Always Verify Before Setting Alerts
Closure dates can change. Always verify current status directly at michigan.gov/dnr or by calling the park before planning your trip. MittenCamper does not accept reservations and cannot verify real-time availability.
Full Closures — Entire Campground Closed
Traverse City State Park
Grand Traverse County · Lower Peninsula
Status
Fully closed — all 2026
Reopens
April 2027 (targeted)
Sites Affected
343 sites (all)
What to know: Traverse City State Park is undergoing a full campground renovation and is not accepting any reservations for the 2026 camping season. The park grounds may be accessible for day use — verify at michigan.gov/dnr. Targeted reopening is April 2027 but this date is subject to change based on construction progress.
Alternatives: Petoskey State Park (30 min north), Wilderness State Park (45 min northwest), Leelanau State Park (1 hr northwest), or Interlochen State Park (25 min south).
Alternatives: Petoskey State Park (30 min north), Wilderness State Park (45 min northwest), Leelanau State Park (1 hr northwest), or Interlochen State Park (25 min south).
Indian Lake State Park — South Campground
Schoolcraft County · Upper Peninsula
Status
South campground closed
Duration
All 2026 season
North Campground
Open as normal
What to know: Indian Lake State Park's South Campground is closed for the entire 2026 season. The North Campground remains open with electric hookup sites available. Indian Lake is the largest campground in the Upper Peninsula with over 560 total sites — a significant portion remain available. Verify current north campground availability on MiDNRReservations.com.
Alternatives: Fayette Historic State Park, J.W. Wells State Park.
Alternatives: Fayette Historic State Park, J.W. Wells State Park.
Partial Closures — Reopening During 2026 Season
Lake Gogebic State Park
Gogebic County · Upper Peninsula
Closed Through
July 20, 2026
Reopens
July 21, 2026
Sites
105 total
What to know: Lake Gogebic State Park was closed through July 20, 2026 for renovations. If you are planning a late July or August visit, the park should be open. Verify current status before traveling — this is a remote Upper Peninsula location and arriving to a closed park is a significant inconvenience.
Alternatives (if still closed): Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (30 min east), Bewabic State Park (1 hr east).
Alternatives (if still closed): Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (30 min east), Bewabic State Park (1 hr east).
Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
Oakland County · Lower Peninsula
Closed Through
September 1, 2026
Reopens
September 1, 2026
Sites
176 total
What to know: Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area campground is closed through September 1, 2026. The park's other facilities — trails, beach, equestrian areas — may remain accessible. If you are planning a Labor Day weekend trip, verify that the campground has fully reopened before booking.
Alternatives: Holly State Recreation Area (20 min north), Brighton State Recreation Area (30 min west), Pinckney State Recreation Area (40 min southwest).
Alternatives: Holly State Recreation Area (20 min north), Brighton State Recreation Area (30 min west), Pinckney State Recreation Area (40 min southwest).
Petoskey State Park
Emmet County · Lower Peninsula
Was Closed Through
May 15, 2026
Status Now
Open as of mid-May
Sites
190 sites
What to know: Petoskey State Park was closed through May 15, 2026 for spring improvements. The park should be fully open for summer 2026 season. Verify current status and availability on MiDNRReservations.com.
Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego County · Lower Peninsula
Was Closed Through
June 2026
Status Now
Open for summer
Sites
155 sites
What to know: Otsego Lake State Park was closed through June 2026 for improvements and should be operating normally through the remainder of summer and fall season. Verify availability on MiDNRReservations.com.
What This Means for Your 2026 Plans
The most significant impact for most Michigan campers is the full closure of Traverse City State Park. With 343 electric sites, Traverse City is one of the most popular campgrounds in the state and sits in one of Michigan's most beloved destinations. Anyone planning a northern Michigan trip centered around Traverse City needs to look at alternatives for 2026.
Best Alternatives to Traverse City State Park for 2026
- Wilderness State Park — 45 min northwest, Lake Michigan frontage, critical demand so book early
- Petoskey State Park — 30 min north, reopened for summer, Petoskey stone beaches on Little Traverse Bay
- Sleeping Bear Dunes NL — 1 hr southwest, America's most beautiful place, books through Recreation.gov
- Interlochen State Park — 25 min south, Michigan's first state park, large campground with 490 sites
- Leelanau State Park — 1 hr northwest, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, more availability than Traverse City
Setting Alerts for Closed Parks
If your heart is set on a park that had a partial closure and you want to be notified the moment reservations become available once it reopens, CampDrop alerts work for any park on MiDNRReservations.com. Set an alert for your desired dates and we will notify you when matching sites appear — including sites that open up after a closure ends.