About Straits State Park
Straits State Park sits on the Upper Peninsula shore of the Straits of Mackinac, directly beneath one of the most photographed views in Michigan: the Mackinac Bridge. Established in 1924, the 181-acre park was physically split in two when the bridge's approach roads were built in the mid-1950s, and today its campgrounds sit just minutes from the bridge's northern base in St. Ignace.
The park offers roughly 255 campsites spread across three loops — Upper Loop, Lower East Loop, and Lower West Loop — plus 2 mini cabins and 2 youth group camping areas. Most sites in the lower loops have electric service (20, 30, or 50 amp), while some waterfront and semi-modern sites are rustic with no hookups, trading amenities for water views.
| Loop | Sites | Hookups | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower East Loop | ~90 sites | Electric 20/30/50 amp | Families, RVs |
| Lower West Loop | ~90 sites | Electric 20/30/50 amp, some rustic waterfront | Straits & bridge views |
| Upper Loop | ~75 sites + 2 cabins | Mixed electric & rustic | Seasonal camping, quieter sites |
Mackinac Bridge Views & Father Marquette Memorial
PHOTO PLACEHOLDER
The park's defining feature is its front-row seat to the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge, with a dedicated overlook near the campground where you can watch freighters pass beneath the span. The park also contains the Father Marquette National Memorial, honoring the 17th-century Jesuit missionary and explorer; note that the memorial building has been closed for renovation and is expected to remain so through 2026, though the surrounding grounds and trails remain accessible.
How to Get a Reservation
The 6-Month Booking Window
Like all Michigan DNR campgrounds, Straits State Park opens reservations exactly 6 months in advance through MiDNRReservations.com. Summer weekends near the bridge-view sites can fill within days of opening.
Set a CampDrop Alert
If your dates are already sold out, CampDrop monitors MiDNRReservations.com around the clock and texts you the moment a site opens up at Straits State Park — no need to keep refreshing the booking page yourself.
What to Know Before You Go
Hookups & Site Types
Most sites in the Lower East and Lower West loops offer electric service at 20, 30, or 50 amp. A number of waterfront and semi-modern sites are rustic with no hookups, prized for their proximity to the Straits shoreline.
Season
The main lower loops operate mid-May through mid-October; the Upper Loop is seasonal and may open on a shorter window. Confirm current loop status on MiDNRReservations.com before booking shoulder-season dates.
Pets
Pets are welcome throughout the park on a 6-foot leash.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond the bridge views and Mackinac Island ferries, St. Ignace offers restaurants, shops, and the Museum of Ojibwa Culture within a short drive of the campground.
Directions
Straits State Park is located at 1036 Church St, St. Ignace, MI 49781, in Mackinac County. The park sits just off I-75 at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge, making it a natural first or last stop for anyone crossing between Michigan's two peninsulas.