About Young State Park
Young State Park sits on the north shore of Lake Charlevoix, just outside Boyne City, and it's built its reputation as one of the friendliest family camping parks in the northern Lower Peninsula. At 563 acres, it offers a mile of sandy beach on the lake, a large playground, and shallow, gently sloping water that's easy for young kids — a combination that keeps families coming back year after year.
The modern campground offers 240 electric sites across three named campgrounds — Young Oak (41 sites), Young Spruce (158 sites in several sub-loops), and Young Terrace (41 sites) — some right along the beach and others set back in wooded, quieter areas. Some sites in each campground have 50-amp service, and two mini cabins, Timberdoodle and Sundew, are available in the Terrace/Spruce area. Boyne City's restaurants and shops are just a few minutes away, and Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands resorts are both within a short drive for visitors extending a trip beyond camping.
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Oak Campground | 41 sites | Electric 20/30amp, some 50amp | Families, beach access, kids |
| Young Spruce Campground | 158 sites | Electric 20/30amp, some 50amp | Families, beach access, kids |
| Young Terrace Campground | 41 sites | Electric 20/30amp, some 50amp | Families, beach access, kids |
| Mini Cabins (Timberdoodle & Sundew) | 2 cabins | Electric wall heater | Cabin campers, sleeps 4 each |
Campground Map
Lake Charlevoix Beach
The park's signature feature is its mile of sandy Lake Charlevoix beach, paired with a large playground and gentle, shallow water that's especially well suited to young families. A network of easy walking trails winds through the park's wooded interior for those looking to explore beyond the shoreline.
How to Get a Reservation
The 6-Month Booking Window
Like all Michigan DNR campgrounds, Young State Park opens reservations exactly 6 months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com. Beachfront sites can sell out within days of the window opening.
Set a CampDrop Alert
If your dates are sold out, CampDrop monitors MiDNRReservations.com around the clock and texts you the moment a site opens up at Young State Park.
What to Know Before You Go
Hookups & Site Types
All 240 sites (across Young Oak, Young Spruce, and Young Terrace campgrounds) offer 20/30-amp electric service, with some 50-amp sites in each, and some sites located directly along the beach and others set back in wooded loops. Two mini cabins, Timberdoodle and Sundew, are also available.
Season
The park typically operates May through October; confirm exact dates on MiDNRReservations.com.
Pets
Pets are welcome throughout the park on a 6-foot leash.
Nearby Town
Downtown Boyne City is a short drive away with restaurants, shops, and a marina, and Boyne Mountain Resort is close by for visitors wanting more than camping.
Directions
Young State Park is located at 2280 Boyne City Rd, Boyne City, MI 49712, in Charlevoix County, just northwest of downtown Boyne City.