Cheboygan State Park sits on the shores of Lake Huron at an elevation of approximately 600 feet, creating a microclimate that's typically cooler than inland areas during summer months. The park's mixed hardwood forest transitions into coastal wetlands, providing habitat for over 60 bird species. Winter temperatures average 15-25°F, with lake-effect snow creating ideal conditions for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Kayaking local waterways: Access Black Lake from Black Lake State Forest Campground where the sandy bottom lake offers excellent paddling conditions. "The lake is easily accessible and wonderful. There are no bathrooms or showers in the new section. AT&T and T-Mobile service was fairly good. Easy access to lots of things to do during the day," shared a visitor to Aloha State Park Campground.
Winter recreation: Take advantage of year-round accommodations at several parks for cold-weather activities. "Seasonal options extend to cross-country skiing on the park's trail system during winter months. I grew up here and stayed here often. There is wild brook trout fishing to be had all around. Lots of trails. Cross country skiing in the winter," notes a camper from Cheboygan State Park Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Visit nearby Headlands Dark Sky Park, about 10 miles from Mackinaw City. "Also recommend visiting the Headlands Dark Sky Park about 10 mins away, awesome views of the stars over Lake Michigan," advised a camper staying at Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island KOA.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping accommodations near Cheboygan provide natural separation. "The sites were very nice, included a picnic table and firepit, my favorite feature though was PRIVACY, each site was surrounded by trees to separate you from possible neighbors," explains a reviewer at Twin Lakes State Forest Campground.
Lake views and beach access: Shoreline sites offer direct water views at many locations. "The campground is right on the water with a beach sand. If you choose to stay on the side with the bridge view the shoreline is rocky. We stayed in sites 176-178 and all three were spacious," notes a camper from Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Community evening gatherings: Several campgrounds offer shared waterfront fire rings. "There is a beautiful grassy and rocky shoreline that is lined with fire pits for viewing the sunset and bridge lights in the evening. Very cool and communal in a good way," shared a visitor to Mill Creek Camping.
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Ground surfaces can range from sandy to rocky. "The nice thing about Michigan State Parks is that you can make a reservation, which is nice reassurance if you're traveling on a busy summer weekend. The downside is that they can feel really crowded. Even though the sites are close together, there is a lot of greenery to give you a valuable sense of privacy."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local fauna. "Gnats and fishflies were bad while we were there. Fishing was nice off the pier. The sites along the canal tend to have a good amount of goose poop by them as the geese were there daily," warned a visitor at Aloha State Park Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. "Horrible phone service...but, maybe that's a good thing," noted one camper at Burt Lake State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose sites based on swimming conditions for children. "The park was clean and the sites were a good size. Beach was clean and the water was as well," shared a visitor to Aloha State Park.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better recreational facilities than others. "This place is huge with a variety of sites. They have everything here- huge playground, pool, beach, great store, lots to do. The view of the lake from our site was spectacular," recommends a family who stayed at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with designated activities. "They had a small playground for the kids. There was also a nice heated pool for them to swim in. Camping spots are shady. Most are pull through," reported a parent who stayed at Mackinaw City KOA.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some parks have rough entry roads. "Great, quiet park away from any noise and traffic. Not a huge fan of the gravel road entry. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray!" advised an RVer at Onaway State Park Campground.
Hookup configurations: Water connections can require additional equipment. "The only weird thing about the sites was the water hook ups were shared (which is tough for a pull through) so we needed three hoses to hook up. Not a huge deal just a tip," shared an RVer at St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA.
Space limitations: Waterfront sites often accommodate smaller rigs. "If staying on the water, there are vault toilets only and the sites are small. Seemed best for really small campers or tents," noted a visitor to Onaway State Park.
