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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. 

    A park pass is required for vehicles parked anywhere in the park.

    For more information and restrictions, see the Camping page. 
    (Updated: 1/7/2020 11:18 AM)

  • Biking

    There are miles of great trails throughout the park. 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: 10/28/2019 3:00 PM)

  • Birding

    Birds that frequent our feeders are Steller's Jays, Gray Jays ("campground robbers"), Mountain and Black-Capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-Winged and Yellow-Headed blackbirds, Pine Siskins, House Finches, Gold Finches, Brown-Capped Rosy Finches,​ Cassin's Finces, Green-Tailed Towhee, White-Crowned Sparrows, Gray-Headed/Dark-Eyed Juncos ​and Pine Grosbeaks in the winter. In the summer we also have the Broad-Tail, Rufous, Black-Chin and Calliope Hummingbirds. 


    (Updated: 10/28/2019 3:00 PM)

  • Boating

    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.

    Please call the park at 970-723-8366 with any questions.
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:58 PM)

  • Cabins and Yurts

    North Michigan Reservoir has 6 cabins available. Two are larger in size and can accommodate parties of 10 or more. 

    North Park Campground has 2 deluxe cabins that are available for reservations during the summer months. ​It also has 7 rustic cabins available for reservations.

    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.

    For more information, see the Cabins and Yurts pages.  

    (Updated: 1/7/2020 11:36 AM)

  • Camping

    There are over 6 campgrounds with 200 campsites through out the park including electric, basic and primitive campgrounds. For more information, see the Camping page.
    (Updated: 1/7/2020 11:27 AM)

  • Cross-country Skiing

    There are miles of marked trails. Many unmarked areas area also available. The Gould Loop trail is groomed. Check with the Moose Visitor Center for current conditions in the winter.
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:44 PM)

  • Dog-friendly

    ​Pets need a vacation too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash (6ft or shorter) for their protection as well as for the wildlife and to properly dispose of all waste. Pets are allowed in our cabins for an extra fee of $10.00 per night.  Pets are not allowed in the Moose Visitor Center unless they are a registered service or emotional support animal.  

    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:43 PM)

  • Education Programs

    Come out and enjoy State Forest State Park and learn about everything this place has to offer. 

    Interpretive programs are provided every weekend Memorial Day through Labor Day. ​

    ​We have activity backpacks you 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 on other events                                       (970) 723-8366

    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:42 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: 10/28/2019 2:41 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.​

    Nearby Events:

    Keep checking back for events in 2020!

    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: 12/26/2019 3:23 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: 10/28/2019 2:37 PM)

  • Hiking

     

    Miles of gorgeous hiking trails are available on the State Forest State Park in the summer and winter months.  One of our most popular hikes is Lake Agnes (which is a few miles longer each way in winter, as the gate is closed at Hwy. 14).  Check our conditions page for current information.
    (Updated: 1/10/2020 3:43 PM)

  • Horseback Riding

    The Kelly Lake Trail and the Clear Lake Trail make excellent destinations for horseback riders. Horses are not allowed inside the campgrounds, or on the Lake Agnes trail. We offer horse corrals at the Bockman Campground and at the Closure (the end of CR-41). 

    ​Red Feather Guides offers horseback riding opportunities (970) 723-4204, www.redfeatheroutfitters.com​

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

    Horseback Map​
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:28 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.

    2019 Big Game hunts are ongoing in these units.

    Several small game seasons are still ongoing on park.

    If you need to replace your Hunter Education Card go to this website to order a replacement for $5:   https://ilostmycard.com/

    Contact the following for guided hunts:​​

    (Updated: 1/7/2020 9:37 AM)

  • Ice Fishing

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

    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:26 PM)

  • OHV Riding

    OHV Registrations or Permits are required on all OHV's in the park.

    There are over 80 miles of trails available and open to OHV's. We highly suggest taking it easy if you are a novice on a machine, our trails can be difficult. Motorized vehicles must remain on designated roads and OHVs are not allowed in the campgrounds except to enter and exit each campsite.

    OHV's are allowed on CR-41, but not Hwy. 14.

    A park pass is required on the vehicle towing a trailer or an OHV if it is parked in State Forest State Park.  


    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:26 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: 12/11/2019 1:10 PM)

  • Sledding

    There are countless areas in the park that are perfect for sledding from late October to early May
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:21 PM)

  • Snowmobiling

    The State Forest offers approximately 70 miles of groomed trails groomed and maintained by the Snow Snakes, a local snowmobile club and our park's staff. Snow conditions permitting, we open trails for snowmobiles Mid-November. 
    Along with groomed trails, riders can enjoy hillclimbs, meadows and above treeline areas throughout the park.​

    Please be sure to have your snowmobile registered with a valid permit before going out.​

    Parking trailers in the park requires a day pass on the vehicle towing the trailer.​
     

    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:20 PM)

  • Snowshoeing

    Many areas available for snowshoeing through snow covered forests. The Gould Loop, Grass Creek and The Loops Trail are groomed. Snowshoes can be rented at the Moose Visitor Center for $5.00 a day/pair! 
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:06 PM)

  • Snowtubing

    There are many hills on the park that are great for tubing!
    (Updated: 10/28/2019 2:05 PM)

  • Wildlife Viewing

    ​

    ​

    Wildlife abounds in the State Forest. Moose, Elk, Deer, Bear, Marmot, 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: 1/10/2020 3:27 PM)

  • Winter Activities

    Come on down for our Full-Moon Walk/Hike. There will be hot chocolate and cookies around the campfire at the Chocolate Cabin located 3/4 of a mile down the loop, starting from the Visitor Center.

    Closer parking is available on request.

    2020 Full Moon Walk/Hike Dates: 

    January 11th, 2020, 7-9 pm

    February 08th, 2020, 7-9 pm

    Any questions regarding dates and other information call the Visitor Center at (970) 723 8366.

    (Updated: 10/31/2019 2:36 PM)

  • Winter Camping

    We have a few sites available near North Michigan Reservoir spillway (sites 201, 202, and 205) that are plowed in the winter months and three sites (sites 15-17) at North Park. 

    We have six cabins available all year on the reservoir, and seven more at North Park.

    During this time of the year, expect plenty of snow and cold evenings so please come prepared. 

    Call the Moose Visitor Center (970) 723- 8366 with any questions.  

    For more information, see the Camping, Cabins and Yurts pages. 
    (Updated: 1/7/2020 11:31 AM)

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