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We tent-camped at this state park's seasonal campground for two nights in early June, 2023, and recommend it. It's open from May 15-October 15, weather permitting. As Straits State Park is one of Michigan's most popular state parks, you'll need to make your reservation early. We made our reservation online, and received our confirmation almost immediately. Our tent site without electricity would be in the Lower West Campground. The fee was $27 per night, plus a reservation fee of $8 -- so $62 for two nights. Michigan also requires a Recreation Passport for all Michigan state parks, trails, historic sites, and more. As non-residents of Michigan, the daily fee is $11 for entry and re-entry to any state park for the day. An annual pass is $39 (June, 2023). Our site (82-A) was amazing. It was almost directly on the beach, with access to Lake Huron. One minor downside was that it was next to a path to access the beach so there was some campground pedestrian traffic past our site. We had a good view of the Mackinac Bridge, which was magical at night with its twinkling lights. We were also surprised one night by fireworks being set off from Mackinaw City (across the lake). One bigger distraction, obviously not the fault of the state park, is that we were there at the same time as what seemed to be a million midges (insects). They look like big mosquitoes but don't bite. We wore head/face netting which made it somewhat more bearable. The park has a short hiking trail which connects two bridge overlooks. We drove up to one of the overlooks to the observation tower with views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. The trail there is also part of the North Country Hiking Trail (which stretches 4,800 miles across eight states). There are also two playgrounds on site and a picnic area. The campground is in St. Ignace, "a small quaint city with a small charming small town atmosphere." Within a few minutes drive are the city's lighthouse and the terminals for ferries going over to Mackinac Island, a major tourist attraction. A rating of 4.5 would probably be better for this campground. Taking off from a perfect score for a few reasons. (1) the bathrooms, and especially the showers, while good, were insufficient for the number of campers. There was often a queue for the showers; (2) sites were fairly close together with little privacy between them; and (3) the grass was quite long at our site so we were worried about the possibility of ticks.
Sometimes Mother Nature is all the therapy you need! Steep hills and thick terrain can make hiking or bike riding a bit more challenging at Straits State Park but the views are worth it. Rustic camp sites along the shore of clear Lake Huron with the mighty Mackinac Bridge are truly priceless! If you're about the lifestyle, you will love it! Peaceful and quiet! Only downsides are some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding and bathrooms are not throughout. Overall a must see!
I just went here for some good pics of the Mighty Mac with the woods in the foreground. I wish I would have known about the spot that is lined up head on with the bridge. They have a lower and upper campground. Driving through the sites seemed sort of close. Pretty busy when I was there the second Sunday in June.
Great park with lots of trails, and a great spot to get you pic with the Mighty Mac thru a sliver I'm the trees.
Amazing views of the bridge. Bummed I forgot my camping chair. Bathrooms were fine. I worked at a state of MI campground over summer. I can't compare the two, but not having to cross a busy highway to get to the beach was great. Set up hammocks in the trees, but then people set up next to us, so we took the hammocks down. I loved the walking trail to the visitor center just across the bridge on the st. Ignace side. North country trail ftw! Also, found two geocaches. Any time spent looking for caches is time well-spent. Cheers mate.
Really dug this campground. Went for Memorial Day weekend, had two adjoining tent campsites (196, 198). Lot 196 was mostly grassy and spacious. 198 had a little bit of an incline and was more "forest floor" type of ground. The hiking trails to the bridge views were nice, expect some stairs and a decent hill, along with protruding roots. There was no camp store but there was a shed selling campfire wood and at that time they were only open from 6pm-8pm. There's a Family Fare right down the road to pickup any essential needs you may have forgotten. They also sell firewood. We were unlucky with the firewood from both the shed and family fare, as it seemed to be too wet and was struggling to stay lit. The park had a couple small playgrounds and the bathrooms/showers were clean and in good shape. Would certainly camp here again.
Super nice campground. We stayed in the lower part with beach access. It's woodsier and it's much more roomy and private. Higher part, the trailers were kinda on top of each other. Nice Clean bathrooms. Will definitely stay again. Friday nights they do fireworks on the other side of Mackinaw bridge. But you can see them from the beach area.
