Maple Bay State Forest Campground
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
  • 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
  • Review photo of Maple Bay State Forest Campground by Shari  G., November 1, 2020