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Differences
between Upper Campground and Lower Campground:
See
Site Map for Layout of both sections
The
Lower Campground is
the oldest section and include Sites 1-117 divided between
2 loops:
East side = Sites 1-51
West side = Sites 52-117
Between
these two loops, there are 15 sites on Lake Huron, but none
of these sites have electricity. The roads are a bit more
narrow down here and sites are more heavily treed.
The
Upper Campground include
Sites 118-270 in two adjacent loops (northeast and northwest).
This part was developed in the 1960's and there is a nice
blend of more open and shady sites. Generally, the upper sites
are longer, wider and better suited for big rigs. The sites
on the northwest side are closer to I-75 but the layout of
the sites are basically the same, however, there are more
pull-throughs in the northeast side.
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This
view shows the entrance to the upper campground (northeast side)
and the middle row of Sites 143-155. |
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you can see, the roads are large enough, in good shape and easily
manageable even for big rigs. |
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Here
I am in Site 151. This is not a pull through due to the trees
in the back, but I really liked the generous space on either
side. |
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The
trees to the side made me think I might not get my DirecTV
satellite signal from my rooftop dish, but I managed to maneuver
enough to find the "sweet spot."
The
other thing I appreciated about this site is that it was so
close to the shower facilities. And while I've always said
one of the things I appreciate most about my RV is that I
can always use my own bathroom and sleep in my own bed, this
is the first time in 10 years I actually used a campground's
shower facilities! When I checked out the bathhouse, I was
not only impressed with how clean it was, but the shower stalls
had vent windows and more light coming in than I usually see,
so I had no problem using them - a real first for me and made
it easier in that I didn't have to dump but one time after
arrival even though I stayed here 2 weeks.
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This
shows the row looking toward the front of the campground. Here
you see several pull-throughs and how large and long the sites
are. Pretty sunsets were a bonus sometimes, too! |
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This
long pullthrough is Site 122. I really liked this guy's antique
tow vehicle! |
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Dan
was my down-the-road neighbor in Site 118. He said he really
appreciated the large pull-throughs on this upper level campground. |
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I
had to laugh when he said most people wouldn't like the site
across the street from the dump station and trash cans, but
he enjoyed it - said he's a natural "people-person"
and people always stopped to talk when they were walking down
the road to toss their trash and recyclables. And really,
the dump is across the street from his large corner site and
is buffered by a bank of trees, so he didn't notice any of
the usual detriments from being near the dump.
He
also said he really appreciates how clean the park is and
how well maintained it is kept by the staff, with the grass
mowed and trash emptied regularly. He also commented on how
huge and "indestructible" the fire pits are. Dan
is also a fulltimer and he doesn't mind boondocking on occasion,
but this is his second return visit to this park because he
likes the setup here.
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Site
#268 on the northwest side. This part of the loop backs up to
a heavily wooded area but is more open on the sides. |
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Staying
Connected
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I had absolutely no problems using my Verizon aircard
for internet access and cell phone consistently had all
4 bars. |
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Readers
have asked for short recaps of pros and cons about the parks
I visit. I realize this is subjective stuff and what bothers
some people, others won't have a problem with, and vice versa,
but here goes: |
Pros: 
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Cons: 
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| The
upper campground is very well laid out in order to accommodate
large rigs, with a generous amount of long pull through sites. |
As
with all MI state parks, there are no water hookups at the sites.
The dumps are approachable from both sides, with potable water
hookups at each end. What I just noticed here, though (and I
think it's the same at other parks) is that even though there
are two sides, there is still only one sewer outlet, so two
people can't dump at the same time. |
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Fantastic
views of Mackinac Bridge, the Straits and Lake Huron.
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There
were at least 3 nights while I was here where the wind was strong
enough to make me worry about my awning. My neighbor told me
he always puts his in at night here because you can never tell
when it might whip up, so I followed that advice and pass it
on. |
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General
Campground and Reservations Information:
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Modern showers,
toilet facilities, 2 dump stations, playground,
picnic area, trails, Mackinac Bridge viewing platform
Reservations
information. All campsites are reservable up to 6 months in
advance of arrival date. There is an $8.00 fee to make a reservation.
Reviews
from other campers at RVParkReviews.com
and
StateParks.com
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Rates
as of July, 2011:
(always check with park or reservations for updates)
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Towed
vehicles : If you're in a motorhome with non-Michigan plates
and towing another vehicle, there is a one-time fee of $6.00 that
covers the extra vehicle and is valid for park entry during your
entire stay in one park. However, you must also have the non-resident
annual Recreation Passport ($29) for your motorhome in order to
qualify to purchase the $6.00 towed vehicle permit.
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50 amp service: About 1/4 of the sites have 50 amp service,
equally divided among upper and lower. There is a $2.00/night extra
charge for these sites. 50 amp sites are outlined on the reservations
site or you can call the park for more information on them.
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Click
arrow to go to Lower Campground
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