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Black Lake (Lower) State Forest Campground
Black Lake (Lower) State Forest Campground
On the northern shores of Michigan's seventh-largest inland lake, Black Lake (Lower) State Forest Campground offers 17 sites for tents and trailers. Surrounded by rolling hills and hardwood forests, the shallow lake is ideal for paddling and fishing, including Northern pike and muskellunge. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water. This popular campground fills up quickly in the summer, especially on weekends.
The Black Mountain Pathway is located about one-third mile east of the campground.
While ORVs must remain on trailers within the rustic campground, ORVs are permitted to operate between the Black Lake (Upper) State Forest Campground and nearby trails.
The campground is located 11 miles north of Onaway via M-211, County Road 489, Black Mt. Road and Doriva Beach Road.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Features
Boat launch
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain biking
ORV scramble area
Paddling
Picnic area
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
Features
Boat launch
A boat launch is located on the south side of the campground.
Fishing
Musky, pike, panfish, largemouth bass and small-mouth bass can be found in Black Lake.
Hiking
Hiking is popular on the nearby Black Mountain Pathway. located about ;one-third mile east of the campground.
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is popular on the nearby Black Mountain Pathway. located about ;one-third mile east of the campground.
ORV scramble area
The campground is located near the Black Mountain Recreation Area.
Paddling
Carry-in access is located at the boat launch on the south side of the campground approximately 25 yards from the parking area. There is also direct access to the lake from some of the campsites.
Picnic area
A picnic area is centrally located in the campground and includes picnic tables and three charcoal grills.
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Black 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.