When camping at Interlochen State Park, you are entering a piece of Michigan History. The park was established during the Conservation Movement that occurred from 1890 to 1920 during which the nature writings of Henry David Thoreau, John Muir and others had popularized outdoor recreation and preservation of the natural world. This movement extolled the virtues of nature and inspired flocks of city dwellers to vacation in America's woods, prairies, and mountains. During this same time, the town of Interlochen was established to support the area's logging and fishing industries.
The modern campground's southern loop is nestled in a grove of the biggest of Interlochen's pine trees. These are living examples of what the original trees that covered Michigan looked like before most of the state was logged. Camping among these old growth white and red pines is very special. The tallest of the pines here are in the 125-to-130-foot range.
There are 431 modern campsites with electric hookups on Duck Lake. Being on the west shore of the lake, early risers are rewarded with stunning sunrises over the lake's still waters. The campsites in the modern southern loop are more like sleeping in a forest and closer to the lake than the northern loop. From some sites, you can actually take a short walk from camp and put your toes into the sandy bottomed lake. The bathrooms in the southern loop are older having been built in 1954 and 1990. There are also several wood-framed, canvas tents and cabins for rent in the modern campgrounds. One cabin in the southern loop is next to a boat launch and right on the lake.
The northern loop has a more open, modern campground atmosphere. It is actually situated on a bluff above the lake. However, there are two sets of stairs that take you down to the lakeshore. Some campers keep their boats tied to the shore here. The north campground has two modern bathrooms and shower buildings built in 2004. If you have a large RV or need 50-amp electrical service, then you'll want to stay in the north loop.
Keep Wandering & Stay Curious!
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