> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.stateparkbuddy.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Interlochen State Park Field Report: Visiting and camping at Michigan's very first state park. - URL: https://www.stateparkbuddy.com/interlochen-state-park-field-report-visiting-and-camping-at-michigans-very-first-state-park/ - Published: 2026-10-22T17:00:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T17:00:58.000Z - Description: Interlochen State Park is well situated to enjoy what Northern Michigan has to offer. - Author: Brandon Johnson - Tags: #field-report, Michigan State Parks, Michigan Camping, Dog Friendly, Interlochen State Park, Traverse City, Northern Michigan, Grand Traverse County, Camping, Boating & Paddling *Disclosure: State Park Buddy contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.* ## Top things to know about Interlochen **The TLDR on Interlochen State Park** - Michigan's *first* state park, est. 1917 - Located between two gorgeous lakes where you can swim, fish, boat, paddle board, kayak, etc. - Perfect base for exploring Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau counties - Walking distance from Interlochen Center for the Arts, making it a great place to stay if you're attending an Interlochen concert. - Both modern and rustic campgrounds to choose from. Sounds like your kind of place? Keep reading. *Interlochen State Park stretches along the shores of both Duck Lake and Green Lake, close to many popular destinations in Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties.* --- **Just outside the tiny town of Interlochen and right next to the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy, you'll find Michigan's very first state park.** Interlochen, of course, means "between lakes", and that's exactly where you'll be — between Green Lake on the west and Duck Lake on the East. The day-use beach and modern campground spread out along Duck Lake, and the rustic campground is along Green Lake. We found a weekend to visit at the end of September and it was perfect. The nights were on the cold side, but the days were a lovely 70 degrees, and the water was still warm enough for one last swim before saying goodbye to summer for the year. Interlochen Arts Academy is right across the street and the campus buzz definitely adds to the atmosphere. You can even sometimes hear student concerts and outdoor recitals — not to mention the Interlochen Arts Festival concert series in the summer. ## Let's get into it: - **[Overview](#Overview)** - [The Lowdown on Interlochen](#Overview) - [What to do](#What-to-do) - [Who is this park for?](#Who-is-this-park-for) - **[Plan your visit](#Planning)** - [Visiting Interlochen for the day](#Visiting-for-the-day) - [Camping at Interlochen](#camping-at-Interlochen) - [Getting to and into the park](#getting-to-the-park) - [Where to eat](#Where-to-eat) - [What if it rains](#what-if-it-rains) - **[Buddy's take: Dogs in the park](#Buddy-Take)** - **[Further reading & Resources](#Further-reading)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Buddy-at-Sunrise-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Girl-with-fire-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Buddy-with-Station-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/girl-and-buddy-at-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Boy-on-Duck-Lake-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg) **Late summer vibes at Interlochen State Park* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Overview-Graphic-Interlochen.png) ## The lowdown on Interlochen State Park ### Are there beaches? Hell yeah. There are a number of points you can access the water for swimming, but the only beach with sand and the whole nine yards is in the day-use area of the park on Duck Lake, between the North and South Modern Campgrounds. It's a great beach for kids—shallow for a long ways out, and there's also a playground. Do watch out for swimmer's itch, though, especially during the warmer months. Plan on showering off as soon as possible after swimming, or at least towel off really well. ![The day-use beach at Interlochen State Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Day-Use-Beach-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) **The day-use beach at Interlochen State Park is great—just watch out for swimmer's itch* ### How's the park store? **Interlochen Park Store**, which is owned by a company called **Simple Adventures** *seems* cool, but they had closed up shop after Labor Day. It's right next to the beach in the day-use area, according to the park website they sell food, camping supplies, firewood, ice, park souvenir concessions and rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. ![Sign for the Interlochen State Park Store](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Park-Store-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) **Sadly the Interlochen State Park Store was closed for the season* ### Is there a playground? - The largest playground is in the day-use area, right next to the beach - There's also a small playground in the South Campground, next to the boat launch - In the North Campground you'll find a basketbal court, a volleyball court and a baseball field. