Negwegon State Park
Rustic, hike-in camping guide
If traveling by car: Take US-23 12 miles north of Harrisville to Black River Road, go east on Black River Road for 1.5
miles until you see a cemetery on your left. Immediately after the cemetery, you’ll will see Sand Hill Trail. Drive north
on Sand Hill Trail for 2.5 miles until you see the large Negwegon State Park sign. Go east on the gravel park road for
1.25 miles until you come to the parking area (and that is Negwegon State Park).
*A Recreation Passport is required for each vehicle. They are available through the Secretary of State, at any Michigan
state park or Negwegon State Park’s parking lot via a self-registration pipe
If traveling by kayak or canoe: The portage distance from the parking lot to the beach is about 1/8 mile. There are
signs along the shore to indicate the location of each camp site. GPS coordinates are available below to assist in
locating the sites from the land or water.
Reservation info
• Rustic, hike-in camping is available April 1 through Nov. 30 each year.
• Reservations (MiDNRReservations.com) are required and may be made up to 6 months out from the
arrival date. Reservations cannot be made by calling the park
• The campsites are located approximately 1.1 to 2.2 miles from the main parking lot off Sand Hill Trail.
• Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, bear box and a temporary pit toilet structure located near each site
for human waste.
• Sand Hill Trail road conditions vary based on weather and other environmental factors. Please use caution
when visiting as the roads into the park are often so sandy that a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be needed.
Conditions can be confirmed by calling Harrisville State Park at 989-724-5126.
Camp rules
• Camping is permitted in the four designated campsites only:
o Site #1 Blue Bell (1.1 mi.) 44 52.033 N x- 83 19.003 W
o Site #2 Twin Pines (1.6 mi.) 44 52.310 N x- 83 19.180 W
o Site #3 Pewabic (1.8 mi.) 44 52.437 N x -83 19.175 W
o Site #4 South Point (2.2 mi.) 44 52.875 N x -83 18.957 W
• You may park your vehicle in the designated parking area at the northwest end of the parking lot.
• Maximum group size is 6 persons per camp site or a family consisting of parents/guardian and unmarried
children.
• Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.
• Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings in the four established campsites.
• Campfire wood may be gathered on site and may only be from trees and branches that are “dead and
down.”
• Potable water is available at the flowing well located between the parking lot and the beach.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and the well head and
use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
• Water taken from streams or lakes should be boiled, filtered or treated with a safe approved commercial
chemical before drinking.
• Do not burn trash or food scraps in the campfire.
• Do not carry glass bottles into the backcountry.
• Pets must remain on a leash that is not longer than 6 feet, be always under your control and may not be
left unattended at any time. Please clean up after your pets and dispose of all waste.
• Wheeled motorized vehicles, mountain bikes and horseback riding are prohibited in all areas of Negwegon
State Park. Exception: motorized wheelchairs.
• Temporary pit toilet structures are located near each site for human waste. Bring your own toilet paper.
• Carry out what you carry in, including all food scraps.
• Trash from your trip can be disposed of at Harrisville State Park.
• Please pack out any diapers and other hygiene products.
• Fireworks of any kind are illegal.
• Hunting is allowed and all state game laws apply in Negwegon State Park.
• Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a campsite, cabin, or occupied area; in unsafe
manner or at any location that places people or property at risk.
• Vessels (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or IV PFD for each person on
board.
• Michigan law requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG approved Type I or II PFD when
riding on the open deck of any vessel.
Weather
• Weather conditions can vary, typical summer temperatures range from 50 ° F to 80° F.
• Plan for all types of weather, including rain.
• Do not underestimate the danger of wet, cold and windy weather. Hypothermia, the dangerous chilling of
the human body, can be a threat any time of the year.
• Whenever possible, canoe close to shore. If in water during a lightning storm, get to shore.
• National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather radio may be received on the frequency of 162.550
or 162.400 MHz.
Safety
• Medical assistance is not available at the park and may be hours away. In case of an emergency, call 911
and if possible contact the park headquarters at 989-724-5126. Cell phone service may be unreliable.
When calling for help, be prepared to provide the following information:
• A detailed list of the injuries
• How the injuries occurred, if known
• An exact location of where rescuers can meet the injured party
• Other personal information about the injured party (allergies, age, physical condition, known ailments,
etc).
• Use care and common sense while in the backcountry. Always carry an up-to-date, well-stocked first aid kit
and be knowledgeable on how to use it. Most importantly, never take unnecessary risks and think through
your actions. Remember, you are responsible for your actions.
Black bear
Historically, black bear have not been a problem at the park; however, a healthy black bear population does exist.
Bear country protocol should be followed:
• Most bear are secretive and shy by nature, but will tolerate contact with people in an attempt to feed on
human food or garbage.
• Black bear have enormous appetites and an excellent sense of smell.
• Give bears with cubs plenty of room.
• Do not confront or feed any bear.
• To minimize any bear encounters, keep all food and scented products stored in an appropriate bear-proof
container and use the bear boxes provided.
• Keep a clean site – minimize food odors and waste.
• Store waste as you would food – burning or burying waste will attract bears.
• If a bear comes into a camp or is encountered while hiking, first try to scare it off by hollering – leaving a
clear unobstructed escape route for the bear.
• If a bear stands its ground, makes threatening sounds, or bluff charges, you are too close – take slow steps
backwards.
• In the rare event of an attack, fight back with a pan, backpack, stick or even your bare hands – black bears
have retreated in similar situations.
The Negwegon experience
Negwegon State Park is a rustic, undeveloped area open for hunting and hiking. The 4,118-acre state park
features a beautiful sandy beach on Lake Huron. The park contains a designated dark sky preserve for awesome
opportunities to view the night sky. The remoteness and serenity of rustic, hike-in camping draws many people;
however, those same reasons necessitate careful planning and preparation.
• The park terrain is a mixture of low land areas, small ridges, pockets of open meadows with a mix of
mature pine forest, hardwoods and aspen forest. The park is home to a beautiful undeveloped sandy
beach on Lake Huron.
• You are responsible for your own safety.
• Before leaving, always tell a relative or friend where you are going, your route and when you plan to
return.
• As you enjoy the beauty and scenery of your hike-in camping experience, take the following into
consideration and plan for an adventure:
• Foot trails are rugged.
• You may encounter wet areas and streams to cross (with or without a bridge),
along with obstacles that may block the trail.
• Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
• Trails are marked, but nighttime travel is not recommended.
• Be considerate of other people on the trail.
• Let nature’s sounds prevail by traveling in small groups and avoid making excessive noise.
• Sound travels much farther across water.
• Minimize trail impact by staying on designated trails. Do not make new trails or switchbacks to avoid
standing water.
• Expect plenty of insects. Repellents, head nets and protective clothing may help.
