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Black Lake (Lower) State Forest Campground

BlackLakeLowerBeach

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

Features

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Boat launch

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Fishing

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

mountain bike symbol

Mountain biking

all-terrain vehicle symbol

ORV scramble area

paddling symbol

Paddling

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Picnic area

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Rustic sites

vault toilet symbol

Vault toilet

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Water access

Features

boat launch symbol

Boat launch

A boat launch is located on the south side of the campground.

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Fishing

Musky, pike, panfish, largemouth bass and small-mouth bass can be found in Black Lake.

hiking

Hiking

Hiking is popular on the nearby Black Mountain Pathway. located about ;one-third mile east of the campground.

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Hunting

This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.

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Mountain biking

Mountain biking is popular on the nearby Black Mountain Pathway. located about ;one-third mile east of the campground.

all-terrain vehicle symbol

ORV scramble area

The campground is located near the Black Mountain Recreation Area.

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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.

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Picnic area

A picnic area is centrally located in the campground and includes picnic tables and three charcoal grills.

rustic camping symbol

Rustic sites

vault toilet symbol

Vault toilet

water access symbol

Water access

This rustic campground is located on Black Lake.

Area map

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.

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Recreate Responsibly

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Camping rules

Guidelines for camping in a state forest.

Photos