My husband and I were coming home from a vacation that we took in the UP. We got tired of driving and decided to find a spot to sleep for the night. We pulled in and they had one spot left in the lower Campground. Since we were so close to Lake Michigan and was worried about being too cold sleeping in a tent. The ranger assured me that our site was heavily wooded and we should be fine. We drove to our site and were pleasantly surprised at how would it and leveled our site was. Once we were set up, we took a walk around, not realizing how close we were to Lake Michigan and what a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge we had!! The showers and restrooms very well maintained. It was a real pleasure staying here and if we ever make it back up, we would not hesitate to stay here again!
Came here over Labor Day weekend with my husband, and we really enjoyed the view from the park. We set out from Chicago later than intended so we didn't reach here until after dark, so we were not able to spend as much time here as we'd hoped, but it was a good experience and a great place to camp on the way to Tahquamenon Falls, our ultimate destination. The sites are pretty small, and most are close together. We're tent campers, so the size was not an issue for us, but if you're driving a huge motor home, choose your site carefully. We spent an hour walking the campground in the morning to scope out the best sites, and essentially any site hat is adjacent to a viewing area will have the best view. It won't be hugely private, but the main attraction of Straits laid the view of Big Mac, so it seems like the best choice. The bathrooms here were very clean but dated, and they are actually closing the lower campground to renovate them this year. I'd definitely return for the view of the bridge and the proximity to Mackinac Island, but with no hiking trails, I probably wouldn't stay here for more than a couple nights.
Fantastic state park campgrounds. Our spot wasn't exactly Level but we made it work with our 5er. Staying in the lower campgrounds, you are steps from the shore and lake that over looks the bridge. From the camp, you can watch two of the three coordinated fireworks displays that shoot off from Mackinac city, island and St.Ignace. We could watch all three if we biked into town, which is about a mile. Not far at all. Only bugger is the hill to get up out of the lower camp, but going back makes it all worth it. There is a good mix of tents and RVs. Very family friendly and even the full time camp host has loads of info for you and crafts for the kids. If you don't have bikes or a vehicle to get around, there is a trolly that will pick you up at the front of the park to take you into town. Forget something, there is a grocery store just off the grounds. It doesn't get better than this. Buy your firewood here when you arrive. So much more affordable than getting one of these expensive motels for the holiday weekend. We will definitely be back and bring friends.
This is a nice, well maintained, clean campground with a beautiful view of the Mackinaw Bridge. The only big downside is the sites are so close together, you are practically camping with strangers. Luckily everyone was friendly and quiet and followed quiet hours. At night you can hear some of the traffic from the bridge but also the lovely sounds of the water from the lake on the shore. All in all it was peaceful and we enjoyed it. Bathrooms were very clean with flush toilets and private showers that lock. I would enjoy staying here again.
Really enjoyed this campground next to the Lake. The wind can be chilly depending on which way you're facing and on this particular trip it was late in the season so the campground was a bit crowded. There are wonderful bathroom and shower facilities that were very clean and made the stay very comfortable. The park faces the bridge which is beautiful to behold at night. The only down side is hearing the traffic on the highway all night long. This was otherwise a wonderful campground and a comfortable experience.
2 months ago
Did you say you can camp on the Straits and see the bridge? There is a room to walk on some sand or even play in the water if that is your adventure. The campground is nicely maintained, everyone was respectful of the quiet hours except the seagulls Seriously, those little buggers has plenty to say each morning at 6 am. Bring ear plugs if you want to not get the morning bird call wake up. Friendly staff and the check in process was the fastest I've ever experienced at a State Park. Great job and that was such a pleasant surprise! read more
1 year ago
Great spot - stayed one night on our way thru. Pull thru site, didn't even have to unhook camper. Hiking trails in park taking you to beach with beautiful view of the bridge. read more
This is a great state park to visit. I haven't camped here yet, but I've visited multiple times to walk on the (admittedly short) trails. The trails are well maintained with gravel, although some parts can be muddy if it had rained recently. At this time of year, be sure to bring plenty of bug spray! You can see views of the bridge from several view points, or soak in the woods and wildflowers. If you're not sure what to do, the park ranger in the fee booth has great recommendations, as well as lawn games if you're bored when camping. Note you need to pay an entrance fee if you don't have the Michigan recreation passport (you pay when you register your car in Michigan). read more
