Young State Park sits along the northern shore of Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, Michigan, offering 563 acres of wooded terrain and prime waterfront access on one of the state’s most beautiful inland lakes. The park’s location on the lake’s eastern arm provides a quieter alternative to the bustling resort towns nearby while keeping you just minutes from downtown Charlevoix and Boyne City.

The real draw here is Lake Charlevoix itself — Michigan’s third-largest inland lake, with remarkably clear water and a deep blue color that rivals Lake Michigan. The park’s sandy beach stretches along the shoreline, making it a natural spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing for walleye, bass, and lake trout. A boat launch gives direct access to the full 17,200-acre lake.

On land, several miles of trails wind through a mix of hardwood forest and cedar wetlands. The terrain is gentle enough for family hikes, and in winter these same trails see steady use from cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Birding is productive year-round, with warblers filling the canopy in late spring.

The campground features well-spaced sites — many shaded by mature oaks and maples — with a mix of options suitable for tents and RVs. Waterfront sites go fast, so booking early in the season is wise.

Visit from late June through September for warm-water swimming and peak summer weather. Fall brings spectacular color along the lake, and the crowds thin considerably after Labor Day.

Explore Nearby

• Little Traverse Light — Lighthouse in Michigan
• Charlevoix South Pier Light Station — Lighthouse in Michigan
• Historic Michigan Road Byway Alternate — Scenic Byway in Indiana
• Huron–Manistee National Forest — National Forest in Michigan
• Newport State Park — Dark Sky Site in Wisconsin