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Park Activities
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  • Backcountry camping

    Backcountry camping is allowed at various locations throughout the park including Ruby Jewel, Kelly, Clear and American Lakes. Minimum impact camping techniques are recommended at these alpine lake areas. 

    Before camping in the backcountry, campers should check with a ranger or at the park office for information as well as sign in on one of the backcountry logs. 

    A park pass is required for vehicles parked anywhere in the park. The pass can be obtained at the Moose Visitors Center, or any self-serve kiosk for $9.00

    For more information and restrictions, see the Camping page. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:20 PM)

  • Biking

    Over 85 miles of the State Forest State Park trail system are bike friendly. Note: Bicycles are prohibited above treeline and on the Lake Agnes trail.
    For the use of e-bikes, please consult the CPW page on e-bikes
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:21 PM)

  • Birding

    Not only is birding a great activity to do while enjoying the trails, It can be accessable at the Moose Visitors Center as well. Birds frequent the feeders at the back entrance of the Moose Visitors Center year around. Some birds that can be identified are Steller's Jays, Gray Jays ("campground robbers"), Mountain and Black-Capped Chickadees, a variety of finches and nuthatches.  


    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:21 PM)

  • Boating

    North Michigan Reservoir Dam will be under construction starting April 1st. The water level will besignificantly lowered therefore boating on the reservoir will not be possible for the summer 2021 season. 

    Boats are only allowed on the North Michigan Reservoir and only at wakeless speeds (under 5 mph). New boat docks have been installed next to the two boat ramps!

    Please have your boat inspected and sealed for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) before visiting, as we do not have an ANS check station here.

    Stand-up Paddle boards are allowed on North Michigan Reservoir. Please use the proper safety equipment.

    Please call the park at 970-723-8366 with any questions.
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:25 PM)

  • Cabins and Yurts

    North Michigan Reservoir has 6 cabins available. Two are larger in size and can accommodate parties of 10 or more.  For reservations, call (800) 244-5613 or reserve online at CPWshop.com.

    North Michigan Reservoir Dam will be under construction. This will cause very low water levels on the reservoir as well as a loud construction environment using heavy equipment. This will impact traffic around the reservoir as well. Construction will go from May 2021 likely to finish in the fall of 2022.

    Never Summer Nordic has 8 yurts and 2 huts available throughout the park. For yurt and hut reservations and information, visit the Never Summer Nordic website.

    A valid parks pass is required on each vehicle staying at both the cabins and yurts. The pass can be obtained at the Moose Visitors Center, or any self-serve kiosk for $9.00

    For more information, see the Cabins and Yurts pages.  

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:25 PM)

  • Camping

    We have 5 campgrounds with 160 campsites through out the park including electric, basic and primitive sites. For more information, see the Camping page.
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:25 PM)

  • Cross-country Skiing

    With over 100 miles of trails suited for cross-country skiing, there is something for everyone. The Gould Loop trail is groomed on a regular basis. Please remember that State Forest State Parks trail system is multi-use and some trails may also be used for snowmobiles. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:26 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Pets need a vacation too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash (6ft or shorter) for their protection and to properly dispose of all waste. Pets are allowed in our cabins for an extra fee of $10 per night.  Pets are not allowed in the Moose Visitor Center unless they are a registered service or emotional support animal.  

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:26 PM)

  • Education Programs

    ​We have a limited number of Family Activity backpacks to can check out for FREE at the front desk of the Moose Visitor Center with tools to explore the park. 

    Don't forget to ask about our Junior Ranger Program! 

    Come and check out our educational displays in the Moose Visitor Center.  

    Call the Moose Visitor Center for updates (970) 723-8366.

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:26 PM)

  • Equipment Rental

    GPS rentals are available at the Moose Visitor Center for $10.00 a day. 

    Snowshoe rentals are available at the Moose Visitor Center for $5.00 a day.

    Family activity backpacks are available at the Moose Visitor Center free of charge. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:27 PM)

  • Fishing

    State Forest State Park features Brook, Brown, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. In alpine lakes, only artificial fly and lure fishing is permitted. North Michigan Reservoir and Ranger Lakes are both open to bait use. Fly-fishing is accessible and abundant along the Canadian River, and the North and Middle Forks of the Michigan River.​  In the winter, ice fishing is allowed on our lakes, reservoirs and streams.  Please use caution and check the ice thickness carefully.    

