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Leelanau State Park, Northport

4.1
#8 of 13 in Parks in Leelanau County
Park · Nature / Park
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Leelanau State Park is a 1740acre state park located on the Leelanau Peninsula in Leelanau County, Michigan. The park encompasses the entire tip of the peninsula and features both a day-use area and campground.
The day-use area has a small playground and features the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum as well as a picnic pavilion. The campground is rustic and heavily wooded. It features 51 campsites, 3 mini cabins and vault toilets. There are 8.1 miles of hiking and skiing trails. The camping area is open May 25 to November 4 and is operated and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources.
The whole Leelanau Peninsula is wine-making country. The surrounding waters moderate the temperature, while glacial deposits provide good grape-growing soil conditions.
Campground - 51 sites, 3 mini cabins Lighthouse Picnic area Picnic shelter - reservation required Playground

Cross-country skiing Hiking Hunting Swimming

Leelanau Peninsula American Viticultural Area Put Leelanau State Park into our Northport online visit planner to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Northport.
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Leelanau State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
128 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Beach site 21 had hundreds of dead alwives and millions of midge flies. 1st day the smell of dead fish was overwhelming. The bugs were everywhere on the beach site. Tried to tough it out left early....  more
    Beach site 21 had hundreds of dead alwives and millions of midge flies. 1st day the smell of dead fish was overwhelming. The bugs were everywhere on the beach site. Tried to tough it out left early....  more »
  • I did M-22 on my little road trip and Leelanau SP was a must stop (a slight detour). The lighthouse and shoreline are amazing. I paid the couple of dollars and went into the lighthouse and up to... 
    I did M-22 on my little road trip and Leelanau SP was a must stop (a slight detour). The lighthouse and shoreline are amazing. I paid the couple of dollars and went into the lighthouse and up to...  more »
  • We bought the required day pass to enter the park, but balked at the additional $5 per person to enter the lighthouse! Wandered around the area checking out the views of lake from all sides, then... 
    We bought the required day pass to enter the park, but balked at the additional $5 per person to enter the lighthouse! Wandered around the area checking out the views of lake from all sides, then...  more »
Google
  • I came in just to take some pictures, and the lighthouse and around it are awesome! There is a fog house, a little replica lighthouse and great lake views. There is a gift shop and you can get inside the lighthouse, but I did not have time for those. There is a decent-sized pavilion and picnic tables near it in the main park area. The playground is also near those. It had a large playground structure and also swings. As to the entrance fee, I have a recreation passport, so I'm not sure how much the entrance is.
  • Great time camping here. The rustic setting with no electricity makes the experience much more nature like. Being able to open the windows to hear and see the lake shore was enjoyable. Some campsites accommodate 30' units but may present a challenge backing into. Over 30' and you'll have trouble navigating the loop without being in the trees around corners. Decent isolation between most sites. Can't wait to come back.
  • Absolutely breathtaking even on a cold brisk day. The waves gently crashing on the rocky, stony pebble shore is so beautiful. You can take a trip up to the lighthouse for $5 or just take in the scenery. The halloween decorations were enjoyable even though we had no kids with us. Appreciated how clean the toilets were and had instructions on how to make sure the composting toilets were used properly. The gift shop is well stocked and super clean.
  • Beautiful park. Grand Traverse Lighthouse and great views of Lake Michigan. Worth the ride up the peninsula which is gorgeous in itself. Even on an overcast day it was great.
  • Beautiful rustic campground. I do not recommend this to campers who need fancy amenities. Don’t expect to shower during your stay. We love booking at least a week here, and tent camp amongst others who enjoy the quiet, natural setting. No generators, loud music, no obnoxious noises, or fireworks. The landscape changes year to year depending on the winter ice and precipitation. Sometimes there are blowflies. You have to be prepared, and prepare your doggos for their comfort. This week we have experienced wonderful weather. This is by far our favorite michigan campground. I do buy spring water in the jug for coffee or cooking, the well water will curdle your creamer. I did notice the well water was rusty this year, so I am using it for washing dishes only.

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