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Train-at-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Small-playground-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) **Left, train's part of the playground near the day-use beach; Right, from a smaller playground in the South Campground.* ### Is there boating access? Boy, is there. Within the state park, you'll find boat launches: - In the day use area and the South Campground for Duck Lake. - In the Rustic Campground for Green Lake. - There are also public boat launches for each lake ![The boat launch at sunrise, in the South Campground.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/boat-launch-Interlachen-State-Park.jpeg) **The boat launch at sunrise, in the South Campground.* ### Where to get firewood While the park is open (early summer through labor day), the park store in the day use area is your best bet. Otherwise, Tom's Food Market and Interlochen Party Store both sell firewood. *Note: Please source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant disease.* ### The bathroom situation This is a pretty big park, and as such there are a lot of bathrooms to talk about. Here's how it breaks down: - **The day-use area** includes modern bathrooms, no showers. Clealiness 8.5/10. - The South Campground includes 2 modern bathroom facilities with showers. - The bathroom on the south end feels brand new and is quite nice. Cleanliness 9.5/10 - The bathroom toward the middle of the campground had clearly been built some years earlier, but was still nice and there are showers. Cleanliness 8/10 - The North Campground also includes 2 of those bathroom facilities with showers that feel brand new. Clealiness undetermined because we didn't have time to check them out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Inside-bathroom-Interlochen-State-PArk.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Modern-Bathroom-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) **Interlochen State Park has some newer bathrooms that are quite nice—this one doubles as a tornado shelter.* ### How far off the grid are we talking? **If you're looking for a campground where your phone doesn't even work, this isn't the place.** - Our mobile service (Verizon) was excellent, and it seems to be the same for AT&T and T-Mobile. - During the peak of summer, especially when there's a concert at Interlochen State Park, network congestion *can* slow things down a bit. - Like the majority of Michigan state parks, there is no park Wi-Fi. *Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.* ### You can charge your electric vehicle for free There are two free chargers in the day-use area, making this an ideal park to visit if you drive an electric vehicle. ![The Charging Station at Interlochen State Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Charging-Station-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) **The Charging Station at Interlochen State Park* --- ## What to do at Interlochen Interlochen State Park is in close proximity to a great deal of the attractions people typically seek out in Northern Michigan. There are so many things to do around here you could write a whole book about it, so for this report, I'll just focus on what there is to do in the town of Interlochen and within the park itself. ### Hit the water Swimming, boating, kayaking whatever you like to do in the water, there are two different lakes to do it all. These inland lakes are quite calm, which makes them great for paddleboarding, which we actually got to do during our visit. An inflatable stand up paddleboad like the [iRocker](https://link.amazon/A06KV5Rkr?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) works well for camping. ![Paddleboarding on Duck Lake in Interlochen State Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Kids-Paddleboarding-Duck-Lake-Interlochen-State-Park-1.jpg) **Paddleboarding on Duck Lake* ### Go Fishing Bass, pike and bluegill can be found in both lakes during the summer months. Smelt and pike are favorites of anglers who like ice fishing. ### Attend a concert at Interlochen Arts Academy McLain state park is perfectly situated to [explore Keweenaw](https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com). The Porcupine Mountains are about an hour away, and Marquette is about 2 hours away. Stay a while, and use McLain State Park as your home base for day trips. ### Play some team sports At Interlochen State Park you'll find a basketball court, volleyball court and a baseball diamond. #### \*For a full list of available activities, [check out the official Interlochen State Park site](https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/interlochen?ref=stateparkbuddy.com). \* ## Who is this park for? *Yes, Michigan parks are for everyone. But here's who might get the most out of Interlochen State Park:* ### Active families Between the beach, watersports opportunities, biking, hiking