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Camper submitted image from Carney Lake State Forest CampgroundView 8 Photos
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Carney Lake State Forest Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Seven miles of gravel road lead through forested terrain to reach Carney Lake State Forest Campground, where wooded sites accommodate RVs up to 22 feet and tent campers alike. The drive requires patience on rough surfaces, but Corey O. notes the campground is "close to Iron Mountain but tucked away in the woods enough to be secluded."

Several sites sit directly on the lake, with Site 9 featuring clear water views and a small railing that functions like a deck area. The lake bottom tends toward rocky and mucky conditions near shore, making water shoes helpful for swimming. A boat launch provides lake access, while vault toilets and picnic tables serve the basic camping needs. Snowmobile trails connect to the area for winter recreation planning.

Weekday visits often mean having the campground largely to yourself, as multiple reviewers found few other campers during their stays. The carry-in, carry-out policy means packing out all trash, and some visitors report finding litter left by previous campers. Cell service reaches the area, and pets are welcome throughout the campground.

For those preferring more developed amenities, Lake Antoine Park Campground offers additional facilities just southwest of this remote forest location.

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Location

Public Campground

Carney Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 16 miles NE of Iron Mountain via M-95 and Merriman Truck Trail.

Coordinates

45.89200038 N
87.94100055 W

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Connectivity

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

Connectivity

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

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the secluded, wooded sites and peaceful lakeside setting. Access requires a 7-10 mile gravel road, and the lake bottom can be rocky and mucky for swimming.

A
Reviewed May. 31, 2024

Quiet campground

Tent camped here on may 30th. Very quiet with some sites right on the lake. About a 7 mile gravel road to get here from the main road.

Site1
Month of VisitMay
Cynthia B.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2021

Remote, pretty, dull

Takes about a ten Mile dirt/gravel road in poor condition to get to. This is a carry in/carry out site. Vault toilets, a boat landing, and some nearby snowmobile trails. Nice enough sites, pretty empty when we went on a Monday. Not much in way of activities, no beach or close by trail loops. Nice lake. Very few bugs. Unfortunately many people left trash behind. We didn't find it worth the bumpy long ride in and only stayed a night.

Site5
Month of VisitAugust
Corey O.
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Nice sites way back in the woods

Close to Iron Mountain but tucked away in the woods enough to be secluded. We stayed during the week and we're the only site occupied. Very peaceful, lake was very nice

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carney Lake State Forest Campground by Corey O., June 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Carney Lake State Forest Campground by Corey O., June 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Carney Lake State Forest Campground by Corey O., June 14, 2021
  • (5) View All
M
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2019

Nice,Private Rustic Campground

I would have given it a 3.5 but whole stars are required. We took a chance on driving 1.5 hours to Carney Lake State Campground and we are pleased that we did. The sites were first-come first-serve and we were lucky to get a site on the lake. The downside: the lake was pretty rocky and mucky. If I wouldn’t have forgotten my water shoes I would have been fine. It is a small park with wooded sites. Site #9 looked to be the best one, there was a clear view of the lake and there was a little railing which was almost like a patio or deck. We camped in our popup camper, there was a few 5th wheels and a few tents. Everyone was very friendly.

  • Review photo of Carney Lake State Forest Campground by Megan B., August 16, 2019
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Carney Lake State Forest Campground?

Carney Lake State Forest Campground offers rustic accommodations with basic amenities. The campground features vault toilets, a boat landing for lake access, and campsites with some positioned directly on the lake. This is a carry-in/carry-out facility with no trash service. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Nearby snowmobile trails provide recreational opportunities. While the facilities are minimal, the natural setting and lake access are the main attractions.

Where is Carney Lake State Forest Campground located in Michigan?

Carney Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 1.5 hours from Iron Mountain. The campground is situated on the shores of Carney Lake, providing waterfront camping opportunities. To reach the campground, visitors must travel about 7-10 miles down a gravel/dirt road from the main highway, making it somewhat secluded but still accessible. The remote location offers a peaceful camping experience away from busy tourist areas while still being within reasonable driving distance of nearby towns for supplies.

Are there other camping options near Crystal Falls State Forest area?

Yes, the Crystal Falls State Forest area offers several alternative camping options beyond Carney Lake. Merriman State Forest provides additional rustic camping opportunities in the region. The broader area features numerous state forest campgrounds with similar amenities and natural settings. These campgrounds typically offer peaceful, secluded experiences in wooded environments, often with lake or river access. For those seeking camping options with more amenities, checking with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for developed campgrounds in the vicinity is recommended.

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