Accessible Camp Sites and Lodges in Michigan

05.08.2023 | 3 min read

Hey camping fans, how do these digs sound for your next vacation? A three-bedroom lodge situated halfway between Tahquamenon Falls’ upper and lower waterfall areas. A yurt located in the Muskegon woods near Lake Michigan, complete with a solar lantern and a quaint wood stove. Or maybe a rustic cabin tucked in the woods near Grayling, featuring a hand pump for water and a picnic table outside. What might surprise you? These state-owned camping sites are all designed to be accessible.

Mini-cabins, bigger camper cabins, spacious lodges, yurts and more cool housing options have been multiplying at Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas in the last few years. And the great news is that so many of these options are accessible. They are being built and designed in such a way to make it easier for people who use wheelchairs, walkers or have mobility issues to be able to use these sites and enjoy the state’s natural beauty.

Options are available across both the Upper and the Lower Peninsula, in remote areas and in spots near bigger cities.

Here are some examples of each type of accessible camping cabin or lodge offered, with a list of where they are available statewide. All reservations have to be made through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) system.

Accessible lodges

One prime example of a lodge is the one sitting at the entrance to Traverse City State Park. Like lots of park lodges, this one looks more like a ranch-style home. It has an accessible ramp to the front door and is right across the street from the swimming beach. Using the park’s roads, you can also access the TART bike trail that runs right to downtown Traverse City and the new Boardman Lake Loop. Other accessible lodges are available at:

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Cheboygan State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Grand Haven State Park

Fayette Historic State Park

Accessible yurts

These are just plain fun. Like a huge, roundish tent with a sturdy framework, yurts offer more of a glamping experience. One example is the yurt at Tawas Point State Park. It’s furnished with bunk beds and sleeps up to six people. It has a front ramp and deck area outside the yurt. Others are available at:

Muskegon State Park

Pinckney Recreation Area

Craig Lake State Park

Accessible rustic cabins

The snug, modern two-bedroom cabin at Sleepy Hollow State Park is one example. It can sleep up to six people. It also comes with a stunning view. It overlooks the 400-acre Lake Ovid. Other sites include:

Brighton Recreation Area

J.W. Wells State Park

Harrisville State Park

Hartwick Pines State Park

Thompson’s Harbor State Park

Accessible camper cabins

These three-room cabins are great for a couple or a few friends. They typically feature bunk-style beds. The two camber cabins at Holland State Park look out over the channel and the “Big Red” lighthouse on Lake Michigan. Others are available at:

Lakeport State Park

Van Riper State Park

Sleepy Hollow State Park

Onaway State Park

Holly Recreation Area

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Waterloo Recreation Area

Ionia Recreation Area

Tawas Point State Park

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Accessible mini cabins

These small, one-room cabins are perfect for a couple people. The one at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac has views of two lakes. Others can be found at: