Best Places to Camp for the Fourth of July in Michigan
Wondering where you should camp for the Fourth of July and where the best firework displays are happening in Michigan this year. Look no further! Here is a detailed list of Michigan campgrounds that will help make the 4th of July memorable for your family. The Great Lakes State has plenty of scenic lakes ideal for a beautiful backdrop when the skies are illuminated with lights. Read on to discover which towns will be keeping the celebrations going. In fact, some festivals start early in the week and host fireworks displays before the Fourth of July. Make sure to CHECK THE DATES for each area listed since events are subject to change. Plan ahead so you don’t miss the fun events!
Michigan State Park Fireworks Policy
Michigan State Parks do not allow fireworks, but many are situated near towns that have amazing firework displays put on by local municipals. Often the fireworks are visible from the campground or are only a short distance away, which is ideal to avoid waiting in long lines afterwards.
Making Reservations
Reservations for Michigan State Campgrounds can be made at Michigan State Parks & Harbor Reservations website 6 months prior. Popular parks and specific spots fill up fast so don’t wait. If a park you desire is full, always check back for cancelations. Campers can also sign up to receive text alerts. The “Notify Me” feature allows campers to sign up for email notifications of when a site becomes available for specified dates. The text alerts include when there are happenings that could impact your visit, such as detours, weather events, beach or parking lot closures, and large events.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to camp in Michigan for the 4th of July to see fireworks. This map will help you figure out where the Michigan state parks and private campgrounds are located. This is not an extensive list, so please share in the comments if there is a place we’ve missed.
Cost of Camping
Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee (except for Belle Isle Park) when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24. Some select parks also have cabin rentals for an additional cost.
Michigan Lower Peninsula Camping to View Fireworks for 4th of July
Eastern Michigan
Sleeper State Park | Caseville
Dates: July 5, 2024
In the thumb, the summer beach town of Caseville holds a firework show by the water on July 5 at dusk. The Caseville Spectacular Fireworks Display & Entertainment at the beach will occur on Wooded Island. Parking can be found on Main Street, the Independent Bank parking lot, Wooded Island Sports Grill parking lot, and the Caseville Harbor. Other nearby Michigan State Parks include Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin, which also have Independence Day activities. If you camp all week you can enjoy viewing the nearby Port Austin fireworks on July 4th, continue reading below for more details.
Port Crescent State Park | Port Austin
Date: July 4, 2024
If you love camping directly on the beach then Port Crescent is an ideal park for you. Port Crescent is one of the top spots to camp on the East side of Michigan on Lake Huron. Plus all week long you can watch fireworks from the beach along Saginaw Bay from neighboring towns shooting them off. Check out our Trip Guide to Camping at Port Crescent State Park.
Beach Camping at Port Crescent State Park
On the 4th of July, take in the show in Port Austin, which is only 5 miles from the state park. The fireworks are shot from the break wall above the State Harbor. It’s a spectacular show that last almost 30 minutes. The Port Austin Chamber of Commerce and local businesses sponsor the events each year and have a parade and live music during the day. If you want to watch another great fireworks show earlier on the 1st of July, go to Caseville County Park, which is only about 15 minutes away. One other option to see fireworks is at nearby Krystal Lake.
Bay City State Park | Bay City
Dates: July 4-6, 2024
You won’t be disappointed if you visit Bay City for their 3 day fireworks event. It is a short drive into downtown to see the display, but definitely worth it. The 1st two days are your typical firework display, but the 3rd and final day the fireworks are spectacular and light up the whole sky for over 20 minutes. If you enjoy parks that have a wide range of nearby activities, you will enjoy Bay City State Park. Bay City has a splash park and a new playground, which is great for kids. Our one complaint is that the swimming area is a little lacking and occasionally it can have an unpleasant smell. Also enjoy a big carnival the same weekend.
