Sometimes I like camping in remote areas but sometimes it's nice to be in the city. Unlike most MI state parks, Traverse City SP is located in the hub of tourist attractions, plus having the best sandy beach on the strip. It's only 2 miles from downtown for those who need their shopping "fix". All of my family loves playing putt putt golf which was nearby. There are restaurants galore up and down the strip in case you don't want to cook. I love the 10 mile paved bike path (called TART http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=tart+trail&near=Traverse+City,+MI&radius=0.0&latlng=44763056,-85620556,5602722963341622277&sa=X&oi=local&ct=authority , Traverse Trails // Boardman // Leelanau // TART // Vasa ) which runs right along the back side of the state park. There's a pathway leading right to it so you don't have to go out the front ranger's gate. The beautiful wide beach is just across the street (US31), accessible by an overpass so no need to worry about fighting traffic. Lots of rentals there, like water bikes, bouncing rafts, jet skis, and other water toys. There's dressing rooms, bathrooms, and BBQ grills with tables at the beach. The bathrooms were very modern, all electronic, to my surprise, given the slim revenues of the MI State park system. All of the families camping with us complained about the noise of the air traffic. The airport is just south and apparently right in the path of the park. Never without my laptop, I was thrilled to learn that the ranger's station area had WiFi! I sure give them credit for keeping up with the times.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=501
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