Interlochen State Park
Interlochen State Park
Interlochen State Park
4
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Restaurants
13 within 3 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
112 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
40
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Jacque
4 contributions
Aug 2021
I am always happy to come back to this state park - well maintained grounds and bathhouses and the scenery is beautiful. Park rangers "patrol" often through the park. Quiet in the evening. A bonus is hearing the musicians at the music camp next door. Always feels like an old-fashioned camping experience. Close to Traverse City and Glen Arbor. Love this state park!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
92 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Interlochen State Park has it all for campers with families. Beach, playground, boat ramps, store, ball fields and courts.
I really wanted to give it 5 stars but couldn’t due to the way sites are so crowded. There are many with space but we were not in them.
Clue - generally the lower number camp spaces side are bigger.
I really wanted to give it 5 stars but couldn’t due to the way sites are so crowded. There are many with space but we were not in them.
Clue - generally the lower number camp spaces side are bigger.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZeelandScoutMom
Ottawa County, MI870 contributions
Jul 2023
This was our first time to explore Interlochen State Park. What a beautiful spot! This well maintained park had a great beach area with boat ramps, a store, camping spaces and a few cabins and more.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Culture28682
Toledo, OH1 contribution
Interlochen State Park is a beautiful campground set right on Duck Lake, which is large, clean and perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing. It is ideal for families of all ages. The campgrounds are clean and there are a variety of places to travel to within a short drive such as lake Michigan, Traverse City and others. The Interlochen Academy for the Arts is a short walk across the street where you can enjoy a concert, show, art displays, or just a free practice session. I grew up camping here in the summer and I am now old enough to appreciate it as an adult.
Some advice when visiting:
The sites in the North Camp tend to be a little sunnier than the South Camp, though South Camp has hills that kids like to ride bikes on.
The lake usually has "swimmers itch" which can be combatted by towel drying off when leaving the water, or wearing sunscreen seems to help, or showering in the evening after a day of swimming.
Some advice when visiting:
The sites in the North Camp tend to be a little sunnier than the South Camp, though South Camp has hills that kids like to ride bikes on.
The lake usually has "swimmers itch" which can be combatted by towel drying off when leaving the water, or wearing sunscreen seems to help, or showering in the evening after a day of swimming.
Written July 27, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BuckelFamily
Millington, MI19 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
This is roughly our 5th vacation to the beautiful state park. During this trip, we stayed for 4 nights (Mon-Fri). Although reservations are recommended for most state parks, we had no problem getting a site during the week without them. In fact, during our stay, about 1/3 - 1/4 of the sites were unoccupied. The sites are well used, but are huge, with plenty of trees, and well maintained. Those along the outer edges offer the most privacy. Most sites are hard packed dirt, but some are paved or have wood chips. Bathrooms and showers were always clean, but you have to air dry after hand washing as paper towels and/or electric dryers are not provided.
The beach area was quite nice with plenty of picnic tables, grills, and a playground. The water was wonderfully refreshing and clear. Signs are posted warning of possible swimmers itch so play it safe and shower after swimming. Kayaks and paddleboards were available to rent from the park store. The store carried your usual souvenirs: beach toys, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, trinkets, postcards, as well as firewood, snacks, candy, fresh pizza, and several flavors of slushies (a kid favorite!). Two grocery stores and a large gas station/convenience store are located just a few miles from camp.
Interlochen State Park is centrally located to many wonderful destinations! Adjacent to Interlochen Fine Arts Camp, check the schedule for dance/art/musical performances. During our stay we could hear the band practicing and walked over one evening to watch the marching band practice. The Platt River Fish Hatchery is about a 10 minute drive from the park, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another 25 minutes from there. A day trip around M-22 takes you to the charming towns of Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport, and Suttons Bay. Plan another day in the resort town of Traverse City with its beautiful beaches, biking trails, fun shopping, and plenty of restaurants. Don't forget a trip up Old Mission Peninsula for breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, a lighthouse on the 45th parallel, vineyards, and cherry orchards, Beware that traffic in and around TC is bad, but made especially horrible during morning and evening rush hour.
