Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

The location in proximity to Lake Michigan is excellent. It was great to be able to wake up, walk to the lake, and jump in. The campsite is more primitive than the listing makes it seem. I had trouble finding the trail to the campsites as the sign was literally tucked away in a bush - it seems that could be intentional as there is a lot of foot traffic nearby from day visitors. To find the campsites, you walk directly to the right of the campsite parking spots when facing the lake. It was interesting being so close to the city and dealing with the potential dangers that come with city living, like worrying about theft and having to fight off raccoons that are used to accessing human food (seriously). The restrooms were not in working order although that was not communicated before my arrival. A sign on the building door said the restrooms were closed for the season, which I thought was unusual for mid-August. There were 3 port-a-potties though and those were decently clean, they're just a small hike away from the campsites. This campsite is excellent if you come into in expecting few resources. There is no potable water. The gnats were awful and like dive bombing into eyeballs, but if you have a bug net to put over your head, you'll be fine. I enjoyed staying here, but if you're looking for a cushy campsite to relax with the family, this may not be the one for you.

The place is beautiful and the hike-in to camp site 3 worked fine. However, the bathrooms next to central beach were not operational which was a big drawback. Also you really need to put in "bear-proof" boxes so campers can protect food and toiletries against raccoons. There was a lot of trash around because raccoons snatched things from the campers.

The place is beautiful and the hike-in to camp site 3 worked fine. However, the bathrooms next to central beach were not operational which was a big drawback. Also you really need to put in "bear-proof" boxes so campers can protect food and toiletries against raccoons. There was a lot of trash around because raccoons snatched things from the campers.

Do not camp here on Holidays. The lot is filled before there are rangers on site to check for passes. And they do not prioritize anyone who is camping. I was told I booked a campsite and not a parking spot. However, this makes no sense as people should be able to know they will have a spot to park.

Do not camp here on Holidays. The lot is filled before there are rangers on site to check for passes. And they do not prioritize anyone who is camping. I was told I booked a campsite and not a parking spot. However, this makes no sense as people should be able to know they will have a spot to park.

The dumpster along the trail needs removed!
Only five camp sites are in the area.
The parking lot has two trash cans, another two trash cans besides the rest restaurant building.
The only purpose of the dumpster, is still, It is to provide a safe place for raccoons to stay, eat, shred trash.

The dumpster along the trail needs removed!
Only five camp sites are in the area.
The parking lot has two trash cans, another two trash cans besides the rest restaurant building.
The only purpose of the dumpster, is still, It is to provide a safe place for raccoons to stay, eat, shred trash.

Just be aware despite the reservation saying you can get to your site at noon is not accurate. The rangers will not allow you to access the site if parking is full. In addition, you must first visit the visitor center to get a paper saying you can park overnight. I'm not sure why the rangers blocking the parking couldn't also have these papers. Consider having parking available for overnight users as it was very frustrating after driving all day with kids only to be told that they were not sure when I could access the site. I had no issues with the site itself and all of these problems could be solved by changing the process that is currently in place.

Just be aware despite the reservation saying you can get to your site at noon is not accurate. The rangers will not allow you to access the site if parking is full. In addition, you must first visit the visitor center to get a paper saying you can park overnight. I'm not sure why the rangers blocking the parking couldn't also have these papers. Consider having parking available for overnight users as it was very frustrating after driving all day with kids only to be told that they were not sure when I could access the site. I had no issues with the site itself and all of these problems could be solved by changing the process that is currently in place.

Don't be fooled by the maps - these sites are located on a cliff and do not have access to the beach. They're very basic primitive sites in the forest with no views or amenities. The beach nearby was beautiful (just avert your eyes from the power plant to the east), and there was abundant peace and quiet. And clever raccoons that want your food that can provide entertainment at dusk.

We stayed in site #5, which was a solid fifteen minute walk from the car. Not a walk you want to do multiple times, so this is almost like a mini backpacking site.