Camping at Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan

Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan, which is in the far northern section of the state (although not quite in the Upper Penninsula) is one of the finest campgrounds in Michigan. My family took me there when I was young and now I am taking my own family and joining the throngs of others who are doing the same. When we used to go camping at Burt Lake State Park, even during the busiest time of the year (through the month of July and very early August) it was always somewhat crowded, but never to the point of overcrowding. In recent years, however, more people have decided to come to Burt Lake State Park and thus it's important to make your reservations in advance. Just to give you an idea, my parents booked their two-week stay (which is the maximum amount of time you're allowed to stay) right after they left last year, which is probably the only reason they're going to have a place this year.

What's strange though is that even though when I camp anywhere else I would prefer to be surrounded by as few people as possible, when it's busy at Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan, I never seem to mind. There are much longer lines at the bathroom and shower, it's a lot louder at night with everyone at their campfires, and there are far more people at the sandy beach and zooming around in their boats on the giant clean lake. Still, I don't mind. The only reason I can think of that would explain my nonchalance about this overcrowding at Burt Lake State Park is the vibe. People are all there with their families and everyone is happy. I swear to god, that's the reason. When you walk into town (which takes about 10 minutes uphill) people say hello and are willing to talk about where they came from and what they've been up to. When you leave your wedding ring in the shower (yes, this is a true story) some strange teenager hunts you down and gives it to you with a smile. It's like Mayberry, but with tents and campers.

I should state here that this is obviously not the kind of rough camping that involves building your own fire or even backpacks of any kind. This is cushy camping. This is the kind of camping with full-on city water, electrical outlets at all sites, modern clean fluorescent-lit bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers, etc. Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan offers the kind of camping where campfires aren't for anything but roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. It's the place where all those 40-foot motorhomes with six bikes strapped to the back are going when you pass them on I-75. It's modern camping with a fully-stocked grocery store within 2 miles and gourmet eats at a few locally famous restaurants. Still, despite the modern nature of the camping experience at Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan, there are a set of beautiful lakes (aside from Burt Lake itself, there is Mullet Lake that is just as big and pristine-great for boating and fishing) and rustic trails and rivers that snake through the rural areas that surround Burt Lake State Park.

Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan has got to be, hands down, the very best place to take kids of all ages in the entire state. Between my parents and now my wife and daughter and I, this tops anywhere, especially in Ohio, where we're living now. The beach is fantastic and clean-the water is shallow enough for safe swimming and wading and doesn't get deep for at least 100 yards of wading, and even then, it's only up to my neck. The swimming area is huge and even though there are a lot of people camping at Burt Lake State Park, it never feels like a crowded beach. It is just great. There are no lifeguards but the myriad parents of other children (there will be a ton of them, I promise) all keep an eye out, they really do. It's friendly like that and is a great place to meet other parents while your kids meet other kids. I used to know kids that went up there and would see them year after year and our parents became friends. We still see them up there at Burt Lake State Park even though we're all grown with children now and none of us live even near Indian River, Michigan.

Although it is very crowded and it can take reservations up to a year in advance, it is well worth the advance booking to get in for next year. It is clean, safe, modern camping at its finest and if you're like anyone we know, you'll return to Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Michigan year after year and so will your kids. Especially if they find a summer fling...