Van Riper State Park
Michigan State Park · Champion, Michigan
Van Riper State Park is on US-41 near Champion in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the shore of Lake Michigamme, roughly half an hour to an hour west of Marquette depending on traffic and the weather. It is a lake-and-forest park with a sandy swimming beach, a campground, a boat launch and fishing, and it is popular with families and anglers who want warmer water than Lake Superior. Loons call on the lake, the forest is mixed north woods, and moose are sometimes seen in the wider region. Do not expect a polished resort: it is a working state park with simple facilities, short walks and a quiet feel outside July and August. Early summer brings mosquitoes and black flies, and winter is long and snowy. A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed for the vehicle. Allow an afternoon or a night or two, and confirm facilities, fees and the camping season with the Michigan DNR before you go, since this is a smaller, lesser-known park.
US-41, Champion, Michigan, 49814, United States
Michigan state parks are normally open daily from early morning until about ten at night, but the exact gate hours, campground season and the staffing of the office at Van Riper change by year, so confirm with the Michigan DNR before travelling, particularly in spring and late autumn. The swimming beach is mainly a summer feature, and any lifeguard cover, water-play equipment or rental stand is seasonal and should be confirmed. The campground usually runs from late spring to early autumn, with some winter use possible in a limited form; ask which loops are open. Snow can close roads and trails from late autumn into spring. Day visitors need a Recreation Passport on the vehicle.
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