ORCHARD BEACH STATE PARK

ORCHARD BEACH STATE PARK is situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. It has 176 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, firepit and electrical hook up. The sites are grassy and shaded. A stairway leads from the campground to the swimming beach. Two restrooms and shower buildings, a playground, fish cleaning facility and a sanitation station are located within the campground. A 1/2 mile self-guiding Nature trail and 2 miles of hiking trails are adjacent to the campground.

Camping and Day Use

The picnic area is a beautiful grassy area overlooking Lake Michigan. It has adequate shade so you may have a picnic in the shade or in the sunshine. An open picnic shelter, picnic tables, grills and a children's playground are all available within the picnic area. An open play area is adjacent.

A large stone pavilion complete with restroom facilities is available for rental. This building is ideal for groups up to 200 people. Reservations may be made by contacting the Park Office, week days 8am to 5pm.

Entry to any State Park requires a Motor Vehicle Permit affixed to the windshield. A daily or annual permit are available at the Park. Both in season and off season camping, as well as a mini-cabin, are available at a daily rate. The shelter building is available for rental and can be reserved in advance.

Campsite reservation request may be made by telephone to the State Park desired. Or application forms may be picked up at any State Park or from the Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909. Full payment must accompany the application form. Reservations are suggested for Orchard Beach State Park from July through Labor Day due to full or near capacity camping at this time.

Hours

Picnic Area and Beach are open from 8:00am to 10:00pm. The Camp Registration Office is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm daily.

Pets are allowed, however, they must be kept on a 6 foot leash and never be left unattended.

Manistee Area Attractions

While you are staying with us be sure to ride the trolley on an historic tour of Manistee; there is no better way to become acquainted with the city and to learn a little of the history of this unique city. Manistee was a lumbering town and has preserved the "Victorian atmosphere" with its Victorian Village shopping district, and many lumbermen's homes. The harbor has two piers where fishing is good all year long. Two excellent beaches flank the harbor, along with playgrounds, picnic facilities, public restrooms and concessions. Fishing in Lake Michigan and Manistee Lake is terrific year around. During August and September fishing reaches fever pitch as Coho and Chinook Salmon come in for their spawning run. A little later the Steelhead make their fall run. Charter boats, dock rental and good launching facilities are all available.

Each Wednesday evening during the summer a Concert is given in the Victorian Bandshell on the river walk located on the North shore of the Manistee River off Memorial Drive. Be sure and visit the beautiful river walk on the South side of the Manistee river. This walk begins at Maple Street bridge. There are two excellent museums depicting the early logging days within the city.

The Manistee National Forest is our next-door neighbor. Back roads, hiking trails, rustic campsites, streams and rivers are all just a stone's throw away.

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