Barnes Park Campground

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Hello, fellow Michiganders! Are you dreaming of a classic Up North camping experience, complete with towering trees, refreshing lake waters, and stunning sunsets? Look no further than Barnes Park Campground in Eastport, Michigan. For over 40 years, this beloved spot has been a cherished destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a rustic yet comfortable setting right on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. While every campground has its quirks, Barnes Park continues to draw visitors back with its undeniable charm, prime location, and the natural beauty that defines our great state.

Barnes Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a slice of Northern Michigan paradise where generations have created lasting memories. Imagine waking up to the sounds of rustling leaves, enjoying a short stroll to a beautiful sandy beach, and spending your days exploring the wonders of the region. Despite some recent feedback regarding upkeep, the core appeal of Barnes Park – its incredible location and the peaceful atmosphere provided by its wooded sites – remains a powerful draw for those seeking an authentic Michigan outdoor adventure. It's a place where the simple joys of camping truly come alive.

Barnes Park Campground is ideally situated at 12298 Barnes Park Rd, Eastport, MI 49627, USA. This prime location places it directly on Grand Traverse Bay, offering campers unparalleled access to one of Michigan's most beautiful bodies of water. Eastport itself is a charming, unincorporated community in Antrim County, known for its tranquil setting and proximity to many of Northern Michigan's iconic destinations.

For residents across Michigan, Barnes Park Campground offers excellent accessibility. It's conveniently located off US-31, a major state highway that runs along the coast of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. This makes the drive from Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, or even further south from Grand Rapids or Detroit, a scenic and straightforward journey. Its position allows campers to enjoy the serene environment of the park while being just a short drive from vibrant towns, unique shops, diverse dining options, and a multitude of attractions. The proximity to Torch Lake, one of Michigan's most stunning inland lakes, is also a significant draw, allowing for easy day trips to enjoy its famous clear waters and sandbars. Barnes Park serves as an excellent central hub for exploring the entire Chain of Lakes region and the wider Grand Traverse Bay area.

Barnes Park Campground provides a range of services designed to make your camping experience enjoyable, focusing on essential amenities that support both rustic and electric camping. While some services come with a fee, they aim to provide necessary comforts.

• Campsites: The campground offers both electric (20, 30, and 50 amp hookups) and rustic sites, accommodating a variety of camping setups from tents to large RVs. Sites are often described as spacious and shaded with many trees.
• Bathhouses with Showers: Two modern bathhouses are available, featuring shower facilities. It's important to note that showers are coin-operated, typically costing $0.50 for 5 minutes of hot water (quarters only).
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available, including pit toilets and those within the bathhouses.
• Firewood and Ice: Both firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site, providing convenient access to camping essentials.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is outfitted with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Water Access: Potable water is available throughout the campground, with water fill stations for non-campers also available for a fee.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RVs, with a fee for non-campers.

Barnes Park Campground boasts several features that have made it a long-standing favorite among Michigan campers, even amidst recent challenges. Its natural attributes and location are consistently praised.

• Direct Beach Access on Grand Traverse Bay: A significant highlight is the campground's 1200 feet of sandy beach on Grand Traverse Bay. This beautiful access point is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, rockhounding, and enjoying some of the best sunsets on Lake Michigan.
• Shaded, Wooded Sites: Campers consistently appreciate the "nice, shaded with lots of trees" sites, offering privacy and a genuine feeling of being immersed in nature. Many sites are described as large and deep.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: For decades, Barnes Park has been a go-to for families, providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and adults to enjoy the outdoors. Features like a playground and picnic areas enhance this appeal.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The park offers various trails for hiking and biking, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding woods.
• Proximity to Northern Michigan Attractions: The campground's location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and the iconic Torch Lake, offering endless opportunities for day trips and adventures.
• Basketball Court: A basketball court provides an additional recreational outlet within the park.
• Pavilions: Two spacious pavilions with electrical outlets, picnic tables, and BBQ grills are available for reservations, ideal for group gatherings.

For reservations, inquiries, or more specific information about Barnes Park Campground, you can reach out using the following details:

Address: 12298 Barnes Park Rd, Eastport, MI 49627, USA

Phone: (231) 599-2712

Mobile Phone: +1 231-599-2712

It is highly recommended to visit the Antrim County Parks & Recreation website for the most up-to-date information on reservations (which are often required and open on specific dates), fee schedules, park ordinances, and any notices regarding closures (e.g., for road resurfacing in September 2025). Reservations typically open in April, with longer minimum stays for early bookings and holiday weekends.

For Michiganders, Barnes Park Campground continues to be a highly suitable and desirable camping destination despite some acknowledged areas for improvement. Its suitability for locals stems from its deep roots in the community's camping traditions and its unparalleled natural advantages. For over four decades, countless Michigan families have made Barnes Park their annual summer retreat, drawn by its inviting atmosphere and stunning Grand Traverse Bay frontage. This familiarity and the sense of nostalgia create a strong connection for those within the state, making it feel like a cherished, accessible home away from home.

The core appeal for Michiganders lies in the campground's natural setting: the "nice, shaded with lots of trees" campsites provide the quintessential Northern Michigan camping vibe, offering a welcome respite from the summer heat and a sense of privacy that can be hard to find elsewhere. Crucially, the "access point to the beach is really nice," providing direct entry to the crystal-clear waters and sandy shores of Grand Traverse Bay, a priceless amenity for swimming, sunbathing, and witnessing our state's legendary sunsets.

While recent feedback has highlighted concerns regarding bathroom cleanliness and the pay-to-shower system, the fundamental draw of Barnes Park – its prime location, beautiful beach, and classic Michigan camping atmosphere – often outweighs these drawbacks for many long-time visitors and those seeking affordability. The fact that firewood and ice are available on-site also adds a layer of convenience. For locals looking for an authentic, nature-focused camping experience with direct beach access in one of Michigan's most picturesque regions, Barnes Park Campground, with its enduring charm and strategic location, remains a strong contender for creating new family memories.

Barnes Park Campground

12298 Barnes Park Rd, Eastport, MI 49627, USA