Aloha State Park
Overview: Boating Hub on the Inland Waterway
Occupying 172 acres on the northeast shore of Mullett Lake—Michigan’s fourth-largest inland lake—in Cheboygan County, Aloha State Park is the premier boating base camp on the Michigan Inland Waterway, that legendary 38-mile navigable chain of rivers and lakes connecting Crooked Lake to Lake Huron through the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula. With 285 campsites, a protected boat basin where registered campers can keep their vessels during their stay, and direct access to the Inland Waterway system, Aloha is purpose-built for boaters who want to explore one of Michigan’s most distinctive water recreation corridors.
The park’s name—unlikely as it sounds for northern Michigan—comes from the nearby community of Aloha, which was named in the early 20th century during a period of optimistic place-naming. The Hawaiian greeting feels less incongruous than it should, given that Mullett Lake’s clear, warm water and sandy beaches create summer recreation conditions that rival any destination in the Great Lakes region.
Mullett Lake: Michigan’s Fourth Largest
Mullett Lake covers approximately 17,000 acres—a massive, clear-water lake that forms a central link in the Inland Waterway system. The lake supports excellent fishing and provides the open-water boating experience that draws visitors to Aloha.
- Fishing: Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, and lake sturgeon
- Boating: Full motor boating, pontoons, jet skis, sailing, kayaks, and canoes
- Boat Basin: Protected harbor where registered campers can moor their boats during their stay—a rare amenity in a state park
285 Campsites
The campground offers 285 sites in three sections:
- Full-Hookup Sites: Water, sewer, and electrical service—ideal for extended RV stays
- Electric-Only Sites: Standard sites with electrical hookups
- Amenities: Modern restrooms, showers, play areas, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
The Inland Waterway
From Aloha’s boat launch, boaters can access the full 38-mile Inland Waterway system, paddling or motoring through interconnected rivers and lakes from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron. The waterway’s gentle current and navigable channels make it accessible to kayakers, canoeists, pontoon boaters, and motorboats alike.
North Eastern State Trail
The park borders the 70-mile North Eastern State Trail, a converted rail-trail suitable for walking, cycling, and snowmobiling. The trail provides car-free access to the surrounding countryside and connects to the broader northern Michigan trail network.
Seasonal Guide
Spring (May–June)
Campground opens. Walleye fishing at peak intensity. Inland Waterway paddling begins.
Summer (July–August)
Peak season. Beach swimming, boating, Inland Waterway exploration. Reserve well in advance.
Autumn (September–October)
Fall color along the Inland Waterway. Walleye fishing improves. Campground availability improves.
Winter (November–March)
Campground closed. Ice fishing on Mullett Lake. Snowmobiling on the North Eastern State Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Aloha? Named after the nearby community of Aloha, which received its Hawaiian-inspired name during an optimistic period of early 20th-century place-naming in northern Michigan.
Can I keep my boat at the park? Yes. Registered campers can use the protected boat basin to moor their vessels during their stay—a rare state park amenity.
How big is Mullett Lake? Approximately 17,000 acres—Michigan’s fourth-largest inland lake, forming a central link in the 38-mile Inland Waterway.
