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Hayes
Overview
W.J. Hayes State Park, located in Onsted, Michigan, serves as a cornerstone for recreation in the historic Irish Hills region. Spanning over 650 acres, the park is defined by its easy access to the pristine waters of Wamplers Lake and Round Lake. It offers a classic Michigan state park experience where visitors can enjoy a blend of forested landscapes and open waterfronts. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking a natural retreat with convenient modern comforts and a peaceful atmosphere.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the southeastern part of the state, the park is nestled within a landscape of rolling hills and glacial lakes. The surrounding area of Onsted provides a quiet backdrop, yet the park remains close to major thoroughfares for easy navigation. The highlight of the setting is the dual lake frontage, offering expansive views of Wamplers Lake, one of the largest and most popular inland lakes in the region, known for its clear water and sandy shores.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features a large campground with 185 sites, primarily offering 20- and 30-amp electrical hookups suitable for various RV sizes. Guests have access to modern restrooms and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay in a rustic setting. Key features include a large swimming beach with a designated beach house, multiple boat launches, and a universal-access fishing pier. For those traveling with children, the park provides well-maintained playgrounds and spacious picnic areas located near the water’s edge.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the Michigan International Speedway, located just minutes away, making the park a popular hub during race weekends. Nature enthusiasts often visit the nearby Hidden Lake Gardens, which features scenic hiking trails and a botanical conservatory. The Irish Hills area is also known for its quaint local shops, roadside attractions, and McCourtie Park, which is famous for its unique concrete bridges and historic charm.
Who This Park Is Best For
W.J. Hayes State Park is an ideal match for boating and fishing enthusiasts who want to maximize their time on the water. It is a favorite for families due to the safe swimming areas and kid-friendly facilities. Additionally, it serves as a great base for NASCAR fans and travelers exploring the scenic byways of Southern Michigan who prefer a well-equipped, scenic environment over a basic roadside stop or a commercial resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Carol Henderson
We just got back from 4 days there . Very clean park with great walking areas and enjoyed walking to the area where the turtles, swans and little ones fishing . Definitely would go back !!
Paige Briana
Great beach! The water stays pretty shallow for a long way, so it's perfect for kids. And we love the affordable concessions so we don't have to worry about packing lunch every time we go. Can't wait to check out the campground.
Ashley Marie
Beautiful park with playground, grills, & trails. Every well maintained & the trails are very nice. Very nice beach as well
Albert Emery
Me and my family have been coming to this beach for years. And a couple of days ago, I camped at this state park for the first time since I was a child, about 25 years ago. The beach area is very nice. There are concessions with general finger food, like fries and pretzel bites. There is also BBQ on weekends and holidays I believe. The swimming area is exceptional. The water always seems to be clean and refreshing. You can swim quite far out before reaching the swim area boundaries as well. There is a LOT of room to swim. The water is all quite shallow also. The campground is okay. While the spots were pretty close to one another, they certainly were not the smallest I've ever camped in. There are also over 100 camping spots. There are also 2 nice hiking trails; one a 1/2 mile and one a full mile. Both go in a circle. One thing that's kind of a bummer though is that the camping area is not that close to the beach. So driving to the beach is most likely your best bet if camping here. The bathrooms in the campsite did not have soap either. Overall, decent state park with an excellent swimming area and a campsite that's nice but with a few minor flaws.
troy whitman
Great State Park. The beach area is huge, so there is plenty of room for families to swim, picnic, or just look at the scenery. Lots of mature trees around that make it feel like you are in a forest. The grounds and restroom areas are very well maintained. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills to go around for everybody. It's nice that there are picnic areas that are away from all of the hustle and bustle of the beach and boat launch. There is lots of truck and trailer parking for those who bring boats as well. Hayes is also a nice place for people who like to hike. Another nice feature of the beach area is that they have a concessions stand and a place to rent beach floats and other items. You can purchase sunscreen, snacks, and drinks at the concessions stand, too. It's definitely worth the trip to go out there. It's one of the nicest state parks in Michigan that we've been to.