Soldier Lake

4.66

85 reviews

23998 M-28, Brimley, MI, 49715, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan RV Camping Michigan +1 more

Quick Facts

902 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

902 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Soldier Lake

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites is $24 during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Fee excludes discounts, taxes, or...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-373-2272

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 85 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikinglake

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to Soldier Lake. While many campers praise the hosts and amenities, there are occasional complaints about noise, cleanliness, and host behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

23998 M-28, Brimley, MI, 49715, USA

Soldier Lake

23998 M-28, Brimley, MI, 49715, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sault Ste. Marie, take I-75 approximately 8 miles south to Exit 386. Turn right onto M-28 and travel 21.5 miles west to Forest Road 3138. Turn left and continue less than a mile to the campground.

The roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. Less than a mile from Forest Road 3138 to the campground site.

Nearby places

Strongs is 7 miles west

Sault Ste. Marie is approximately 29.5 miles northeast.

Nearby supplies

Strongs, 7 miles west, offers a fuel station, restaurants, and a general store.

Best Time to Camp at Soldier Lake

Summer days at Soldier Lake unfold with brilliant sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that leave the air crisp and pine-scented. The moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for everything from morning hikes to lazy afternoons by the water. While the campground's reservation season ends before autumn's grand finale, early fall visitors might catch the first hints of nature's color show as maples begin their annual transformation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: swimming, boating and hiking; many positive summer reviews about activities.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall praised for scenic foliage and quiet; campground open through Sept 14.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open late May; some positive spring mentions but window is limited (opens May 23).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Sept 15–May 14; winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 14, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 13, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 23 to September 14 for peak season. It is closed from September 15 to May 14.

About Soldier Lake

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Soldier Lake Campground, where towering pines whisper secrets and a pristine 15-acre lake mirrors the sky. This hidden gem in Michigan's wilderness offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, with campsites thoughtfully tucked among the forest canopy. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find peace in this quiet sanctuary. Two inviting sandy beaches beckon for afternoon swims, while the legendary North Country National Scenic Trail promises adventures just steps from your campsite. With essential amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water, you can disconnect from the modern world without sacrificing comfort.

Soldier Lake Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents and RVs. It does not provide modern amenities or luxury camping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Soldier Lake unfold with brilliant sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that leave the air crisp and pine-scented. The moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for everything from morning hikes to lazy afternoons by the water. While the campground's reservation season ends before autumn's grand finale, early fall visitors might catch the first hints of nature's color show as maples begin their annual transformation.

ElevationNestled at the gentle elevations characteristic of Michigan's Upper Peninsula forests, the campground rests in a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and time. This comfortable altitude provides a perfect balance of accessibility and that authentic 'up north' feeling that draws visitors back year after year.

Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a spectacular show at Soldier Lake, where stately pines, shimmering aspens, and majestic maples create a living cathedral around the campground. The centerpiece 15-acre lake serves as a mirror to the sky, its calm waters reflecting clouds by day and stars by night. This thriving ecosystem pulses with life – from the evening chorus of frogs and toads to the rustling of small mammals in the underbrush. Every sunrise brings new discoveries, whether it's mist rising from the lake or a deer pausing at the water's edge.

Geological RegionSoldier Lake Campground sits in the heart of Michigan's storied Upper Peninsula, a land where ancient geological forces carved out a paradise of forests and lakes. Here, amid groves of pine, aspen, and maple that have stood sentinel for generations, the 15-acre Soldier Lake sparkles like a jewel in the wilderness crown. This is quintessential UP country – where the bedrock of the Canadian Shield meets the softer sediments of the Michigan Basin, creating the diverse landscape that makes this region a natural wonderland.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is unspecified.

Groups

Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are well-spaced with loops designed to provide privacy. Paved roads within the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, the contact center, and the mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available during offseason from May 15 to May 21.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified up to 3 times for a $10 change fee, and cancellation refunds subtract a $10 cancellation fee along with the first night’s recreation fee for late cancellations. Cancellations should be made at least 7 days prior for full refunds.

AccessibilityVault toilets are marked as accessible. Some reviewers suggest the campground is generally well-maintained, though steep pathways were noted as hazards in particular campsites.

Site SizeReviewers consistently praise the large and spacious campsites, which are ideal for families and provide ample room for tents, hammocks, kayaks, and other gear.

PrivacyThe sites provide a good level of privacy, separated by trees and vegetation. Several reviewers noted the quiet and tranquil atmosphere of the campground.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites away from MI-28 for less noise. Lakeside sites such as #05 and #21 offer direct access and views but may have dead bushes near shoreline.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Soldier Lake Campground features a range of outdoor activities, including non-motorized boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Two sandy beaches within the campground provide designated swimming areas. The North Country National Scenic Trail is accessible from the campground's day-use area, offering hiking opportunities.

HikingThe North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the area, providing access to scenic hiking routes. Several reviewers appreciated the variety of trails and their natural beauty.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Soldier Lake, though specific fish types and conditions are not detailed in authoritative or user reviews.

SwimmingTwo sandy beaches offer designated swimming areas. Some campsites provide direct access to the lake. However, swimming from certain lakefront sites may be limited by vegetation along the shoreline.

BoatingNon-motorized boating, such as kayaking, is allowed on Soldier Lake. Reviewers frequently mention bringing kayaks and enjoying the serene water views.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is notable for frogs, toads, and general forest fauna. Some reviewers mentioned the peaceful natural setting.

Beach activitiesTwo sandy beaches allow for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors appreciated the relaxing atmosphere and scenic views.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep walkways near sites 27 and 28 may pose risks, as noted in user reviews. Wildlife encounters and falling branches are occasional hazards.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated rings. Visitors are discouraged from bringing firewood from outside to prevent invasive pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced at night; some reviews mention issues with compliance from neighbors.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital and emergency services are in Sault Ste. Marie, approximately 29.5 miles northeast.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site, but recycling options are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are encouraged to keep wildlife safe by disposing of garbage properly.

Water FeaturesThe campground surrounds Soldier Lake, a 15-acre natural lake with non-motorized boating and swimming opportunities.

Camp HostThe camp hosts are generally described as helpful and friendly, although specific complaints about one host have been mentioned.

Weather at Soldier Lake

Reviews

4.7

85 reviews

Top-Rated

Soldier Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to Soldier Lake. While many campers praise the hosts and amenities, there are occasional complaints about noise, cleanliness, and host behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, large campsites, excellent lake access, quiet surroundings, and helpful hosts. Many users enjoyed activities like kayaking, hiking, and swimming.

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include instances of loud neighbors violating quiet hours, limited lake access for kayaks at certain sites, traffic noise from nearby MI-28, and occasional reports of dirty toilet...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend choosing lakefront campsites for better views and water access, bringing supplies for non-electric camping, and considering earplugs for sites near MI-28 due to traffic noise.

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall reviews praise the quiet atmosphere and scenic foliage, while summer reviews often emphasize lake activities and the campground's popularity. Occasional complaints about mosquitoes are mentioned...

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The campground was beautiful and possibly the cleanest I've ever experienced. Our large site, fronting on the lake, was even raked when we arrived!" - Monika L. 2. "Soldier Lake was a great...

Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #05: Highlighted for its lakefront view and spaciousness. Site #21: Praised for its large size and cleanliness. Site #17: Criticized for being filthy upon arrival and poor host...

Based on 85 reviews