Straits State Park
🌉 Camping Under the Mackinac Bridge — Where Lake Michigan Meets Lake Huron at Michigan’s Gateway to the Upper Peninsula — Straits State Park in St. Ignace, Michigan with 250+ campsites, iconic Mackinac Bridge views, Father Marquette National Memorial, North Country Trail, Lake Huron shoreline, bluff-top camping, ferry access to Mackinac Island — Mackinac County, Michigan
Straits State Park sits at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge — the 5-mile suspension bridge connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. From the campground and viewing platforms, you get unobstructed views of one of the world’s longest suspension bridges stretching across the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.
Established in 1924, the park predates the bridge by three decades. Today it’s a base camp for exploring the Upper Peninsula, with ferries to Mackinac Island departing from nearby St. Ignace.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Bridge Viewing | Dedicated platforms with panoramic Mackinac Bridge views |
| Camping | 250+ sites — lower loops near water, upper bluff with bridge views |
| North Country Trail | The 4,800-mile trail passes through the park |
| Father Marquette Memorial | Honors the 17th-century French missionary who founded St. Ignace |
| Mackinac Island | Ferry from St. Ignace (~15 min ride) — no cars, horse-drawn carriages |
| Lake Huron Shoreline | Rocky beach, waterfront picnicking |
Camping
| Area | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Loops | ~200 | Near water, electric hookups, modern restrooms |
| Upper Bluff | ~50 | Bridge views, elevated, electric hookups |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 65–80°F | Full camping, Mackinac Island ferries, bridge views |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 40–65°F | Bridge + foliage, quieter, golden light |
| Spring (May–Jun) | 40–65°F | Opening season, wildflowers, birding |
| Winter | 10–30°F | Snow-covered bridge views, limited services |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Entry | $17/year (MI Recreation Passport) | Or $7 daily |
| Campsite | $28–$39/night | Electric, modern |
| Mackinac Island Ferry | ~$30 RT/adult | Multiple companies from St. Ignace |
| Weekend Trip | $90–$130 | 2 nights camping + bridge views + Mackinac Island |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the Mackinac Bridge from the campground?
Yes — especially from the upper bluff sites. There are also dedicated viewing platforms in the day-use area.
How close is Mackinac Island?
Ferries depart from St. Ignace (adjacent to the park) and take about 15 minutes. The island bans motorized vehicles — explore by bike or horse-drawn carriage.
🌉 Camp Under the Mighty Mackinac Bridge
250+ sites at the gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, world-class bridge views, North Country Trail, and a ferry ride to Mackinac Island.
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