Camping at Grand Haven State Park - for the FIRST time!

We had been in Michigan less than one month and were already itching to explore our new surroundings. I mean, if we were going to call this place home, we really needed to see what this land has to offer.
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21 days after arriving in Mason, Michigan (Sept 2019) – we hit the road and headed to the lake. But this isn’t just any lake…
 
Just 2 hours later and we’re pulling into Grand Haven State Park, along the coast of Lake Michigan.  Huge parking lot was a plus – it was late September so that’s also a plus because there was ample parking in this huge lot.  And no reservations were needed to stay at the campground right there at the park.
 
I had the expectation level set pretty low about this ‘lake’.  I realize it’s one of the GREAT LAKES but I did just move from the Coast of Connecticut and lived in a quaint little beach neighborhood directly on the Ocean. How could a lake compare to the ocean?
 
Well…
 
Lake Michigan does NOT disappoint! The waves touched the sand just like the ocean and forget seeing land on the other side of this body of water… it’s THAT big!  While we were staying, we even watched a HUGE barge pass through the canal.

I get a window seat while driving in the camper!

On the lookout while Mom drives the camper!

We only stayed one night but it was so worth it to just take a break from the chaos of our transition. We had been staying in a corporate apartment while house hunting and though it was a beautiful complex and comfortable living, it was a bit tighter than we are used to, not to mention all our belongings were still in Connecticut.  Feeling displaced, lost and lonely – this adventure was just what we needed for a little nature therapy!
 
There was a storm over night – which was thrilling to watch roll in over the lake!

Our campsite was directly on the beach – sand and dunes outside our door!  The pups absolutely loved walking the beach and they too needed a break.  They were stressed as much as we were.
 
Sum it up in 6:

• Kite Sailing
• Sand dunes
• Seagulls
• Beach front camping
• Stormy skies
• Lighthouse pier

 
Budget:
36 HOUR TRIP
$100 - Gas for camper (4 hours round trip)
$25 – Food/snacks- we brought food from home
$37 – one night camping fee
 
TIPS:
No pets on beach but allowed at camping area.  No alcohol allowed at this park but how would they know if you had it in your camper…? J  Camping season May 1 – October 27
 
SAVORING THE MEMORIES:
I’ve got my pocket cards in the book!  Grab yours for your bucket list book or if you took one too many selfies but forgot the shots of your surroundings, no worries – I took some for ya!