With plenty of places to drop your boat in the water, it’s a great state park for boat owners. There is a DNR launch area by Independence Bridge, which you can utilize because the Veteran Park launch will be closed. Another place to enjoy watching the fireworks is from the less crowded Bay City Fitness Park.
Sterling State Park | Monroe
Date: July 4, 2024
The only state park located on Lake Erie, visit Sterling State Park. Travel to see the huge firework display on July 4th, including a beach party. The state park has a nice playground at Lake Erie Park and allows food vendors in with corndogs, fries, shakes etc. Fireworks can be viewed at dusk Sunday at Sterling State Park in Monroe. Monroe County sponsors the Firework 5K run, a beer tent, and other Independence Day festivities.
Western Michigan
Van Buren State Park | South Haven
Date: July 3, 2024
South Haven’s Light Up the Lake is occurring on July 3, 2024. This beautiful firework display is synchronized to music on a local radio station. The fireworks are shot off from the city beach. If you camp at Van Buren, there isn’t a good view from the actual state park, but head to the nearby city beach to take in the show where the fireworks are lit from the North Pier. South Haven is known for one of the longest shows which just doesn’t seem to stop. The display draws crowds to the nearby city beach at Riverfront Park or North and South beaches. Claim a spot along the beach or lakeshore before dusk as you join thousands to watch the spectacular event.
Holland State Park | Holland
Date: July 4, 2024
Don’t miss the spectacular Independence Day fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th over Lake Macatawa shot from Kollen Park. Beechwood Grill and various food vendors will be available from 12am- 10pm. This free event is ideal for the whole family. Be prepared to be wowed as you enjoy a fireworks display launched right over the beach at dusk. Here is a full Trip Guide to Holland State Park with nearby activities, restaurants and recommendations.
Another opportunity to see fireworks is during Holland’s Tulip Time Festival happening May 6 – 14, 2023. There will be a parade, carnival, dancing, kid activities and of course, a fireworks display!
Grand Haven State Park | Grand Haven
Dates: June 29-July 1, 2023
Be prepared for an amazing firework display over the river at “City by the Bay”, with the addition of a musical water fountain show. Chose either side of the river at Veteran’s Memorial Park or Wenonah Park to view the spectacular 3 day firework events happening at night. Grand Haven State Park is a different vibe, the campground is right on the beach on concrete slab, which some people don’t love, but they do have an awe-inspiring firework show. If you don’t make it 4th of July weekend, try to get a campsite during late July/ August for the Coast Guard Festival and activities. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival runs July 28-August 6, 2023, which honors the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. Expect parades, memorial celebrations, picnics, carnival rides, fireworks, a car show, and a craft fair.
Another great option is to stay at nearby PJ Hoffmaster State Park or Muskegon State Park. We personally love the wooded sites at Hoffmaster, which you can see pictures and read our full Trip Review of PJ Hoffmaster State Park. If you’re having difficultly getting into the state campgrounds, Pioneer County Park Campground in Muskegon has an accessible beach, nice sites with open space and a large playground.
Silver Lake State Park | Mears
Dates: July 4, 2024
This is the place to stay to watch fireworks over the dunes and avoid the crowds and driving. Thunder Over the Dunes is a free event with fireworks starting at 10:00PM and is hosted by Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce with the support of area businesses. The fireworks usually are held on July 4, 2024. Sit anywhere on Silver Lake to see the show or climb to the top of the dunes to experience an up close view. Other nearby family-friendly private campgrounds include Dunes Harbor and Hideaway Campground.
Charles Mears State Park | Pentwater
Date: July 3, 2024
View the fireworks over the water on Lake Michigan with your friends and family this summer. On July 3rd every year, the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce hosts a beautiful fireworks display. Beginning at dusk, the fireworks are shot from the Pentwater pier near the park beach. Enjoy the spectacular show while watching from Charles Mears State Park, the Pentwater pier or from your own boat on the lake.
If you’re driving to Mears State Park to see the fireworks, note that the beach parking lot usually is full by 8 pm. After the parking lot is full, Lowell St. is closed as a safety measure for pedestrians by the local police. Be prepared to wait 30 minutes before the roads reopen and you can leave the area.
