We have a reservation at: Hartwick Pines State Park for May 27-June 6, Site 62. If you are interested, sites 56, 59, and 63 are close and share a large lawn common area. Those of you who were with us last time likely remember the layout. Come for all or part of the time!
You may make a reservation here: Hartwick Pines State Park
All sites are electric, some full hook-ups. Flush toilets and showers as well. It's a popular campground, so you may want to act quickly to reserve.
We plan to paddle the Au Sable and Manistee. There are other rivers within a reasonable distance. The campground has two lakes if you want to paddle but prefer to avoid a river.
We will be flexible, but plan to paddle every day the weather allows - usually 4-5 hour trips with nice lunch breaks. There's always water and good flow.
If anyone wants to camp but not paddle, the hiking is terrific, the fishing is amazing, and, especially this time of year, the birding is incredible. Graying is close to Traverse City, Petosky, and just a couple hours from the bridge. In other words, there's lots to do if you want to come for fun and prefer not to paddle every day.
If you prefer primitive camping but want to paddle and hang with the group (and use our showers ??), there are two State Forest campgrounds nearby. Sites were $20 last year, and they are first come, first served. Burton's Landing and Keystone are closest to town and to Hartwick Pines.
Please note that all campgrounds and water access parking areas require a Michigan Recreation Passport, which you can get online or at Hartwick Pines upon check-in.
Finally, we are also happy to help with info or logistics if anyone wants to do a downriver trip on the Au Sable. If that's the case, we need to know in order to build transportation support into our plans.
Grayling is a distance, but we have found the area to be well worth the effort. We hope others can join us!
Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks.
Mary
216-213-8726
mdobrea@icloud.com