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.
Outside Hartwick Pines State Park
Explore the world outside of Hartwick Pines State Park and visit a historic farm or a military museum. Local restaurants offer everything from BBQ to sweet treats. You might want to hit a store to find some gifts before you leave.
Restaurants
Spike's Keg O' Nails
One of the oldest restaurants in Grayling is Spike's Keg O' Nails. Operating since 1933, it draws a huge crowd, especially when U of M and Michigan State play. The menu includes appetizers and main dishes, as well as specialty drinks and desserts.
Type: Pub
Location: 301 Cedar St, Grayling, MI 49738
Grayling Restaurant
The specialty of the house at the Grayling Restaurant is the Lumberjack Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, meat, toast, and hash browns. That and all other breakfast dishes are available all day, but you might want to try the dinner menu, too.
Type: American
Location: 211 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
Gray Rock Pub & Grub
Though the Gray Rock Pub & Grub has a dive bar look from the outside, the inside has a welcoming vibe that visitors and locals love. You can play a game of darts or pool while waiting for your order. Chicken wings and taco salads are a few of the top dishes.
Type: Pub
Location: 2123 Industrial St, Grayling, MI 49738
Bear's Den Pizzeria
The Cub Paws at Bear's Den Pizzeria features cheese breaded and fried until it turns golden brown. After that appetizer, keep things light with one of the salads or choose a personal pan pizza. The Kodiak and Black Bear are some of the specialty pizzas.
Type: Pizza
Location: 243 E Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
Dawson & Steven's Classic 50s Diner
Stepping into Dawson & Steven's Classic 50s Diner feels like stepping back in time. The 50s theme is clear from the decorations on the walls to the dishes on the menu. James Dean Burgers are a hit with most diners. It has separate menus for seniors and kids.
Type: Diner
Location: 231 Michigan Ave #1742, Grayling, MI 49738
Shopping
The Sweet Life
No matter what type of gifts and souvenirs you want to buy, The Sweet Life has everything you want. Shop for clothing that will remind you of chilly nights and candles that smell like the park.
Location: 207 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
Northbound Outfitters
Sporting enthusiasts love Northbound Outfitters for its wide range of outdoor gear and equipment. Shop for canoes and kayaks or roasting sticks and lanterns for your camping trip.
Location: 6041 W M-72 Hwy, Grayling, MI 49738
Family Fare Supermarket
Family Fare Supermarket is just a short drive from the park and offers all the essentials that you would find in a neighborhood grocery store. Check out the flyers to see the sales available during your trip.
Location: 2470 S, I-75BL, Grayling, MI 49738
Ron's Fly SHop
Get anything that you need for a day at the lake at Ron's Fly Shop. While you can pick out a new reel and look for fly fishing gear, don't forget to pick up some bait before heading back to Hartwick Pines State Park.
Location: 228 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
Skip's Sport Shop
Another sporting goods store that is popular with campers is Skip's Sport Shop located right on M-72. The shop offers an extensive range of guns and ammo along with canoes, kayaks, and camping gear.
Location: 5765 W M-72 Hwy, Grayling, MI 49738
Sightseeing
Crawford County Historical Society Museum
Discover the history of the area at the Crawford County Historical Society Museum. The permanent exhibits cover topics that include native wildlife and the tools that lumberjacks used. It also has a gift shop filled with products made by Michigan citizens and companies.
Location: 97 East Michigan Avenue, Grayling, MI 49738
Wellington Farm Park
Step back in time with a visit to the Wellington Farm Park, which shows what life was like for Michigan farmers during the Great Depression. During daily tours, volunteers demonstrate the tools and equipment that farmers used.
Location: 6944 S Military Rd, Grayling, MI 49738
Mason Tract Pathway
The Mason Tract Pathway is one of the best places to hike outside of the park. It consists of more than 10 miles of trails located between the Chase Bridge and M-72.
Location: Grayling, MI 49738
Pineview Military Surplus and Museum
Not only can you pick up gear that will keep you warm and safe at the Pineview Military Surplus and Museum, but you can also take a tour of the on-site museum too. The pieces on display date back to the Revolutionary War and include artifacts from modern battles.
Location: 604 Norway St, Grayling, MI 49738
Rialto Theatre
Fans of classic Hollywood cinema love the Rialto Theatre, which features some original details from its 1915 construction. It has just one screen but shows modern releases and older films.
Location: 302 E Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
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.