trails, baskeball court, softball field, volleyball courts and more, there's alot to do at this park if you like to stay active. If you like to camp with a large group and need things to do, this is a great park for that. ### Interlochen Arts Academy families If you have students enrolled at Interlochen Arts Academy, this would be a great way to visit on a budget—while the park is still open anyway. Especially since hotel options close to Interlochen are limited. ### Northern Michigan Explorers. Interlochen State Park is a great central location for exploring Grand Traverse, Lelanau and Benzie counties, which includes lots of wineries, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and some amazing restaurants. ### Boaters There are three boat launches between two lakes at Interlochen State Park, which makes it a great place to bring a boat. ![Planning your trip to Interlochen State Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Planning-Graphic-Interlochen.jpg) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/09/Passport-Guide-Callout-2.png)](https://www.stateparkbuddy.com/your-michigan-state-park-adventures-begin-with-a-recreation-passport/) ## When to go to Interlochen State Park #### Late-June thru mid-August is a fun, but busy time to visit As with every park in Michigan, this is the most popular time to visit. And with good reason, as the weather is warmer, the days are longer and the concert season at Interlochen Academy for the Arts is in full swing. The Modern Campgrounds in particular book up pretty far ahead of time, though, so if you want to guarantee a spot book 6 months ahead of time. #### If you can make it, Labor Day through mid October is ideal We visited the park the last weekend of September and it was a very chill vibe. The park was about two-thirds full, the weather was 70s in the afternoon and the water was still warm enough to swim. And, due to the cooler weather, there weren't many insects at all. #### Late-May through early-June is great if you want to be alone. If you crave solitiude while camping, this is when you'll find it. The campground is open but not busy. And while the water's probably too cold for swimming, you can do plenty of lakeside wandering. #### December through March is great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiiing and ice fishing The campground will be closed, but you can still acess the park if you want a lovely place to move in the snow or go ice fishing on Green or Duck Lake. ## Visiting Interlochen State Park for the day ### Hours and dates - The park is open year-round for paddling, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and winter recreation. - Park hours are 8am to 10pm. ### What to expect - Day-use parking is located in the central portion of the park along the shore of Duck Lake, as well as near the Green Lake boat launch. - The Interlochen State Park Store offers snacks, souvenirs, ice, firewood, and basic camping supplies. - Modern restrooms and beach house facilities are available in the main day-use area along Duck Lake. - A playground and picnic area with shelters are located adjacent to the Duck Lake swim beach and day-use parking. - Leashed pets are welcome in designated areas of the park, including green spaces and trails, but are restricted from designated swim beaches. - In the winter, park roads and trails offer access for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing on both Duck Lake and Green Lake. ## Camping at Interlochen There are two distinct camping vibes at Interlochen State Park. - **The Duck Lake Modern Campground** on the east side, with full hookups, modern bathroom facilities and a lively atmosphere. The sites here are little closer together, and there are also cabins available to rent along the shoreline. - The Green Lake Rustic Campground on the west side, with no hookups, vault toilets and a quieter feel. The sites on this side tend to be further apart and offer a lot more privacy and solitude. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Interlochen-Campsites-annotated.png) ### Dates & rates - Duck Lake Modern Campground - 392 campsites - The North Campground open for camping April 22 - Oct 31 - The South Campground open for caming May 15-Sept 30 - $37/night for 50-amp sites - $32/night for 30-amp sites - 2 Rent-A-Tents available - $60/night - Army-style tents on a platform that sleep six and include two sets of bunkbeds and two cots. Electricity and a light available. - 3 Camper Cabins - $120/night - Includes basic electric heat/appliances (refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker) but do not have indoor plumbing, meaning you'll need to use nearby restrooms or vault toilets - Green Lake Rustic Campground - 52 campsites - $20/night ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Camper-at-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg) 🚿 Pro Tip: Just because you're staying in the rustic campground doesn't mean you can't enjoy a hot shower or a toilet that flushes. It's about a mile to walk or drive over to the modern campground, and you're free to