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Are you looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature? Look no further than Sleepy Hollow State Park in central Michigan. Located about 20 miles north of Lansing and approximately 100 miles northwest of Detroit, this state park offers a serene and picturesque setting for camping enthusiasts. Recently, Michelle and I had the pleasure of embarking on a shakedown cruise of our Airstream trailer at Sleepy Hollow State Park, and we were truly captivated by its beauty and tranquility.
We arrived at the park in late April, and despite the chilly weather with temperatures dropping to freezing levels, we were thankful for the warmth provided by the undercarriage heating system of our Airstream, ensuring that we didn’t have to worry about frozen pipes. As we explored the park, we discovered that we practically had it all to ourselves, which made our experience even more special.
Sleepy Hollow State Park embodies the charm and beauty of a typical Michigan State Park. The campsites are spacious and semi-wooded, providing a sense of privacy and immersion in nature. While the sites offer electricity and access to water, they are primarily electric-only sites, which worked perfectly for us. However, the park has recently upgraded some of its amenities, including the addition of pull-through sites, a relatively new feature in Michigan State Parks. These pull-through sites allow for convenient access and feature 50 amp electrical hookups, a significant improvement from the previously limited 30 amp or 15 amp services. We were fortunate to have a 50 amp back-end site, which met all our needs.
Sleepy Hollow State Park is blessed with natural beauty, and its serene lake adds to its charm. Our chosen site was located just a short distance from the lake, allowing us easy access for water if needed. The park boasts excellent water pressure, making it a pleasure to use. The lake itself, though typical of Michigan State Parks, offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, perfect for relaxation and enjoying water-based activities.
The bathhouse at Sleepy Hollow State Park is well-maintained and features vending machines, individual showers with locking doors, and ample natural light. The water pressure in the showers was impressive, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. Additionally, the park has taken great care to ensure accessibility, with a separate restroom and shower facility catering specifically to individuals with disabilities.
Michigan State Parks rely on volunteers who stay for a month, assisting with various tasks such as cleaning up campsites, hosting coffee hour, and organizing activities for campers, particularly children. The Campground Hosts are expected to work 30 hours per week, and their duties include answering camper inquiries, hosting morning coffee hours, providing information, and organizing crafts and weekend activities. The Host site at Sleepy Hollow comes with a full concrete pad, a rarity in Michigan State Parks, and offers full hookups, including sewer and electricity. The park provides a shed for storing supplies, and while the budget for activities is limited, hosts have the opportunity to create a pleasant and enjoyable experience for campers.
Sleepy Hollow State Park also caters to families with children, offering a range of amenities and activities. The park features a new playground area with a playscape, sandbox, ladder golf, and horseshoe pit, ensuring that children have a fun-filled time during their stay. Additionally, there are basketball courts and a pavilion area for larger gatherings and events. For nature enthusiasts, the park offers bike trails and walking paths, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
As we explored further, we couldn’t help but appreciate the efforts made by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in upgrading Sleepy Hollow State Park’s facilities. The park has a mix of sites, including blacktop and gravel options, with the DNR gradually transitioning to more blacktop sites. This improvement enhances the camping experience by providing more comfortable and convenient camping spaces.
Sleepy Hollow State Park offers a dump station with two sides, making it convenient for campers to empty their tanks. The station even provides hoses for use, eliminating the need for campers to bring their own. Additionally, the park has a unique feature—an integral flush system for the Airstream trailers, allowing for a thorough cleaning of the tanks.
If you’re looking to take a break from camping and explore the local area, Sleepy Hollow State Park is conveniently located near various attractions and amenities. Just a short distance from the park, you’ll find Dairy Den, a delightful spot to enjoy a delicious lunch or treat. The surrounding region of central Michigan offers diverse landscapes, from flat woodlands to scenic lakeshores, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
As our time at Sleepy Hollow State Park came to an end, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment and peace. The park had provided us with an unforgettable experience, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and tranquility. The early spring visit allowed us to witness the park’s natural beauty as it awakened with the blooming of daffodils and the emergence of new leaves on the trees. Although our stay coincided with the park’s quiet period, we could imagine the park coming alive with campers and families enjoying the countless activities and amenities it has to offer.
If you’re seeking a camping destination that offers both natural beauty and a range of amenities, Sleepy Hollow State Park is an excellent choice. Its peaceful ambiance, spacious campsites, upgraded facilities, and proximity to central Michigan attractions make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers, families, and camping enthusiasts alike. Michigan truly lives up to its reputation as a fantastic camping destination, and Sleepy Hollow State Park is a hidden gem within its vast wilderness. So pack your camping gear, embrace the serenity of Sleepy Hollow, and embark on an adventure that will create lasting memories.