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Black Lake (Upper) State Forest Campground
Black Lake (Upper) State Forest Campground
On the northern shores of Michigan's seventh-largest inland lake, Black Lake (Upper) State Forest Campground offers 35 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. The Black Mountain Pathway is located about one-third mile east of the campground.
While ORVs are permitted to operate between this rustic campground and nearby trails, ORVs must remain on trailers within the Black Lake (Upper) State Forest Campground.
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
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain biking
ORV trails/routes
Paddling
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
Boat launch
A boat launch is located on Black Lake at the Black Lake Lower 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.
ORV trails/routes
Trail 99 runs directly through the Black Lake Upper campground.
Paddling
Carry-in access is located at the boat launch on the south side of the campground approximately 25 yards from the parking area.
Picnic area
A picnic area is centrally located in the lower 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.
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.