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Ess Lake State Forest Campground

EssLake campsite

Ess Lake State Forest Campground

Contact
Phone: 989-785-4388

This rustic campground is located on Ess Lake and offers opportunities for paddling and fishing. There are 27 sites for tent and small trailer use. The campground is located 16 miles northeast of Atlanta via M-33 and County Road 624.

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.

Amenities & activities

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Boat launch

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Fishing

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Hunting

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ORV trails or routes

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Paddling

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Picnic area

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Rustic sites

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Vault toilet

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Water access

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Boat launch

A boat launch is located on Ess Lake.

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Fishing

Bass, trout and panfish are caught in Ess Lake. Other nearby fishing opportunities include Grass Lake (5 miles northwest) and Long Lake (1/2 mile east).

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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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ORV trails or routes

 There are many miles of state forest roads, county roads and designated ORV trails in this area, including the Atlanta ORV Trail with 71 miles open to motorized use. ORVs can be ridden from the campground to access these routes. All other ORV use within the campground is prohibited.

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Paddling

Explore Ess Lake from the campground.

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Picnic area

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Rustic sites

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Vault toilet

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Water access

This rustic campground is located on Ess Lake.

Area map

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Camping rules

Guidelines for camping in a state forest.

Photos