Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is a beautiful 5,000+ acre park located in Barry County, Michigan. With its rolling hills, lakes, streams, and woods, Yankee Springs offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. This guide provides everything you need to know to plan your next trip to Yankee Springs State Recreation Area.
Address
Directions
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is located at 2104 S. Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333.
From Grand Rapids:
- Take I-96 W towards Lansing
- Take exit 64 for M-37 toward Middleville/Hastings
- Turn right onto M-37 S/Broadway St
- In approximately 9 miles, turn left onto S. Briggs Rd
- The park entrance will be on the right in 1 mile
From Kalamazoo:
- Take US-131 N towards Grand Rapids
- Take exit 52 for M-179 toward Middleville
- Turn right onto M-179 N/36th St
- Follow M-179 N for approximately 11 miles
- Turn left onto S Briggs Rd
- The park entrance will be on the right in 1 mile
The drive from Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is well signed from the highway exits.
Use 2104 S. Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333 for GPS navigation to the park entrance. We look forward to seeing you at Yankee Springs soon!
Park Hours and Fees
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is open year-round, with some facilities closed seasonally.
- Registration Office Hours: 8am-10pm, May 15-Labor Day
- Campsite Check-In: 3pm
- Campsite Check-Out: 1pm
- Quiet Hours: 11pm-8am
A Recreation Passport is required to enter the park. Day passes and annual passports can be purchased at the park office or ahead of time online.
Campsites fees vary from $17-$37 per night depending on site amenities and season. Reservations are recommended especially for weekends and can be made online or by phone up to 6 months in advance.
Things to Do
With its diversity of landscapes, Yankee Springs offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Boating & Fishing
- Gun Lake – Access for boats up to 22 feet with a boat launch and dock. Great for fishing.
- Deep Lake – Electric motors only. Known for quality panfish.
- Pike Lake – Kayak and canoe access only. Abundant pike, bass, panfish.
Hiking & Biking
- 11 mile mountain bike trail loop ranked as EPIC by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Includes technical single-track and easier 2-track.
- Rifle River Trail – 10.5 mile paved rail-trail perfect for hiking and biking. Connects to Barry State Game Area.
- Shady Meadow Trail – Universally accessible packed limestone trail around Deep Lake.
Camping
With nearly 300 campsites, Yankee Springs has options for tents, popup campers, and RVs up to 45 feet long. Electric and full hookup sites available. Modern restrooms with showers onsite.
- Deep Lake Campground – On the shore of Deep Lake.
- Pickerel Lake Campground – Heavily wooded. Near boat launch.
- Beech Point Campground – Secluded sites.
Planning Your Visit
As you plan your visit to Yankee Springs, keep the following rules and tips in mind:
- Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please clean up after pets.
- Firewood must be purchased at the park or from local approved vendors to prevent invasive pests.
- Alcohol is prohibited at Gun Lake day use area and Deep Lake campground.
- Marijuana use is prohibited on public lands per state law.
- Campers are limited to 15 consecutive nights. Campsites must be occupied overnight.
- Two vehicles maximum per campsite. Visitors must depart by 10pm.
- Fireworks are prohibited within the park.
Nearby Amenities
If you need extra supplies or want to experience businesses outside the park, the following are located nearby:
- General RV Center – For all your RV parts and service needs
- Gillette’s Bait & Hardware – Fishing tackle and supplies
- Gun Lake Marina & Rentals – Boat rentals available on Gun Lake
- Hungry Howie’s Pizza – Convenient stop for takeout pizza
- Indian Valley Campground – Additional private campsites
- Jay’s Sporting Goods – Sporting goods and fishing equipment
- Yankee Springs Golf Course – Scenic 18-hole golf course open to the public
Enjoy Your Stay at Yankee Springs State Recreation Area!
With its pristine lakes, rolling terrain, and abundant recreational opportunities, Yankee Springs State Recreation Area is a wonderful destination any time of year. Follow this guide to help plan your visit and enjoy everything this beautiful Michigan state park has to offer. From hiking trails to campgrounds to fishing access, Yankee Springs has something for everyone. Have a memorable outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours at Yankee Springs State Recreation Area?
Quiet hours at Yankee Springs are from 11pm to 8am daily. Please be respectful of others and keep noise levels low during these times.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.
Can I bring my own firewood?
No. To prevent invasive pests, all firewood must be purchased at the park or from approved local vendors.
How far in advance should I make a campsite reservation?
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, especially recommended for weekends.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is prohibited at Gun Lake day use area and Deep Lake campground specifically.
Can I use marijuana at Yankee Springs?
No, marijuana use is prohibited on all public lands in Michigan.
