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Map showing campground location near Onaway, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV CampgroundView 7 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Onaway, Michigan

Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground, near Cheboygan, Michigan, is a rustic spot that caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. With its spacious sites and a beautiful waterfront, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind by the water and enjoy nature.

The campground offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, including the rustic bathrooms, and many have enjoyed the peacefulness of the upper sites, which provide ample space and shade. One camper noted, “The sky was gorgeous,” highlighting the stunning views you can expect here.

For those who love water activities, the campground is right next to Black Lake, which is great for swimming and fishing. The sandy beach is just a short walk away, making it easy to spend your days soaking up the sun. While some campers have mentioned the lively atmosphere, especially during peak times, many appreciate the overall beauty and accessibility of the area.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake or explore the surrounding trails, Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

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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 booking may be cancelled.

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Map & DirectionsBlack Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground is located in Michigan near Onaway

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Located 11 miles north of Onaway via M-211, east on Bonz Beach Hwy, north on Co Rd 489, northwest on Black Mt. Rd, and west on Doriva Beach Rd.

Address

2674 Eisens Trail
Cheboygan, MI 49721

Coordinates

45.489741 N
84.262216 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-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&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground

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5 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the exceptionally large sites and clean facilities, with beautiful lake access and sandy beaches. However, significant noise issues from generators and ORV traffic create problems for campers seeking quiet rustic camping.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Terrible camping experience

I just saw a review from another camper who experienced the same as me; generators everywhere, no peace and quiet, no rangers to tell people to turn down their music, no one to police the crazy orv drivers who treated the 10 mph roads as race tracks.  Do not go here if you're looking for a nice time.  This campground is horrible, loud, dirty, and not managed.  It’s full of drunk yahoos who use it as a cheap place to stay in northern Michigan.

Site38
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2020

Beautiful rustic campground

The campground itself was gorgeous, well maintained and spacious. (Tent) Camping there was the worst experience I’ve ever had. I pick rustic campgrounds for a reason. This one was full of RVs & 5th wheels all running on generators. There is no peace here. If you’re looking for quiet- it’s quieter at home than this place. Trying to sleep with an entire campground humming to the sounds of motors running all night was impossible. Ppl leaving their generators running even when they weren’t there. I would love to revisit this campground, but I won’t.

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Phenomenal!

Stayed here during Labor Day weekend & the sites are huge! You don’t have to worry about your neighbors getting too close! Along with that, when we went there were little-to-no mosquitos! That’s enough to make a camping trip the best one yet. Plenty of access to the water as well! They also have the cleanest rustic bathrooms I’ve ever been to!

  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Katrina M., September 3, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2019

Head to the top!

There are two sides to this campground and although the lower side has lake front sites, they are pretty small. We opted to head over to the upper part where the sites are three times the size. We were only one of two campsites taken, so it was extremely peaceful and quiet. The sky was gorgeous. In the morning we took at dip in the beautiful crystal clear, sandy beach. It was pretty perfect. This was also one of the cleanest rustic campgrounds I’ve been to in a while. Great place!

  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Kate K., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Kate K., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Kate K., August 3, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

beautiful

this beautiful campground has 2 parts, the upper which is geared to people with quads and dirt bikes, large sites close to trails, lower is right on lake, very nice water is great for swimming, shallow way out and nice and sandy. this is strictly a rustic campground with outhouses and one water spikot in each level (upper/lower)

  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Jayne W., June 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Black Lake State Forest Upper ORV Campground by Jayne W., June 27, 2018
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Black Lake State Forest Campground located in Michigan?

Black Lake State Forest Campground is located in northern Michigan near Cheboygan and Onaway. The campground is situated directly on Black Lake, offering waterfront access. It's divided into two distinct sections: the Upper Campground (specifically designed for ORV users with proximity to trails) and the Lower Campground (positioned right on the lakeshore with waterfront sites). This location provides a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of Michigan's northeastern region.

Are there ORV trails near Black Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, the Black Lake State Forest Campground is specifically designed with ORV users in mind, especially the Upper Campground section. This area features large sites strategically positioned close to ORV trails, making it ideal for those bringing quads and dirt bikes. The campground serves as an excellent base for accessing the surrounding trail system. The Upper Campground's spacious sites accommodate vehicles and ORV equipment comfortably. Be aware that some campers note ORV traffic can be busy, with riders occasionally treating the 10 mph campground roads as race tracks during peak periods.

What do visitor reviews say about Black Lake State Forest Campground?

Campers consistently praise Black Lake State Forest Campground for its spacious sites and beautiful location. The Upper Campground features exceptionally large sites with good shade, while the Lower Campground offers waterfront camping with stunning lake views. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting, especially in the less crowded Upper section. Some tent campers note that generator noise from RVs can disrupt the tranquility, particularly during busy periods. The campground is described as well-maintained, with gorgeous stargazing opportunities and minimal mosquitoes at certain times.

What amenities and facilities are available at Black Lake State Forest Campground?

Black Lake State Forest Campground is a rustic camping destination with basic amenities. Facilities include outhouses and a water spigot for drinking water. The campground doesn't offer electric hookups, though many RV campers use generators. The Lower Campground provides waterfront sites with lake access, while the Upper Campground features significantly larger, more spacious sites. Both areas are well-maintained with a fee of approximately $15 per night. The sandy beach area is ideal for swimming, with shallow water extending quite far from shore. For those seeking modern amenities like showers or electrical hookups, this rustic campground may not be suitable.

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