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Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground
Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground
Just 20 minutes from downtown Traverse City and among a hilly hardwood forest of beech and maple, this rustic campground sits along the northwest shore of Arbutus Lake #4. There are 24 sites (12 are small-to-medium sites for trailer use and 11 are tent-only sites with stair access).
The lake is a string of five small lakes, connected and identified by a number. There is an accessible boat launch. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, Northern pike, rock bass, small mouth bass, sunfish and yellow perch.
The campground is located 10.6 miles southeast of Traverse City via US-31 and Three Mile Road.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Boat launch
Fishing
Hunting
Paddling
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
Boat launch
A boat launch is located on Arbutus Lake.
Fishing
Crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, small mouth bass, sunfish and yellow perch are caught in Arbutus Lake.
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Paddling
Explore Arbutus Lake from the campground.
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Arbutus Lake.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Area map
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.