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Established Camping

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground, near Traverse City, Michigan, is a rustic spot that offers a laid-back camping experience surrounded by nature. With sites that provide enough space for tents and RVs, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

The campground features clean campsites and a water pump for your convenience, making it easy to stay refreshed during your stay. Many visitors appreciate the privacy of the sites, with some even mentioning that they found a great spot with room for neighbors but enjoyed the solitude. As one camper noted, “Everything is well spaced out and fairly private.”

If you’re into water activities, you’ll love the access to Arbutus Lake, which is perfect for fishing and paddling. The lake’s five lobes offer a peaceful setting, and you can even beach your inflatable boat right at your campsite. Just keep in mind that during peak season, the campground can get lively with fellow campers enjoying their time by the water.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are walk-to sites that provide a secluded experience, though they can be a bit of a trek if you’ve got a lot of gear. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled weekend, Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground has the charm and natural beauty to make your stay memorable.

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Location

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

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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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

6 min away

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

31 min away

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-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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.

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

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

S
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 VisitSeptember
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D
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 VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground by Derek B., August 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground by Derek B., August 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground by Derek B., August 27, 2021
H
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 VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground by Helmi C., July 20, 2021
Amanda L.
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.

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground offers basic amenities that cater to a rustic camping experience. The campground provides clean campsites, restrooms within walking distance, and a water pump for access to drinking water. Dumpsters are available for trash disposal, though they're located across the road from some sites. The campground's main feature is its access to Arbutus Lake, which is excellent for fishing, kayaking, and paddling. Some campsites are situated right on the lake, allowing visitors to beach small boats directly at their site.

Are there photos available of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

Photos of Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground are available through various camping platforms and official Michigan DNR resources. These images typically showcase the campground's rustic sites, the beautiful five-lobed Arbutus Lake, and the surrounding forested areas. Photos often highlight the waterfront access points, lakeside campsites, and the natural setting. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or popular camping apps where visitors frequently share their experiences and campsite photos.

How do campers rate Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground?

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground generally receives positive ratings, with many visitors giving it 4-5 stars. Campers particularly appreciate the beautiful lake access for fishing and paddling activities. The campground itself gets mixed reviews—some praise the clean sites and peaceful atmosphere, while others note the bathrooms need maintenance and some sites can be littered during busy periods. The multi-lobed lake is consistently highlighted as the standout feature, and many regular visitors return repeatedly despite any minor drawbacks.

Is Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground considered rustic camping?

Yes, Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is definitely considered rustic camping. It offers basic facilities including vault toilets and a water pump, but lacks modern amenities like showers or electrical hookups. The campsites are primitive but functional, and some require walking up and down stairs, making gear transport challenging. Despite its rustic nature, the campground does offer convenient same-day registration and is surprisingly well-connected, with some visitors reporting good cell service (including 5G on some carriers).

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