Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch

Star4.21
31 reviews
Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from May 3 to N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website
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Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A flat fee of $10 per night is charged per single site.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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USFS
Provider
(989) 739-0728
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakewell-maintained

"Horseshoe Lake Campground is praised for its quiet, rustic atmosphere and natural beauty. Common themes include excellent fishing, solitude, and cleanliness. Some users highlight minimal amenities as a charm of the campground, while others note it caters best to tents and small campers."

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Campground Map

Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI

Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch

Horseshoe Lake, Hoist/Reid Area, Huron-Manistee National Forests, Alcona County, MI

Driving directionsFrom Harrisville - Travel west on M-72 for 22 miles. Turn left and travel south on M-65 for 3 miles. Turn right and travel east on FR 4124 for 1 mile.
The campground is accessible via paved roads (M-72 and M-65) and an unpaved forest road (FR 4124). The unpaved section may require caution during adverse weather conditions or for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
- Harrisville: 26 miles, approximately 30 minutes - Glennie: less than 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes
Nearby supplies
The town of Glennie, located less than 5 miles away, provides access to gas, supplies, and firewood. Harrisville, approximately 26 miles away, offers additional facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch

From the vibrant greens of May to the golden hues of November, Horseshoe Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this woodland escape. Summer days invite leisurely paddles across the glassy lake, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant reds and golds. When winter arrives, the campground slumbers beneath a blanket of snow, with freezing temperatures creating a crystalline wonderland during the closed season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers boating/fishing but more visitors and potential crowding of the nine sites.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted for fewer bugs, active birdlife and attractive foliage; very pleasant season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Spring offers fewer bugs and active birdlife; campground opens in early May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov 30–May 3; winter camping not available on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated in the source materials. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 3 to November 30.

About Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch

Escape to the hidden gem of Horseshoe Lake Campground, where rustic charm meets untouched wilderness. This peaceful retreat cradles a pristine 16-acre lake that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. Wander the mile-long scenic trail that winds through the forest, or venture out to explore nearby ORV trails and recreational areas. Here, solitude isn't just a promise—it's a guarantee, as this lightly-visited sanctuary remains one of the forest's best-kept secrets.
Horseshoe Lake Campground is primarily designed for rustic camping. Its small size and lack of full RV amenities make it ideal for tents and smaller campers.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated in the source materials
Check-out
Not explicitly stated in the source materials
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in the source materials

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include lake-based activities such as fishing and boating, as well as proximity to hiking and ORV trails. The campground is known for its serene setting, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings.
HikingUser reviews and authoritative descriptions highlight trails around the lake and nearby semi-primitive areas for hiking. The one-mile loop around the lake offers scenic views and birdwatching opportunities.
FishingFishing in the 16-acre Horseshoe Lake is a highlight. User reviews commend the lake for its bass and sunfish fishing opportunities. "Great fishing, top water for bass and big sunfish" is a common sentiment.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are supported. A boat launch is available for lake access.
Wildlife viewingThe area is teeming with wildlife, including birds and chipmunks. The one-mile lake loop is particularly good for birdwatching.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Big bear country" is a noted concern. Campers are advised to store food securely due to active wildlife. Chipmunks are also known for stealing food.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch

Reviews

4.2
31 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Horseshoe Lake Campground And Boat Launch is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Horseshoe Lake Campground is praised for its quiet, rustic atmosphere and natural beauty. Common themes include excellent fishing, solitude, and cleanliness. Some users highlight minimal amenities as a charm of the campground, while others note it caters best to tents and small campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained sites, peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere, excellent fishing, beautiful lake and wildlife sightings, attentive park rangers.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited amenities (e.g., no potable water, no flush toilets), some sites are close together or small, limited lake access outside the boat ramp, sneaky chipmunks, and occasional presence of bears.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water, secure food to avoid chipmunks and bears, and use smaller tents or RVs due to site size. Visit midweek or offseason for maximum solitude.
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for fewer bugs and active birdlife. Summer sees more visitors and potential crowding of the nine sites. Winter activities like snowmobiling are possible due to proximity to...
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Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Remote, peaceful, rustic. Most of the time, you'll have it to yourself." (Jeffrey G.) "The lake there is clean and great fishing, top water for bass and big sunfish." (Joshua T.) "Very quiet, great...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the center of the loop function well for small groups. Sites closer to the lake provide scenic views but are limited in number. Sites 7 and 8 are near a marsh, which affects mosquito...
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Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific user reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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