Best Campgrounds near Lake, MI

The Lake, Michigan area encompasses several established campgrounds with a mix of rustic and developed options for tent, RV, and cabin camping. Countryside Campground & Cabins provides 74 sites with full hookups and amenities such as showers and a camp store, while more rustic options like Mud Lake State Forest Campground offer secluded lakeside sites with vault toilets and drinking water pumps. Herrick Recreation Area and Wilson State Park Campground feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas, giving visitors multiple lodging choices within proximity to local lakes and forests.

Campground accessibility varies considerably based on season, with most sites operating from April or May through October. Roads to some rustic areas may require careful navigation during wet conditions. One camper noted, "The sites are large enough for most rigs, even though the DNR recommends smaller trailers," regarding Mud Lake State Forest Campground. Water access points differ between locations, with some offering boat ramps while others provide simple shoreline access for kayaks and canoes. Cell service ranges from excellent to limited depending on location and carrier, with Verizon typically providing better coverage than other networks in this region. Advance reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, while many state forest sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at sites with direct lake access. Several campgrounds in the area feature spacious, wooded sites that provide privacy despite relatively close proximity to neighboring campers. According to reviews, Mud Lake State Forest Campground offers "decent distance between sites" that "vary from tucked into the trees (away from the lake) or more open (near the lake)." Some campgrounds provide trails connecting to larger pathway systems, allowing campers to explore multiple lakes in the region. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, though mosquitoes can be problematic in certain locations, particularly during evening hours. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds located near highways, especially Wilson State Park which borders two major roads, while others provide a more secluded, quiet experience for those seeking tranquility.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake, Michigan (198)

    1. Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    $20 / night

    "The sites have decent distance between them and vary from tucked into the trees (away from the lake) or more open (near the lake)."

    "It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious."

    2. Countryside Campground & Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Farwell, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 539-5468

    $49 - $150 / night

    "Pretty nice RV park in the middle of Michigan."

    "Sites around#40 are spacious and shaded all day which was awesome. No mats allowed but it was great as the grass is green and lush. Store has apparel, camping tools, and ice cream."

    3. Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 382-7158

    "Clean bathrooms, easy access to lake, nice beach Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."

    "Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! 🙌🏽 lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff! A great little campground"

    4. Crittenden Park

    2 Reviews
    Evart, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 349-4654

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Oh and Big Lake is great for fishing, boating, and kayaking!"

    5. Herrick Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Clare, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 386-2010

    $15 - $25 / night

    "This is a really good family campground in the middle of Michigan. Campsites are spacious and wooded. There is a lake for swimming ability to fish and put in a kayak."

    "It's more of a walk from the lake but the other loops have no shade and seem more crowded together. We had site #24 and it was fairly ideal and very roomy."

    7. Old Log Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 743-2775

    "Site was tucked away in the back. Canoe/kayak/tubing access. Owners very personable, fantastic, super sweet and accommodating. Highly recommend. Would definitely visit again next time in the area!"

    "I give 5 stars because they cant do anything a bout the location, obviously, so I rated on our experience.  We had an excellent time, and will come back again."

    8. Wilson State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Farwell, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 539-3021

    $25 / night

    "Unfortunately, it's bordered on 2 sides by 2 major roads, Old 27 and Townline Lake Rd, and Harrison is loaded with people who think "no exhaust" equals "cool car", and are happy to show you just how big"

    "The campsites next to the road can be a little loud with road noise. The fairgrounds are across the street as well, so if there is an event going on, wear your ear plugs!"

    9. Weidman KOA

    2 Reviews
    Remus, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 506-8005

    "Nice peaceful drive there... pulled in to find they have recently just been acquired by KOA I believe as there was signage down with few KOA signs up."

    "Rather than clearing all the trees the sites were developed around many mature trees which makes for a much more attractive setting.  The bathrooms/showers were immaculate. "

    10. Pettit Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clare, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 386-7541

    "Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic."

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Recent Reviews near Lake, MI

420 Reviews of 198 Lake Campgrounds


  • thomas D.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do Not Recommend Camping Here

    The new management and owners are rude, non-friendly and have not kept up the campground. Not kept up and locked bathrooms. We have been camping here for almost 20 years and it was a home away from home. This is not a place I would bring a family. Do not recommend.