Evenings at Interlochen State Park are wonderfully quiet and relaxing. Sit around your campfire, enjoy the breeze off the lake, and plan your next day's activities.
The beach area was quite nice with plenty of picnic tables, grills, and a playground. The water was wonderfully refreshing and clear. Signs are posted warning of possible swimmers itch so play it safe and shower after swimming. Kayaks and paddleboards were available to rent from the park store. The store carried your usual souvenirs: beach toys, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, trinkets, postcards, as well as firewood, snacks, candy, fresh pizza, and several flavors of slushies (a kid favorite!). Two grocery stores and a large gas station/convenience store are located just a few miles from camp.
Interlochen State Park is centrally located to many wonderful destinations! Adjacent to Interlochen Fine Arts Camp, check the schedule for dance/art/musical performances. During our stay we could hear the band practicing and walked over one evening to watch the marching band practice. The Platt River Fish Hatchery is about a 10 minute drive from the park, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another 25 minutes from there. A day trip around M-22 takes you to the charming towns of Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport, and Suttons Bay. Plan another day in the resort town of Traverse City with its beautiful beaches, biking trails, fun shopping, and plenty of restaurants. Don't forget a trip up Old Mission Peninsula for breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, a lighthouse on the 45th parallel, vineyards, and cherry orchards, Beware that traffic in and around TC is bad, but made especially horrible during morning and evening rush hour.
Evenings at Interlochen State Park are wonderfully quiet and relaxing. Sit around your campfire, enjoy the breeze off the lake, and plan your next day's activities.
Written August 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave H
Rochester, MN217 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
This was a beautiful campground and a great location within easy driving distance to Frankfort, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and about an hour from Manistee or Kalkaska. It's a very beautiful area. The campsites are big. BUT. They don't warn you to stay away from camping in the north Campground. You see, it's just over the fence from the band camp, and at 8:00 you hear three whistles, then band time. If the band would play a song all the way through - or a few songs, that would be one thing. But it's a few bars, then talk, then repeat the few bars...a little cadence, then talk. It was annoying to just sit and read or nap. The music was done at dark - about 9:30. So unless you love band practice, stay in the south campground. Also, there is no water in this campground except at the dump station, which surprised me.
Written August 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don R
Palos Park, IL9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Great location , but one of the worst camping experiences ever. There is absolutely ZERO privacy or seclusion. It is wide open with camper, next to camper, next to trailered boat, next to car, etc. We literally listened to our neighbor snoring all night. Would only go back if there was other option...
Written July 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arnjolt
Milford, MI17 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
I have camped here since 2005. Every year. Sometimes twice a year. The rustic side has clean sites, vault toilets, an empty lake, and plenty of space between the sites. You also have access to the bathrooms on the modern side if you want to shower. You are close enough to Tom's Market to get anything you need. Traverse City is a short trip, or even head a bit more north and visit some wineries.
If you are possibly thinking of camping here, do it. At night you can see the milky way in a way you never have before.
If you are possibly thinking of camping here, do it. At night you can see the milky way in a way you never have before.
Written January 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flowerhead2
Northville, MI91 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I would have given this park 5 stars were it not for the fact that, like another reviewer stated, quiet hours are not enforced at this park...but then I've found that's the case at every Michigan state park I've been to. You simply are at the mercy of your neighbors; depending on who they are, you may have a good experience or a bad one. I camped twice at Interlochen: first at the rustic campground, and then at the modern one. I was fortunate when I camped at the rustic one not to encounter generator noise; I only learned later when I camped at another rustic campground, Fisherman's Island, just how lucky I was. It simply never occurred to me that people with huge RVs would spoil the serenity of rustic campgrounds by running a generator all night! What, was the modern campground full? Anyway, I didn't have any such trouble at Interlochen's rustic campground, but I know now that I could in the future. I had a wonderful site overlooking Green Lake, but the trees that once provided shade in this campground have mostly been cut down due to disease, so be aware that older photos of the campground may not be accurate. The next time I camped at Intelochen I chose the modern campground, because I'd been impressed that they still had abundant shade trees there. This campground is on Duck Lake, which has a sandy beach, warm shallow water, and a camp store. (You do have to take swimmers itch precautions, though.) It seemed to be a very family-oriented park, but this time I did have the misfortune to have noisy, drunken neighbors for the first night. What a bummer! Especially when I gave up on sleep and went for a walk at 1 am and found the rest of the campground was peaceful and silent! Which just goes to show how dependent upon others' behavior your experience will be. Anyway, the best thing about this state park is its proximity to both Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes, made affordable because you're staying at a campground, not some overpriced hotel. Drive due north and you're in the city, due west and you're at Frankfort and the Dunes. However, during the summer, when the area is inundated with tourists, expect traffic headaches, especially in Traverse City, which becomes just as congested as any other urban area. Next time, I think I'll camp in the fall, after most of the tourists have gone because the kids are back in school. That should solve the problem of both traffic and bad neighbors!
