The Baldwin area offers access to multiple Huron-Manistee National Forest campgrounds with distinct terrain ranging from lakefront settings to river access points. Most campgrounds lie within 15 miles of town and occupy elevations between 800-900 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between daytime and nighttime. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, making seasonal campground closures necessary for many sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sulak Campground provides direct access to prime fishing spots along the Pere Marquette River. "Great campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!" notes Colin O. The river contains substantial trout and salmon populations during spawning seasons.
Trail access: Campgrounds near Baldwin connect to extensive trail systems including the North Country Trail. A visitor at Highbank Lake Campground noted, "The beach is sandy, lots of frogs and some sites right on the lake. Nearby NCT connector is great for dogs and walking/running in general." Most trail sections are moderately difficult with minimal elevation changes.
Paddling excursions: Local outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals with scheduled pickup services. "We highly recommend Baldwin Canoe Rental as they were able to pick us up at the campsite (on time too!) and take us straight to the canoe launch. We paddled for about 4 hours before beaching at the access at Bowman Bridge," reports a camper. Water levels remain consistent through summer months due to regulated dam releases.
What campers like
Lake access: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers swimming and boating opportunities across two connected lakes. "This is actually one state forest campground split into two units, each on a lake: Big Leverentz and Little Leverentz. Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc." All watercraft need a Michigan recreation passport ($17 for residents).
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature large, well-spaced sites. One camper at Nichols Lake South Campground shared, "Such beautiful huge sites. Our family had two sites next to each other and it seemed like half an acre!" Site dimensions typically range from 40-60 feet in length.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to see deer, wild turkeys, and other forest creatures. "We were able to get enough sunlight for our solar panels. There are some short but beautiful trails," notes a camper at Sulak Campground. Wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk, with spring offering the best bird watching.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Sawkaw Lake reported, "It was a great little dispersed camping spot. Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around." Service improves at higher elevations and clearings.
Payment systems: Many forest campgrounds require self-registration. "Camp host has wood and ice. Try to use coordinates when mapping to get here-we just typed in Bowman Bridge Campground and Siri sent us to somebody's driveway about 7 miles off course," notes a camper. Payment boxes accept cash or check only at most locations.
Weather considerations: Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. A Sulak Campground visitor advised, "Great winter site! Campsites are in national forest but (single) pit toilet was accessible because it's on state property!" Seasonal temperature swings of 30+ degrees are common.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Whispering Oaks Campground offers cabin accommodations with modern amenities. "These cabins include linens, heat & air conditioning, cable television, utility refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, table & 2 chairs, wall hangers, covered porches, firepit, picnic table," reports one visitor. Cabins range from $65-95 per night depending on season.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming beaches with shallow entry points. At Nichols Lake South, a camper noted, "Nice beach with a shallow weed free swimming area." Most swimming areas remain unguarded with varying water clarity depending on recent rainfall.
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds include additional recreational options. "There is even a basketball hoop by the host's campsite," shared a visitor to Nichols Lake South Campground. Activity options remain limited at more rustic sites.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many forest campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. A camper at Sulak Campground noted, "Not a bad spot. Only 3 people here week of Memorial Day. Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV and some a 30." Forest service roads may present challenges for larger rigs.
Solar considerations: Tree cover varies between campgrounds. "Decent cell service for Verizon and Google Fi. The campsites cost $15 per night; they are not reservable," reports a visitor about Leverentz Lake. Sites facing south or west typically receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight during summer months.
Seasonal availability: Several camping spots near Baldwin, Michigan maintain year-round access. "We are grateful to have found this free campground for our very first destination in our RV life. There are some short but beautiful trails. The sites are mostly shaded but we were able to get enough sunlight for our solar panels," notes an RV camper at Sulak Campground. Winter camping remains available at select locations when roads remain passable.
