Hartwick Pines State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Close to both Grayling and Gaylord, Hartwick Pines State Park covers more than 7,000 acres. Though I-75 runs by the park, the large trees block out the highway noises and let you enjoy some peace. It is home to the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, which traces the history of the logging industry in Michigan, and the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. Stop by the center to check-in as soon as you arrive.
Spring 28-67 F
Summer 49-80 F
Fall 44-70 F
Winter 15-31 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hartwick Pines State Park
Renting an RV lets you visit all the campgrounds in and around Hartwick Pines State Park along with other state parks. Search for an RV rental on RVshare to find one in Grayling or another nearby city. RV owners offer rentals that include everything from multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to flat-screen televisions and central heat and air.
Hartwick Pines Modern
When traveling with family or friends, consider staying in Hartwick Pines Modern, which has large sites with full hookups. Each site puts you within walking distance of four trails that are open during cold and warm seasons. An on-site dump station makes it easy to get the RV ready before you leave.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Dump station, trail access, clean bathrooms, full hookups
Hartwick Pines Group Use Area
If you don't mind the lack of amenities, the Hartwick Pines Group Use Area is worth a visit. Located inside the park, it has a vault toilet and large spots with space for crowds. While it lacks modern amenities, the campground is close to the park's top trails and activities.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Vault toilet, trail access, rustic sites, large group capacity
River Park Campground
Stay for a week or longer at River Park Campground and save money with discounted rates. Prices for RV spots are just $30/night during the busy season. The recreation center and swimming pool give this campground a classic and old-fashioned feel.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Discounted rates, playground, camp store, recreation center, swimming pond
Grayling Jellystone Park
Yogi Bear welcomes visitors to Grayling Jellystone Park. With level concrete spots, the campground makes setting up a quick and easy thing. In addition to daily planned activities during the busy season, this campground has cabin rentals and a jumping pillow near its swimming pool.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Playground, basketball court, cabin rentals, swimming area, miniature golf course, cartoon theater, daily activities
What to Do at
Hartwick Pines State Park
Inside Hartwick Pines State Park
The seven trails in Hartwick Pines State Park include the 7.5-mile Weary Legs Trail and the 0.25-mile Bright and Glory Lakes Trail, which takes you close to the water. If your legs aren't too tired, grab a pole and head to the fishing pier on Lakes Bright and Glory, which are handicap accessible. The lakes also have boat rentals that are available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stop by the Visitor Center to sign your kids up for the special programs and check out the Edward E. Hartwick Memorial Building, which is one of the state's oldest and largest log structures.
How to Get to
Hartwick Pines State Park
Get to Hartwick Pines State Park from anywhere via I-75 North. Look for Exit 259, which takes you to M-93, also called Hartwick Pines Road. You'll follow this road for roughly one mile before spotting the park's entrance and visitor center.
Entering Hartwick Pines State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park is open year-round. Note that the park visitor center and logging museum maintain different hours than the park itself.
Hartwick Pines State Park Per vehicle/annual pass (Michigan residents) : $12.0
Hartwick Pines State Park Per vehicle/annual pass (non-residents) : $34.0
Hartwick Pines State Park Per vehicle/day pass (non-residents) : $9.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Hartwick Pines State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hartwick Pines State Park
Summer is the best time of year to visit Hartwick Pines State Park. The temperatures are mild, and the park is full of wildlife. Late spring and early fall are also good times to visit the park, but the nights can be pretty cold.
Hartwick Pines State Park is in northern Michigan, so the climate is frigid, especially in winter when temperatures often fall below zero. However, the summer is beautiful, with mild days and chilly nights.
The park has a variety of fish in the rivers and creeks that run throughout the park. They also have a fish hatchery on-site. In addition, visitors may encounter all kinds of animals in the forests, including bears, deer, foxes, and even moose.
Hartwick Pines State Park has over 100 camping sites designated for RVs with full hookups. RV spaces are large and separated for privacy and peacefulness. Shade trees cover the area leading to the on-site bathrooms and showers.
You do not need a reservation to stay camp in the park, but you will want to reserve ahead anyway to make sure you have a spot. The cost ranges between $30 and $45 per night, depending on your RV and the camping spot.