YOUNG STATE PARK
Young State Park is located at the east end of beautiful Lake Charlevoix. The park spans over 560 acres in Charlevoix County and is a mix of gently rolling terrain, lowlands and cedar swamp. Officially opened in 1921, some of the buildings in existence today were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Young-Modern/Oak(800) 447-2757 41 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms
Young-Modern/Spruce(800) 447-2757 158 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
Young-Modern/Terrace(800) 447-2757 41 site(s)Boat Launch, Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Mini Cabin, Modern Restrooms
1. Young State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming on the shores of Lake Charlevoix.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's day-use area includes picnic tables and grills near the beach for post-swim meals or snacks.
4. Restrooms and changing facilities are available close to the swimming area.
5. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only; no night-time swims allowed due to safety reasons.
Lake Charlevoix is 17,260 acres and has depths up to 122 feet. It is great for sailing, power-boating, water-skiing, and fishing. The lake offers access to Lake Michigan as well. There is a boat launch within the park for boats under 16 feet in length.
Lake Charlevoix is stocked annually with rainbow, brown, and lake trout. Mirror Pond provides a good fishing site for children. The pond is stocked with sunfish and rock bass.
Young State Park is located near Petoskey
There is plenty of day use parking for trailers and cars near the large, sandy beach on Lake Charlevoix. Overlooking the beach and grassy picnic area is a classic log building, which houses a concession store. Fire pits/grills available.
There are nearly five miles of nature trails that are perfect for hiking, jogging, and nature study in the park.
Trails in the park:
Young-Deer Flats Nature Trail - 5 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Young-White Birch Nature Trail - 2.2 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Biking is limited to park roads and parking lots, as there are no designated biking trails.
Riders should be cautious of traffic.
Helmets are highly recommended for safety reasons.
Off-road or trail cycling isn't permitted due to environmental concerns.
Ensure you follow all posted signs and regulations while riding your bike in the area.
Remember that pedestrians have right-of-way on shared paths/roads.
Cross-country skiing is a very popular winter activity. The trailhead is located across the road from the park's headquarters off Boyne City Road. Trails are groomed.
Charlevoix, Boyne City and East Jordan all offer small town charm, especially in the summer months. They each offer dining and shopping opportunities as well as holiday events and festivals. Charlevoix has a Venetian Festival, Boyne City has a Mushroom Fest, East Jordan has a Freedom Fest and Horton Bay sponsors a 4th of July parade. Young State Park will be hosting a harvest festival October 10-12, 2008. Contact the park for more information.
US 131 to Boyne Falls, M-75 to Boyne City, N.W. on C56 to Park Entrance.