Camper submitted image from Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests - 3
Official
Camper submitted image from Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!The recent ice storm on March 29, 2025 and subsequent wind events have left many downed and damaged trees across the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests that have interrupted recreation opportunities on motorized and non-motorized trails.Crews are actively working to clear trees and debris from Forest Service roads and trails.Visitors should expect down trees and other debris on trails and roads Please slow down and use caution. Access to areas may be limited on the Forest. This may impact the ability of first responders, such as ambulance and fire first responders, to respond to an emergency. Hikers, equestrians and motorized trail users can locate affected trails on our website at or call the Mio Ranger District Office at (989) 826-3252.https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts

Description

Overview

Mack Lake ORV Campground is the largest campground on the Mio Ranger District. Southeast of Mio, Mack Lake is 175-acres of shared private and federal ownership. An embedded day use area provides visitors with a picnic area as well as water access and a swimming area surrounded by bouys. With an ORV trailhead located within the campgroud, Mack Lake ORV Campground is a popular location for ORV trail riders.

Recreation

Water Activities: A day use area inside the Beaver Loop of Mack Lake ORV Campground is designed for picnicing and water activities such as beach play, swimming, fishing, and boating. Carry-in boat access is available through the day use area. Anglers can hope to catch sunfish, perch, and walleye. ORV Riding: Mack Lake ORV Campground is a popular location with ORV riders. With the trailhead for the Mack Lake Trail System starting in the campground, ORV riders can enjoy the section near Maltby Hills for easier trail riding or head to Bull Gap Hill Climb for a challenge. The trail is mostly on a 0 - 10% grade, with some short sections at a 30% grade

Facilities

The campground provides handpump wells for drinking water, several vault toilets, and trash collection services. The embedded day use area also provides visitors with picnic tables and grills. Campsites at Mack Lake have picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.

Natural Features

The 175-acre lake is surrounded by rolling jack pine plains and is a good location for wildlife viewing.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (989) 826-3252 for general information.

Charges & Cancellations

All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 6 miles. Turn left and travel east on County Rd. 604 for 4 miles. Turn left and travel north on FR 4460 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel west on County Rd. 489 for 1 mile.

Coordinates

44.578778 N
84.064904 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2022

Beautiful rustic campground

We loved this campground. We were worried it would be full as it is first come first serve and we stayed on labor day weekend. There were plenty of sites. We also were not sure what to expect as it's an "OHV" campground and we weren't taking an OHV. It was very peaceful. Large sites which are spaced apart nicely for privacy. We were able to get a site right on the lake. The Beaver loop sites have a hand pump available for water. The warbler loop has a spout on what must be pump house next to the host's site. The vault toilets are very clean. The lake has private homes on the opposite side. But even on labor day weekend the lake was quiet and peaceful. I saw three jet skis over the entire long weekend. It's mostly an occasional pontoon cruising by. We will definitely go back to enjoy this place

Site32
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests by john H., September 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests by john H., September 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests by john H., September 6, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Love Mack Lake

Great campground with great campground hosts. Large sites some with water views. Beach area. Clean pit toilets and water. Campground hosts had wood available when we were there.

Site11
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mack Lake ORV Campground located in Michigan?

Mack Lake ORV Campground is located within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in northern Michigan. The campground sits adjacent to Mack Lake, providing waterfront access and recreational opportunities. This location places it in Michigan's scenic northeastern Lower Peninsula region, an area known for its abundant outdoor recreation possibilities including OHV trails, fishing, and hiking. The relatively remote setting offers visitors a chance to enjoy Michigan's natural beauty while still being accessible for weekend getaways.

Are there photos available of Mack Lake ORV Campground?

Yes, photos of Mack Lake ORV Campground are available through various online resources. The official Huron-Manistee National Forests website often features images of their campgrounds, including Mack Lake. Additionally, the USDA Forest Service recreation sites typically provide visual references for potential visitors. For the most comprehensive and current collection of campground photos, check camping-specific websites and apps where users share their experiences. These images typically showcase the campsites, lake views, beach area, and surrounding forest landscape to help you get a better sense of what to expect before your visit.

What facilities and amenities are available at Mack Lake ORV Campground?

Mack Lake ORV Campground offers rustic camping amenities in a peaceful setting. The campground features clean pit toilets, potable water access, and spacious campsites, some of which provide scenic water views. There's a beach area for swimming and recreation. Campground hosts are on-site during peak seasons and often have firewood available for purchase. While designed to accommodate off-highway vehicle users, the campground is welcoming to all types of campers seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. The first-come, first-served sites provide enough space for a variety of camping setups.

What is the history of the Mack Lake fire and how did it affect the area?

The Mack Lake fire was a significant wildfire that occurred in May 1980 in the Huron National Forest. What began as a controlled burn by the Forest Service to improve Kirtland's warbler habitat quickly grew out of control due to unexpected wind shifts and dry conditions. The fire ultimately consumed over 24,000 acres of forest, destroyed 44 structures, and tragically resulted in the death of a Forest Service worker. This devastating event transformed the landscape around Mack Lake, creating a mosaic of new growth forest that visitors still observe today. The regeneration process has been ongoing for decades, with the area now featuring a mix of mature trees and younger growth. The fire significantly impacted forest management practices and led to changes in prescribed burning protocols throughout the National Forest system.