We tent-camped at this state park's seasonal campground for two nights in early June, 2023, and recommend it. It's open from May 15-October 15, weather permitting. As Straits State Park is one of Michigan's most popular state parks, you'll need to make your reservation early. We made our reservation online, and received our confirmation almost immediately. Our tent site without electricity would be in the Lower West Campground. The fee was $27 per night, plus a reservation fee of $8 -- so $62 for two nights. Michigan also requires a Recreation Passport for all Michigan state parks, trails, historic sites, and more. As non-residents of Michigan, the daily fee is $11 for entry and re-entry to any state park for the day. An annual pass is $39 (June, 2023). Our site (82-A) was amazing. It was almost directly on the beach, with access to Lake Huron. One minor downside was that it was next to a path to access the beach so there was some campground pedestrian traffic past our site. We had a good view of the Mackinac Bridge, which was magical at night with its twinkling lights. We were also surprised one night by fireworks being set off from Mackinaw City (across the lake). One bigger distraction, obviously not the fault of the state park, is that we were there at the same time as what seemed to be a million midges (insects). They look like big mosquitoes but don't bite. We wore head/face netting which made it somewhat more bearable. The park has a short hiking trail which connects two bridge overlooks. We drove up to one of the overlooks to the observation tower with views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. The trail there is also part of the North Country Hiking Trail (which stretches 4,800 miles across eight states). There are also two playgrounds on site and a picnic area. The campground is in St. Ignace, "a small quaint city with a small charming small town atmosphere." Within a few minutes drive are the city's lighthouse and the terminals for ferries going over to Mackinac Island, a major tourist attraction. A rating of 4.5 would probably be better for this campground. Taking off from a perfect score for a few reasons. (1) the bathrooms, and especially the showers, while good, were insufficient for the number of campers. There was often a queue for the showers; (2) sites were fairly close together with little privacy between them; and (3) the grass was quite long at our site so we were worried about the possibility of ticks. read more
1 year ago
Sometimes Mother Nature is all the therapy you need! Steep hills and thick terrain can make hiking or bike riding a bit more challenging at Straits State Park but the views are worth it. Rustic camp sites along the shore of clear Lake Huron with the mighty Mackinac Bridge are truly priceless! If you're about the lifestyle, you will love it! Peaceful and quiet! Only downsides are some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding and bathrooms are not throughout. Overall a must see! read more
4 years ago
I just went here for some good pics of the Mighty Mac with the woods in the foreground. I wish I would have known about the spot that is lined up head on with the bridge. They have a lower and upper campground. Driving through the sites seemed sort of close. Pretty busy when I was there the second Sunday in June. read more
5 years ago
Amazing views of the bridge. Bummed I forgot my camping chair. Bathrooms were fine. I worked at a state of MI campground over summer. I can't compare the two, but not having to cross a busy highway to get to the beach was great. Set up hammocks in the trees, but then people set up next to us, so we took the hammocks down. I loved the walking trail to the visitor center just across the bridge on the st. Ignace side. North country trail ftw! Also, found two geocaches. Any time spent looking for caches is time well-spent. Cheers mate. read more
Really dug this campground. Went for Memorial Day weekend, had two adjoining tent campsites (196, 198). Lot 196 was mostly grassy and spacious. 198 had a little bit of an incline and was more "forest floor" type of ground. The hiking trails to the bridge views were nice, expect some stairs and a decent hill, along with protruding roots. There was no camp store but there was a shed selling campfire wood and at that time they were only open from 6pm-8pm. There's a Family Fare right down the road to pickup any essential needs you may have forgotten. They also sell firewood. We were unlucky with the firewood from both the shed and family fare, as it seemed to be too wet and was struggling to stay lit. The park had a couple small playgrounds and the bathrooms/showers were clean and in good shape. Would certainly camp here again. read more
5 years ago
Super nice campground. We stayed in the lower part with beach access. It's woodsier and it's much more roomy and private. Higher part, the trailers were kinda on top of each other. Nice Clean bathrooms. Will definitely stay again. Friday nights they do fireworks on the other side of Mackinaw bridge. But you can see them from the beach area. read more
7 years ago
My husband and I were coming home from a vacation that we took in the UP. We got tired of driving and decided to find a spot to sleep for the night. We pulled in and they had one spot left in the lower Campground. Since we were so close to Lake Michigan and was worried about being too cold sleeping in a tent. The ranger assured me that our site was heavily wooded and we should be fine. We drove to our site and were pleasantly surprised at how would it and leveled our site was. Once we were set up, we took a walk around, not realizing how close we were to Lake Michigan and what a spectacular view of the Mackinac Bridge we had!! The showers and restrooms very well maintained. It was a real pleasure staying here and if we ever make it back up, we would not hesitate to stay here again! read more
