Hartwick Pines State Park Campground

"Huge clean showers and bathrooms. Hiking trails. Nice museum. Nice big campsites with electric and plenty of privacy and trees."

"Modern facilities are a great convenience. Within earshot of the interstate detracts from the natural ambiance. One way loops could mean taking the long way to reach campsite."

"This is one of my very favorite places! I go there often to bike, hike and camp. If you like nature and being surrounded by forests, you should check this out. Loops for hiking and groomed ski trails in the winter. From the campground there is a trail to Bright and Glory Lakes. A beautiful place!! There is also a visitor center with a small store and information on the wildlife."

"I visited this state park for the natural beauty that surrounds. It did not disappoint. I had the pleasure of waking up first morning to snow on the ground. I got out early and hiked the Ausable River trail at daybreak. The trail crosses the river twice and I stood on each bridge for several minutes just watching the snow fall and listening to the calming sounds of the water. There is no shortage of hiking and biking trails and they are all within walking distance or adjacent to the campground. The old growth trail is the big draw and for very good reason. The paved trail is easy to navigate but you'll get lost in the natural beauty. The campground is nice and includes some modern full hookup sites for travel trailers. There are other locations outside of the park to see the river including downtown Grayling."

"We camped in an 18' travel trailer here during August 2022 on site 55. The back half of the campsites are mostly shaded. The front half, including pull through sites, are mostly open, although a few have some shade. The bathrooms were super clean, the cleanest I've ever seen at a state park! No cell phone service, no Internet. Campground was very quiet. Mostly retirees, not many kids. We didn't see a playground at the campground (there is a playscape over at the Memorial Building), but there was a sand volleyball court, tetherball and a few disc golf cages. Bright & Glory lakes are gorgeous (we drove to see them, but you can hike from the campground also). Go there and do some fishing! Great for kayakers! There is an asphalt path that goes from the Visitor's Center (which is interesting) through the Old Growth white pine trees (so gorgeous), past the Chapel (wonderful inside), over to the Logging Museum (interesting), and back to the Visitor's Center. That's about a 2.5-mile walk, and it's very hilly in some spots, but the forests there are so beautiful and peacefully quiet. The dump station has 2 sides, the office sells firewood (3 bundles for$15) and ice, and the staff were very friendly. If you're looking to disconnect, be immersed in God's beautiful creation, and enjoy the quiet, this place is for you. We loved it and will return!!"