Michigan’s state parks are offering visitors a more comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors with deluxe lodging options that provide modern amenities while preserving the natural experience.
According to an article by MLive, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages a variety of overnight accommodations across the state’s 103 parks, ranging from rustic cabins to fully equipped tiny homes and modern lodges.
Among these options, the deluxe lodging experience stands out by offering in-cabin bathrooms, a feature that distinguishes them from other park accommodations that still rely on public facilities.
The DNR has announced an increase in overnight lodging fees starting August 1, with deluxe stays set at $160 per night.
Additionally, a new 7.5% premium fee will apply to lodging that maintains at least 85% occupancy, as these high-demand locations require more frequent maintenance and quicker turnover between guests.
Several parks across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offer these deluxe lodging experiences. At Hayes State Park, two tiny homes named Superior and Wolverine are located in the modern campground near Round Lake. Both homes can accommodate four guests, featuring a full-size bed and two single beds in a loft.
Image by Department of Natural Resources via Hayes-Tiny Houses Detail
The Superior unit is handicap accessible. These homes provide comforts such as electricity, air conditioning, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, a couch, a dining table with chairs, a mini fridge, a cooktop stove, a kitchen sink, a microwave, and a coffee maker. Outdoors, guests have access to a deck, picnic table, and fire pit.
Holly Recreation Area, less than an hour from Detroit, spans over 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands and open fields.
Two deluxe camper cabins sit along Wildwood Lake, each with private lake access, porches, picnic tables, beach fire pits, and grills. These accessible cabins feature two bedrooms and sleep up to six guests, with a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Image by Department of Natural Resources via Holly Deluxe Camper Cabins Detail
Ionia State Recreation Area, located 40 minutes from Grand Rapids, covers 4,500 acres of flat-to-rolling terrain with open fields, mature hardwood forests, and pine plantations. In the middle of the park, two camper cabins overlook Sessions Lake, each with its deck, private beach, and access to a canoe. The two-bedroom cabins sleep six guests and come equipped with a kitchenette, full bathroom, grill, and fire pit.
Image by Department of Natural Resources via Ionia-Camper Cabins Detail
Port Crescent State Park, located at the tip of the Thumb along Saginaw Bay, features a full-amenity cottage in the modern campground.
Image by Department of Natural Resources via Port Crescent Full-Amenity Cottage H Detail
This two-bedroom unit accommodates six guests and includes heat, air conditioning, a full bathroom, a kitchen, a dining area, and a common space with a futon. While additional cabins are available in the campground, they do not have running water or bathrooms.
Sleepy Hollow State Park, just 20 minutes north of Lansing, offers a two-bedroom modern cabin overlooking Lake Ovid.
This cozy unit sleeps six and features a kitchenette, dining area, and living room. The outdoor space includes a grill, fire circle, and picnic table. The cabin is pet- and equine-friendly, with an additional $10 per night fee for animals.
Image by Department of Natural Resources via Sleepy Hollow-Modern Cabin Detail
Sterling State Park, Michigan’s only state park along Lake Erie, features ten fully equipped cottages managed through a partnership with Vista Recreation. Located along the shoreline, these cottages offer screened-in porches with lake views. Inside, they include two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a kitchen, a dining area, and a living space.
Reservations for these deluxe lodging options can be made up to six months in advance at midnrreservations.com.
With the growing demand for premium accommodations, the fee adjustments ensure that high-occupancy locations are well-maintained while continuing to offer guests a high-quality outdoor hospitality experience.