  • John H.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Do not recommend

    Been camping here for years and new ownership has ruined the experience. Do not camp here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Small and quiet

    Not a lot of privacy between sites, but they are very large so you don’t feel on top of another and having the lake right there was nice

  • Ileene R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site, toilet is nice. Lake has boat access. There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    Good night’s sleep

    Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.


Guide to Lake

The Lake, Michigan area offers diverse camping options within easy reach of forested areas and multiple lakes. Located in central Michigan, the region experiences warm summers with average highs of 80°F and cooler spring and fall conditions when temperatures typically range from 45-65°F. Most campgrounds in this area maintain dirt or grassy sites with varying levels of tree cover depending on their location within each property.

What to do

Kayaking on multiple connected lakes: Visitors camping at Old Log Resort and Campground can rent kayaks with convenient drop-off service. "They do kyak rentals, with drop off and you boat back to their own landing. Super convenient," notes camper Dj W.

Fishing from shoreline access: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access for anglers. At Spring Lake State Forest Campground, the location is "on a cute little lake ideal for kayaking or small boats," according to Christopher P.

Hiking nearby trail systems: The Green Pine Lake Pathway connects to Mud Lake State Forest Campground, offering approximately 9 miles of trails. "There is a 2.5-mile-long connector from this campground to the Green Pine Lake Pathway—it's a total of about 9 miles of trails that connects you to three different lakes," reports Brian L., who also mentioned hiking options at the east end of the campground.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Some rustic campgrounds offer more separation between camping spots. At Mud Lake State Forest Campground, a camper observed, "This campground has the feel of a hike-in campground while being accessible by vehicle. It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway."

Swim areas and beaches: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. Wilson State Park Campground provides "a great swim area, cute playground, and newer shower houses," according to Lydia T., though she notes it sits along a busy road.

Clean facilities with regular maintenance: Countryside Campground & Cabins receives praise for its upkeep. "This is the CLEANEST campground I have ever been to. Seriously not 1 cigarette but or candy wrapper on my site when I arrived. Picnic tables are freshly washed," writes Tracey L.

What you should know

Highway noise affects some locations: Several campgrounds sit near major roads. At Spring Lake State Forest Campground, a reviewer mentions "it's right next to the highway, so you hear traffic until around 1 or 2 am."

Cell service varies by carrier: Reception can be inconsistent but varies by location. One camper at Mud Lake noted, "Cellular service for Verizon is awesome, service for Google Fi was decent."

Reservation systems differ by campground: While developed campgrounds typically require reservations, state forest campgrounds operate differently. Herrick Recreation Area works on a reservation basis, with one camper mentioning, "Campground registration is efficient and friendly. Wood can be purchased at the campground."

Seasonal limitations and closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. "Nice park with dispersed sites. Hand pump for potable water and out houses for bathrooms," reports one camper about Spring Lake, which remains open year-round unlike many seasonal options.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities: Some locations organize regular events for children. At Countryside Campground & Cabins, Emily W. shares they "offered hay rides Saturday evening" and "had a foam party (my 5 year old loved this)."

Check playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. "There are activities for the kids, a playground, heated pool, hiking/bike trail, and even a baseball field," notes a Countryside Campground & Cabins visitor.

Consider water safety features: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground offers "2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff! A great little campground," according to angel's review.

Tips from RVers

Hookup access varies by site: At some campgrounds, utilities may require additional equipment. Brad F. advises Merrill-Gorrel Park visitors to "make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Wilson State Park Campground, "many sites are rather large, like 97, but severely sloped, also like 97... Others are flat, small, and your camper is right near the road," according to Dj W.

Space limitations affect larger units: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs. Christopher P. notes that Spring Lake State Forest Campground is "not really set up for large TT, but people brought one in anyway."

Pine tree considerations: Campgrounds with pine stands require special attention. Macy M. advises Herrick Recreation Area visitors to "make sure to clean your slides from the pine needles before you go."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 198 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake, MI is Mud Lake State Forest Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lake, MI.