About Petoskey State Park
Petoskey State Park sits on the southern shore of Little Traverse Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in all of northern Michigan. The park is world-famous for Petoskey stones — Michigan's state stone, a fossilized coral that washes up on the beach here in abundance. Rock hunters come from across the Midwest to walk these shores.
The park has two distinct campgrounds separated by terrain and atmosphere. The Tannery Creek campground sits in a wooded setting ideal for tent campers wanting privacy. The Dunes campground offers a more open setting with easier beach access. Both are excellent.
Why Campers Love It
- World's best Petoskey stone hunting — Michigan's state stone washes up on the beach
- Stunning views of Little Traverse Bay and the Petoskey skyline
- Short drive to charming downtown Petoskey's shops and restaurants
- Two distinct campgrounds for different camping styles
- Close to Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, and northern Michigan wine country
- Note: Closed through May 15, 2026 for improvements — fully open by Memorial Day
Campgrounds at Petoskey State Park
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tannery Creek Campground | ~100 | Electric | Wooded, more private, popular with tent campers |
| Dunes Campground | ~80 | Electric | More open, closer to beach access |
Booking Tips & Demand
Petoskey is a high demand northern Michigan park that fills quickly for summer weekends. Its reputation for Petoskey stones and proximity to downtown Petoskey makes it a top destination for families and rock hunters alike.
2026 note: The park is closed through May 15, 2026 for improvements. It will be fully open by Memorial Day weekend.
Booking window: 6 months before check-in, opens at 8:00 AM Eastern on weekdays, 9:00 AM on weekends.
Best strategy: For summer weekends book exactly at the 6-month window. September is excellent — cooler temps, fewer crowds, and the Petoskey stone hunting is just as good.