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Facilities

Established Camping

Genes Pond State Forest Campground

Genes Pond State Forest Campground, near Felch, Michigan, is a rustic retreat that offers a peaceful escape into the northern woods. With its charming campsites, visitors can enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits at each site, ideal for cozy evenings around the fire. Many campers have praised the beautiful surroundings, with one noting, “This campground is beautiful and sites have their privacy.” While there are no showers or electric hookups, the vault toilets are clean and accessible, ensuring basic needs are met.

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to Gene's Pond, where you can cast a line and enjoy the serene waters. Reviewers have mentioned great fishing experiences, with one camper catching bluegill for dinner. If you're up for some exploration, the area offers hiking opportunities along the roads, though be cautious of tight turns.

Located not far from Felch, you can easily grab supplies if needed. Just remember to bring your own firewood, as it’s not available nearby. Whether you're camping solo or with family, Genes Pond State Forest Campground is a great choice for a quiet getaway in nature.

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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

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Location

Genes Pond State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Felch, drive west on M-69 about 1/2 mile to County Road 581. Turn right (north) and proceed about 5 miles to the "Public Access" sign. Turn left (west) and go about one mile to the parking area. Or, drive one mile farther north on County Road 581. From 581, turn left (west) on Leeman Road (County Road 422) and follow the signs.

Coordinates

46.07300076 N
87.866 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

A bit far out but quietly beautiful

This campground is pretty far out into the northern woods. That being said, it was a popular place when we stopped by. Almost all the sites were taken. We came in from the west and town is at the start of the drive deeper into the woods. It’s still close enough to get supplies if you need them.

The campground is beautiful and sites have their privacy. Vault toilets are in camp and there’s also one at the boat launch. During the day most folks were out on the water fishing. Other than hanging out in your camp, you could use the road as your hike. Just be careful because there are some tight turns where oncoming cars wouldn’t see you.

This is a peaceful getaway to relax at.

  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Art S., July 18, 2022
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  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Art S., July 18, 2022
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Reviewed Jun. 27, 2022

Awesome little spot!

Beautiful, quiet rustic campsites. Make sure to bring in wood before you get here, seemed to not be anyone selling wood bundles near the area around the campground. All sites were cute little spots that all looked alike. Great for me and my sister to stay for the night while making our way back east! Had the place to ourselves. 2 thumbs up!

Sitesite 2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Erin S., June 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Erin S., June 27, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2019

Rustic

Not much at this campground. Water is mucky and no place to swim.

  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Randall J., June 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Randall J., June 30, 2019
Reviewed May. 31, 2018

A nice, remote rustic campground away from everything!

This campground in Felch is a rustic campground, with two outhouses and a water pump for potable water that sits on Gene's Pond. It’s a gorgeous campground, with a boat ramp and fishing dock on the lake. We’ve camped here twice now, and love the remote location — it’s pretty far back in the woods and ideal for anyone who really wants that northern Michigan/remote experience. At night, you can sometimes hear wolves in the distance. We had the campground to ourselves the first time, and th second time there was only one other camper. We tent camped, and while the outhouses were clean, the one nearest our campsite was out of toilet paper. Luckily we had our own. There are only a handful of campsites. Maybe 12 or 15 total? And all of them are well shaded with good privacy, a picnic table, and a fire pit. The only downside to this campground is the horrid water. It comes from a cistern (I imagine) and has a hand pump. The water is awful. Cloudy and foul tasting, stale and full of minerals. The second time we camped there we made sure to bring our own water. The fishing was great in Gene's Pond. My hubby caught some bluegill in the lake that we cooked up for dinner. It’s really a beautiful spot, not far from Felch or Sagola for supplies, and near some great brook trout fishing on the Ford River. We'll definitely go back.

  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Genes Pond State Forest Campground by Maria L., May 31, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Genes Pond State Forest Campground?

    Camping at Genes Pond State Forest Campground can starts at $15.00.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Genes Pond State Forest Campground?

    Genes Pond State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 22 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Genes Pond State Forest Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Genes Pond State Forest Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Genes Pond State Forest Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.