This spot is a yearly favorite. It's probably retained its fresh quiet feel because all the campsites are walk-in… but you don't have to walk that far. Some are just half a mile in!

Beautiful lake michigan or newport bay is close to every site. The beaches offer iconic great lake swimming: clear, cold water and a long blue horizon. Gorgeous wildflowers in the spring, including the rare dwarf lake iris and lots of trillium.

Amenities: Campsites feature fire rings and rustic outhouses. Some protest your modesty just up to the shoulders, leaving you free to watch the birds as you answer nature's call.

Those in the know get on the state park website on January 1st to reserve site 16. Don't tell anyone else.

As its name implies, this park is an island, so a small boat (passengers only, no cars) will take you over to it. The boat docks next to an old boathouse, which sits in a big mowed field. It's a great spot for kids to play. We had a great time with flying kites and playing soccer!

On a rainy day, the boathouse is a great spot to explore the history and ecology of the island. We learned that the spot was used by liquor runners during the days of prohibition, which was of great interest to the little ones.

The deets: the simple campsites are nicely separated from each other. There are vault toilets and water is available at the boathouse. Highly recommend this trip, especially with kids!

A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites.

I love this park - the hikes are gorgeous and the swimming, boating, and fishing is incredible. The campgrounds aren't very rustic or private, but the amenities are good and the location more than makes up for it. Highly recommend!