BREAKING: In a surprising turn, Holland State Park has emerged as the most popular campground in Michigan for the fiscal year 2025, racking up an impressive 40,088 nights camped. The latest data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reveals that this park, featuring two modern campgrounds and cozy camper cabins, outpaced previous favorite Ludington State Park, which faced closure for renovations during peak camping months.
The fiscal year ran from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and the impact of campground closures was significant. Ludington State Park, which dominated the rankings in prior years, had its campgrounds shut from September 2024 until June 26, 2025, missing crucial camping days. Once reopened, it still managed to secure a spot in the top 10, finishing with 32,012 nights camped.
Here’s how the rankings for Michigan state park campgrounds shaped up based on nights camped in 2025:
1. **Holland State Park, Holland**: 40,088 nights camped
2. **South Higgins Lake State Park, Roscommon**: 39,328 nights camped
3. **Interlochen State Park, Interlochen**: 37,231 nights camped
4. **Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake**: 35,951 nights camped
5. **Hoffmaster State Park, Norton Shores**: 33,137 nights camped
6. **Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise**: 32,501 nights camped
7. **Ludington State Park, Ludington**: 32,012 nights camped
8. **Sterling State Park, Monroe**: 31,031 nights camped
9. **Muskegon State Park, Muskegon**: 29,375 nights camped
10. **Lakeport State Park, Lakeport**: 28,737 nights camped
While Tahquamenon Falls State Park had the highest number of reservations at 12,861, the competition for space remains fierce. The park also offers various camping options, including modern and rustic campgrounds, backcountry sites, and cabins. Other popular parks for reservations included:
– **Porcupine Mountains State Park, Ontonagon**: 12,373 reservations
– **Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake**: 11,716 reservations
– **Interlochen State Park, Interlochen**: 11,406 reservations
Despite reservations being up slightly by 0.17% to 443,215, cancellations decreased significantly, dropping 13.32% in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year.
Occupancy rates provide another lens into camping popularity. Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor topped the list with an impressive 84.21% occupancy rate, followed closely by Port Crescent State Park at 81.01%. Here are the top parks based on occupancy rates:
1. **Fort Wilkins State Park, Copper Harbor**: 84.21% occupancy rate
2. **Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin**: 81.01% occupancy rate
3. **Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas**: 78.06% occupancy rate
4. **Petoskey State Park, Petoskey**: 77.25% occupancy rate
5. **Holland State Park, Holland**: 74.86% occupancy rate
During the prime summer camping season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Port Crescent State Park again led with a staggering 90.71% occupancy rate, followed closely by Tahquamenon Falls at 90.58%.
As camping season continues, the data highlights the shifting landscape of popular camping destinations in Michigan, driven by renovations and changing visitor preferences. With numbers like these, it’s clear that outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to state parks, making reservations more crucial than ever. Be prepared—if you’re hoping to get a spot at these hot destinations, act fast!
Stay tuned for more updates as the Michigan state park camping scene continues to evolve!
