Chimney Loop Campground

Star4.44
12 reviews
107 McKinley Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 15, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chimney Loop Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the group site is $30, applicable during both peak and non-peak seasons. Reservation service fees may apply, including $8 for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
989-826-3252
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadelake

"User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to Wagner Lake. Guests praised the shaded and level sites, as well as the tranquil and scenic environment."

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Campground Map

107 McKinley Road

Chimney Loop Campground

107 McKinley Road

Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 7 miles. Turn right and travel west on Wagner Lake Rd. for 1.5 miles. The site is located on the left.
The campsite is accessible via paved roads until Wagner Lake Rd., which may be unpaved and is located 1.5 miles west of M-33. No seasonal closures or terrain challenges are noted.
Nearby places
Grayling (37 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Mio (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Luzern (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Fairview (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials are available in Mio, which is 7 miles away. Additional options include Luzern (10 miles) and Fairview (12 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Chimney Loop Campground

From late spring through early fall, Chimney Loop transforms into an outdoor paradise blessed with comfortable temperatures and predominantly dry conditions. Azure skies stretch endlessly overhead while gentle breezes whisper through the forest canopy. The occasional light shower only serves to amplify the earthy aromatics of pine and oak, creating perfect conditions for everything from lakeside lounging to woodland exploration.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive; peak season for water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Nov; likely good for fall color but few fall-specific reviews exist.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting Apr 15; spring can be pleasant but few reviews mention spring stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 29–Apr 15, so winter camping/activities are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1, 2025 - September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 15, 2025, to November 29, 2025, with reservations starting June 22, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories.

About Chimney Loop Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Wagner Lake, Chimney Loop Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This secluded group camping haven, completely enveloped by the majestic Huron-Manistee National Forest, welcomes gatherings of up to 30 adventurers seeking connection with both wilderness and each other. Gather around crackling fire rings beneath towering trees, share meals at sturdy picnic tables, and discover the intriguing historic chimney that stands as a silent sentinel to the area's rich past.
Chimney Loop Campground offers a single group site that is designed for up to 30 people and six vehicles. There are no indications of other types of camping accommodations such as individual tent sites, RV sites, or cabins.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in time not explicitly stated
  • users are required to occupy sites within 24 hours.
Check-out
  • Check-out time not explicitly stated
  • users are required to vacate on the departure date.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limited to 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Chimney Loop Campground offers a variety of water-based and outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in Wagner Lake. Non-motorized watercraft can be carried into the lake. Nearby ORV trails and the AuSable River offer additional recreational opportunities.
FishingWagner Lake features excellent bass and pan fish fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shore, wade into the lake, or use a boat.
SwimmingSwimming and beach play are available at Wagner Lake. There is easy access to the lake from the campground.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is a popular activity. Canoes and kayaks are welcome, and the lake offers serene conditions for paddling.
Beach activitiesBeach activities like swimming and sunbathing are possible at Wagner Lake.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and forest terrain. Users are advised to follow firewood restrictions to prevent invasive species.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories.

Weather at Chimney Loop Campground

Reviews

4.4
12 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Chimney Loop Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to Wagner Lake. Guests praised the shaded and level sites, as well as the tranquil and scenic environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the 'very private group campsite,' the proximity to the lake, and the overall peaceful setting. Multiple users noted the campground's 'clean and shaded' environment and 'easy...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

One user reported difficulty accessing the site due to a locked gate and an inability to contact the ranger station. This suggests potential issues with communication or access control.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend the site for group events and retreats due to its spacious layout. Bringing kayaks or canoes was highlighted for enjoying the lake. Some users suggested exploring nearby Mio for...
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive due to good weather and water activities. No reviews addressed conditions during other seasons, suggesting limited usage or feedback in those periods.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The privacy and peacefulness is awesome!' - Ruth F., 7/13/2022 2. 'Very beautiful, very private group campsite. Close to Wagner Lake in walking distance.' - Raymond G., 6/27/2021 3. 'The...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews pertain to the sole group site (001). It is consistently described as private, clean, and shaded, making it ideal for gatherings.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews mentioned accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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