Camper submitted image from Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground - 1

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People

Camper submitted image from Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground - 4

Nature

Established Camping

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

5 Reviews

About

State Park

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

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Location

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Directions

From town: Go 5-1/2 mi SE on CR 611 (Garfield Rd), then 2-1/2 mi E on Potter Rd, then 1/2 mi S on 4 Mile Rd, then 1/2 mi E on N Arbutus Rd.

Coordinates

44.67398593 N
85.52286297 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Seth W.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2022

Great location

Found a great site with room for neighbors, but nobody there (9/6-9/8)

Bathrooms are in need of some TLC, as expected, but everything is well spaced out and fairly private.

I use T-Mobile and actually have almost full 5G out here, so that’s a plus.

Site23

Month of VisitOctober

Derek B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2021

Great getaway campground

Campsites are clean, restrooms are within a few minute walk, and a water pump is available. A couple walk-to sites are difficult to make the trips up and down the stairs if you have a lot of gear…but they are secluded and peaceful. I have an inflatable boat, and was able to beach it at our campsite. Overall, a very nice camping experience!

Site15

Month of VisitSeptember

john

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2021

Great place to camp before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Otherwise busy

Great lake for fishing and paddling. Lake is made of 5 lobes, high speed boating is restricted on some of them.

During the height of the season place can be filled with loud and happy campers perhaps a little too happy.

Helmi C.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2021

Beautiful lake Campground is filthy

The Lake gets 5 stars, so if you’re going to kayak or boat, you’ll love it. The campground is filthy. Took me 1/2 hour to clean up the trash and cigarette butts before I could set up my tent. I kept smelling a horrible smell, then realized the dumpster was across the road wafting to my campsite, my mistake for picking this site. The campers next to me are cutting through my site (right in front of my tent) to go to the beach. Someone stole my fire wood and the neighbor ran their generator all night. Now mom has been screaming and swearing at her kids to wake up for over an hour. Starting at 7am. Now they’re up, screaming and blowing whistles. Never again.

Site3

Month of VisitAugust

Amanda L.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Ole Reliable

I’ve camped here so many times throughout my life—it’s my go to when I can’t think of somewhere to camp. It’s situated on Arbutus Lake in Traverse City, MI (my hometown). It’s a calm lake with easy same-day registration for camping. It’s pretty rustic, but close to home for me, so that’s not a big deal at all (i.e. showers). Sites are first come, first served. Water is available from a working well and there are non-flushable toilets available. Dirt roads. A few sites are right on the water! It’s a nice, cozy, favorite place to camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

Are fires allowed at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.