Our recent camping experience at Michigan State Parks’ Onaway State Park in upper lower Michigan? From reservations to our stay – a wonderful trip down memory lane. While this was our first time to camp here, the vibe and area was simply…..simple! A return to my childhood days of camping.
We chose this park with no expectation other than its location to a few areas that are on our Michigan State Parks and State Forests bucket list. We were rewarded with a weekend of easy camping and exploring at a slow, relaxed pace. Quite a departure from our go, go, go approach.
A quiet campground with choices of spots nestled in the woods or on the banks of Black Lake. Awake to the sound of soft raindrops tapping fresh, spring leaves. Step out into a bevy of songs from an array of migrating songbirds. Or, catch a sunrise glowing through the trees or sunset casting glowing hues across the dark lake waters.
If a quiet walk is in order, there’s a three mile trail meandering through woods with trees reaching to the sky.
Onaway State Park – Views within Reach
From lighthouses, beaches, other state parks, to a waterfall, Onaway State Park sits in the middle of many views and hotspots.
Onaway served as ground zero for our long weekend adventures. Head east for about ten miles and the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula awaits. Just ten miles east of the park is the picturesque Ocqueoc Falls.
Lighthouses, both active and inactive reside along Lake Huron within a 45 minute drive. In Presque Isle, both the Old Lighthouse and New Lighthouse anchor the waters edge for Lighthouse seekers. Interestingly, these lighthouses were built 30 years apart. 1840 and 1870 respectively.
Near Rogers, there’s 40 Mile Point Lighthouse (featured image at the top). Active since 1897, it’s beach front holds inviting open views of Lake Huron’s blue waters and vast blue skies.
Nature’s Megaphone – A One of a Kind Experience
We discovered Onaway State Park and Campground while researching Nature’s Megaphone. This megaphone, built deep in the woods of the Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserve, brings the sounds of nature to you. Big enough to sit quietly inside and listen to the sounds of nature amplified, it’s easy to just breathe nature in.
As we live on the west side of Michigan, taking a trip to the east side gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our entire state. Woods, inland lakes, trails, a bevy of lighthouses in quaint small towns enriched our travel experience. Traveling in June, the weather ranges from heat to very cool nights so bring a few blankets, just in case!
For more Michigan State Parks check out: Porcupine Mountains Magic: Michigan State Parks
