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Established Camping

Walkup Lake Campground

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Walkup Lake Campground, near Bitely, Michigan, offers a rustic camping experience right by the water. With sites that provide easy access to the lake, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature.

This campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and s'mores under the stars. Visitors have mentioned the clean, shady sites, and the proximity to the White Blaze Trail, which leads to stunning views of several lakes. One camper noted, “I can get out my hammock, walk all of 10 ft, and have personal lake access.”

While the campground is popular and can get busy, especially during peak times, many appreciate the laid-back vibe and the chance to connect with fellow campers. The self-pay system makes it easy to settle in, and the low fees are a bonus for budget-conscious adventurers.

For those who enjoy exploring, the surrounding Huron-Manistee National Forests offer plenty of hiking and outdoor activities. Just keep in mind that some sites are closer to the road, which can bring a bit of noise, but the beautiful scenery and lake views make it worthwhile. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Walkup Lake Campground is a great spot to kick back and soak in the natural beauty of Michigan.

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Location

Walkup Lake Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Baldwin - Travel south on M-37 for 10 miles. Turn right and travel west on 14 Mile Rd. for 1 mile. Turn left and travel south on Bingham Rd. for .5 miles. Turn right and travel west on Cleveland Dr. for 2.5 miles. The site is located on the right.

Coordinates

43.73346685 N
85.90599728 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Benton Lake Campground

Benton Lake Campground

9 min away

Sawkaw Lake

Sawkaw Lake

13 min away

Drive Time

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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.

Connectivity

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2024

Quaint and convenient

Conveniently located but proximity to the road makes it noisy. Locals drag racing on the nearby road subsided around midnight. Campsites were clean and spacious. I stayed at one of the two sites down the road by the boat launch. I stopped here after my first campground stop was full. This site will definitely get the job done but don't make this a featured stop.

Site1
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Tom W., October 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Tom W., October 20, 2024
Anjel W.
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2021

Rustic but busy

This campground was easy to access which is probably why it was over half full. Nice clean shady sites by the water. $5 per night with a pass. $10 without pass.

Site4
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Anjel W., September 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Anjel W., September 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Anjel W., September 25, 2021
Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2021

Rustic with great view of lake but traffic noisy

We are accustomed to very rustic camping and prefer to be distanced from our neighbors. Walkup camp is a really sweet campground except for the noise from the very close by road. We were able to camp in November 2020 with only 3 sites occupied! Loved it.

Ko L.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2019

Pop up site

Our plan just to find an inexpensive and wild camp and road trip to explore northern Michigan . Stumble to this camp site at midnight after 7 hours drive ( and we stop in between for few breweries visit). This site is self pay and first first serve concept . We love scenery and lake view just right in front of our tent . It was nice two days stay for our road trip to explore northern Michigan

  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Ko L., October 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Ko L., October 3, 2019
Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2019

Inexpensive rustic camp by the lake

We stopped here after reading positive reviews but we didn’t feel the same. 

After starting in a wide open flat section, the campground winds along a narrow road. Some sites are above and easily found. These were large and filled up by a family. Others are close to the lake down a narrow dirt road. One along the road was nice but the sites at the lake were all in one open circle. The only separation between camps is done by the location. Trees and vegetation are between locations but the campsites in each area are pretty wide open. 

The price is low but it comes with a vibe we didn’t feel. Another family also left to seek out another campground - we saw them at another one we also preferred. Others love this place so perhaps you might want to try it for yourself.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Walkup Lake Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walkup Lake Campground open year-round?

Yes, Walkup Lake Campground appears to be open year-round. Campers have reported staying there during different seasons, including as late as November. However, the campground likely experiences varying levels of occupancy depending on the season, with fewer campers during colder months. For the most accurate information about seasonal availability, particularly during winter, it's advisable to contact the managing agency before planning an off-season trip.

Where is Walkup Lake Campground located in Michigan?

Walkup Lake Campground is located in Bitely, Michigan in the northern part of the state. The campground is situated along Walkup Lake, offering beautiful lake views and shady sites. It's conveniently accessible by road, though this proximity to the roadway does contribute to some traffic noise. The location makes it a good base for exploring northern Michigan while enjoying a natural setting with water access.

What is walk-up camping at Walkup Lake and how does it work?

Walkup Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. To secure a site, you simply arrive at the campground and choose from available spots. The campground uses a self-pay system, with fees of approximately $5 per night with a pass or $10 without. This walk-up system means availability isn't guaranteed, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. The campground offers various sites, some along the lake and others set back in wooded areas, allowing campers to select their preferred setting upon arrival.

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