Ludington State Park | Ludington
Dates: July 3-4, 2024
You’ll be a fan of the fireworks display in Ludington, which goes off right over the harbor at Ludington City Park Beach. During the day there is also an entertaining parade, 1- Mile Fun Run, followed by fireworks at night. Events are sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival. Another unique experience is to buy a ticket on the Badger to see the show from the water for a shoreline cruise.
If you’ve never camped at this popular park, here are the Top 10 Reason to Visit Ludington State Park. This park is a favorite in our family, but can be challenging to get into so book 6 months ahead.
Orchard Beach | Manistee
Dates: July 3-7, 2024 , (Fireworks & Activities)
Seven days of patriotic events occur each year at the Manistee National Forest Festival which is being held July 3 – July 7, 2024 this year. The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Forest Festival which showcases events such as the festival marketplace, parade, carnival, and the stunning firework display over Lake Michigan. Head into town and sit on the beach with your blanket or lawn chairs to watch the display!
Interlochen State Park | Interlochen
Dates: June 29 -July 6, 2024 Activities/ July 4, 2024 :Fireworks
If you favor a quieter camping atmosphere, Interlochen State Park fits the bill. Situated between Green Lake and Duck Lake. It is located 15 minutes Southwest of Traverse City, so you can still easily head to town for the wide array of Independence day festivities to celebrate the Fourth of July. Traverse City, the Cherry Festival and the Air Show featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team make it a week to remember.
Traverse City State Park | Traverse City
Dates: June 29-July 6, 2024 Activities / July 4, 2024 Fireworks
Traverse City is a popular place to be on the first week of July. When you combine both the 4th of July festivities and the famous National Cherry Festival occurring June 29- July 6th, it’s a jam packed week of summer entertainment. Embrace all the summer events at West Grand Traverse Bay including air shows, live musical entertainment, volleyball tournaments, carnival rides at the Festival Open Space, and of course cherries galore.
Traverse City puts on amazing displays of fireworks the day of and day prior, which will make for a memorable weekend. Traverse City State Park is situated right in the city and is only 4 miles from the Festival Open Space. If you enjoy being right near the events in the city, Traverse City State Park is a good fit. Now for those that enjoy being outside the city, but still able to stop in for the festivities, Interlochen State Park is a great choice. It's only a 15-20 minute drive from Interlochen into Traverse City, so you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere but still see fireworks. Another option is stay at the private campground in Traverse City called Timber Ridge.
Young State Park | Boyne City
Date July 3-4, 2024
Experience all the hype and festivities in Boyne City, which has an impressive firework display over the lake. Conveniently located, Young State Park in Charlevoix is only a mile away, so it’s just a short drive into town to see the the spectacular show. Here is a full Trip Guide for Visiting Young State Park. With the tagline the ”Best 4th in the North”, be prepared for a day of fun! Activities occur all day at the Veteran's Memorial Park including an arts and crafts fair, food trucks, entertainment and a parade. Kids will love the bounce houses, water slides and rock wall. Here is the full schedule of events.
Petoskey State Park | Petoskey
Dates: July 4, 2024
Catch the spectacular celebration at dusk (around 10:30 PM) as the skies alight over Little Traverse Bay. The best spot to enjoy the Brilliance Over the Bay Firework Show is at Petoskey’s Bayfront Park. Petoskey Independence day events have a small town feel but includes big fun with a parade, music and activities. The Bay Harbor Village fireworks begin at dusk on July 4th! Come early and enjoy the Petoskey Steel Drum Band performing at 7 PM, with fireworks following. Although the area does see a large turnout from locals who go there to watch the show, it is still enjoyable for all. For more information check out the Petoskey Facebook page. Bonus you can view Harbor Springs fireworks off to the right during your stay in Petoskey.
