FABULOUS LAKE HURON PARKS
by Melissa Farrell

Spring is finally here and warm weather and rainy days have allowed rich green grass to sprout and colorful and aromatic flowers to bloom. Warm weather fever urges many people to grill outside, fish, swim and sit around the campfire to roast marshmallows with family and friends. There is no better place to relax and enjoy the sheer beauty than along the sandy shoreline of Lake Huron.

The Port Huron area, along with Huron and Sanilac counties, are rich in outdoor recreational opportunities. The area offers the right atmosphere for all outdoor lovers. Camping opportunities are available for the rugged tent enthusiasts and for those who enjoy their modern motor home beaming with all the amenities.

Camping reservations are filling fast. For best results one should plan ahead and book a reservation as soon as possible. Many of the parks are already booked for the holiday season. If one is interested in camping at Huron County, The Huron County Park department takes reservations by mail the first day in January and by phone two weeks later. To make reservations during the off season call 989-269-6404. Huron County offers a robust selection of parks one can enjoy for the afternoon or a week's vacation.

Here is a list of a few parks worth considering in Huron County.

As one travels northeast along Saginaw Bay, one nears Sebewaing County Park. To get to the park turn left on Pine Street (located near Monitor Sugar Company), and then make a left turn on Miller Street and a right turn onto Union Street. The park is located at the end of Union Street.

Sebewaing County Park lies along the bank of the Sebewaing River. The campground features 64 campsites, 10 rustic and 54 full hook-up sites. This park boasts good walleye fishing from the bank and offers visitors a different setting than many of the other parks including a wetland environment with ducks and geese. The park is also close to Saginaw Bay for people who want to fish in the lake.

Next on the drive one will come to Caseville County Park, located in the charming tourist town of Caseville. This is an excellent park to take the family for an afternoon picnic, a dip in the lake, or for a week's camping vacation.

Caseville County Park has one of the largest beaches in the area, according to Steve Romzek, Huron County Park superintendent.

The park is comprised of 40 acres with five pavilions on the premise, two of which are located on the beach. Grills and picnic tables are located in various spots throughout the park. Pavilions are available to rent in advance.

All of the campsites are modern. The campground is graced with 20 lake view lots. Seventy of the sites have electricity and water hook ups, and 144 sites are equipped with a sewer hook up, as well. Concessions are also available to purchase on site. Modern bathroom/shower facilities, and a sanitary station are also on location. The playground area is fantastic for children. For more information or to make reservations during the park season, call 989-856-2080.

Albert E. Sleeper State Park lies on Saginaw Bay about five miles east of Caseville on M-25. The park is named for Albert E. Sleeper, former governor of Michigan and resident of Huron County who signed into law the statute that created the park system.

"Sleeper State Park campground is located in a heavy wooded area, with a half-mile of sandy beach nearby where people can watch both sunrises and sunsets, and with direct access to four miles of trails running through 2,500 wooded acres," said George Lauinger, Sleeper State Park unit supervisor.

The park comprises 723 acres of forest, wetlands, sandy beach and dunes. More than four miles of hiking trails are available for those who wish to hike or ski. The hiking trails are accessible through the campground area.

The park's 223 modern campsites are nestled in a wooded area of oak, birch and pine. There is a wide range of lot sizes to accommodate a large RV or a small tent. Three modern toilet/shower facilities are available from mid-April through October. A sanitation and a fish cleaning station are located in the campground.

Camping is $21 per night for 20/30-amp service, and $23 per night for 20/30/50 amp service, plus a $5 registration fee will be applied the first night for campers without a reservation. To make reservations call 1-800-447-2757, or for more information about Sleeper State Park call 989-856-4411.

Every vehicle entering a state park must display a valid motor vehicle permit, which may be purchased from park staff upon entry. For Michigan residents the permit costs $6 a day, or a season permit may be purchased for $24. An out of state vehicle permit is $8 a day or $29 a season. Senior citizens can purchase a motor vehicle permit for $6 and bridge cardholders can purchase a seasonal motor vehicle permit for $18.

The day use area is a short walk across the road from the campground, where one will find a half-mile of sandy beach stretching across the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, a toilet building, a picnic area adjacent to the beach, and a pavilion that can be rented for group occasions.

A camp re-enactment of pre-civil war historical eras, "A Walk Through Time," will take place May 31 through June 4 in the day use area at Sleeper State Park and "Project Go," will feature free fishing along with other outdoor activities on June 10.

Oak Beach County Park is located between Caseville and Port Austin on M-25. The park is comprised of 46 acres with 55 modern full-hook up campsites. Modern bathroom and showering facilities, and a sanitary station are also available. Visitors can enjoy a picnic under the shelter or at a table in a sunny location in the day use area. This park also has a good beach for swimming and fishing. To make a reservation or to obtain more information, call 989-856-2344.

