Young State Park
Overview: Camping on Lake Charlevoix
Occupying 563 wooded acres on the eastern shore of Lake Charlevoix—Michigan’s third-largest inland lake—Young State Park delivers one of the most desirable waterfront camping experiences in the northern Lower Peninsula. Located just outside the charming resort town of Boyne City in Charlevoix County, the park places campers within steps of a beautiful sandy swimming beach, a productive warm and cold-water fishery, and the gateway to one of Michigan’s most celebrated summer recreation regions.
Established in 1921 and enhanced with CCC-era day-use buildings during the 1930s, Young State Park has been a beloved family vacation destination for over a century. Its 240 modern campsites—spread across three distinct campground loops—fill rapidly during the peak summer season, as generations of Michigan families return year after year for the combination of pristine Lake Charlevoix frontage, excellent facilities, and easy access to the Boyne City and Charlevoix area’s restaurants, shops, and recreational attractions.
Lake Charlevoix: Michigan’s Third-Largest Lake
Lake Charlevoix is a genuinely impressive body of water—approximately 17 miles long, up to 2 miles wide, and reaching depths exceeding 120 feet. Its deep, cold, crystal-clear water and dramatic shoreline scenery place it among the most beautiful inland lakes in the Midwest. The lake supports an exceptional fishery including lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.
The park’s sandy swimming beach extends along a protected section of the eastern shore, offering gradual entry into calm, clear water that is ideal for families with young children. On calm summer mornings, the water clarity rivals that of Caribbean beaches—a claim that startles first-time visitors but is entirely justified by the lake’s remarkable transparency.
Three Campgrounds, 240 Sites
Young Oak
The most popular loop, featuring shaded sites beneath mature hardwood canopy with proximity to the beach and day-use areas. Sites accommodate tents, pop-ups, travel trailers, and small motorhomes. Modern restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.
Young Spruce
Named for the conifer stands that shade many of its sites, Young Spruce offers a slightly different character—more evergreen shade, a quieter atmosphere, and excellent privacy between sites. Similar amenities to Young Oak.
Young Terrace
The terrace loop sits at a slightly higher elevation with partial lake views from some sites. A boat launch within this loop provides direct access to Lake Charlevoix for boaters and anglers. This is the preferred campground for visitors bringing trailered boats.
Mini Cabins
For visitors who prefer a roof overhead, mini cabins are available for reservation. These small, basic structures provide shelter, bunks, and electricity but require guests to bring bedding, cooking equipment, and food.
Trails: Exploring the Cedar Swamp
Young State Park features approximately 5–7 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park’s varied terrain.
- Deer Flats Trail: A gently rolling loop through mixed hardwood forest and open meadow, offering good wildlife viewing opportunities. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds are commonly observed.
- White Birch Trail: This trail passes through sections of the park’s distinctive lowland cedar swamp—a dark, atmospheric wetland forest dominated by northern white cedar with a spongy, moss-covered floor. The cedar swamp is a genuinely unique ecological experience, with the dense canopy creating a cool, dim, almost cathedral-like atmosphere even on the brightest summer days.
The park also provides access to the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail, a paved multi-use path that connects the two towns along the Lake Charlevoix shoreline—a spectacular ride or walk, particularly during sunset.
Boyne City: The Gateway Town
Young State Park’s location just outside Boyne City provides campers with convenient access to one of northern Michigan’s most appealing small towns. Boyne City’s compact downtown features excellent restaurants (farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and casual lakeside eateries), unique shops, and a vibrant arts community. During summer, the town hosts a series of festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor events that complement the state park experience.
Boyne Mountain Resort, one of Michigan’s largest ski and golf destinations, is located just minutes from the park, offering additional activities including zip lines, mountain biking, and waterpark facilities during the summer season.
Seasonal Guide
Spring (April–May)
The park opens for camping. Lake Charlevoix is still cold; fishing for lake trout and brown trout improves as the lake warms. Wildflowers emerge in the cedar swamp. Mosquitoes increase as temperatures rise.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season. Swimming beach is at its best. Campsite reservations are essential—book weeks to months in advance for weekend stays. The Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail is ideal for sunset rides.
Autumn (September–October)
The hardwood forests produce vibrant fall color. Lake Charlevoix sailing and fishing continue. Campground availability improves dramatically. The Boyne City area is beautiful and significantly less crowded.
Winter (December–March)
The park is open year-round. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trail system. Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands ski resorts provide world-class downhill skiing minutes away. Winter camping is available for hardy visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Young State Park? Reservations can be made through the Michigan DNR online reservation system (midnrreservations.com) or by phone at 800-447-2757. Summer weekend reservations should be made well in advance—this is one of northern Michigan’s most popular campgrounds.
Is Lake Charlevoix swimmable? Yes. The park features a beautiful sandy swimming beach with gradual entry into calm, clear water. The lake warms to comfortable swimming temperatures by late June and remains pleasant through early September.
Can I launch a boat from the park? Yes. A boat launch is located within the Young Terrace campground, providing direct access to Lake Charlevoix for trailered boats, kayaks, and canoes.
What is the cedar swamp? A lowland wetland forest dominated by northern white cedar trees, creating a dark, cool, moss-covered environment with a distinctive cathedral-like atmosphere. The White Birch Trail passes through this unique ecosystem.
Is Boyne Mountain near the park? Yes. Boyne Mountain Resort is approximately 10 minutes from the park by car, offering skiing, golf, zip lines, and waterpark facilities depending on the season.
