Is there a hotel close to the state park?

There are a few in Alpena. Very nice place to stay and the Rock Port is a wonderful place. Once you go there, you'll end up going back.

Try looking on airbnb they have a lot of nice cottages you can rent on there and a lot cheaper than a hotel beaches are rocky but you can find some great fossils

There are many rental cabins and motels within a few miles and two more very large lakes, Grand and Long, with beaches, campgrounds, stores, restaurants, bars, all within 5 miles. Then there is Alpena, about 10 miles away. If you're in to fishing, it's hard to beat Lake Hurons bays and coves... especially for smallmouth bass. Grand and Long lakes are great fisheries, too! To top it off, picturesque Presque Isle is just down the street. This is one of my favorite areas in Michigan.

Some nice cottages to stay on the lakes there also.

In Alpena

Is the beach here a rocky one?