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Map showing campground location near Kingsley, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Scheck's Place State Forest CampgroundView 4 Photos
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Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via drive-in or walk-in options, Scheck's Place State Forest Campground operates on an honor-system payment structure with no on-site staff. The facility provides vault toilets and hand-pump well water in a forested setting along the Boardman River. Campers drop payment in the collection box and select from available sites, which include both numbered spots with picnic tables and open trail camping areas.

The campground attracts diverse users including equestrians, mountain bikers, ATV riders, and paddlers accessing the river for tubing and kayaking. Jay F. notes "primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water." Large wooded sites provide shade, though some lower-lying areas can flood during heavy rains. Site 16 sits on higher ground and stayed dry during recent storms.

Two distinct sections serve different camping styles - a traditional campground area and a more dispersed trail camp where visitors can claim as much space as needed. The location sees light use most times, with only occasional horse riders or through-hikers. ATV traffic can create noise at times, though most visitors report respectful behavior from other campers.

The campground closes from mid-October through April, and reservations are available for those preferring guaranteed spots. For additional options, see campgrounds around Kingsley.

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Location

Public Campground

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From town: Go 7 mi S on Williamsburg Rd/CR 605, then 6 mi W on Supply Rd/CR 660 & Brown Bridge Rd.

Coordinates

44.65228721 N
85.45520055 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, wooded sites and flexible space in this rustic state forest location with river access. Visitors often highlighted the quiet atmosphere and basic facilities, though some noted occasional ATV noise.

J
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Primitive State Forest CG right on the Boardman River

I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents. It’s a great home base or overnight camp for canoeists and kayakers (my particular interest). The camp is also used by mountain bikers & gravel riders, ATV riders, anglers, and equestrians (separate camp area). Large wooded sites. Primitive means vault toilets, no power and hand pump water. No reservations — FCFS.

Negatives: can be noisy at times with the ATVs and also large camping groups. But for the most part I’ve found ppl to be respectful. A couple of the sites flooded after an unusually heavy rain today, so I would avoid any site that looks low if rain is expected.

Site 16 is good. High and dry after the rain.

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
Anna B.
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2019

Quiet canoe camping

Rustic campground with access to the Boardman river and many miles of trails in the state forest. Bring cash, no state park workers onsite, honor pay system. Lots of shade and when we were there not busy at all.

Month of VisitJune
Gemma G.
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2019

Schecks Place-TRAIL CAMP enjoy privacy, the river, horse trails

There are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.

The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).

The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.

There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.

The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.

There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground by Gemma G., April 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground by Gemma G., April 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground by Gemma G., April 24, 2019
Gemma G.
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Equestrian Camp

We stayed at the trail camp it is quiet with no hookups. You can take as much space as you need and there is access to the river. We will be going back again next month.

Judy B.
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

Lowland Beauty

This campground is in some lower ground, with a beautiful river running though it. It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy. We were here for a night as we were traveling on the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail, the overall experience was excellent!

  • Review photo of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground by Judy B., July 15, 2016
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Scheck's Place State Forest Campground located?

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground is located in Michigan, nestled in a secluded area of state forest land about 30 minutes from downtown Traverse City. The campground sits in lower ground with the Boardman River running through it. It's situated within the Michigan State Forest system, making it an ideal stop for those traveling the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail. The natural setting provides excellent access to forest trails while maintaining proximity to urban amenities.

What amenities are available at Scheck's Place State Forest Campground?

Scheck's Place offers rustic camping with minimal amenities. The campground is divided into two sections: a numbered campground area with picnic tables, and a trail camp where you can choose your own space. Facilities are basic with no hookups available. The campground uses an honor pay system (bring cash), and there are no state park workers onsite. The location provides direct access to the Boardman River and numerous hiking trails throughout the state forest.

What do reviews say about Scheck's Place State Forest Campground?

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground is highly regarded for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere with very few crowds. Campers appreciate the two distinct sections—a numbered campground area and a spacious trail camp where you can claim as much space as needed. The Boardman River access is a highlight, making it popular among canoeists and kayakers. The open areas surrounded by trees create excellent stargazing opportunities. Visitors value the rustic, quiet experience, shaded sites, and convenient access to miles of forest trails while still being within 30 minutes of Traverse City.

How do I find photos of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground?

To find photos of Scheck's Place State Forest Campground, check The Dyrt's campground listing which typically features user-submitted images. You can also search Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for official campground photos. Social media platforms and image search engines may yield results when searching "Scheck's Place State Forest Campground." Consider contacting the Michigan DNR directly if you need specific visual information about the campground's layout or facilities.

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