The Amazing Campground in Michigan We Want to Visit All-Year Round

We're just going to come right out and say it: Michigan is the prettiest state in the country. There, it's out there. And you know what else? Michiganders love little more than to get outside and enjoy all the natural beauty that's been bestowed upon the Great Lakes State, and there are few better ways to do so than camping - no matter what the season. Although I love camping in many of our incredible parks, my favorite for year-round camping in Michigan has got to be Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Comprised of more than 46,000 Northwoods acres on the Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls is Michigan's second largest state park - and it's open for year-round adventure, including camping. Its three campgrounds offer nearly 300 sites, plus there are backcountry and cabin camping options, as well. The 36-site Rivermouth Pines Campground is open for rustic camping, as are select loops in other campgrounds, when facilities have been closed for the season. If you're camping off season, you should plan on bringing in your own water or getting it from park headquarters. But that's all part of the fun, isn't it?

The centerpiece of the park is Upper Tahquamenon Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. During summer months, several concessions, including a brewery, operate near Upper Falls. A few miles downstream, you'll also find the lovely lower falls - which is closer to camping facilities.

The park's extensive trail system - some of the best hiking trails in Michigan - includes everything from accessible, paved footpaths to rugged, backcountry trails. A segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail - the longest in the United States - runs for 16 miles through the park, as well. In the winter, almost four miles of trail are groomed for cross-country skiing, and nine miles are designated for snowshoeing. The remainder is open for backcountry Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, with its waterfalls, miles of trails, and vast backcountry, has an incredible amount to offer any visitor - during any season. One thing it does not have a lot of, though, is cell service. So before you head to the park or out on its more than 35 miles of trails, be sure to download park and trail maps from AllTrails Plus for offline use (it's also a good idea to have paper copies on hand, as well, in case of unforeseen technology issues).

To enter the park, Michigan residents will need a $14 Recreation Passport. Nonresidents can purchase a passport for $40 or pay a daily use fee of $11. Camping fees vary by type of site, time of year, and type of equipment. Visit the park on the DNR website for more information or to make camping reservations. What's your favorite time of year for camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park? Do you have a favorite year-round campground in Michigan? Be sure to tell us all about it!