Winter Camping: Really Roughing It

Die-hard camping fans aren’t deterred by a little fluffy white snow on the ground.

Several Northwest Michigan state parks remain open either well into or through the winter.

Young State Park, northwest of Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix, is open until the first week of December. Call 582-7523 for specific dates. And at Petoskey State Park, northeast of Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay, 100 sites at the Tannery Campground will remain open until heavy snow blankets the ground. For information, call 347-2311.

Wilderness State Park, at the tip of the peninsula near Mackinaw City, is a virtual winter playground. There are 250 camping sites and in the winter, there is no need for reservations. Reservations are needed, however, for one of several cabins and 24-bed bunkhouses on the popular cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling grounds. Call 436-5381 to reserve a spot or learn more about availability.