How much does camping cost at Chimney Loop Campground?

Camping fees at Chimney Loop Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chimney Loop Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chimney Loop Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chimney Loop Campground before I book?

Yes! Chimney Loop Campground has 24 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chimney Loop Campground?

Chimney Loop Campground is open April 15 to November 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chimney Loop Campground?

Chimney Loop Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Chimney Loop Campground?

Fire policies at Chimney Loop Campground: You may use downed wood for firewood. Keep fires within the fire ring. Do not leave hot campfires unattended. Make sure your ashes are cool to the touch before you leave.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Chimney Loop Campground have?

Chimney Loop Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chimney Loop Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Chimney Loop Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Chimney Loop Campground?

Chimney Loop Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Chimney Loop Campground

4.44

12 reviews

107 McKinley Road

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietTent Camping

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 15, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Huron-Manistee National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 15, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Huron-Manistee National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Chimney Loop Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

989-826-3252sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

107 McKinley Road

Chimney Loop Campground

107 McKinley Road

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).

Weather at Chimney Loop Campground

Current alerts(8)

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Do not tie or tack anything to standing trees, including but not limited to pets, laundry lines, or garbage bags.
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood.
Fireworks and use of fireworks are not permitted.

Best Time to Camp at Chimney Loop Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers warm, lake-ready weather and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 50s–60s, perfect for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Wagner Lake’s sandy bottom and calm water make July–August ideal for paddling and group swims, while nearby ORV trails and prime fishing rounds out outdoor options. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan reservations (they open June 22) for group sites to secure your dates. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer described as best season; "overwhelmingly positive" summer reviews and lake activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 15, 2025, to November 29, 2025, with reservations starting June 22, 2025.

About Chimney Loop Campground

Chimney Loop Campground sits in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Mio, offering a very small, private group camping experience in Michigan's foothills. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this seasonal campground provides direct access to Wagner Lake for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with nearby ORV trails for off-road enthusiasts. The shaded, clean sites feature vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, making it a quiet retreat for groups seeking lakefront seclusion.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers warm, lake-ready weather and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s F and cool nights in the 50s–60s, perfect for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Wagner Lake’s sandy bottom and calm water make July–August ideal for paddling and group swims, while nearby ORV trails and prime fishing rounds out outdoor options. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan reservations (they open June 22) for group sites to secure your dates. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1201 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryWagner Lake's distinctive sandy bottom creates calm, clear water ideal for swimming and paddling. The campground sits at 1,201 feet elevation in a mix of oak and pine forest. Shade is plentiful, and the level terrain makes setup easy. The nearby AuSable River runs through the forest, and a network of ORV trails cuts through the surrounding landscape. Reviews mention 'easy access' to the lake for launching kayaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limited to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate up to 30 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 30 people and six cars. Ideal for gatherings and large groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online platform or contact center.

Site SizeGroup site accommodates up to 30 people and six cars.

PrivacyHighly praised for privacy and peacefulness in user reviews. Described as 'very private group campsite.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for group gatherings or events. "Our favorite place to camp. We just held our wedding here and it was beautiful," notes user MICHELLE S.

Need help booking Chimney Loop Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Facilities at Chimney Loop Campground include a vault toilet, three picnic tables, three fire rings, and use of a historic chimney. Drinking water is available at Wagner Lake Campground close by. There is garbage service on-site. The campground is set in a serene forested area near Wagner Lake, providing a private and tranquil camping experience.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Chimney Loop Campground

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.

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boating is popular; canoes and kayaks are welcome and easily carried to the lake.

Water Sports4.0/5

Calm, clear Wagner Lake with easy carry-in access is described as great for kayaking/canoeing.

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

12 reviews

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...

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

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

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...

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...

Based on 12 reviews