairs

What's Nearby

Nightlife
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Specialty / Boutique
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Cabin/Cottage/Vacation Rentals
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Golfing
A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort
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Bed & Breakfasts
Acushla Bed & Breakfast
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Restaurants
Aerie Restaurant & Lounge at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
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Museums
Alden Depot Park & Museum
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Specialty Shops
Alden's Mill House
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