07-14-2002, 10:27 AM
<br><br><IMG SRC="http://www.michigandnr.com/images/RecreationCamping/parkphotos/sleepersummer.gif"><br><br><br><b> Albert E. Sleeper State Park</b> comprises 723 acres of forest, wetlands, and sandy beach and dunes located on the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. <br><br>History The park first opened as a county park in 1925. In 1927 the state acquired the property and called it Huron State Park. In 1944, the park was renamed in honor of Albert E. Sleeper, governor of Michigan (1916-1920) and resident of Huron County, who signed into law the statute that created the state park system. <br><br>Camping and Day Use The park has 223 modern campsites, all located in a heavily wooded area of oak, birch, and pine. There is a wide range of lot sizes, accommodating those with the largest RV's as well as those with the smallest tents. Three modern toilet/shower facilities are available from mid-April through October. Sanitation stations and a fish cleaning station are located in the campground. The day use area is a quick walk away. There, the park visitor will find a half mile of sandy beach stretching along the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. A toilet building is located at central point. The day use area also includes a shaded picnic area adjacent to the beach and a pavilion that may be rented for group occasions. <br><br>Mini-Cabins A mini-cabin is located in the campground. It sleeps up to four persons, and may be rented throughout the year. The cabin is furnished with a heater, lights, electrical outlets, and outside fire circle. <br><br>Outdoor Center The outdoor center is available for school groups and other organizations that wish to provide young people an outdoor learning experience. It has a kitchen/dining hall building as well as several cabins and a toilet/shower building. Groups of up to 120 may rent the facility. <br><br>Boating and Fishing Seven state boating access sites, one state dock, and several public fishing piers are located within a short drive from the park. Saginaw Bay provides excellent perch, walleye, salmon, and lake trout fishing. The nearby Pigeon River as well as the shoreline of Saginaw Bay are available for canoeists. <br><br>Hunting Hunting is closed in the park, except for a remote area that is well posted for such use. <br><br>Winter Activities A portion of the campground is plowed during the winter though the modern toilet/shower buildings are closed. Electricity, vault toilets, and a nearby water supply are available. Trails are available for cross-country skiing. <br><br>Trail Information More than four miles of maintained trails are available to those who wish to hike or ski. These trails pass through a variety of habitats, and are directly accessible from the campground. Trails are groomed in the winter if there is sufficient snow. Those using the trails also have access to 2,200 acres of the adjacent Rush Lake State Game Area, an area of forests and wetlands populated by many types of wildlife. Many rustic trails course through the Game Area for the more adventurous visitor. <br><br>Area Attractions Five miles to the west is the small resort town of Caseville which has a variety of entertaining diversions as well as a busy schedule of special events. Boat charters, horseback riding, canoe, and kayak rentals are also located near the park <br><br>Location If going through Bad Axe, go north on M-53 about nine miles, then west on Kinde Road another ten miles. Turn right on State Park Road and proceed three miles to M-25. Turn left on M-25 and go a short distance to the park entrance. <br> <br> <br> Sleeper- Modern - (800) 447-2757, 223 site(s), $18.00, Toilets/Electricity, Electricity Only, Mini Cabin <br> <br><br><br><A HREF="http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/" target="_new">http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/</A> <br>For Kids Sake <br>Recycle your old Equipment<br>Dave