Between Grand Rapids And Traverse City Is Michigan's State Park Beauty For Camping, Swimming, And Scenic Trails

For travelers heading north along the west side of Lower Michigan, it can be easy to bypass the peninsula's quiet interior in favor of its more famous coastal destinations. However, just off the beaten path is a state park worth exploring, with embankments that provide a wide-ranging view of the park's beautiful waterfront landscape. That destination is Newaygo State Park. With a tranquil setting, the park is an inviting stop for those looking for a quieter alternative along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The park sits on the banks of the Hardy Dam Pond, a nearly 4,000-acre reservoir that was formed by the 1931 damming of the Muskegon River. It was one of the largest earthen dams east of the Mississippi River at the time, is still the highest in the state, and the huge lake that formed features over 50 miles of shoreline. In 1966, the state leased land from the operator of the dam and created the state park, a 400-acre outdoor playground perched atop 20-foot embankments overlooking the massive reservoir.

In addition to trails, the park also features boating and fishing opportunities, a swimming beach, and campgrounds. It's located just off U.S. Highway 131 near the town of Morley, 107 miles south of Traverse City and 45 miles north of Grand Rapids.

The Dragon Trail, named because the lake's shape resembles that of a dragon, is a 45-mile-long natural-surface route that winds around Hardy Dam Pond and connects the park to other green spaces along the shoreline. About 2 miles of the trail pass through Newaygo State Park, following the lake embankment and offering a view of the water and forest below. This section of The Dragon is rated easy, but because the route goes to the top of the embankments, some parts have a 10% grade. About 4 miles south of the park, the trail takes hikers and bikers across Hardy Dam, which is even larger than nearby Tippy Dam, another nice spot for trails and camping. 

If you're ready to cool off after hiking the Dragon, the park has a buoyed swimming area near the Poplar Campground. According to blog posts, the swimming area is small and can be a bit buggy, but offers plenty of shade — an asset on hotter days. Visitors can also kayak or go boating on the sprawling lake, which stretches over 6 miles north-to-south. Paddlers will get an unspoiled view of the shoreline, and the park's only boat launch is located between the two campgrounds. For paddlers without a kayak, the campground office offers rentals during the summer months.

Fishing is another popular activity at Newaygo State Park, with opportunities for both lake and shore fishing. Boaters can access Hardy Dam Pond via the boat ramp, where a limited number of mooring spots are available. For anglers without a boat, a small area near the channel is tailor-made for shore fishing, according to the park's website. The lake is well known for its walleye, which can reach sizes of up to 21 inches. Other fish species include yellow perch, muskies, and various bass species. In winter, Harley Dam Pond freezes over and is ideal for ice fishing.

For visitors looking to rough it, the Poplar and Oak campgrounds both offer sites with 20- to 30-foot natural buffers between campsites, providing a private, secluded experience. Most of the 99 sites are suitable for tents or RVs under about 40 feet long, although a handful can take larger rigs. A trail connects both campgrounds for easy access between the two. Drinking water and vault toilets are available at both, but there are no electrical hookups, restrooms, or showers on the premises. Camping reservations can be made online, and sites are just $20 per night at the time of writing. 

You'll need a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter the park, which costs $15 per vehicle annually for state residents. For non-Michigan residents, a daily pass costs $12, which can be used for entry and re-entry to any state park for 24 hours. If you want to explore the area further, Ludington State Park lies to the west on Lake Michigan, featuring white sand beaches and trails, and is only 1.5 hours away. Alternatively, if you're headed near Detroit, Proud Lake offers scenic trails and one of the most unique spots for camping in the state.