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Cheboygan State Park

4.5
·622 reviews·Cheboygan, United States

A 1,250-acre Lake Huron gem offering woodland trails, camping, cabins, and beautiful beaches perfect for families and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Serene sunrises & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Not a lot of sand, but there are options.

Cheboygan State Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Serene sunrises & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1,250-acre Lake Huron gem offering woodland trails, camping, cabins, and beautiful beaches perfect for families and nature lovers.

4.5
(622 reviews)

"Beautiful beach with lots of rocks and to the east a shallow bay that's great for little kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

Updated Campground Map

The official campground map may be outdated; check the reservation system map for current site numbers and features. :world_map:

Dog-Friendly Trails

While dogs aren't allowed on the main Lake Huron beach, many trails are dog-friendly. :dog:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Huron Beach

Lake Huron Beach

Lake Huron shoreline

Miles of pristine, sandy shoreline offering stunning sunrises and a peaceful escape.

Instagram
Duncan Bay

Duncan Bay

Campground area

A shallow, rocky bay ideal for families with young children to splash and play safely.

Reddit
Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Throughout the park

Explore scenic hiking trails winding through forests, offering opportunities for nature observation.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Campsite Early

Cheboygan State Park is a popular spot, especially for camping. Sites, particularly those with bay views, fill up fast. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for summer visits. Check the updated campground map as it has changed recently. Reddit

Understand Beach Access

The park offers two main beach experiences: a groomed beach on Lake Huron (no dogs allowed) and a shallow, rocky bay perfect for kids. Accessing the Lake Huron beach might involve a hike, so plan accordingly. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Serene sunrises & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays after Memorial Day
Why
Quiet camping, updated facilities
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I never know what will happen when I walk through a crowded area! #ericdanejaquaonemanband #farmerfootdrum #puremichigan #fyp #cheboygan
@ericdanejaqua
781K likes • 16.8M views

Updated Campground Map

The official campground map may be outdated; check the reservation system map for current site numbers and features. Reddit :world_map:

Dog-Friendly Trails

While dogs aren't allowed on the main Lake Huron beach, many trails are dog-friendly. Reddit :dog:

#michigan #cheboygan #cheboyganmichigan #michiganders #greatlakes #greatlakesstate
@visit_michigan
6.5K likes • 173K views
📍This beautiful Lake Huron Beach - unfiltered - is located at P.H. Hoeft State Park in Northern Michigan near Cheboygan. ➡️Want a complete guide to the area? Click the link in bio for a guide to this spot and other amazing travel destinations all over Michigan! 🏖 #puremichigan #bestbeaches #Michigan #lakehuron #usatravel #summer
mymichiganbeach
722 likes • 13.5K views

Beach Amenities

The groomed beach has a pavilion with picnic tables, a drinking fountain, and rinse-off spouts. Reddit :beach_umbrella:

State Park Pass Needed

Remember to purchase a Michigan State Park pass in addition to your camping fees. Reddit :ticket:

Exploring one of my favorite @mistateparks with other Michigan State Park photo ambassadors this last weekend was such a blast. Cheboygan is so underrated. I fell in love with it so I added one of their trails to my hiking book 👏🏻🥾 If you love Michigan State Parks and creating visuals, the ambassador program is taking applications!
exploremichiganmore
26 likes • 889 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Updated Campground Map

The official campground map may be outdated; check the reservation system map for current site numbers and features. Reddit :world_map:

Dog-Friendly Trails

While dogs aren't allowed on the main Lake Huron beach, many trails are dog-friendly. Reddit :dog:

Beach Amenities

The groomed beach has a pavilion with picnic tables, a drinking fountain, and rinse-off spouts. Reddit :beach_umbrella:

State Park Pass Needed

Remember to purchase a Michigan State Park pass in addition to your camping fees. Reddit :ticket:

Explore Nearby

Consider visiting nearby attractions like Ocqueoc Falls or St. Ignace for a fuller experience. Reddit :compass:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(622 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cheboygan State Park for its beautiful Lake Huron beach, shallow bay ideal for families, and well-maintained trails. The recent campground upgrades are a plus, though some note sites can be close. While the park offers a serene escape, some find the beach rocky and wish for more updated playground equipment.

