Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

For Michigan locals seeking an unparalleled blend of natural grandeur, rich history, and modern camping comforts, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground in Grayling stands as an iconic destination. This isn't just any campground; it's the gateway to one of Michigan's last remaining stands of majestic old-growth pines, offering a profound connection to the state's natural heritage. If you're a Michigander yearning for spacious campsites, pristine facilities, and immediate access to miles of breathtaking trails and historical insights, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground is your ideal Northern Michigan retreat.

Hartwick Pines State Park itself is a testament to Michigan's commitment to preserving its natural and historical treasures. The campground, nestled within this expansive park, provides a serene and well-appointed base from which to explore. Imagine waking up to the fresh scent of pine, surrounded by towering trees that have stood for centuries, knowing that adventure or peaceful relaxation is just steps away. Visitors consistently praise the generous spacing and privacy between campsites – a rare and highly valued feature. Furthermore, the modern amenities, particularly the impressive shower houses, ensure a comfortable stay even while immersing yourself in the wilderness. Whether your passion lies in hiking through ancient forests, biking on paved trails, or simply unwinding in a truly beautiful setting, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground promises an enriching and rejuvenating experience for every Michigan local.

Hartwick Pines State Park Campground is conveniently located at Camp Lavictore Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA. This prime Northern Michigan location places it just eight miles northeast of Grayling, a well-known community that serves as a central point for outdoor enthusiasts in the region. Grayling offers essential services, dining, and other amenities, ensuring that campers have everything they need within a short drive, while still enjoying the secluded feeling of being immersed in nature.

The accessibility of Hartwick Pines State Park Campground is a significant advantage for Michigan residents. The park is easily reachable from major thoroughfares like I-75 (take Exit 259), making the drive from various parts of the Lower Peninsula straightforward and scenic. Whether you're traveling from Grand Rapids, Lansing, or the Detroit metropolitan area, the journey into the heart of Northern Michigan is a pleasant one. Once inside the park, the campground is well-signposted. Its strategic placement means that many of the park's key attractions, including the famous Old Growth Forest Trail, the Michigan Forest Visitor Center, and the Logging Museum, are either within walking distance or a very short drive from your campsite. The paved roads within the campground and park also make it easy to navigate, whether you're arriving with an RV or a car. This seamless blend of natural seclusion and convenient access makes Hartwick Pines State Park Campground an ideal and stress-free destination for Michigan locals looking for their next outdoor adventure.

• Spacious Campsites: Offers a variety of open-air, pull-through, and wooded sites, with excellent spacing and privacy between individual sites.
• Electrical Service: All sites are equipped with 20/30-amp electrical service.
• Full Hookup Sites: Select sites (e.g., #65-100) provide full hookups with 50-amp service, accommodating larger RVs.
• Modern Restrooms & Shower Houses: Features large, clean, and well-maintained shower houses with multiple showers, restroom facilities, and a family restroom. Shower stalls are notably spacious with private dressing areas.
• Sanitation Station: A convenient sanitation station with potable water and two lanes is available within the modern campground.
• Concession/Store: Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground office for camper convenience.
• Amphitheater: A small outdoor amphitheater hosts interpretive programs, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.
• Vault Toilets: Additional vault toilets are located throughout the park for convenience in day-use areas.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome in the campground and on trails, provided they are leashed and controlled, though they are generally not permitted inside buildings.
• Paddlesport Rentals: Kayaks are available for rent at the park's contact station for use on nearby lakes.

• Old-Growth Forest: The park's crown jewel is its 49-acre remnant of old-growth white and red pines, some over 350 years old and towering over 150 feet. The paved, accessible Old Growth Forest Trail provides an easy and inspiring walk through this majestic stand.
• Extensive Trail Network: Offers over 21 miles of diverse trails, including paved bike trails, the challenging Au Sable River Trail (3.1 miles), Aspen Trail (3.5 miles), Deer Run Trail (5.2 miles), and Weary Legs Trail (7.5 miles), catering to hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers.
• Exceptional Shower Facilities: Consistently praised in reviews, the shower house is highlighted for being "huge," "spotless," and providing "private" and "spacious" stalls with excellent water pressure and temperature.
• Privacy Between Campsites: Campers frequently commend the generous spacing and natural buffers between sites, ensuring a rare sense of seclusion and tranquility.
• Rich Historical Experience: The Michigan Forest Visitor Center and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum offer engaging exhibits, historical buildings (like the Chapel of the Pines), and programs that delve into Michigan's logging era and forest history.
• Abundant Wildlife and Nature: The park is a haven for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with diverse ecosystems including rolling hills, the East Branch of the Au Sable River, and several small lakes (Bright and Glory lakes).
• Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond trails, the park offers a playground (located in the day-use area), sand volleyball and basketball courts, and fishing piers on Bright and Glory lakes, ensuring activities for all ages.
• Year-Round Appeal: While camping is seasonal, the park's trails and visitor center are accessible year-round, making it a destination for all four Michigan seasons, including winter sports.
• Accessibility Features: The Old Growth Forest Trail is paved and largely accessible, and a track chair is available for loan to expand access for visitors with mobility challenges.

Address: Camp Lavictore Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA

Phone: (989) 348-7068

Mobile Phone: +1 989-348-7068

For Michigan residents, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground stands as a quintessential "Up North" destination, offering a deeply enriching and highly accessible outdoor experience. It perfectly combines the awe-inspiring natural beauty of ancient forests with the comfort and convenience of modern state park amenities, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of local campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The primary draw for Michiganders is undoubtedly the majestic old-growth pine forest, a rare and precious remnant of the state's pre-logging landscape. The opportunity to walk among these towering giants on easily accessible, paved trails provides a profound connection to Michigan's history and natural heritage, a truly unique experience found within their own state. Beyond the old-growth, the park offers an extensive network of diverse trails for hiking and biking, ensuring that every type of outdoor adventurer can find their ideal path. The mention of specific trails like the Au Sable River trail, with its calming sounds and scenic crossings, highlights the varied and immersive experiences available.

From a practical standpoint, the campground's design truly caters to the modern camper. The generous spacing and privacy between sites are highly valued by locals who seek a peaceful escape from crowded areas. Furthermore, the exceptionally clean, spacious, and private shower facilities are a standout feature, providing a level of comfort that often exceeds expectations for a state park campground. This attention to detail makes a significant difference for families and individuals looking to recharge after a day of exploration.

Hartwick Pines also shines as a family-friendly destination, offering activities beyond just trails, such as volleyball, basketball, and fishing opportunities on the park's lakes. Its pet-friendly policy ensures that furry family members can join the adventure. Combining natural splendor, historical insight at the visitor center and logging museum, and top-tier amenities, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an educational and recreational hub that allows Michigan locals to deeply appreciate and experience the unparalleled natural and historical treasures of their home state. It's a place to create lasting memories, whether through a serene walk in ancient woods or an active day on the trails, making it an indispensable jewel in Michigan's state park system.

Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

Camp Lavictore Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA