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Established Camping

Maple Bay State Forest Campground

7 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Maple Bay State Forest Campground, near Brutus, Michigan, is a rustic spot that offers a laid-back camping experience right by Burt Lake. With a mix of lakeside and forested sites, it’s a great place to kick back and soak in the natural beauty.

The campground features basic amenities like pit toilets and seasonal water spigots, so you can stay comfortable without the frills. Campers appreciate the easy access to the water, with a boat launch right next to the campground, making it a breeze to bring your watercraft along. As one visitor noted, “The view from the front sites overlooking Maple Bay are some of the best I’ve seen.”

For those who enjoy fishing or just lounging by the lake, this place has you covered. While some sites are on the smaller side, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views make it worth it. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Petoskey, where you can find supplies or explore local attractions.

Visitors have mentioned that the campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a smart move. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Maple Bay offers a charming escape into nature.

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Location

Maple Bay State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 3-1/2 mi E on Brutus, then 1/2 mi S, on Burt Lake.

Coordinates

45.48835109 N
84.70676874 W

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Connectivity

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

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Michigan Oaks Camping Resort

Michigan Oaks Camping Resort

32 min away

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Twin Bears Wooded Campground

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Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

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

Features

For Campers

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

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Nicole D.
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

Smallish sites, great location

Pros: Location! 25 minutes from Mackinaw City, 10 Minutes from Pellston for supplies. Right on Burt Lake. Clean pit toilets. Generally not too crowded.

Cons: Small sites, especially for a Statr Forrest Campground. Can be pretty loud.

Month of VisitAugust
Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2020

Respite when all the state parks were overflowing!

It was just before Labor Day and we had hoped to make it up to the Upper Peninsula before nightfall.  This didn't happen, so we tried a couple of state parks, but everything was already full.  Then, for $15 a night, we found this beauty along the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the larger inland lakes in northern Michigan. 

The campground offers lakeside sites as well as forested, more private sites, to enjoy the forest. Unlike many lakeside campgrounds however, the large beach area along the shore is common space, so everyone in the campground gets equal access to the water regardless of where you’re camped.  Bathrooms are simple pit-toilets and water was available from seasonal spigots.

The boat launch is right next to the campground so bringing along your toys is easy to do. Burt Lake has a well-developed lake shore with cabins and houses, so local trail opportunities were limited. It is however, centrally located to make day trips to many popular outdoor recreation areas that the north county has to offer. 

The popular tourist town of Petosky is within a 20-minute drive, which offers all the services you would expect from a large regional center.

  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Shari G., November 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Shari G., November 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Shari G., November 1, 2020
  • (7) View All
K
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Mediocre

This campground has tiny campsites that are very uneven. We camp in a tent so that was not ideal. There are about 8 lake side sites which are right across the road from the lake. Those were the best sites for size and view. The lake is really large so it is great for boating. The boat launch is right in the campground and it has two launches so it makes for quick access. You can anchor your boat in the water if you choose. If you have a boat you can access the Indian River which takes you to Mullett lake. Also you can take the crooked river to crooked lake but you have to pay a $10 fee for the locks. The water has leeches which was a pain with my 2 year old. She got one every time she went in the water. The campground does not have a host and dnr only came in the morning to check tags. The week we were here we had fireworks and a lot of noisy campers well past midnight.

  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Katie B., August 4, 2019
Beth C.
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2019

Peaceful and beautiful campground with pit toilets and water pumps

There are approximately 32-38 campsites on a first come first serve basis. You can moor your boat right at the campground. The public launch was redone a few years ago and its a great one. The view from the front sites overlooking Maple Bay are some of the best I’ve seen.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Beth C., July 19, 2019
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Beth C., July 19, 2019
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Beth C., July 19, 2019
  • (5) View All
Brittny B.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Basic rustic campground

For tent campers this is a fine weekend spot. Burt lake is beautiful. When we went mayflies were hatching (May). This campground seemed to fill up quickly, it is first come first serve so come before Friday afternoon to get a spot.

Burt lake is such a large lake that finding a good fishing spot can be quite difficult. No one we talked to had luck the weekend we were there. Supposedly a hotspot is on either side of the campground.

This campground had some rustic features. The water pumps here did not drain well, the nearby dumpster did smell like a dead animal. The crowd here seems to get rowdy with frequent sand bar parties from the locals. We love camping so nothing can stop us from enjoying the great sites next to the water where you can anchor your boat. Just understand the bare necessities of this campground with a beautiful view.

Would recommend as an overnight fishing spot not a place for a week long camp. The state forest management did routinely pop in and check tags and clean bathrooms.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Brittny B., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Brittny B., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Brittny B., August 17, 2018
  • (5) View All
A
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

A diamond in the sand

Gorgeous without modern conveniences. This is an absolute breathtaking campsite. Yes, it is rustic. Yes, you have outhouses. Yes, you have to use the pump to get water. Yes, you are sleeping but a few feet from the water. Yes, you can hear the waves as you sleep. Yes, you have AMAZING views of the bay. Yes, this place is beautiful if you can sacrifice some modern conveniences...but you're camping, isn't that the 💡

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Maple Bay State Forest Campground?

Photos of Maple Bay State Forest Campground can be found on The Dyrt website and other camping platforms. These images typically showcase the campground's lakefront location on Burt Lake, highlighting the beautiful water views, especially from the prime waterfront sites. Photos also display the rustic camping areas, surrounding forested areas, and the scenic Maple Bay shoreline. For the most current and comprehensive photo collection, check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or camping platforms that feature user-submitted images.

Where is Maple Bay State Forest Campground located on Burt Lake?

Maple Bay State Forest Campground is situated on the northwest shore of Burt Lake, one of Michigan's larger inland lakes. The campground is conveniently located about 25 minutes from Mackinaw City and approximately 10 minutes from Pellston, where campers can find supplies. This strategic location makes it a popular base for exploring northern Michigan, including the Mackinac Bridge area, while enjoying the natural beauty of Burt Lake. The campground's position on Maple Bay offers expansive views of the lake and excellent water access.

What amenities and facilities are available at Maple Bay State Forest Campground?

Maple Bay State Forest Campground offers rustic camping with basic amenities. The campground features approximately 32-38 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include outhouses (pit toilets), a water pump for drinking water, and a boat launch that was recently renovated. The campground allows boat mooring right at the campsite. There are no modern conveniences like electricity or showers. Despite its rustic nature, the campground provides beautiful waterfront access to Burt Lake with several lakeside sites offering amazing views of Maple Bay.

What do campers say in reviews about Maple Bay State Forest Campground?

Campers consistently praise Maple Bay State Forest Campground for its breathtaking waterfront location and stunning views of Burt Lake. The eight lakeside sites are highly coveted for their size and direct lake access. Many appreciate the rustic, natural camping experience despite the lack of modern amenities. Common feedback mentions the campground fills quickly on weekends due to its first-come, first-served policy. Some note the campsites can be small and uneven, particularly challenging for tent campers. The excellent boat launch, reasonable $15 nightly fee, and convenient location near Mackinaw City (25 minutes) and Pellston (10 minutes) are highlighted as significant advantages. Mosquitoes can be problematic during certain seasons.

Is there a map of Maple Bay State Forest Campground showing campsites and trails?

Maps of Maple Bay State Forest Campground are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These maps typically show the layout of the approximately 32-38 campsites, including the eight prime lakeside sites that face Burt Lake. While the campground itself is relatively small and straightforward to navigate, having a map can help identify the more desirable waterfront locations. For the most accurate and up-to-date maps, check the Michigan DNR website or contact the local DNR office before your visit.

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