Burt Lake State Park
(directly across the street from Big Bear)
6635 State Park Dr.
Indian River, MI 49749
(231) 238-9392 (for group campsite reservations)
(800) 44-PARKS (for regular campsite reservations & picnic shelter)
Website: www.michigan.gov/stateparks
Burt Lake offers over 2000 feet of sandy each, campsites (some handicapped accessible) under towering oak and pine trees, electricity, flush toilets, and showers. The park is open April - November and also has a one-mile hiking trail and great boating and fishing with boat launch, Sturgeon River frontage, and access to the whole Inland Waterway (Michigan's longest chain of rivers of lakes).
Next to the campground and beach is a large, day-use picnic area complete with tables, grills, shelter, and playground equipment (vehicle permit required: $10 for "Recreation Passport" which is good for access to all MI State Parks all year. Out-of-State License plates must pay $8/day pass). The picnic shelter can be reserved for special group outings for $50 / day.
Burt Lake State Park also has an Organization Campground, which is a rustic, forested campsite (no electrical hook-up, no pop-up campers, trailers, or motorhomes) with vault toilets (handicapped accessible) and water spigot, specifically designed for organized youth groups (i.e. schools, scouts, and church groups). This area can accommodate up to 50 people and averages only about $3 per person, per night!!
Indian River Resort RV & Campground
(4 miles North of Big Bear Adventures)
561 N. Straits Hwy.
Indian River, MI 49749
(231) 238-0035 or (888) 792-CAMP
Open May thru Oct. 1, Indian River Resort RV & Campground offers 140 shaded sites (27 with hook-up), 7 camping cabins. Also included: showers, modern restrooms, heated pool, arcade, store, laundry, playground, pavilion, propane and hayrides. There are designated areas for large groups and group rates available. Home of the "Happy Camper!"
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
(4 miles East of Big Bear Adventures)
2201 East M-68
Indian River, MI 49749
(231) 238-8259 or (800) 558-2954
Camping season open May 15 thru Sept. 15, also year-round reservations available. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers 173 spacious wooded sites with picnic table and fire ring, a hiking path, wagon trail, and Camping Cabins. Also included: gameroom with pool tables, playground, outdoor theatre, and heated swimming pool in the shape of Michigan! Great atmosphere for young famililes. Where you camp with friends!
Haakwood State Forest Campgrounds
If your looking for a quiet and more rustic outdoor experience, this small campground offers 18 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets and hand pumps. Riverside sites available on the Sturgeon River– great opportunity for trout fishing! The campsites are available on a first come, first served basis (sorry, no reservations accepted) and there is no one on duty and no phones. The camping fee is $15 per campsite / per night, and can be paid by cash or check (to "State of Michigan") and deposited in a fee collection pipe. Located on the East side of S. Straits Hwy. (Old U.S. 27) exactly 2 miles North of Wolverine (I-75 exit 301) and 8 miles South of Big Bear Adventures (I-75 exit 310).