Port Crescent State Park is located on Saginaw Bay near the tip of the Thumb. Three miles of sandy shore provides the perfect opportunity for sunbathing, swimming, fishing or just simply walking along the shore. The park offers hikers almost six miles of trails in the woods, along the shore, and around wetlands.

"We have generations of people who have camped at Port Crescent," said Betsy Kish, Port Crescent State Park unit supervisor. "It is a perfect camping destination with three miles of shoreline in public ownership and the largest sand dune area on the eastern side of the state."

This state park has a modern 137-site campground with a waterfront view of Lake Huron and the Pinnebog River. Twenty-five to 30 lakeside campsites are available. These sites fill up quickly.

Each site is equipped with water and electric hook up (20 and 30 amps), a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also features modern bathrooms/shower facilities, a sanitary station and a playground. Camp rates for the 2006 season are $29 a night. A $5 registration fee is applied the first night for people camping without a reservation. To make a camping reservation, call 1-800-447-2757. For more information about the park, call 989-738-8663.

The camper cabin at Port Crescent is one the park's newest features. This wooden structure has a main living area with bunk beds and a storage area, two bedrooms, heat, a microwave and mini fridge, porch with a handicap accessible deck, a fire ring and raised grill. The cabin comfortably sleeps six. A mini cabin is also available to rent. It is equipped with electric heat, two bunk beds and a table and chairs.

The day use area is a great place to take the family for a picnic, a swim, fishing or hiking. The dune features and habitat definitely make the Port Crescent experience unique. The boardwalk at the day use provides an opportunity to view scenic vistas from the top of the dunes.

Lighthouse Park is located seven miles north of Port Hope on M-25. Light House Park is home to the Pointe aux Barques Light House and museum. The lighthouse was built in 1857 under President Polk's command to warn ships of treacherous shoals in Lake Huron. Besides marking the entrance into Saginaw Bay, the flashing white light atop the lighthouse shines 18 miles over Lake Huron to warn ships of shallow waters. The Ship Wreck Museum features artifacts from various shipwrecks and information about many of the lighthouse keepers who lived in the lighthouse. Visitors also have an opportunity to experience what life was like living in the lighthouse by walking through several of the rooms. The museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Lighthouse Park has a rocky shoreline reminiscent of old New England. A nature trail traverses the shoreline and passes through a wooded area lush with various ferns and friendly deer. The park is also a great place to watch ships pass by.

The campground is comprised of 110 sites with electricity and water, and 74 full hook-up sites. Modern bathroom/shower facilities and a sanitary station are available for campers to utilize.

For people who want to camp without a lot of preparation, six camper cabins are available to rent. Two pavilions are located in the day use area overlooking the rocky shore of Saginaw Bay. Great playground accommodations are also located in the day use area. The dock is marginally useable, however, Romzek is hopeful that the boat launch may be dredged this summer.

Stafford County Park, located in Port Hope, lies on 38 acres. The campground is comprised of 73 campsites. Lakeview sites are available. Modern, tent and group camping is permitted. Electricity and running water is available on all of the sites. A modern bathroom and shower facilities, and a sanitary station are on location.

This park is a great place to enjoy an afternoon swim, or use the picnic facilities available including grills, and picnic shelters. The park offers other amenities including shuffleboard accommodations, lighted tennis courts, a horseshoe pit and a ball field. To make a reservation or for more information, call 989-428-4749.

Wagener County Park is located five miles south of Harbor Beach on M-25. This secluded park is a great choice for people who enjoy wildlife, hiking, fishing, watching large ships pass by and for people who simply want to experience the sheer magnificence of the outdoors. Ninety-six campsites are located in the 132-acre park. Twenty-eight of the sites are full hook-up, 68 are electric only and a handful of rustic sites are available. Eight rustic camper cabins nestled in a wooded environment are also available to rent.

Modern amenities include flush toilets, shower facilities and a sanitary station. The day use area is great for picnicking in the sun, shade or under covered picnic pavilion. The park has 3.5 miles of wooded nature trails great for walking or biking, and for fishing enthusiasts, a boat launch. To make a reservation or for more information, call 989-479-9131.

Huron County also features a few lovely day parks.

Philip Park is graced with a nice swimming beach. Philip Park is located one mile east of Sleeper State Park on M-25. Grills and picnic tables are also on location.

McGraw County Park is located a mile east of Oak Beach on M-25. If swimming is at the top of the agenda, this is the park to visit. "McGraw Park has the best beach in the county," Romzek said. Grills and tables are also on location.

Bird Creek Park is located in Port Austin. This lovely park features a boardwalk around the park area, a basketball court, pavilion, horseshoe pit and fishing platforms. A paddleboat rental concession is on site.

If one is looking to visit a park in Sanilac County, here is a list of a few parks worth considering.

