Otter Creek?

[Youngjoe]

Hey everybody! I have been talking with a few people about the beach at Otter Creek (Sleeping Bear Dunes) in Michigan, but I still would like more info. I am curious as to how populated it is, and if anyone has gone there, what they thought of it. Thanks!

[Youngjoe]

Hey everybody! I have been talking with a few people about the beach at Otter Creek (Sleeping Bear Dunes) in Michigan, but I still would like more info. I am curious as to how populated it is, and if anyone has gone there, what they thought of it. Thanks!

[ScubaRay]

Been there many times- posted pic here at CF. I think there are here yet (do a search for Otter Creek). You need to remember that Michigan has no illegal nude beaches so use caution when you go there. I was there last week and seen about 20 there. The "nude" beach is north of the main beach, about a 1/2 mile walk- it a short walk. You will need to cover up as you will see walkers now and then. Most nudist will bring a pair of binoculars to look down the beach once in awhile. Times I have been there you will have friendly nudist around you. I plan on being there again at the end of the month.

Ray
Grand Rapids

[NakedGary]

DcubaRay

Did you mean to say "Michigan has no Legal nude beaches"?

Link to NAC Michigan Laws Nudity

.

[Michjoe]

I was there yesterday. It is not a legal beach so care is necessary. The walk to the safe area is about 25 minutes. There were about 10 people there. All were careful to not offend any clothed people who walked by. While I was there, few non-naturists walked by, so it was possible to walk on the beach and swim without suit. Mostly friendly people, some socialized and some kept to themselves. Not much shade especially in the afternoon. I saw one small tent and a couple umbrellas. Only facilities one outhouse at the entrance to the beach. $10 fee for seven days or $20 for annual can be picked up from a machine at the beach at the campground a few miles south or at the main HQ in Empire a few miles north. I saw some tickets or reminders on some cars. I don't know if they were real tickets. I had a great day. On a hot day the walk back gets a little long.

[ScubaRay]

I'm confused- there is no fees at this beach (Otter Creek). You can park at the end of the road (Esch Rd) and walk to the beach. What beach are you talking about MichJoe? Empire has a public beach near town and there has been no fees there.

Ray

[Naturist Mark]

Just a note: Michigan has no officially recognized nude beaches. Beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore are under Federal jurisdiction, not State. Technically nudity is not illegal, but rangers can cite you for disorderly behavior if you make it worth their while. Tolerance of the traditionally nude section of beach north of Esch Rd has waxed and waned over the years, I don't know what the current climate is. I understand there has also been nude use on the two islands (North and South Manitou) that are part of the SBDNS.

-Mark

[Michjoe]

From the Sleeping bear website:
A Park Pass is required for using any park lands or facilities, including North and South Manitou Islands... All passes are to be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle while in the park. If your pass is not on the dashboard you may receive a "Fee Reminder" slip on your windshield. THIS IS NOT A TICKET! It is merely a gentle reminder to please display your pass properly. If you have not yet purchased a pass, please bring the slip into the fee station with you. We keep them for statistical purposes.

Ray, I guess you have been fortunate to have avoided the reminder. I saw some on vehicle windshields. This fee schedule has been in effect for a few years. I have no idea what they do if you ignore the reminder. There is also a newly posted sign (first time I saw it) indicating nudity in public is against the law in Michigan.

[ScubaRay]

I guess I will have to look once I get up there. I have noticed a park ranger walking on the road where you park but he has never said or asked for a permit/pass. Also, the past few years I have never had a reminder on my vehicle telling me so. When I take the kayak up there I will put in at Empire Beach and paddle south, no permit need there (public access). I have seen many walkers come from that direction as well- from the public beach, a bit of a walk but on a nice day it's worth it.

I will be up there Thursday(7/27) and ready for the beach by Friday & Saturday. Camping near Empire for the weekend- anyone want to meet up drop a note back.

Ray