Burt Lake State Park | Indian River
Dates: TBD
South of Mackinaw City is the small town of Indian River, home of the 40-mile long Inland Waterway, Michigan’s longest chain of rivers and inland lakes. Located in Indian River, you’ll find Burt Lake State Park, which has a beautiful sandy beach and fireworks that can be seen from the beach area. The Indian River Fireworks are launched from Devoe Beach, which is close by the beautiful Burt Lake State Park. Check out our review and Trip Guide to Burt Lake State Park.
If you’re camping July 13, 14, 15, 2023, the small town of Bristol, Michigan located West of the Burt Lake State Park has a 3 day event called the Bristol Homecoming Festival at Cummins Park, which includes tons of carnival rides, entertainment an awesome fireworks show that last for 45 minutes.
Upper Peninsula Camping to View Fireworks for the 4th of July
Straights State Park | St Ignace
Dates: Every Saturday, July 9-Sept 3, 2024
Each year fireworks are shot off over the Straits. Gather to watch the fireworks over the bay in downtown St. Ignace at dusk. All summer long Saturday nights are extra special since the fireworks light up the sky above Moran Bay from July 9th through September 3rd. People can view the fireworks from the Huron Boardwalk and downtown area at 10:00 pm.
Fourth of July weekend, you can watch from St. Ignace, simultaneously viewing Mackinaw City’s and Mackinaw Island’s fireworks, and if positioned correctly, Cheboygan’s too! The Ferry does a fireworks cruise which is pretty epic.
Brimley State Park | Brimley
Dates: July 4, 2024
Enjoy two different firework experiences, one on the 1st (Canada Day) and the 4th (American Independence Day) in Sault Ste Marie. Brimley State Park is a 20 minute drive to the Soo Locks. Sault Ste Maria area chamber of commerce hosts the Celebrating Independence Day celebration, head down by the waterfront to enjoy the show. Prior to the fireworks, there is a parade that starts at 7 pm. If you’re visiting the UP another neat experience is to view the firework displays from a Soo Locks boat tour.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise
Dates: July 4, 2024
This small town of Paradise Michigan is located on Whitefish Bay, which is not to far from Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The fireworks are amazing to behold and a great place to watch is at the Community Center for an up close view over Whitefish Bay at dusk. Some Fourth of July Celebrations include a pancake breakfast at the Community Center, a parade, games, crafts and an auction.
Private Campgrounds
Woodland Park | Grand Marais
Date July 4, 2024
Woodland Park in Grand Marais located right on Lake Superior is a great option. Woodland Park has an impressive fireworks show each year. If you’re exploring the UP and Pictured Rocks by Grand Marias, while camping at Woodland Park you can enjoy a firework show on Lake Superior, plus a parade during the day and delicious food for visitors to enjoy.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground | Mackinaw
Be surrounded by fireworks, while watching from three directions. Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and Mackinaw Island all have their own firework light displays. Three nights of fireworks all over the lake. This is a prime spot.
If you don’t have luck booking over the 4th of July, you can watch fireworks every Friday in Mackinaw and Saturdays from St Ignace all summer long. Check out the full review of Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground.
Tri-ponds | Allegan
This popular private campground has awesome firework displays. They usually put on two shows so you can sit right at your campsite and watch them over the ponds. This family owned campground is between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and features a lodge that serves ice cream, a new modern playground, splash pad and a climbing wall. Tri-ponds has options for both modern sites to fully furnished cottages.
Big Bend Family Campground | Omer
You’ll appreciate a two day event with fireworks at this family-friendly campground at Big Bend Family Campground. Tons of activities from a DJ, golf cart parade, cornhole tournaments, band and petting zoo. The town of Omer launches a huge fireworks show at dusk.
Final Thoughts
We’d love to know where your favorite places to camp over the 4th of July are located. This list is by no means extensive, so if there is a campground or state park we missed, please let us know in the comments or shoot us and email and we’d be happy to add it. Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews and trip guides. Save and Pin for later.
Happy Camping!
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