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Leelanau
Overview
Leelanau State Park sits at the northernmost tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, offering a rugged and scenic retreat for RVers who appreciate the natural beauty of Michigan. Spanning over 1,300 acres, this park is famous for the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, which serves as a historic beacon for travelers. The park's location at the tip of the finger makes it a landmark destination for those exploring the Great Lakes. The atmosphere here is centered on peace and quiet, providing a stark contrast to more commercialized resort areas.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Northport, MI, the park is surrounded on three sides by the pristine waters of Lake Michigan. The landscape features a mix of dense hardwoods and sweeping shoreline views. Visitors can enjoy the unique geography of the peninsula, which creates a microclimate perfect for the many orchards and vineyards that dot the surrounding countryside. The shoreline at Cathead Bay is particularly stunning, offering sandy stretches and wind-swept dunes for visitors to explore.
Amenities & Park Features
This park offers a rustic camping experience, making it ideal for self-contained RVs. While you will not find modern hookups, the park provides well-maintained vault toilets and hand pumps for water. The spacious campsites are nestled among the trees or positioned near the water, offering privacy and a direct connection to nature. On-site facilities include a playground, picnic areas, and several miles of groomed hiking trails that lead through diverse ecosystems, providing plenty of room for outdoor recreation.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The highlight of any visit is exploring the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, where you can learn about maritime history and climb the tower for panoramic views. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Petoskey stone hunting along the rocky beaches or birdwatching during migration seasons. A short drive takes you into the village of Northport for local dining, or further south to explore the world-renowned wineries and cideries. The nearby Leelanau Sands Casino and local farmer's markets provide additional variety for day trips.
Who This Park Is Best For
Leelanau State Park is best suited for off-grid enthusiasts and travelers who value scenery over luxury amenities. It is a perfect match for those seeking a quiet coastal escape where the sound of the waves replaces the noise of traffic. It is especially popular with amateur astronomers due to the lack of light pollution, offering incredible views of the night sky. If you enjoy hiking, photography, and a back-to-basics lifestyle, this park provides one of the most authentic Great Lakes experiences available.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
M H
We visit Leelenau State Park and the Grand Traverse Light every few years and it never fails to disappoint. This year, we were so lucky to have the beach area basically to ourselves for a couple of hours! It was so peaceful and chill. We had brought our bag chairs along and sat listening to the waves and birds. Hope to have this same experience again someday!
Carter Alan
One of the most beautiful campsites I have ever experienced. It's very secluded and located on the furthest point north on the Leelanau Peninsula. Incredible sunrises and sunsets overlooking Lake Michigan. A century old lighthouse is viewable from inside the park, and you may get to see the Aurora Borealis if you're lucky. Definitely worth the visit if you can handle primitive campgrounds. There are no bathrooms, showers, or electrical setvices. only vault toilets and beautiful beaches. Well maintained and plenty of tree coverage in most sites. Highly recommend this spot off the beaten path.
Alex
Beautifully restored history of The historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse! Thanks for keeping history alive! State Park entry fee in addition to $8 per person to enter the lighthouse.
hubcitygirl
Leelanau State Park was amazing! Quiet, peaceful and well-maintained relative to other State Parks. I loved that every site had proximity to the beach. I solo camped with my dog and felt extremely safe. Vault toilets were well-maintained, park staff was super helpful. Thanks, Jamie, for all your help and concern when I misplaced my keys!!! If you want to camp where people don't bring ATVs, dune buggies, strobe lights, boom boxes - this is a great place. Seemed like everyone there just wanted to enjoy nature and observe spectacular sunsets on Lake Michigan. (One thing I didn't check on but campers should know is that the firepits do not have grills on them.)
heather edmonds
This state park is out of the way but definitely worth the drive. There are ample wineries to stop at along the way😉 The shoreline doesn't disappoint and it is dog friendly as well. There is a gift shop where you can find unique suviners and gifts, bathrooms conveniently located and can tour the lighthouse as well
chef michael
Great little drive from town. Its about 30 minutes or so. $11 at state park for entrance fee if u r out of state. Nice area to park & walk a shirt distance to the light house & lake frontage. Very scenic views
Carrie Stehouwer
Beautiful state park on Lake Michigan with lighthouse. Rustic lake front and lake view camping sites available with pit toilets. There is a large play area with separate swing set. Picnic areas throughout- large covered area with several picnic tables as well. State park pass needed. Walkway to lighthouse and surrounding premises. Stroll the lakeshore and shop in the souvenir shop here.
Sam Chapman
It's rustic camping but it's beautiful here. We got site 34 across the street from the beach. Our site seemed small at first but once we got to know it, it was comfortable. There's a nice big fire pit and picnic table and trees to hang a hammock from. It's a short walk to the vault toilet which is kept stocked and clean (as can be). Only toilet to avoid is the one by the lighthouse. The lock isn't very secure so if a strong handed person pulls very hard, you will find yourself facing a stranger in the most awkward of situations. I did mention it to the park rangers at check in so hopefully they'll get that fixed. Ice is $3 a bag. Firewood is $6 a bag. Our firewood had a whole family of ants and their eggs tucked neatly between a couple logs. That was pretty gross for it being heat treated wood, according to the label. The road goes one way and is 10 mph. The biting flies are bad, mosquitos not as much.
Arly Dean-Miles Winchester
One of my favorite MI state parks I’ve been to, currently in my top 3. My site was directly across from the lake, so I brought my chair out each day and just read my book and enjoyed the view. It was quiet since no major roads are nearby, and I came during the week early in the season so the other campers were scattered around. Keep an eye out for piping plovers and do your part in ensuring the conservation of this endangered Great Lakes species! Vault toilets were non-gendered, well kept and generally accessible, though some wheelchair users may need to ensure they get a site nearby to ensure they can readily access them without having to make a small trek*. *I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user who primarily used my walking cane while staying here, but noted whether I’d be able to use my wheelchair in different areas.
Amber Connell
We love this park! It's about an hour north of Traverse City. The drive is beautiful and scenic. The park is just north of Northport, with cute shops, restaurants and beaches. The park has a beautiful lighthouse with eclectic gardens. There's a rocky beach good for rock hunting. In the day use area there's a really nice playground for kids. The campground in the park is rustic with no electrical hookups so plan accordingly.