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Established Camping

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

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.

Description

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

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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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
    Good
  • 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

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

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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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
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
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.

  • 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.