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Established Camping

Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Portage Bay State Forest Campground, near Garden, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This campground offers a peaceful retreat along the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without the distractions of modern technology.

The sites here are spacious and provide direct access to the beach, making it easy to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the lake. Visitors have praised the quiet atmosphere and clean campsites, with one camper noting, “We had the whole cove practically to ourselves.” Just keep in mind that there are no electric hookups or showers, so come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the campground is perfect for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The surrounding area features hiking trails that lead you through beautiful wooded landscapes, and the nearby Fayette State Park is worth a visit for its scenic views and historical significance. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Portage Bay State Forest Campground is definitely worth checking out.

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

Portage Bay State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Address

12.75 Ln
Garden, MI 49835

Coordinates

45.74169744 N
86.53512567 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

Reviews

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82%
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5.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2022

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My wife and I came here for our honeymoon, and there have been zero regrets.We are both working professionals and it’s been great to unplug and disconnect from the online world so if you are someone who needs a break from social media, I highly recommend.

Pros: Quiet near the shoreline. Clean campsites Nice campers

Con (ish) : there is zero cell service or plugs (that we noticed) so pre download your music/entire entertainment and have battery backups.

Firewood: Plenty of locals have firewood for sale near the campground.

Site12
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2022

fantastic

this campground is amazing. secluded sites & a beautiful beach just behind each site. after labor day we were one of only 3 camping here. just down the street is Fayette state park definitely worth a visit.

Site?
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

A long way down a dirt road

7 miles down a road that quickly shrinks to a one lane dirt and gravel road you will find a beautiful campground stretching out along the lakeshore. It’s where the road ends so just keep going until you find it.

The campsites are all on the lake but some have sand hills blocking the view. There were plenty of open sites when we came out here. Several brought pop up campers but larger RVs might have a tough time. There are a couple vault toilets and one water hand pump. A boat launch is just before the campground.

This is a beautiful place to enjoy the shore of Lake Michigan. Walking along the shore is an option but pay attention to what is public or private property. The road seemed too narrow to safely walk but it’s possible using caution. We also passed one dispersed campsite but were unsure if it was on public land.

  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Art S., July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Art S., July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Art S., July 18, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Summer adventure

Nice small quiet camp ground on lake Michigan. Bring your own TP

Sitesite 3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Jason L., July 18, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2022

Remote Lake Michigan shoreline, 10 out of 10

We like a primitive camp with pit toilets and basic water, which is what this is. Remote location. Perfect 10 out of 10 for us. Long but well maintained dirt road access. Every site has a short trail to the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. The cove is several miles across and shallow. In late June the water was swim-ably warm. Easy firewood if you have basic hand tools. Moderate bug level. 2/3 full on a late June weekend. Two short hiking trails into the boggy woods and along the shoreline. 0-1 cellular bars for ATT at #23, 1-2 bars at #1.

Site#23
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2021

Lk Michigan backyard

This place has some very nice large sites that you can walk right out to the beach from. The drive in from US2 is kinda long but worth it. If you like secluded quiet campgrounds then check this place out.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2021

A gem!

Amazing place. Only one other campsite was occupied so we had the whole cove practically to ourselves. Was planning on only one night. But stayed 2 because we enjoyed ourselves so much. We will stay here again. No electric. No water. No dump. Hand pump water available.

Site17
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Meredith  J., October 2, 2021
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Reviewed Sep. 23, 2019

Great for paddling!

Secluded dense wooded area along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, which most sites have a trail leading to. I’ve camped here many times and I plan on to again in the future. Great spot for any paddling sports in the warmer months.

  • Review photo of Portage Bay State Forest Campground by Chris F., September 23, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

The perfect campground

Quiet private campsite on the lake 15$ a nite Great beach great swimming awesome fishing Outhouse toilets no electric 5 miles in no noise Plenty of room between most campsites. My family has been goin there for nearly 50 yrs. I’ll return no doubt

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Portage Bay State Forest Campground?

    Portage Bay State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Portage Bay State Forest Campground?

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