Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park | Traverse City

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park – In-Depth Overview

Location & Overview
Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a compact yet highly popular 75-acre public recreation area located just east of downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Nestled along the southern shoreline of East Grand Traverse Bay, the park serves as a convenient natural escape within an urban setting. Despite its relatively small footprint, it offers a rich blend of beach access, forested camping, and multi-use trails, catering to both local residents and seasonal tourists.

Campground Details

General Campground Features

The campground, separated from the beach by U.S. Highway 31, offers 348 modern campsites.

Sites are wooded and shaded, with paved pads and electric hook-ups (20-, 30-, and 50-amp service).

Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table.

Modern restrooms with showers are spaced throughout the loops.

A sanitation station, dump station, and trash facilities are available at the entrance.

Mini Cabins
Two mini cabins are available for rent, especially appealing for visitors who prefer rustic lodging with basic indoor amenities:

Mitchell Creek Mini Cabin

Sleeps up to 5 people.

Equipped with bunk beds, a table, mini fridge, microwave, electric heater, and lighting.

Outside includes a fire pit, picnic table, and grill.

Grand Traverse Bay Mini Cabin

Recently updated with a more modern interior.

Sleeps up to 4 people.

Features include a ceiling fan, USB charging ports, electric fireplace-style heater, and kitchenette setup.

Also includes exterior amenities such as a picnic table and fire ring.

Day-Use Area & Beach

Beach Features

Located directly across U.S. 31 via a pedestrian overpass, the quarter-mile beach is sandy, clean, and maintained regularly.

Marked swimming areas are roped off for safety.

A beach house offers restrooms and changing stalls.

Accessibility is emphasized with an ADA-compliant path to the water and a beach wheelchair available for loan.

Picnicking & Recreation

Multiple picnic tables and grills are situated near the beach and day-use area.

A covered shelter is often used for group gatherings.

The accessible playground includes a variety of equipment set in rubberized safety surfacing.

Outdoor Recreation Activities

1. Biking & Walking

The TART Trail (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trail) runs adjacent to the park, offering over 10 miles of multi-use path stretching from Acme Township through Traverse City.

The trail connects to the Leelanau Trail, a 17-mile path leading to Suttons Bay.

2. Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Grand Traverse Bay offers calm waters ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers.

Rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes are available through vendors like Paddle TC, usually stationed near the beach entrance.

3. Fishing

Fishing is popular in Mitchell Creek, a small tributary that flows through the southern portion of the park, especially during spring and fall runs of trout and salmon.

4. Pet Walking Area

A designated area allows leashed pets to walk and play.

Accessed via the pedestrian bridge or at-grade crossing (under redevelopment).

Renovation & Redevelopment Plans (2025–2026)

Traverse City State Park is undergoing its most significant renovation in decades, funded by an $8.5 million American Rescue Plan grant. The goal is to modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and enhance visitor flow.

Key Projects Include:

Campground Entrance Reconfiguration

A new, wider entrance designed to handle RV traffic better.

Improved signage and traffic patterns to reduce congestion.

New Contact Station

A modern check-in facility with accessible service windows and visitor information displays.

Park Headquarters Relocation

Moving south of Mitchell Creek to preserve views and reduce noise within the campground.

Improved Pedestrian Access

The existing overhead bridge will be replaced with an at-grade crossing controlled by traffic signals.

Enhanced lighting, signage, and crosswalks will make crossing safer for pedestrians, including families and people with mobility challenges.

Sanitation Station Redesign

A relocated and expanded dump station will reduce backups and improve traffic flow during peak checkout times.

Tree Preservation and Replanting

While some trees were cleared in early 2025 to make way for development, a robust reforestation plan is in place.

Native species will be replanted to maintain the park’s wooded character and prevent erosion along Mitchell Creek.

Closures & Construction Timeline

Full Campground Closure: Until April 1, 2025, to allow for initial construction.

Brief Reopening: Between April and early July 2025.

Extended Closure: From July 7, 2025, through the entire 2026 camping season.

Day-use/beach areas will remain open most of the time but may experience intermittent closures during traffic signal and roadway upgrades.

Traffic and Roadway Improvements

In collaboration with MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation):

Realignment of the Three Mile Road and U.S. 31 intersection to directly connect to the park entrance.

Construction of a new westbound turn lane on U.S. 31.

Addition of sidewalks and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks with ADA-compliant signals.

Construction scheduled for spring 2026, with potential lane closures and short-term road shutdowns.

Park Regulations and Notes

Pets must be leashed and are not permitted on the swimming beach.

Alcohol is permitted at campsites but discouraged in beach and public areas.

Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Summary

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a rare blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, offering quick access to the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline and direct connections to extensive trail networks. With robust camping facilities, lakefront recreation, and an evolving set of amenities designed for 21st-century accessibility and comfort, the park continues to be a foundational piece of Traverse City's outdoor tourism. Despite upcoming closures, the renovations aim to enhance its legacy for generations to come.