11 years ago
Came here over Labor Day weekend with my husband, and we really enjoyed the view from the park. We set out from Chicago later than intended so we didn't reach here until after dark, so we were not able to spend as much time here as we'd hoped, but it was a good experience and a great place to camp on the way to Tahquamenon Falls, our ultimate destination. The sites are pretty small, and most are close together. We're tent campers, so the size was not an issue for us, but if you're driving a huge motor home, choose your site carefully. We spent an hour walking the campground in the morning to scope out the best sites, and essentially any site hat is adjacent to a viewing area will have the best view. It won't be hugely private, but the main attraction of Straits laid the view of Big Mac, so it seems like the best choice. The bathrooms here were very clean but dated, and they are actually closing the lower campground to renovate them this year. I'd definitely return for the view of the bridge and the proximity to Mackinac Island, but with no hiking trails, I probably wouldn't stay here for more than a couple nights. read more
Fantastic state park campgrounds. Our spot wasn't exactly Level but we made it work with our 5er. Staying in the lower campgrounds, you are steps from the shore and lake that over looks the bridge. From the camp, you can watch two of the three coordinated fireworks displays that shoot off from Mackinac city, island and St.Ignace. We could watch all three if we biked into town, which is about a mile. Not far at all. Only bugger is the hill to get up out of the lower camp, but going back makes it all worth it. There is a good mix of tents and RVs. Very family friendly and even the full time camp host has loads of info for you and crafts for the kids. If you don't have bikes or a vehicle to get around, there is a trolly that will pick you up at the front of the park to take you into town. Forget something, there is a grocery store just off the grounds. It doesn't get better than this. Buy your firewood here when you arrive. So much more affordable than getting one of these expensive motels for the holiday weekend. We will definitely be back and bring friends. read more
This is a nice, well maintained, clean campground with a beautiful view of the Mackinaw Bridge. The only big downside is the sites are so close together, you are practically camping with strangers. Luckily everyone was friendly and quiet and followed quiet hours. At night you can hear some of the traffic from the bridge but also the lovely sounds of the water from the lake on the shore. All in all it was peaceful and we enjoyed it. Bathrooms were very clean with flush toilets and private showers that lock. I would enjoy staying here again. read more
6 years ago
9 years ago
Really enjoyed this campground next to the Lake. The wind can be chilly depending on which way you're facing and on this particular trip it was late in the season so the campground was a bit crowded. There are wonderful bathroom and shower facilities that were very clean and made the stay very comfortable. The park faces the bridge which is beautiful to behold at night. The only down side is hearing the traffic on the highway all night long. This was otherwise a wonderful campground and a comfortable experience. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
We had a great stay here & the site was a pretty decent size. Only electric hookup but had water refill stations & also dump stations. You get an awesome view of the "mighty mack" bridge. Central location to St Ignace & you have to go the fudge shop in town. So good! Anyway back to about the park, the fire pits are awesome, can buy your wood at the gate & a couple bundles would last a night. Overall pretty good stop read more
10 years ago
Great campground, well maintained, clean restrooms ( need hooks in showers)... We stayed in upper loop..very nice! Well be back for halfway stops between upper/ lower...convienant family fare around d the corner.. read more
9 years ago
11 years ago
We are from the Soo and this was our first time camping at the Straits State park. It's a large campground with 3 different sections and we stayed in the section close to the water. The bathrooms are kept clean and showers are private. It was a beautiful view of the Mack Bridge and water but it's very rocky and no real beach for kids to play, they do have things for kids to do like a face painter in the campground and fireworks in Saint Ignace every Saturday. Our campsite was small but private #64. Being next to the Mack Bridge is wonderful but traffic is SUPER loud. There is a really nice place to get firewood right at the front of the park, young kid super nice. If you are looking for a quiet wilderness type campground the Straits is prb not the best. We would come back despite anything negative......nothing's perfect:) read more
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More info about Straits State Park
720 Church St
St Ignace, MI 49781
Directions
(906) 643-8620
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Visit Website
http://www.michigan.org/property/straits-state-park
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