"Beautiful beach with lots of rocks and to the east a shallow bay that's great for little kids."

Cameron Denlinger

"Camped here week after Memorial Day 2024. Nice quiet park. They closed campground in 2023 to update electricity to sites - all sights now have new 20 & 30 amp pedestals. They are scheduled to close & replace the bathroom/shower building later in 2024 - the current one is old but was clean & had nice hot showers. The sites along Duncan Bay are my favorite with most having a short trail to the bay - others can access the bay via the carry-in water access. The bay is very shallow & rocky but beautiful. The park has a groomed beach (no dogs allowed) across the bay from the campground that you can drive to or you can hike a long trail through the woods to miles of empty beach on Lake Huron. Sites are not real big & are pretty close together but most (especially the row on the bay) have a good stand of trees between sites. Campground Map on State Parks page is wrong - there are only 72 sites now & they moved a lot of the numbers around this year - my photos have the updated map which matches the reservation system map - I was told green sites are shaded & yellow sites are in sun - which looks about right - the site I had was in full shade & is green on the new map but the description said full sun when I booked it probably because it was yellow & across the road on the old map."

Patrick Kramer

"One of our favorite beaches in town to swim at. The water is warm, the sand is soft, and the shoreline is big, there is plenty of room to find a spot on the beach or use a picnic table ( if available) and not be crowded. There is a nice pavilion with picnic tables, and a drinking fountain, and a rinse off spout . Bathrooms and changing rooms inside the pavilion building. There is a small playground that needs to be updated, but the kids still enjoy playing on it!
Only bummer is no dogs allowed on the beach. I've never camped here though so I don't know how the campsites are."

Christine Armentrout

What People Like

Beautiful Lake Huron beach
Shallow bay for kids
Updated campground amenities

What People Dislike

Rocky beach areas
Dated playground equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cheboygan State Park is located in Cheboygan, Michigan. It's accessible by car via US-23. The park is well-marked from the main roads. TikTok

Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best to travel by car. TikTok

The park has a campground and various trails. A park map is recommended for navigating between the campground, beaches, and trailheads. TikTokReddit

Yes, there are several RV parks in and around Cheboygan, MI, offering alternatives if the state park campground is full. TikTok

Yes, the park is situated along the Inland Waterway, offering access for boaters to Mullett Lake and Lake Huron. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for entry into Cheboygan State Park, in addition to any camping or cabin fees. Reddit

Camping fees vary depending on the site type and season. It's recommended to check the official Michigan State Parks website for current pricing and availability. Reddit

Absolutely! Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for summer and weekends, as campsites can book up quickly. Reddit+1

State parks are generally open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. However, campground hours and access may vary. Check the official website for specific details. Instagram

Michigan residents can purchase an annual Recreation Passport at a lower cost than non-residents. Check the Michigan DNR website for details. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming, sunbathing on the beach, hiking woodland trails, fishing, boating, and camping. Instagram+1

Yes, the shallow bay is great for young children, and there's a small playground. The beach and trails offer family fun. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park offers easy-to-navigate trails, including a scenic beach trail. InstagramReddit

Fishing is permitted in the park's waters, including Duncan Bay and Lake Huron. Ensure you have a valid Michigan fishing license. Instagram

Wi-Fi availability can be spotty in state parks. It's best to assume limited or no Wi-Fi and download any necessary information beforehand. TikTok

🎫 🏕️ Camping & Lodging

The park offers campsites with updated electrical hookups (20 & 30 amp). Rustic cabins are also available for rent. InstagramReddit

Yes, Cheboygan State Park offers rustic cabins, providing a comfortable lodging option for visitors. InstagramReddit

The campground has restrooms, showers with hot water, a dump station, and fresh water spigots. Reddit

While dogs are not allowed on the main Lake Huron beach, they are generally permitted in the campground and on most trails. Reddit

Green sites are typically shaded, while yellow sites are in full sun. However, always double-check site descriptions when booking. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Lake Huron beach offers stunning sunrise views, and the woodland trails provide opportunities for nature photography. Instagram+1

