Changes Coming to Craig Lake State Park’s Back-Country Next Year

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resource hopes changes to Craig Lake State Park’s back country will make camping safer and more enjoyable next year. All 22 designated back-country campsites within Craig Lake State Park will transition to reservation-only sites beginning with the 2023 camping season. The DNR is implementing this change to help combat natural resource degradation and make it easier to locate campers in emergency situations. Annual visitation for Craig Lake State Park has continued to climb the last few years seeing just shy of 69,000 visitors in 2021. All back-country sites are numbered and have either a metal or rock fire ring. The cost to camp is $20 per night for up to six people per rustic campsite. Back-country campers will need to visit the campground office at Van Riper State Park to check-in prior to entering the back-country.