With 98 state parks and recreation areas throughout Michigan, you're never more than an hour away from some of best outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. You don't have to spend a fortune on gasoline to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it's camping, biking, hiking, boating, canoeing or picnicking, follow the links to find out how to discover outdoor fun less than one tank away.  And always remember to check the calendar of events before you "GO-Get Outdoors". Over 300 special events have been scheduled for 2008. 

Metro Detroit Area
There are 11 state parks and recreation areas within the three-county Detroit area, each offering a slice of outdoor heaven near the largest metropolitan population center. Here are just four:

Right in the heart of Detroit, Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor is a little slice of nature in a busy metro area. Visitors will enjoy walleye fishing on the Detroit River and those that enjoy boating can find room in the 52-slip harbor.

Proud Lake Recreation Area is 4,700 acres of camping, canoeing, horseback riding and more. Canoe rentals for trips along the Huron River, horseback riding trails,and ten miles of mountain biking trails provide recreation opportunities very close to home.

Grab your swimsuit and head to Dodge #4 State Park. This park offers a white sandy beach with one mile of shoreline on Cass Lake, a great place to cool off on a hot sunny day. Fishing enthusiasts can launch their boat or just head out on the  fishing pier to catch bass, pike, bluegill, perch and trout.

Whether it's hiking, biking or horseback riding you're interested in you can find it at Maybury State Park. Maybury gives people in the metropolitan area an opportunity to get involved in outdoor recreation activities and an introduction to the natural features of our environment in a state park setting.

Flint Area
Four state parks and recreation areas are located within an hour's drive from Flint and most are located in the northern edge of Oakland County.

Holly Recreation Area has much more to offer than simply a short drive from the Flint area. Those looking for a weekend excursion will find a variety of overnight accommodations including mini cabins, modern and semi-modern camping, or try staying at the historic Rolston Cabin. Day users will enjoy swimming from the sandy beach, catching fish from one of the fishing piers, or renting a canoe or kayak and exploring the park for themselves. Mountain bikers also will find a run of very challenging trails.  And have you tried Disc Golf? Offering both 9 and 18 hole routes, this course offers a variety of challenges and fun for all skill levels, from beginner to enthusiast. 

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area offers more than six miles of marked hiking trails that give the visitor the opportunity to explore the more natural features of the park. If you're looking to escape the heat of the city head to the day use and go for a swim. Or rent a row boats, paddle boats or a canoe and enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

Ortonville Recreation Area's shooting range provides hand trap, rifle and handgun shooting opportunities. Equestrian enthusiasts will enjoy 6.5 miles of bridle trails and the 25-site equestrian campground. 

Seven Lakes State Park offers more than 6.5 miles of marked trails that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities whether you're biking, hiking or skiing. If you're looking to catch a fish you can head out on the fishing pier or rent a canoe or boat to explore the lake on your own.

Saginaw Bay and Michigan's Thumb
Sugar sand beaches and world-renowned marshes are just a short trip away for people who live in the Tri-Cities area including Saginaw, Midland and Bay City.

Bay City State Recreation Area is located on the shores of Saginaw Bay. Home to the nationally-recognized Tobico Marsh, visitors have the opportunity to view a variety of bird life and numerous species of wetland wildlife and plant species. Modern camping, seven miles of nature trails and great fishing opportunities are just a few of the other activities that visitors will enjoy.

At the tip of the Thumb, just 60 miles from Bay City, is Sleeper State Park. A half-mile of sandy beach located on Saginaw Bay provides great swimming and sunbathing opportunities. If you're in the mood to explore, check out the trails of the ancient dune forests.  Or don't worry about the tent or trailer; Sleeper has plenty of cabins for rent.

A little farther away is Port Crescent State Park, another beachfront outdoor experience. Be sure to check out the new Camper Cabin. This three-room cabin provides a stunning view of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron, right off your own front porch.

Lansing Area
The palm of Michigan provides six state parks within an hour of the Capital City.

The closest is Sleepy Hollow State Park. The park's many miles of trails provide opportunities for equestrians, mountain bicyclists and hikers. Fishing is good in Lake Ovid and a sandy beach allows swimmers to enjoy the water. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for more than 228 species including the rarely recorded Bonaparte's gull or bald eagle. Other popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing and hunting.

There is plenty of room at Waterloo Recreation Area to explore with over 20,000 acres.  With 4 campgrounds, a hiking trail that is 23 miles long, 14 miles of horseback riding trails and the Gerald Eddy Discovery you may find that it will take you only one tank but a few days to dicscover the surprises at Waterloo. 

And that 23 mile hiking trail at Waterloo will connect with another 12 miles in the Pinckney Recreation Area. Pinckney also has 17.5 miles of fastastic mountain biking trails called the Potawatomi. Have you tried camping in a yurt? Glenbrook Yurt is located on a ridge overlooking Portage River and Halfmoon Lake.  And both Pinckney and Waterloo just opened new camper cabins. 

Grand Rapids Area
Michigan's famed Michigan lakeshore is an hour away from Grand Rapids and provides a string of six state parks, each with sandy beaches, campgrounds and more, stretching from Saugatuck Dunes State Park up to Duck Lake State Park. Turning inland provides recreation of a different flavor.

To the east, Ionia Recreation Area offers the visitor a truly natural experience. Ionia is comprised of rolling hills, babbling brooks, open meadows, forested ridges, a lake nestled in the hills and a river winding its way through woods and fields. Excellent canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities as well as access to hiking and mountain biking trails await. This park also offers an equestrian campground and bridle trails. 

To the south, Yankee Springs Recreation Area includes 30 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of challenging mountain bike trails, 9 miles of horseback trails, as well as two public beaches, picnic shelters, and two universally accessible fishing piers on Gun Lake and Deep Lake.

Traverse City Area
Famed for its cherries, wineries and million-dollar views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties provide three state parks to enjoy this beautiful region.

On the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula is a state park that offers rustic camping alongside a restored lighthouse open to the public. In Native American, it means "land of delight." Along with more than eight miles of hiking trails, Leelanau State Park's beaches often yield Petoskey stones.

Upper Peninsula
Michigan's Upper Peninsula was included in MSN's Top Ten Summer Destinations in the world. With 18 state parks and five scenic sites, the U.P. is an outdoor lover's paradise and the summer home to many Michigan residents and snowbirds. From the thundering waters of Tahquamenon Falls State Park to the towering mountains of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, you're still never more than a tank full of gas away from a state park.

Travel Tips
If you do decide to take a longer road trip during the vacation season, here are some tips to make your trip less costly:

Travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Try to schedule your drives in the middle of the week. Traffic tends to be lighter and less demand can push gasoline down a few pennies per gallon.

Lighten the Load: Try to avoid the need for auto carriers or other items on top of your vehicle. These not only add weight, but the increased wind resistance also will increase your gasoline consumption. Check out equipment rentals of bikes, canoes or other recreation equipment at your destination. Pack only the minimum clothing and gear needed.

Slow Down: Driving the speed limit will keep you and your family safer and save your gas mileage. Try to avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking and sudden changes in speed.

Tune Up Your Ride: Before your trip, have a mechanic check out the vehicle to ensure all fluids are at the right level, tire pressure is what it should be and your vehicle is in optimum running condition. Don't forget your trailer too!

For more tips on how to improving your gas mileage, visit the Department of Agriculture's Gasoline Corner.