Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
If you're looking for a more rustic camping experience, check out our 140-plus state forest campgrounds located throughout Michigan's Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas. Each campground is located on a river or lake, providing excellent access to fishing, boating and paddling. A handful are open all-year round for those who enjoy a winter camping adventure.
Most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served. A select few can be reserved ahead of time at MiDNRReservations.com.
Please note, vehicle entry into all state parks, recreation areas and state forest campgrounds require a Recreation Passport.
Details and locations of each state forest campground.
View campground locations, trails and state forest land.
Find contact info, amenities, season dates and overnight fees.
Camping guidelines for camping in a state forest.
Located on (or very near a) river or lake, providing access to fishing, boating and paddling.
Vault toilets are available at each campground.
Potable water is available from a well-hand pump at all campgrounds.
Parking for two vehicles is located at each campsite.
A wooden picnic table is available at each campsite.
A fire pit is available at each campsite.
Electric hookups: There are no electrical units in campsites or common electrical sources. Please plan ahead for cell phone and medical device charging.
Wi-fi: Wi-fi is not available because these rustic campgrounds are typically located in more remote locations with less access to infrastructure. As technology access changes, Wi-Fi could become available in some locations.
Most state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While a select few can be reserved at MiDNRReservations.com, most campgrounds do not accept advance reservations.
Camping fees and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground. There is one camping unit and six people allowed per site.
You can bring your camper or RV (or recreational vehicle); however, campsite size varies. In addition, many state forest campground roads can be rocky, narrow and include a narrower turning radius. You can still get larger campers and RVs into some of these sites, but tents, pop-up campers, smaller travel trailers and truck campers may be better suited. If you are traveling with a larger equipment, please reach out to the managing unit to learn about spacing and road conditions.
Please keep in mind that these rustic campgrounds do not have hookups for water, electric and/or sewage.
Cell phone coverage can be hit or miss depending on the specific location. In some cases, campers have been using mobile hotspots to work remotely.
