Haunted Halloween Camping in Northern Michigan

Autumn in northern Michigan is perfect for camping. The air is crisp, cool and alive with the fragrance of fallen leaves, the towering pines, and burning campfires. The trees turning every imaginable shade of red, gold, and orange provide a picture perfect background to your camp. One of our favorite camping events happens at the South Higgins Lake State Park near Roscommon, Michigan. This year will be the 6th Annual Higgins Harvest Fest being held on October 2-3, 2009. It is well worth the drive to get there for this fun-filled weekend. The fest has activities to celebrate Halloween and harvest time that "kids" of all ages enjoy.

The nightly "Spooky Walk" offers up spine-tingling adventure for young and old alike. Bloodcurdling screams echo through the dark park. While people wait in line for the walk, scary movies are played on an outdoor screen, delighting everyone. Costume contests, even for your pets, are hilarious to participate in or watch. Last year this contest brought a lot of laughter to all. Hayrides through the park's woods and along the shore of beautiful Higgins Lake are a festival favorite. Demonstrations are held. Last year the K9 unit from the Roscommon County Sheriff's Department put on a demonstration with their K9 dog which was very interesting. Children especially enjoy the Pumpkin Painting and, of course, the trick-or-treating! Their treat bags fill up quickly as they race from one campsite to another. Ghouls, monsters stalking about, mad scientists with chainsaws (blades removed!), goblins, witches and zombies terrify trick-or-treaters! No cars are allowed on the camp roads during the event, so this is a safe, secure place for children. My personal favorite is looking at the creativity shown by contestants in the Campsite Decorating Contest. It is amazing to see the park transformed by their imaginations! Every year the decorating gets more elaborate. Halloween lights and decorations on almost every campsite add to the adventure, since even campers who don't participate in the contest decorate. On Sunday morning the campers are invited to join together for cider and donuts. It is a chance to come together one last time to visit with fellow campers.

This haunted weekend is a reasonable fall weekend get-away for your family. You must have a Motor Vehicle Permit to enter Michigan State Parks. These permits cost $24 for a resident annual or $6 for a resident daily permit. Campsites are $27 per night. If you aren't a camper, the park still welcomes you to come and enjoy the fest during the day.

Author's note: The North Higgins Lake State Park holds its 3rd Annual Harvest Festival on September 26-27, 2009. This is a more relaxed version of the South Park's festival, but it is a great weekend, too! Higgins Lake is near Roscommon, Michigan, close to I75 and US127, an easy place for travellers to reach. For more information on Michigan State Parks go to the State of Michigan website to find what our great state has to offer.