Seven small sites sit along the edge of Hovey Lake in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, reached by a bumpy interior road that rewards patience with direct water access. The campground holds only seven spots total, and reviewers note that sites fill quickly around holiday weekends, with all spaces taken on a Thursday before one such holiday. No pets are allowed here. Campers with larger rigs should know that one reviewer brought a 21-foot travel trailer and considered that about the upper limit for the tight site dimensions.
The lake itself is the central feature, though it comes with caveats. The water is very shallow, which limits both fishing and swimming. Kayaking is possible but can be frustrating given the depth. What the lake does provide is a sandy shoreline at some sites, with at least one having a short path directly to the water's edge, where campers have spent time floating in tubes without needing water shoes. Sunsets over the water draw consistent mention across reviews. ATV trails are accessible in the area, though dedicated hiking trails are not well-documented by visitors.
Amenities are basic but functional: a hand pump for drinking water, vault toilets that reviewers describe as clean and in good condition, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Cell coverage and solar connectivity appear limited, so those with remote work needs should plan accordingly. "Very quiet secluded site," notes chelsea M., which aligns with the campground's low-key character. A small store and restaurant are reportedly nearby. Campers interested in camping near Wetmore or looking for equestrian-friendly access can also check out Dispersed Camping Hovey Lake Equine Trailhead, located just down the road. Bring your own toilet paper as a precaution, and arrive early on summer weekends to secure a site.
Description
This isolated, quiet, family type camping area is located on the east side of Hovey Lake. It is a good place for canoeing, bird watching, or just enjoying nature__s surroundings. There are 4 campsites, each with a table and fire ring. Toilets and drinking water are available. Swimming conditions in this lake are not good due to shallow water and the mucky bottom. Some northern pike, black bass, and panfish can be caught here. The 99 acre Hovey Lake is the headwaters of the Indian Wild and Scenic River and offers good trout fishing. There is a carry-in boat access near the entrance of the campground.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHovey Lake Campsites is located in Michigan near Wetmore
Directions
From the intersection of M-28 and M-94 drive southwest on M-94 6.4 miles to Forest Road 2254. Turn left (south) and drive 4 miles southeast on FR 2254 to Forest Road 2473. Turn right (south) on 2473 and drive 0.5 mile to FR 2367 where you turn right (west) and continue to the campsites.
Coordinates
46.288597 N
86.698681 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/12/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/12/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 55 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 15 min from Appleton, WI
- 4 hrs 6 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 18 min from Traverse City, MI