use it. ### Campsite intel #### Our site actually ended up being pretty good. 499 was roomy, fairly private, and we could see a sliver of Duck Lake through the trees. There was also a small playground right across from us, which would be great if you have younger kids. #### For the best views If you're just looking at the campground maps, you'll see a number of sites along the lake in all three campgrounds. This doens't necessarily mean you're getting a great water view, though, as in many cases trees are obscuring the view. Also keep in mind that you don't necessarily have water access right there at your site. Most of the sites are on a ridge above the water, with a steel hill and dense vegetation between you and the water. **South Campground** The sites with the best views are 401, 369, 371, 373, 377 and 385. ![South Campground notes.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/South-Campground-notes-1.png) **North Campground** The sites with the best views are 11,13, 12, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37 and 43 ![Slice 2.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Slice-2.png) **Rustic Campground** The sites with the best views are 600, 707, 718, 720, 726 ![Rustic campground notes.png](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Rustic-campground-notes.png) #### For big RVs and/or bad parkers - **North Campground** 364 is quite roomy; 356 and 360 are pull-thrus. No 50-amp sites on this side. - **South Campground** This seems to be the roomier of the campsites, with a number of pull-thrus that are 50 amp sites. #### Our picks for the best sites - Overall best site might just be 43\. It's paved and has an amazing view. - 377 and 373 also have great views, are quiet roomy and have beach access. - If you're looking for something with a ton of space, near the good bathrooms and where you'll see less traffic, 369 and 371 would both be great. ### Sites with potential problems - South Campground is a bit hilly, but for the most part the park has done a great job of keeping sites level. There are some exceptions, however. - 500 slopes down quite a bit, especially at the entrance. It does seem to level off at the bottom, but it could still be an issue if you have a longer RV—or if it rains and water gets funnelled down to you. ### Reserving your site Reservations open six months out. Book your site as far in advance as possible to increase your chances of getting a good site (or getting a site at all). If you're feeling lucky, you can just show up without a reservation, but be warned: the campground tends to fill up fast, especially one the weekends and during the peak summer months. [Reserve your site](https://midnrreservations.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) at Michigan's DNR website ## What to bring Not a full camping supply list, but some of the extra things you might want to bring to Interlochen State Park in particular. **Beach stuff** Bring your [swimsuits](https://www.lookaboutswimwear.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorTh7x9XPcQqSkelvE4Fs77PYRE2m2DLH7VvWbZg7NZzibbzTnU&ref=stateparkbuddy.com), sun screen, inner tubes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. **Sports equipment** Interlochen State Park has a basketball court, volleyball court and a softball field. If that sounds like your jam, make sure to pack some balls. ## Getting groceries While it's always a good idea to stock up on your favorite camping foods before leaving home, Interlochen State Park isn't far at all from all your standard grocery store options: - [Tom's Market is just over two miles away](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vLjkbXxL6YNEPj3R8?ref=stateparkbuddy.com), and they'll have everything you'd need. ![Toms-Sign-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Toms-Sign-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) - If you're looking for better prices, [drive a little further to Meijer](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UTvCPpEQjQaQ52RV7?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) in Traverse City. 🥟 Pro tip: Grab pasties on your way into camp for an easy, delicious, classic U.P. dinner that will be ready once you've set up camp. We got [Roy's in Houghton](https://royspasties.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) and it was legit. ## Getting to and into the park ### Gassing up [Interlochen EZ Mart](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DHKmHyiepEDCvidz9?ref=stateparkbuddy.com), on the corner of Hwy 31 and J. Maddy Parkway is going to be your most convenient option, and the prices are similar to what you'll find in Traverse City. ### Checking in at Interlochen. - Stop at the Contact Station to check in, grab a park map and get your parking pass. - If the station is closed, go ahead and find your campsite. You can check in tomorrow. ### Finding your campsite - To get to the modern campsites on Duck Lake, continue past the contact station and follow the signs to get to your site. The South Campground will be to the right and the North Campground will be to