Map showing campground location near Central Lake, Michigan

Camper submitted image from Thurston Park Campground

Thurston Park Campground

Thurston Park Campground sits at the edge of Central Lake in northern Michigan, within walking distance of a small grocery store and a party store. The waterfront sites are close together, so campers who prefer more space between neighbors should look for the full-hookup sites on the hill above. A boat launch, small public beach, and creek run through or alongside the property. Restrooms include hot showers. Campers wanting more separation can compare places to camp near Central Lake or consider Barnes County Park Campground about six miles northwest.

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Map & DirectionsThurston Park Campground is located in Michigan near Central Lake

Public Campground

Directions

From Jct of M-88 & State St, E 2 blks on State St to Lake St, S 1 blk (E)

Coordinates

45.06908803 N
85.2607084 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/3/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 7/3/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

44 min from Traverse City, MI
2 hrs 13 min from Midland, MI
2 hrs 15 min from Bay City, MI
2 hrs 25 min from Saginaw, MI

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Thurston Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the quiet atmosphere, excellent facilities, and accommodating hosts at this lakefront campground. Many mentioned the convenient town location with walking access to amenities, though some noted waterfront sites can be quite close together.

Stephen K.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Beautiful little park on the lake front

Cute little quiet rv park located in a cute little town. There's a party store and small grocery store within walking distance. There's a playground and a little public beach at the end of the property that seemed relatively quiet while we were here, There's also a boat launch and parking for your trailer if your camping right there at the park. Nice clean private restrooms with awesome showers that are good and hot!! About half the sites seem to be waterfront and are kind of close to one another but that didn't effect us much, the neighbors we had were nice, there are several up higher and I believe are the full hookup sites The host were very nice and accommodating! Definitely will be coming back here!

Site5

Month of VisitAugust

Ann D.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

Small little campground

This is a cute little campground located in Central Lake. Many of the water sites are very close together, but it offers you access to the lake for fishing, paddling and more. There is a little creek that runs through and the playground for kids is actually next to the campground. There is a boat launch conveniently located next to the campground. Bathrooms are decent. Walking distance from a cute little northern Michigan town. Look at the campground map online because there are more sites up on the hill. It’s a very quiet campground.

Site10

Month of VisitJuly

(8) View All

Rachel M.

Scout

Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Quaint park in small town

Located on Intermediate lake within walking distance of a grocery store and a ice cream parlor that servers Moomers ice cream. Facilities are basic, but the town is charming and offers a lot of summer activities outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Thurston Park Campground?

Thurston Park Campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites. However, it's advisable to contact the Central Lake township office directly to confirm the current reservation policy and availability, especially during peak summer months. The campground is relatively small, so securing a spot early, particularly for waterfront sites, is recommended. For the most up-to-date reservation information and fees, call the township office or check the official Central Lake website before your trip.

Where is Thurston Park Campground located in Central Lake, MI?

Thurston Park Campground is located in the charming town of Central Lake, Michigan, nestled along the shores of Intermediate Lake. The campground is conveniently situated within walking distance of local amenities including a grocery store and other small town businesses. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the Central Lake area while having easy access to supplies and services. The location offers both lakefront camping opportunities and proximity to the town's attractions.

Are there photos available of Thurston Park Campground?

Yes, photos of Thurston Park Campground are available through various camping platforms and websites. To find current images, check the official Central Lake township website or The Dyrt, which often features user-submitted photos showing the campground's waterfront sites, the creek that runs through the property, playground areas, and the adjacent public beach. These visual resources can help you get a better sense of the campground's layout, site spacing (particularly the closer waterfront sites), and overall atmosphere before your visit.

What are the best attractions near Thurston Park Campground?

The primary attraction at Thurston Park Campground is Intermediate Lake, offering excellent fishing, paddling, and water recreation opportunities with a convenient boat launch nearby. Within walking distance, you'll find a grocery store and an ice cream parlor serving Moomers ice cream—a local favorite. The campground features a playground for children and a small public beach at the end of the property. Central Lake itself is a charming town with summer outdoor activities. For day trips, Torch Lake is nearby, and Petoskey is within driving distance for those looking to explore more of northern Michigan's attractions.

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