Closures Planned This Summer for Popular Michigan State Parks

Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Michigan's state parks, but if you're planning to pitch a tent or park your RV, you might want to double-check your destination. This year, seven of Michigan's popular state parks will experience closures due to construction and maintenance work.

According to the website, the DNR is advising those heading out for fun in the great outdoors this summer to be aware that several popular Michigan state parks will be undergoing planned construction projects that will run through the fall. "Closures and detours may take place due to improvement projects, repairs, and weather-related events", they indicated.

What Popular Michigan State Parks Will See Closures This Year?

According to the DNR, the following  popular summer locations will see some closures  for various reasons:

• Algonac State Park: Due to planned park enhancements – installing full-hookup sites and repaving the roads – the park's day-use area and modern campground will close this spring and summer.

• Brighton Recreation Area: Work on electrical and road upgrades will close the Bishop Lake modern campground from August 11, 2024, to mid-May 2025. There will also be road repairs that will close the Horseman’s equestrian campground from June 1 to October 15, 2024.

• Fort Custer Recreation Area: The park's modern campground will be closed as they replace both toilet and shower buildings. The goal is to open the East Loop by the end of July, but the West Loop will likely stay closed as work continues including additional enhancements, such as new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals, and distribution panels.

• Interlochen State Park: You'll see closures for spring and summer this year for planned park enhancement projects to upgrade the park’s water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, the day-use area, and modern campground. The park’s Duck Lake Boating Access Site will intermittently close during the season, but the Green Lake Boating Access Site and rustic campground will remain open. Note that the sanitation station for this area will be closed.

• Ludington State Park: Although this park won't see closures until September 2024, they will last into July of 2025 when enhancements that include paving, parking expansion, and improved traffic and pedestrian flow at the park’s main entrance will close the majority of the park. The over 2,000 acres of parkland and beautiful 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116.

• McLain State Park: The campground will close on August 1 for the remainder of the 2024 season. Work will begin on a planned park enhancement project to upgrade the wastewater treatment system, at the campground.

• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area: The modern campground is closed for paving and electrical, water, and sewer improvements now through the end of July. Due to planned enhancements, the entire park – including the day-use area, boat launch, and beach –  is closed for paving until June 15.

• Port Crescent State Park: The park's modern campground will be closed for the entire 2024 season to upgrade the roads, water/sewer lines, and electrical and sanitation station.

Several other Michigan State parks will have ongoing repairs and upgrades, so it's best to check the DNR website for closures and schedules when planning your trip.

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