The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Gwinn, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)View 2 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Gwinn, Michigan

Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Where the forested shores of Bass Lake meet a network of gravel roads east of Gwinn, this state forest campground operates as a first-come, first-served facility with 22 sites spread across wooded terrain. Six sites provide direct lake access with private shoreline, while the remaining spots offer buffers between neighbors and accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The campground features vault toilets, a hand-pump water source, and a busy boat launch that sees steady traffic throughout operating hours.

Campers must pack out all trash to the DNR Field Office in Gwinn, located 10 miles away via a pothole-riddled access road with sharp curves. The lake supports swimming, boating, and fishing activities, with open grassy areas available for games and ample visitor parking. Those seeking more developed facilities might consider Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground to the southeast.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth

Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsBass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette) is located in Michigan near Gwinn

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Gwinn you will travel approximately 7 miles east on M-35 until you reach Horseshoe Lake Road on the left. There is signage for West Bass Lake State Forest Campground. You will then turn left and continue about 4 miles to the sign for the campground.

Coordinates

46.26268198 N
87.58562255 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Michigan Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
34%
34%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

A rustic first-come first-served campground with spacious lakeside sites that many visitors found ideal for water activities. Some feedback indicated maintenance issues with restrooms and grounds, though the lake setting remains a family tradition for returning campers.

Reviewed Apr. 23, 2022

Nice. Weekend nights can be roudy.

A family tradition for us, the lake is wonderful. A few lake side sites are usually taken quickly. All are rustic. Water pump, bathrooms available. Haul out your trash. Nice boat launch and a beach. Been going here since we were kids.

Site6
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette) by RAS , April 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette) by RAS , April 23, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Bass Lake State Forest Campground

Bass Lake is a rustic campground situated on, you guessed it, Bass Lake. It has 22 sites, nearly all of which have buffers in between them. Six of the sites are right on the lake and have their own private lake access. This campground is a first-come, first-served, self-pay operation. There is a boat launch, beach, a hand pump for water, and four vault toilets. Many of the sites are large, and we had no problem getting our 34’ trailer in and out.

This campground unfortunately receives minimal attention from the DNR. The vault toilets were awful, and the only care they seemed to receive is a toilet paper restock. There are large, dead trees scattered throughout the whole campground, so be cautious of this when choosing a site. There are no dumpsters at this campground. Trash must be hauled to the DNR Field Office in Gwinn, which is 15-20 minutes/10 miles or so away. The boat launch stays very busy almost around the clock at times; consider this if you stay near it. The whole road from the highway in to this campground is littered with potholes and sharp curves.

The lake sites are excellent and Bass Lake is great for swimming, boating, water sports and fishing. There are open grassy areas to set up games, and lots of parking for visitors. Most of the sites are shady and decently-sized. I would have rated this campground higher if the toilets and grounds in general were better maintained.

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find photos of Bass Lake State Forest Campground?

Photos of Bass Lake State Forest Campground can be found on The Dyrt's official campground page. You can also check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for official campground images. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often contain user-shared photos tagged with the campground location. For the most current visual representation of the campground, these platforms can provide seasonal views of the lake, campsites, and surrounding nature.

How do I make reservations for Bass Lake State Forest Campground?

Bass Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. The campground uses a self-pay system where campers select an available site upon arrival and then pay the required fee. During peak seasons, especially weekends and holidays, the waterfront sites tend to fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended to secure a preferred spot. For the most current information about camping fees and policies, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before your trip.

What amenities are available at Bass Lake State Forest Campground?

Bass Lake State Forest Campground offers rustic camping with basic amenities. The campground features 22 sites, with six prime waterfront locations that have private lake access. Facilities include pit toilets, a water pump for drinking water, a boat launch for accessing the lake, and a beach area for swimming. The campground is designed for those seeking a more natural experience, so expect minimal facilities. There are no electric hookups or shower facilities. Remember to pack out all trash as this is a carry-in, carry-out campground.

Keep Exploring