Questions & Answers
Q: Where exactly is this hang?
A: Yankee Springs Recreation Area – Deep Lake Unit Campground. Southeast of Grand Rapids, MI.
Address: 2526 S. Yankee Spring Rd, Middleville, MI 49333 Click here for Google Map directions
Q: When is miCHILIgan happening?
A: October 2nd – 5th, 2025
Q: Can I arrive earlier?
A: You can arrive Thursday to help set up and hang out before the fun begins on Friday. You must let us know you intend on arriving Thursday. If you’d like to arrive sooner, you’d need to reserve a campsite.
Q: Is there a nearby airport?
A: Yes! The closest airport is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) located in southeast Grand Rapids. In fact, we will be happy to shuttle you to and from the hang! You must let us know a week in advance!
Q: How much does it cost to attend?
A: Admission is FREE! However, we rely on donations and proceeds from the raffle to maintain this hang. So if you’d like to help keep miCHILIgan free, donate or buy tickets to win great prizes.
Q: How else can I help?
A: miCHILIgan is great because everyone chips in a little. Some bring food for our community meals while others volunteer with activities, meals, cleaning, or set-up & take-down.
Q: Are pets and kids allowed to attend?
A: Bring the whole family! We have activities for kids and are very kid friendly! Even your four legged kids! However, all pets must be on leashes and under control at all times
Q: Am I required to have a parking permit?
A: A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for each vehicle. Costs may vary. Click here to get one in advance or you can pay at the ranger’s station.
Q: Is there electricity at the group site?
A: Nope.
Q: What’s the water situation?
A: There is a hand pump on site.
Q: What kind of toilet and shower facilities are there?
A: Clean vault toilets are in the group camping area. There is a modern campground roughly 10 minutes away for those that prefer to go there.
Q: I can’t “do rustic camping”, can I still come?
A: Yup. Reserve a site at the modern campground right down the road. Hang out with us during the day and then return to your own site at night.
Q: Do I need to bring firewood?
A: We will have wood delivered for the main group bonfire, but if you want to have an individual fire at your campsite, then you should plan to bring wood.
Reminder: you must use a fire ring (provided by the park) if you’d like to have your own fire. And fires must be put out completely when you leave your site. Not only is it a safety hazard, but Michigan DNR is cracking down on this and we want to be able to come back next year!
Q: Are there enough trees for all hangers?
A: We have lots of trees! Also starting this year, we will have hammock stands around the park so more people can drive up to your site!
If you’re bringing a stand, please make sure to not take up good tree space that others can use. There is a lot of open spaces that you can set up a stand.
Q: Are your meals on your own or in a group?
A: We offer several group meals. Traditionally, group meals are Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Chili Competition on Saturday night, and breakfast on Sunday. Other meals, including lunches are on-your-own.
This will vary from year-to-year at the discretion of our Meal Coordinator. We will be sure to announce any changes!
Q: Do I need to bring my own plates and eating tools?
A: Yup
Q: If I participate in the Chili Cook-off, how are we cooking the chili since there’s no electricity?
A: miCHILIgan has a number of gas grills one can use to cook their chili. Since the hang doesn’t have enough for everyone to use, we rely on those with portable gas grills to fill-in the gaps. If you’d like to bring a generator for slow cookers, that would be great too. This follows our hang philosophy that everyone chips in a little!
Q: How much chili should I make?
A: 12 servings. Many just make double batches.
Q: I don’t own a hammock and sleep in a tent/RV, can I still attend?
A: We’d love to have you! You just need to be interested in hammocks. We want you to come and see what hammock camping is all about! We won’t judge how you sleep, but we may try to convert you. Our seasoned hammockers typically bring extra gear for first-timers to give hammock camping a try.
Also, you’ll want to check out our “Newcomer’s Social” to learn about miCHILIgan, meet other newcomers and chat with some of the vendors!
Q: What can I expect?
A: No matter how you want to spend your time here, we have something for you!
Along with the chili competition, we have several group activities including a hammock tour, vendor showcase, gear swap/sell, guided hikes and our popular raffle!
If you want to do something on your own, there is hiking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking (bring your own) and fishing.
If you choose to relax around the fire, share stories, and meet/catch-up with people, you can do that too!
We have possible new activities in the works and will update you when they are confirmed
Q: What could I win in the raffle?
A: The Raffle Coordinator has been busy improving the prizes for this year. We have brand new vendors donating prizes along with the dedicated vendors from previous years. We will keep you updated on the vendors that are gracious enough to donate their gear!
Q: Is it true miCHILIgan hang is alcohol and marijuana free?
A: Officially, no alcohol or drugs (including marijuana) is allowed in any state park.
Q: Where are nearby stores?
A: Some of the nearby stores include
Shelbyville:
Town and Country Supermarket
Family Dollar
Wayland:
Dollar General
Harding’s Market
Hastings:
Walmart
Aldi
Family Fare
Delton:
Plainwell, Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids have a lot of options as well.
If you have more questions, email us at michiligan.hang@gmail.com
Michiligan 