Hoeft State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located on the sandy shores of Lake Huron in Michigan, Hoeft State Park offers miles of beaches for you to relax and soak in the sun. And once you’re tired of the sand, you can explore the five miles of trails that lead through the park’s beautiful bird filled oak and pine forests. There are hundreds of species of birds for you to catch a glimpse of, as well as dozens of different mammal species.
Although a popular summer destination, Hoeft State Park has plenty to offer in the winter. Its network of hiking trails turn into the perfect cross-country skiing course. And the trails are groomed, making it easy to explore the park during the winter.
The campground in the park has over RV 100 sites, all of which have electrical hookups for your rig. You’ll be within walking distance of Lake Huron, as well as the park’s trails. With miles of sandy beaches and some of the state’s best wildlife, Hoeft State Park is the perfect choice for your next RV vacation.
RV Rentals in Hoeft State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in the northern tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Hoeft State Park is within driving distance of the state’s major cities. If you are driving from Detroit, take I-75 north out of the city, and you will reach the park in a little over four hours. From Grand Rapids, take US-131, and you will reach the park in around four hours.
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll have no issues finding your campsite. The roads in the park are wide and well maintained, with few tight turns. And there are no RV restrictions on any of the main roads. Those with large rigs should take extra caution when entering the campground, however, as there are some tight corners. If you are visiting the park in the winter, the roads will often have ice on them, and there can often be a lot of snow on the ground. You may want to consider bringing snow chains.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Hoeft State Park
Campsites in Hoeft State Park
Reservations camping
RV Camping
There are 144 sites in the campground found within the park. All of the sites have electrical hookups, as well as a picnic table and fire pit. The campground has restrooms with running water, as well as a vault toilet. There’s also a sanitation station located just outside the campground.
The campground is within walking distance of Lake Huron, and many of the sites have views of the water. You’ll also be able to walk to most of the park’s main trails in minutes. There is also an area for firewood.
All of the sites can be reserved online. You’ll have to book at least a day in advance. If you plan on coming during the summer, you should try to reserve your spot as soon as possible, as the campground fills up quickly.
First-come first-served
First-Come, First-Served
The campground is open year round, but sites are only reservable from April through November. The rest of the year campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are usually campsites available during the winter, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting a spot. But if you have a large rig, you may want to call ahead to make sure that there is an available site that can accommodate your camper.
Seasonal activities in Hoeft State Park
In-Season
Swimming
With over a mile of sandy beach stretching along Lake Huron, Hoeft State Park is an excellent destination for those who want to cool off on hot summer days. On windy days you’ll be able to boogie board on the small waves.
You’ll also find multiple picnic areas near the water, so you can relax as you swim and have a snack by the water. And there’s a sand volleyball court on the beach.
Hiking
In addition to the beaches, you’ll also find nearly five miles of trails to explore. The network of trails is also easy to connect to from the campground.
If you want a longer hike, you can also connect to various trails that lead outside of the park, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas. You can take a trail to the Calcite Limestone Quarry, the largest open pit limestone mine in the world.
Hiking tends to be best in the spring and fall but is excellent year round. Come in spring and get a burst of color on the shores of Lake Huron.
Biking
If you want a slightly faster way to explore the park, consider bringing a bike along with your campervan. There is a paved trail near the day use area that connects you to the Huron Sunrise Trail. This trail leads along the shores of Lake Huron, offering beautiful waterfront views. And you can head to the Calcite Limestone Quarry, as well as the Herman Vogler Conservation Area which has nearly 10 more miles of trails.
Off-Season
Cross-Country Skiing
If you visit the park during the colder months of the year, you can also cross-country ski on all of the trails. The trails along the beach are beautiful in the winter, and the oak and conifers are magnificent when crusted in snow.
The trails are groomed during the winter, so they are accessible for skiers of all experience levels. There are no equipment rentals for ski equipment, so you’ll need to make sure you have your own gear with your rig.
Birdwatching
Hoeft State Park is an excellent destination for birdwatchers. The pine and oak woods of the forests in the park make for excellent nesting grounds for a wide range of bird species.
You’ll be able to see blue spotted heron, American goldfinch, black-backed woodpecker, and dozens of other species. Birdwatching tends to be best in spring and fall, when the birds are migrating. But you’ll find plenty of species in the park year round.
Michigan has a very dedicated community of birdwatchers who produce field guides for the area. Try to find one of these before you visit so that you can learn more about the species in the park. And ask the park office for more information, as they can often provide bird lists.
Snowshoeing
For those that want to hike during the winter, the park’s trails are excellent for snowshoeing. The conifers and oaks are beautiful during the winter, and you’ll find dozens of birds species in the park.
The trails are groomed, so you won’t have to drag your way through deep snow. You’ll have to make sure that you bring your own gear with your RV, as the park does not offer rentals.
