Gun Lake draws anglers, swimmers, and mountain bikers to Yankee Springs Recreation Area, where the campground sits within a mix of forested and open terrain along the lakeshore outside Middleville, Michigan. Boat access, a sandy beach, and proximity to some of the region's more demanding single-track trails give this spot a range of uses that extends well beyond a single activity. The beach area is large. Getting to the water's edge from the campground, however, is more limited than the beach size might suggest.
Campers consistently describe the sites as reasonably sized and level, with wooded cover providing some shade. Weekends fill up fast, and crowding is a recurring theme in reviews. Joie V. notes that "Gun Lake is crowded and very warm towards end of summer," which is worth factoring into timing. Some lower-lying sites have seen flooding after heavy rain, so checking site-specific terrain before booking makes sense. Noise and light from RVs and motorboats are part of the atmosphere here, particularly on summer weekends.
Amenities lean toward the modern end: electric hookups accommodate rigs up to 50 feet, and the bathrooms and showers draw consistently positive mentions for cleanliness. Gina K. points out that "you can walk the trail to the state park beach and store," which adds a useful on-foot option for supplies and swimming. A dump station is on-site, though at least one camper reported a wait of close to an hour during a busy checkout period.
Navigation to the campground entrance has tripped up more than one visitor. The entrance is not prominently marked, and GPS addresses tied to the reservation can lead to the wrong spot. Arriving with a printed park map or downloaded directions is a practical precaution. Reservations are available through the MIDNR website. Nearby alternatives include Parkside Campground and Equestrian Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area, both within a few miles. For a broader look at the region, places to camp near Middleville cover a range of styles and settings.
Gun Lake Campground works best for families and RV travelers who want electric hookups, lake access, and trail connections, and who are comfortable with a busier, more social camp environment.
Description
Yankee Springs recreation Area was once the hunting grounds of the Algonquin Indians and the famous Chieftain, Chief Noonday. The site of Yankee Springs was established in 1835 and the village was made famous by Yankee Bill Lewis who owned and operated a hotel along the stagecoach run from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.
Recreation - The rugged terrain and marshes, the lakes and streams and the unique beauty of the park's 5000 acres lend itself to many forms of recreation. A modern campground with a sandy beach and boat launch is situated on the shores of beautiful Gun Lake, while rustic camping and youth/group organizational camping are located at Deep Lake. An equestrian campground is also provided. There are 9 lakes located within the park boundaries providing excellent fishing and water sports of all kinds. The area also boasts 12 miles of Mountain Bike trails, 10 miles of Equestrian trails as well as 30 miles of foot trails that include sections of the North Country Trail. A short walk from the modern campground is the day use area with beaches, shelters and an additional boat launch.
Trails
Hall Trail Loop - 2 Mile Loop - Beginning across from the entrance of the Long Lake Outdoor Center, follows the shoreline of Hall Lake, and continues to a spur trail leading to scenic Graves Hill and the Devil's Soup Bowl. It then winds back to the starting point.
Chief Noonday Trail - 4 miles round trip linear trail - This trail was names after a famous Ottawa Indian Chief who resided in the area. The trail begins just off M-179 and connects with the Long Lake Trail.
Deep Lake Trail - 4 mile loop - This trail starts across from the campground office winding around the bog area at the South end of Deep Lake, proceeds across open fields and old farm homesteads, and leading to a spur to the Devil's Soup Bowl and Graves Hill. It then returns to the Deep Lake Campground. Portions of this trail are shared with the Mountain Bike Trail.
Long Lake Trail - 5 miles round trip - This trail adjoins the Sassafras Nature trail and has a starting point from Briggs Road just north of the area headquarters. The trail enters a boardwalk crossing to a beautiful bog area, continues down an old wagon road and leads to Graves Hill. From this point, the trail leads to the Devil's Soup Bowl where it connects with the Chief Noonday Trail. The Noonday Trail leads to signs and markers for a return to the Long Lake Trail.
Sassafras Self-Guides Interpretive Trail - 1 mile loop - Starting near the Gun Lake Campground Office, this Flat wooded trail loops back to the starting point. Signs along the way provide information on the parks many habitats.
Mountain Bike Trail - 12 mile loop - The trail markers are bicycle silhouettes. This trail starts out flat for a warm-up and then leads you through the most rugged hills in the area; returning through some tough sand pockets and a creek crossing. Bike helmets are recommended. Detail maps are available upon request. Portions of this trail are shared with the Deep Lake Trail.
Gun Lake Trail - 1/2 mile linear trail - This barrier free trail connects the Gun Lake Campground with the Day Use area and travels across two boardwalks leading to the fishing pier on Gun Lake.
Equestrian Trail - 10 miles total - 2 loops - Trails begin and end at the Horsemen's Campground. The six mile loop connects to an additional four miles over rugged terrain. There is also a connector to additional trails in the Barry State Game Area.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
For reservations for Chief Noonday or the Long Lake Outdoor Center, please call 616.644.9459 or reserve online.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGun Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Middleville
Public CampgroundDirections
Located half way between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. From US 131 take Exit 61. Go east on M179 approximately 7 miles. Follow the signs 1 mile south to the Gun Lake Unit.
Address
2104 South Briggs Road
Middleville, MI 49333
Coordinates
42.61926046 N
85.51584497 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/16/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/16/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/16/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 28 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 35 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 44 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 1 hr 2 min from Lansing, MI
