Forested sites, direct water access, and a location close enough to town to resupply without much effort define the character of Houghton Lake State Forest Campground. Managed by the Michigan DNR, this established campground sits within a wooded setting along Houghton Lake and draws a mix of drive-in and boat-in campers from late April through mid-September. Sites range from waterfront to back-of-property wooded lots, so campers can choose based on whether proximity to the lake or tree cover matters more.
Reviewers consistently flag the campground's cleanliness and the presence of DNR staff as standout traits. The facility has a main bathroom building with individual toilet and sink combos, plus vault toilets distributed around the property. One trade-off is worth knowing upfront: the campground sits close to a road, and Brian K. notes it is "not very secluded + close to the road." Restaurants and gas stations are nearby, which makes this a practical base rather than a remote retreat.
Reservations are available, though at least one visitor found walk-up sites open on a weeknight after rain. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, has cell service, and allows pets and alcohol. At $25 per night, it includes drinking water and picnic tables at each site. Anglers and paddlers with boats can access the lake directly. Those weighing nearby alternatives can compare camping near Higgins Lake or check out West Houghton Lake Campground a few miles south. If easy lake access and reliable amenities matter more than seclusion, this campground is worth a closer look.
Description
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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
You must register your site on line BEFORE setting up camp. AND you must be physically at the park and ready to set up camp. Campsites are not guaranteed until online registration is complete. If you register and are not physically at the location to establish camp, your registration may be cancelled.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHoughton Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Higgins Lake
Directions
From jct US 27 & Hwy 55: Go 6 mi E on Hwy 55, then 6 mi N on West Shore Dr, then E on CR-300.
Address
180 South Harrison
Houghton Lake, MI 49777
Coordinates
44.40053614 N
84.7747881 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/11/26
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/11/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/11/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/11/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 58 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 7 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 12 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 22 min from Saginaw, MI
