Most Michigan visitors are not aware that the Michigan State Parks have a large number of cabins and lodges available for rent. They range from 2 bed rustic cabins in the back country of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to a fully furnished cottage in Traverse City that sleeps up to 11. The cabins are located in some of the most scenic places in the State and offer a reasonably priced lodging option for Michigan travelers.
The popular State Park Mini and Camper Cabins are typically located on a campsite in the park’s campgrounds. The cabins offer visitors the camping experience without having to buy camping gear or an RV. This is a great way for families that are new to camping to try and see if they like it before investing in their own equipment.
The mini cabins and camper cabins are equipped with electric heaters and can make a great base camp for outdoor winter activities. This time of the year you usually will have the entire park to yourself in the evenings and the rental rates are discounted in the off season. For more information on see below.
Michigan State Park Mini Cabins:
There are over 60 of the single room mini cabins available in 36 different Michigan State Park Campgrounds. The cabins are available year round and can be reserved up to 1 year in advance. Prices range from $40 to $60 per night depending on the season. There is also an $8 fee for each reservation. Renters have access to the campground restroom and shower buildings in season. During the off season pit toilets are available near the cabins.
Mini Cabin Amenities: -Sleeps 4 on 2 bunk beds with mattresses
-Small table and chairs
-Electric lights and outlets
-Heater (electric)
-Fire ring
-Picnic table
-Outdoor grill
-Some have small refrigerators and microwaves
What to Bring:
-Sleeping bag and pillows
-Dishes (we use paper plates, bowls & cups)
-Pots, pans, utensils & water jug
-Cooler and ice (some have mini refrigerators)
-Fan
-Small camp stove or grill
-Flashlight
-Matches or lighter
-Camp chairs
-Groceries
-Don’t forget the marshmallows and roasting sticks for the kids!
More Information:
Michigan State Park Mini Cabin Flyer
Michigan State Park Online Reservations
List of Mini Cabins by State Park
Our Stay in the Mini Cabin at Ludington State Park
Michigan State Park Camper Cabins:
The newest addition to the Michigan State Park lodging options are the Camper Cabins. Most of these cabins were built in 2008 by a partnership between the DNR and the Department of Corrections’ Prison Build Program. The Camper Cabins are 400 square feet and offer a little more privacy than the popular Mini Cabins with the addition of 3 separate rooms. The Camper Cabins sleep up to 6 with 2 bedrooms and futon in the main living area. Another nice feature is the covered front porch that makes a great place to sit and relax after enjoying another day in the Michigan outdoors. Renters have access to the campground restroom and shower buildings in season. During the off season pit toilets are available near the cabins.
Camper Cabins are currently available at: Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Holland, Interlochen, Lakeport, Metamora-Hadley, Mitchell, Onaway, Orchard Beach, Pinckney, Port Crescent State Park, Proud Lake, Tahquamenon Falls, Tawas Point, Van Riper and Waterloo State Parks.
The Camper Cabins are also available year round and can be reserved up to 1 year in advance. Prices range from $60 to $80 per night depending on the season. There is also an $8 advanced reservation fee that applies.
Camper Cabin Amenities:
-3 rooms, 2 bedrooms and a main living area
-Sleeps 6 on 2 bunk beds and futon in the main room
– Refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot
– Shelves for food and supplies
-Table and chairs
-Electric heater
-Fire ring
-Picnic table
-Outdoor grill
What to Bring:
-See above in the mini cabin section
More Information:
Michigan DNR Camper Cabin Page
Michigan State Park Online Reservations
Michigan State Park Rustic Cabins:
If you are looking for a more secluded getaway the Department of Natural Resources also maintains a large number of Rustic Cabins located in more isolated sections of the parks. Many of these cabin are unique in design and size and can sleep anywhere from 2 to 24 people. The cabins have single beds with mattresses, table, chairs and propane or wood heat. Most cabins can be reached by vehicles with the exception of the backpacker cabins in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and a few others.
For an example: see our stay in the Bear Den cabin in Yankee Springs Recreation Area. This was one of our favorite quick weekend getaways that we have done.
Michigan State Park Rustic Cabin Page
For more information on the backpacker cabins in the Porkies pick up a copy of: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 3rd: A Backcountry Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Campers and Winter Visitors
Michigan State Park Lodge and Cottage Rentals: For those who would like a vacation destination that includes indoor plumbing there are the State Park cottages and lodges. Many are former park manager homes that have been converted to vacation rentals with all the amenities of home. The modern kitchens are supplied with pots, pans and dishes. Towels and linens are also provided. Click on the name below for more information.
Tahquamenon Falls Lodge – Sleeps 8, $110 per night.
Traverse City State Park Cottage – Sleeps 11, summer $200 weekday and $250 weekend per night, $1,200 weekly. Off-season rates $100 weekday and $150 weekend per night, $650 weekly.
P.H Hoeft State Park Lodge – 1920’s Sears and Roebuck Lodge. Sleeps 8 +2 futons, $110 per night Sunday thru Thursday and $120 per night for Friday and Saturday, $790 weekly.
The River Hawk Lodge in Proud Lake Recreation Area – Sleeps 24 in single beds. $250 for the first night and $200 for each additional night.
The Twin Lakes Lodge – Sleeps 8 in three bedrooms. $135 per night Sunday through Thursday. Weekends and holidays are $170 per night.
The Lodge at Mears State Park – Sleeps 8. $162 per night, $195 weekends/holidays, $1,200 weekly rate.
Grand Haven Lodge – Sleeps 8. $210 per night, $225 weekends/holidays, $1,500 weekly rate.
J.W. Wells State Park Historic Bay Stone Lodge – Sleeps 12. $150 per night, $170 weekends/holidays, $1,090 weekly rate.
Fayette Historic State Park Furnace Hill Lodge – Sleeps 10. $100 per night Sunday through Thursday. Weekends and holidays are $125 per night. $750 for any 7 consecutive days.
Bass Lake Lodge Highland Recreation Area – Sleeps 6. $80 per night, $90 weekends/holidays, $590 weekly rate. Rowboat included April through November.
For more State Park information pick up a copy of: Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide
