Mud Lake State Forest Campground provides primitive camping just outside Lake, Michigan with sites that don't require reservations. Several campgrounds in this area offer access to small lakes, hiking trails, and overnight accommodations for recreational vehicles and tent campers. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with spring and early summer bringing higher tick populations in the wooded areas.
What to do
Kayaking access: Mud Lake State Forest Campground features direct lake access from select campsites. "Nice spot! I stayed here just passing through. Clean sites, very quiet when I was here. It's right on Mud Lake great for canoe, kayak or boat. Lake access was literally 50 yards from my campsite," notes Matt T.
Trail exploration: The Green Pine Lake Pathway offers hikers a 2.5-mile connector trail from Mud Lake to a larger 9-mile network. "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," shares reviewer Ari A.
Fishing opportunities: Old Log Resort and Campground provides river access and fishing options. "They have 20 sites. The ones by the river are where we stayed. They also do kyak rentals, with drop off and you boat back to their own landing. Super convenient," explains Dj W.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at Herrick Recreation Area. "Campsites are spacious and wooded. There is a lake for swimming ability to fish and put in a kayak. Sites have electric with shared water," reports Sue B.
Rustic camping experience: Many visitors enjoy the basic amenities at state forest campgrounds. "Quiet campground primitive only nice lake good size lot will definitely stay," writes Brian H. about Mud Lake State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Countryside Campground & Cabins maintains exceptionally clean grounds and buildings. "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," states Tracey L.
What you should know
Ticks in spring and early summer: Wooded campgrounds can harbor ticks during warmer months. "The place was beautiful for Memorial Day weekend. I did notice lots of ticks. Our dogs all had at least one on them and all of us campers had a few," reports Zara W.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds are located near highways. At Wilson State Park Campground, "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'," warns Dj W.
First-come availability: Rustic state forest campgrounds don't take reservations. "8 sites with 3 on the lake (well up a little bank). We stayed on site #3. Loved it. Water well pump and 2 put toilets (not to bad)," notes Jon S. about his stay at Mud Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at campgrounds. At Countryside Campground & Cabins, "We have camped at this campground twice now & plan on going back next year. Offered hay rides Saturday evening. Had a foam party (my 5 year old loved this). Walking trails. Upgraded park for kids," shares Emily W.
Swimming opportunities: Crittenden Park offers family-friendly water access. "Nice park with birch trees. Decent swimming access, bathrooms, playground. Dog friendly. Super pleasant staff. We've camped 2x here in our 5th wheel and will be back! Oh and Big Lake is great for fishing, boating, and kayaking!" writes LE E.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Lake: Many campgrounds welcome pets, making them ideal for family camping with dogs. "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! A great little campground," reports Angel about Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We stayed on site 78. It's slightly sloped but leveling is easy. Biiiig sites here. The first 3 areas you pass on the way in are in sun all day, more or less. The rest are in pine stands and really is a nice place to be," notes Dj W. about Herrick Recreation Area.
Electric hookups: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Lake, Michigan offer electric but may lack full hookups. "Rustic feel as all sites are electric but no water hook up. There are spigots in the center as well as a dump station and potable water fill," explains Curtis S.
RV size limitations: Smaller rigs do better at most local campgrounds. "Nice little RV park. The staff is very accommodating and the amenities are amazing. The sites are a little cramped, but part of the fun of camping in a campground like this one is meeting the neighbors," shares James P. about his stay at Countryside Campground & Cabins.
