Tent camping near Lake, Michigan provides rustic outdoor experiences with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddling in the Pere Marquette State Forest. Several campgrounds offer varied terrain from dense forest settings to waterfront sites near small inland lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with temperatures between 40-65°F, ideal for tent campers seeking fewer insects and crowds.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Muskegon River Canoe Camp offers direct river access for kayaking and canoeing. "A great place for dispersed camping. Don't forget the bug spray! Only 20 minutes from town if you did!" reports Just J.
Fishing opportunities: Haymarsh State Game Area provides lakeside fishing access with boat-friendly campsites. One camper noted, "Our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect to campgrounds in the area, allowing for day hikes without driving. "Gorgeous and quiet. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground," shares a visitor about Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground.
Wildlife observation: The lakes and surrounding forests host diverse wildlife including turtles, chipmunks, and various bird species. "The tree coverage was nice, and they are overrun with chipmunks which was adorably magical!" writes a camper at House Lake State Campground.
What campers like
Lake views: Many campsites offer direct views of the water. "Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake," notes a camper about Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, which features both Big and Little Leverentz lake units.
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in this region typically provide well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground," explains a reviewer at Leverentz Lake.
True disconnection: House Lake State Campground offers limited cell service and distance from amenities. A camper shares, "There is no cell service within 20 minutes of the campground, and the closest restaurants are 30 minutes away, but if you prepare it is an excellent location!"
Multiple water access points: Several campgrounds feature fishing piers, boat launches, and shoreline access. "The lake offers a fishing pier," notes a camper about Leverentz Lake, while another mentions "nice wooded campsites on the lake with a boat launch."
What you should know
Water sources: Many rustic campgrounds have limited water access. "There's one hand pump water source at the entrance, no electric," explains a camper at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground.
Reservation policies: Most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. "The campsites cost $15 per night; they are not reservable. Also, there is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe," advises a camper.
Bathroom facilities: Expect vault toilets at most locations. Tubbs Lake Island State Forest Campground offers rustic facilities with "about 20 rustic sites on the island and all first come first serve so plan to get there early because it fills up."
Accessibility considerations: Some locations require hiking or boat access. "You can access by boat or it's a 1 mile hike. Very peaceful, there is only 10 site and pit toilets," notes a camper about Deerfield Nature Park, adding "I do recommend going by boat as the hike with gear will wear you out."
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Great spot for the family, 2 beaches. Quiet at night. Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! Lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff!" shares a visitor.
Campsite selection: For families, certain sites offer advantages. At Haymarsh State Game Area, one camper specifically recommends, "Very quiet and secluded, nice get away, #11 is the best spot."
Bike-friendly locations: Several campgrounds feature flat terrain suitable for children's biking. A parent noted that Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground allows kids to "bike around all day and everyone drives slow."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy the abundant small wildlife. House Lake State Campground campers report frequent chipmunk sightings that create "adorably magical" experiences for young campers.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: While tent camping predominates, some locations accommodate small RVs. At Leverentz Lake, "All sites are good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents."
Utility planning: For those with small RVs at campgrounds with limited hookups, preparation is key. "Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites," advises a camper at Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground.
Access limitations: Many forest roads leading to the best tent camping near Lake, Michigan have size restrictions. "Tubbs island was gorgeous! There is Tubbs mainland and Tubbs island and both you're welcome to but I recommend staying on the island. It's more of a peninsula then an island but it's wonderfully cut off. You take a narrow dirt road over a nearly flooded over land bridge to a remote circle plot of campsites."
