Traverse City State Park, a Michigan State Park located near Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK

TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK
1132 US-31 North
Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Phone: 231-922-5270
Reservations: 800-447-2757

Traverse City State Park features a quarter mile of beautiful beach on the Grand Traverse Bay. The park is only two miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the most popular resort towns in Michigan. The campground is open year round with heated restrooms.

History of the Area

The park was established in 1920 on about 16 acres of land after the logging industry in the area began to wane. In 1921 and 1939, parcels were added to increase the park's land area to its present size. The original inhabitants of the land were the Ottawa branch of the Algonquin Indians.

Passes

The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.

Park Store

A food concession and boat rental is located in the day-use area.

Camping

Traverse City-Group Use Area(231) 922-5270Electrical Service, Group Use Area, Modern Restrooms, Winter Camping

Traverse City-Modern(800) 447-2757 343 site(s)Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms

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Fishing

Powerboating and sailboating are popular Traverse Bay aquatic activities. Fishing charters are available in Grand Traverse Bay and anglers can expect to catch their share of salmon, trout, and panfish.

Location

Traverse City State Park is located near Traverse City

Nearby Parks

Interlochen State Park

Picnicking

The day use area consists of a strip of land bordered by a sugar-sand beach to the north and US-31 to the south. A swim area, picnic tables, and grills are available to day use visitors. The parking lot can accommodate 150 vehicles. No beach fires are allowed.

Trails

Along with biking, the TART Trail provides multiple uses for hiking, cross-country skiing and other trail recreation.

Bicycling

There is a paved bike trail, which is accessible through the park, and runs east and west, parallel to the park.

Area Attractions

Traverse City State Park is a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The National Cherry Festival is a popular annual event as well as the wide range of self-guided, fall color tours. Also popular around Traverse City State Park are the wineries and casinos.

MiWiFi provides wireless Internet access in the campground area of this park. The access point is located near the contact station and radiates about 150 feet from this location in all directions.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

June 21 Noisy by Julia_P

If youre looking for relatively quiet place, this is not it Traffic noise airplanes overhead is constant. Only one dump hookup means you could wait an hour. Bathrooms not generally clean much of the day. Under staffed.

January 7 Beautiful Rustic Style Campground by JD & Jan, Howell, Mi

We have been coming to and staying in our motorhome at the Traverse City State Park for several years. Love it up there. People are friendly and the beach and swimming area is A-1. East Bay has a wonderful sandy bottom, no weeds growing, and has a long, very gradual depth increase. Will be on the computer in 12 hours making our reservation for 2011 and hope to get our regular spot. Happy camping to everyone.

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Area Campgrounds

Holiday Park Campground
4860 US 31 South
Traverse City, MI
231-943-4410

Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
4050 Hammond Road
Traverse City, MI

Honcho Rest RV Resort
8988 Cairn Highway
Elk Rapids, MI
231-264-8548

Leelanau Pines Campground
6500 East Leelanau Pines Drive
Cedar, MI
231-228-5742

Traverse Bay RV Resort
5555 M-72 East
Williamsburg, MI

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Nearby Parks

Interlochen State Park

Michigan State Parks

Michigan State Parks