    Common catches have been:
    Rainbow @ North Michigan 
    Rainbow @ Ranger Lakes
    Cutthroat @ Lake Agnes
    Cutthroat @ Kelly Lake


    The statewide trout bag limit is four fish per day with a possession limit of eight. In the alpine lakes, bag and possession limit for trout is two fish and is flies and artificial lures only.​


    Fishing Hotspots:
    Big Creek (Lower), Big Creek Upper, North Delaney,
    East Delaney, South Delaney​, Lake John, Honholz Lake #2​, ​Honholz Lake #3, Joe Wright Reservoir, Cowdrey Lake , North Michigan Reservoir, Ranger Lakes, ​Seymour Lake and Barnes Meadow ​​Reservoir.

    Contact the following for fishing trips:​​
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:27 PM)

  • Geocaching

    ​See our geocaching page​ for more details

    There are 13 geocaches in the State Forest State Park. Five of these serve as all season caches. GPS units are available to rent from the Moose Visitor Center for $10 per day/ unit.

    Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more, get a pamphlet and GPS.

    Learn more with Geocaching Brochure!
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:28 PM)

  • Hiking

    Over 100 miles of hiking trails are available on State Forest State Park. 3 are self guided nature trails; the brochure can be picked up at any self-serve kiosk or at the trail head of Mountain View, Ranger Lakes and Beaver Lodge. 

    The hiking trails range from less than a mile to over 20 miles. Some trails have a backcountry experience and others can be a short accessable hike for the whole family. 

     Our most popular hike is Lake Agnes both in the summer and winter. This trailhead is accessed off of Hwy 14. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:29 PM)

  • Horseback Riding

    Horse corrals are located at the Bockman Campground and at the Primitive Loop (the end of CR-41). Many trails at State Forest State Park are equestrian friendly. 

    Red Feather Outfitters ​offers horseback riding opportunities (970) 723-4204

    Medicine Bow ​Outfitters,offers backcountry horseback trips 
    970-​631-2812, 970-443-0517

    State Forest State Park Map​ for information on non-motorized trails & horse corral locations. 

    Horseback Map​
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:29 PM)

  • Hunting

    Hunting is allowed in the State Forest State Park. Hunting brochures can be found on the Publications page.

    Game Management Units 6 and 171 are within the park.

    Hunting is allowed on park and standard regulations apply, please note that in accordance with State Park regulations weapons, including bows and firearms, can only be discharged while actively hunting (no target shooting), and no less than 100 yards out from any campground, structure, trail or road.

    Contact the following for guided hunts:​​

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:29 PM)

  • Ice Fishing

    Ice fishing in State Forest is excellent during the winter months. Please take additional care when going out on the ice. We do not check ice levels on a regular basis here at the park.

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:29 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    OHV permits are required and can be purchased at the visitor's center. 

    There are over 80 miles of trails available and open to OHV's. Motorized vehicles must remain on designated roads and OHVs are not allowed in the campgrounds except to enter and exit each campsite.


    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:30 PM)

  • Picnicking

    ​We have many great picnic areas in the park. Check out some of the tables around the Moose Visitor Center, at the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail and the Ranger Lakes Nature Trail. Or drive down CR-41 and find a nice place to pull off and enjoy a nice meal.

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:30 PM)

  • Sledding

    There are countless areas in the park that are perfect for sledding from late October to early May.
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:31 PM)

  • Snowmobiling

    Snowmobiling season is officially here!! The State Forest offers over 60 miles of snowmobile trails. Some trails are groomed by the local Snow Snakes snowmobile club. 
    Along with groomed trails, riders can enjoy hillclimbs and meadows throughout the park.​

    Please be sure to have a snowmobile permit before going out.​

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:31 PM)

  • Snowshoeing

    Many trails make for great snowshoeing through State Forest State Park. Snowshoes can be rented at the Moose Visitor Center for $5.00 a day/pair; kids, youth and adult sizes are available. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:31 PM)

  • Wildlife Viewing

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    Moose, Elk, Deer, Bear, Pine Marten, Badger, Rabbit, Weasel, Eagle, Hawk, Owl, and an abundant songbird population as well as those wonderful little Broad-Tail, Rufous, Black-Chinned, and Calliope Hummingbirds.

    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:32 PM)

  • Winter Camping

    We have a few sites available near North Michigan Reservoir that are maintained for winter camping. 

    We have six cabins available all year on the reservoir.

    During the winter, expect plenty of snow and cold evenings so please come prepared.

    For more information, see the Camping, Cabins and Yurts pages. 
    (Updated: 2/14/2021 12:32 PM)

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