Written November 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
campgirl70
Saint Clair Shores, MI12 contributions
My family and two other families wanted to camp together. The park was very accomodating. There was a lot to do including swimming, boating, hiking, kayak rental, and playgrounds for the kids. We brought our bikes and they came in very handy. We had a great camping experience (despite one rainy day!), but they also have cabins available to rent for the less rugged outdoor enthusiast.
Written December 23, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i like to cook over an open fire, and sit around a camp fire,,, can i bring fire wood,,, or how do i get firewood for my visit
Cindy K
Reese, MI4 contributions
Is there extra parking if you have more than 2 cars coming to your site?
susieQ49_62
parma,ohio83 contributions
There are some parking lots, near the office. With lots of room for parking. But on the campsites, don't think you can have more than 2 vehicles. And really too small.
scotti6845
Montague, MI
How much are the sites and do we need reservations during the week
susieQ49_62
parma,ohio83 contributions
If you want a good spot....you must make reservations. There are some really good spots, and some really bad! We made our reservations exactly 6 months in advance. Best spot, directly on the lake.
Roberta B
Chicago, IL45 contributions
A friend from France is looking for a boys' camp to send his son to for 2 weeks. Is Interlochen something he could be interested in? His son is 14 years old.
Rebecca W
McBain, MI31 contributions
It's not a camp, it is a park with camping facilities. Intrlochen school of arts is something that must be applied and accepted to, if that is what you meant. It's a fine arts academy that runs an amazing summer program.
magan44
Dorr, MI
Is there a lot of swimmers itch during the summer? We want to go there for 4 days with little kids and heard there was a summers itch a lot.
flowerhead2
Northville, MI91 contributions
I never got it and I never heard any other campers mention it. You can purchase an overpriced dinky bottle of preventative I've seen at camp stores (and I'm sure online) but I just did what one of the park workers recommended and wore sunblock, which I have to do anyway cuz I burn. I've since googled swimmer's itch and sunblock is indeed recommended. I know people who got swimmer's itch at Higgins Lake and they never got it again after they started using sunblock. Hope this helps!
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Claim your listingInterlochen State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Interlochen State Park
- Hotels near Interlochen State Park:
- (0.37 mi) The Stone Hotel and Cottages
- (0.49 mi) Between the Lakes Bed and Breakfast
- (3.68 mi) Lake 'N Pines Lodge
- (1.24 mi) Adorable Cabin Duck Lake Peninsula (1 bedroom)
- (0.69 mi) Charming Duck Lake, Lakefront! Minutes from Interlochen Arts School
- Restaurants near Interlochen State Park:
- (0.32 mi) Melody Freeze Cafe
- (1.18 mi) Bud's
- (8.45 mi) Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
- (1.46 mi) Hofbrau
- (6.64 mi) Boone's Long Lake Inn
- Attractions near Interlochen State Park:
- (0.40 mi) Interlochen Center for the Arts
- (4.79 mi) Escapology
- (7.84 mi) Lake Ann Brewing Company
- (2.14 mi) Blue Vase Book Exchange
- (8.77 mi) Brewery Terra Firma