Forester Park is located six miles north of Port Sanilac. This 68-acre park allows campers to choose from 190 sites, of which 170 have electricity and water. Modern bathrooms/shower facilities are on location. Camping fees range from $18-$20 per night.

Forester Park is a great place to spend time with the family. The park features a boardwalk to the beach; basketball courts, a horseshoe pit, volleyball net, swimming, a small area of hiking trails and a playground for children. The beach is sand and gravel mixed, and a bit rocky. The park is a quarter of a mile from the park store that sells ice cream and other goodies. For more information call 810-622-8715.

Evergreen Park is located nine miles north of 46 on M-53. The park lies next to the Cass River with 147 campsites on 68 acres. Forty of the sites offer water, electric and sewer hook up, 60 sites offer electric and water, and 47 rustic sites are available. Modern bathroom and shower facilities, playground equipment, a mile of hiking trails, and a canoe launch are on location. If fishing is at the top of one's agenda this is the place to visit.

This family-oriented park hosts several family activities throughout the summer. Christmas in July will take place at the park July 7th and 8th. Activities include decorating sites in Christmas attire, a potluck dinner and a surprise visit from Santa. A fishing contest for kids and peddle pullers contest will take place June 9th and 10th.

Evergreen Park is hosting Outdoor Weekend August 4 - 6. Weekend highlights include a hunter's safety course and a special booth for hunters. A pig roast and D.J. will kick off the last shebang of the summer.

For more information about the park call 989-872-6600.

Lexington Park is located on the blue waters of Lake Huron. If one is looking to spend time in nature in a small campground this may be the one. The 27-acre park offers 27 campsites with electricity, 15 rustic sites, two pavilions, a dump station, a modern bathroom/shower facility and playground equipment. Camp fees are $20 a night for a site with electricity, $19 for a rustic site. The park is sometimes described as "a little piece of paradise." The day use area is also a great place for a picnic. Features include picnic tables and grills. A donation of $2 is requested.

If one is looking for a park to visit in the Port Huron area here are a few worth considering.

The village of Lake Port is home to Lake Port State Park. The park consists of 565 acres on the shores of Lake Huron, and is comprised of dense hardwood forest, open grass and a mile of white, sandy beach.

"Lake Port State Park is a very popular park," said Mark Sine, Lake Port Unit supervisor. "Many of the same visitors come back year after year."

The park boasts of two camping units separated by the village. Two hundred-fifty sites are divided between the two units. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and electricity. Several pull through sites are available. A modern toilet/shower facility and playground are in each unit. A sanitary station is also available.

Camping is $23 a night. A $5 registration fee will be applied the first night of camping for people without a reservation.

Every vehicle entering a state park must display a valid motor vehicle permit, which may be purchased from park staff upon entry. For Michigan residents the permit costs $6 a day, or a season permit may be purchased for $24. An out of state vehicle permit is $8 a day or a $29 a season. Senior citizens can purchase a motor vehicle permit for $6 and bridge cardholders can purchase a seasonal motor vehicle permit for $18. To make a reservation, call 1-800-447-2757. For more information about the park call 810-327-6224.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (south) Unit of Lake Port State Park is a day use area situated one mile south of the camping area. Many picnic tables and grills are located in the day use area along with volleyball nets and horseshoe pits, and the lake is adjacent to the day use. Highway US-25 divides the day use into two areas, but a pedestrian overpass provides access to both areas. For more information about the park or summer events, call 989-872- 6600.

Pine Grove Park is a popular older park in Port Huron. The park is located north of the water filtration plant on 1204 Pine Grove Avenue. Fishing is a popular pastime at this park. Not only is the fishing exciting, so is the fascinating 1500 sweep view of ships passing by. Picnic areas, softball diamond, a playground, horseshoe and shuffleboard courts add to the day's excitement.

Thomas Edison Parkway is a hot spot to visit. A nice walkway runs alongside the waterfront. Many people like to engage in outdoor activities such as rollerblading, biking, walking the dog or simply relaxing on a park bench watching the activity on 3,800 feet of waterfront where St. Clair River and Lake Huron meet. The north end of the Parkway is located at the St. Thomas and Edison Parkway entrances.

Blue Water Bridge Park provides visitors with a magnificent view of the pristine water and port activity on a 900-foot observation deck. The scenic turnout is located at the State Street and Thomas Edison intersection.

Lighthouse Park, one of the most historic parks in Port Huron, is home to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Michigan, and the first lighthouse on Lake Huron. The lighthouse is currently a museum operated by the city of Port Huron. Not only is it a historic park, but also is graced with a beautiful 900-foot beach on the lake. The water is clean and swimming is good near the mouth, however, beware of the swift current!

Looking for a great get-away? Visit the many parks dotting the Lake Huron shoreline this summer and be rewarded with a beauty only the water and woods can provide. Whether out for just the day or making the most of a week's vacation, camping in the great outdoors in Michigan's Thumb is great fun for the entire family!