the right. - For the rustic campsites, you'll need to turn around (there's a loop at the contact station) and head back out to the main road where you'll turn left, then drive about a half mile down the road where you'll turn right. There are actually three entrances into the rustic campground, so pay attention to the signs that show which site numbers are at which entrance. ### Using the sanitation station - If you have an RV and need to fill your tank with potable water or dump, there is a sanitation station for each of the modern campsites, located near their entrances. - If you're staying at a rustic site, you still have access to the sanitation stations — just know that they're on the modern campground side. After checking in, drive toward one of the modern campgrounds and you'll see the sign. ## Where to eat when you're not cooking at camp There are many options for dining out within half an hour of Interlochen State Park, including the culinary mecca that is Traverse City. But if you're looking for something closer, here are some restaurants right in Interlochen that we can vouch for: ### [Bud's](https://www.budsmi.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) Bud's is just over a mile from the Park and is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee and Wi-Fi. ### [Hofbrau](https://www.hofbrausteakhouse.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) Just a little further down the road is Hofbrau Steak House and American Grille, an Interlochen institution and a great dinner spot. ## What if it rains? You can only read books, play cards and nap for so long. Here are some activities in the area for rainy days. - **Catch a movie** in [Traverse City](https://stateandbijou.org/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) or [Frankfort](https://gardentheater.org/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) - **Capture your aura** with a portrpait at [The Open Aura](https://www.theopenaura.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) in Traverse City - **Go bowling** at [Incredible Mo's](https://incrediblemos.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com). (10 minute drive) - **Try some local Mead, Beer & Wine** at [St. Ambrose Cellars](https://www.stambrose-mead-wine.com/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) (20 minute drive) ![Buddy's Take on Interlochen State Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/09/Buddy-s-Take-Graphnic-1.jpg) Buddy has thoughts about Interlochen State Park **The first thing you need to know about what happened at Interlochen State Park is *it wasn't my fault*!** The second thing you need to know is I have no regrets. See, like a lot of Michigan state parks, Interlochen doesn't allow dogs at the main beach part. Which meant that while everyone was out having fun, I was stuck inside, all alone. ![Buddy-in-camper-Interlochen-State-Park.jpeg](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Buddy-in-camper-Interlochen-State-Park-1.jpeg) After swimming the went to use the showers. The boy was done first, and he came back to the camper with a towel wrapped around his waist. As soon as he opened the door, I was ready. I ran out, and I was free—no leash to hold me back. The boy tried running after me in his bare feet and his underwear, but I am swift and I am sly, and I managed to evade him for a good five minutes, tearing around the campground and barking. It was the best time I'd had all summer, to be honest. The rest of the camping trip was pretty good. I got to walk around a lot, and since it was after labor day there weren't too many other dogs for me to get into trouble for barking at. ![A sign reads at Interlochen State Park that reads "Even good dogs must be on a leash"](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/10/Buddy-good-dogs-sign-Interlochen-State-Park.jpg) Buddy lives in a society ## Further reading and resources ### Important DNR sites - [Official Interlochen State Park Site](https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/interlochen?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) - [Michigan State Park closures](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/Closures?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) - [Beach Closures in Michigan State Parks](https://mienviro.michigan.gov/nsite/beach/map/results?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) ### Area Info - [Interlochen Arts Festival concerts](https://www.interlochen.org/concerts-and-events/interlochen-arts-festival?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) - [Hikes](https://www.komoot.com/guide/2116299/hiking-around-interlochen?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) - [An area guide](https://herjoliejourney.com/places-to-visit-near-traverse-city-michigan/?ref=stateparkbuddy.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a1/d1/a1d1b6ae-3714-4d17-a09f-1b0aec6cb6c1/content/images/2026/09/What-did-we-miss--V2-1.jpg) ### Sound off in the comments below and let us know if you have any Interlochen tips, or whether there's anything else you need to know.