The Lake Huron shoreline is renowned for its beautiful sunrises, making it a prime spot for photographers. Instagram

You might spot various birds and other small woodland creatures along the trails. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations. TikTok

Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light offer the best photographic conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cheboygan State Park is a fantastic choice for families. The shallow, rocky bay of Duncan Bay is perfect for toddlers and young children to safely play in the water. Reddit The park also features a small playground that, while needing updates, is still enjoyed by kids. Reddit For a more adventurous outing, the woodland trails offer easy-to-navigate paths for family hikes, and the beach trail provides a scenic route to the Lake Huron shoreline. Reddit Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be aware that dogs are not permitted on the main Lake Huron beach. Reddit

🏕️ Campers and RVers

Campers will appreciate the recent upgrades to the campground at Cheboygan State Park, including new 20 and 30 amp electrical hookups at all sites. Reddit While sites can be close, many offer good tree cover and some provide direct access to Duncan Bay. Reddit Essential amenities like restrooms, showers, a dump station, and fresh water are available. Reddit It's crucial to consult the updated campground map when booking, as site numbers and layouts have changed. Reddit For RVers, there are also RV parks near Cheboygan MI if the state park is full. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

Cheboygan State Park offers a rewarding experience for hikers with its network of woodland trails. Instagram+1 These trails provide opportunities to explore the park's diverse natural environment, from dense forests to the scenic Lake Huron shoreline via the dedicated beach trail. Reddit The trails are generally easy to navigate, making them accessible for most fitness levels. Reddit Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Michigan. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Beaches of Cheboygan State Park

Cheboygan State Park boasts two distinct beach experiences, catering to different preferences. The Lake Huron Beach is a vast expanse of sand, perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and capturing breathtaking sunrises. It's a more open and wilder feel, offering miles of undeveloped shoreline. Instagram This area is ideal for those seeking a classic beach day with plenty of space to spread out. Remember, this beach is dog-free to maintain its pristine condition. Reddit

For families with younger children, Duncan Bay offers a gentler alternative. This shallow, rocky bay provides a safe and fun environment for little ones to splash and play without the concern of deep water. The campground is conveniently located near Duncan Bay, making it easy to access for a quick dip or a leisurely afternoon. Reddit While the bay is more sheltered, it's still a beautiful spot to enjoy the water and the natural surroundings. Instagram

Both beach areas are accessible, though the Lake Huron beach might require a hike through the woods for a more secluded experience. Instagram Regardless of which beach you choose, the clear waters of the Great Lakes and the sandy shores promise a memorable visit. Instagram

Camping and Cabin Stays

Cheboygan State Park is a popular destination for campers, offering a range of experiences. The campground has been updated with new electrical hookups (20 and 30 amp) at all sites, enhancing comfort for RV and trailer users. Reddit While the sites are described as not being overly large and can be close together, many along Duncan Bay offer a short trail to the bay itself, providing convenient access. Reddit The park also provides essential amenities like restrooms, showers with hot water, a dump station, and fresh water spigots. Reddit

For those seeking a more rustic experience without the need for a tent or RV, rustic cabins are available for rent. Instagram These cabins offer a comfortable base for exploring the park and its surroundings. It's important to note that the park's campground map has undergone recent changes, so it's advisable to consult the most up-to-date map available through the reservation system to ensure you select the best site for your needs. Reddit Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as these accommodations are in high demand. Reddit

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

The park offers a network of woodland trails that cater to various fitness levels, making it a great spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Instagram+1 These trails wind through the park's natural beauty, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. The beach trail is particularly scenic, offering a picturesque route to the Lake Huron shoreline. Reddit Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating hike, Cheboygan State Park has options to suit your adventure. Instagram

Beyond hiking, the park's location on the Inland Waterway and Lake Huron opens up possibilities for boating and fishing. Instagram+1 Visitors can launch their boats from designated areas and explore the waters, or cast a line in hopes of a catch. Remember to check local regulations and obtain any necessary fishing licenses before you begin. Instagram The combination of trails and water access makes Cheboygan State Park a versatile destination for outdoor recreation. Instagram

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