Twinwood Lake Campground

4.35

94 reviews

Twinwood Lake, Bigelow Creek, Newaygo County

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Twinwood Lake Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campsite fee is $10 per night for all sites. Payment is done by filling out an envelope and depositing it in a box at the 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

(231) 745-4631

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 94 reviews

84 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciouslocationlake

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment. Many appreciate the large, private sites, and the proximity to the lake and hiking trails. However, complaints include occasional litter, noisy visitors, and limited facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Twinwood Lake, Bigelow Creek, Newaygo County

Twinwood Lake Campground

Twinwood Lake, Bigelow Creek, Newaygo County

Driving directionsFrom White Cloud, travel south on M-37 for 5 miles, turn left and travel east on 40th St. for 0.5 miles, turn right and travel south on Basswood Rd. for 0.5 miles, then turn left and travel east on FR 5448 for 0.3 miles. The road terminates at the site.

The access road is partially plowed during winter, accommodating year-round access, though navigation involves gravel surfaces. Seasonal maintenance varies.

Nearby places

White Cloud (approximately 6 miles), Baldwin (20 miles), Grand Rapids (50 miles, approx. 1 hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest party store reported by users is nearby

exact distance unavailable. Supplies may also be available in White Cloud (6 miles) or Baldwin (20 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Twinwood Lake Campground

Each season paints Twinwood Lake in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, where freezing temperatures and moderate snowfall create perfect conditions for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. As the snow melts away, spring awakens the forest with vibrant greens and the return of migratory birds. Summer brings warm, comfortable days ideal for swimming and hiking, though wise campers pack rain gear for the occasional afternoon shower that keeps the forest lush. Fall delivers a spectacular finale with crisp air and a canopy ablaze in amber and gold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for boating, fishing and hiking though no swim areas; busy on summer weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Forest and lake make fall foliage and hiking appealing; reviewers note scenic fall colors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife and quiet but can be muddy and less active than summer.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 1% in MI

Open year-round; ice fishing, winter camping and 'crystalline' winter scenery are highlights.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1 to December 31.
Current Alerts: No active alerts or closures explicitly mentioned.

About Twinwood Lake Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Twinwood Lake Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This rustic haven strips camping down to its essence—where the crackle of your campfire, the whisper of wind through towering pines, and the gentle lapping of lake waters become your evening soundtrack. Each campsite comes equipped with the camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for outdoor meals, a fire pit for storytelling under the stars, and basic pit toilet facilities that maintain the site's commitment to minimal environmental impact.

This is a primitive campground best suited for tents or small RVs. It is ideal for campers seeking a secluded, rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceWhile Twinwood Lake Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic battlefields, it serves as a gateway to one of America's most ambitious trail systems—the North Country Trail. This legendary footpath stretches over 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, and the section accessible from the campground offers hikers a chance to walk in the footsteps of countless adventurers. The surrounding Huron-Manistee National Forests carry their own legacy, protecting nearly a million acres of Michigan's natural heritage for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Twinwood Lake in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, where freezing temperatures and moderate snowfall create perfect conditions for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. As the snow melts away, spring awakens the forest with vibrant greens and the return of migratory birds. Summer brings warm, comfortable days ideal for swimming and hiking, though wise campers pack rain gear for the occasional afternoon shower that keeps the forest lush. Fall delivers a spectacular finale with crisp air and a canopy ablaze in amber and gold.

ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation within Michigan's gently rolling landscape, where the terrain creates natural amphitheaters of forest and subtle changes in perspective that reveal new vistas around each bend of the trail.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry takes center stage at Twinwood Lake, where majestic white pines stand sentinel over a pristine freshwater ecosystem. The campground's namesake lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating double the visual splendor on calm mornings. Bigelow Creek meanders through the property, its gentle current providing a natural soundtrack and attracting an impressive array of wildlife. Patient observers might spot elegant swans gliding across the water, while overhead, bald eagles—once rare but now returning to their historic nesting grounds—patrol the skies in search of fish.

Geological RegionSituated within the vast expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Twinwood Lake Campground occupies a remarkable ecological niche where northern hardwood forests meet pristine aquatic habitats. The white pine groves that dominate the landscape tell a story of Michigan's logging past and nature's resilient recovery. Bigelow Creek and Twinwood Lake form the aquatic heart of this ecosystem, supporting diverse communities of waterfowl, from graceful swans to industrious beavers. The area's recovering eagle population serves as a testament to successful conservation efforts, making every sighting a moment to treasure.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group sites are not available
the campground only offers individual campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout5 campsites arranged in close proximity, some near the lake.

Reservation PlatformsReservation is not available; first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Users note high fill rates during weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable; sites are first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not clearly documented. The campground's rustic nature suggests limited infrastructure for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious, allowing for multiple tents. One reviewer noted, 'Plenty of space for multiple tents.

PrivacyThe sites are relatively private and well-separated by tree cover. A reviewer commented, 'Sites are very spacious and relatively isolated from each other.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a site, especially during weekends. Sites near the lake offer better views and proximity to water.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers various activities suited to nature enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The serene lake setting provides opportunities for kayaking and observing wildlife. Ice fishing is particularly popular during the winter season.

HikingThe campground is near the North Country National Scenic Trail, accessible via a short spur trail. Several reviews highlight the trail's proximity, making it a significant draw for hikers.

FishingFishing at Twinwood Lake is highly regarded. Reviewers note catches of pike, bass, and bluegill. Ice fishing is particularly popular in winter, as emphasized in official descriptions.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted on Twinwood Lake. A boat launch is available within the campground.

Wildlife viewingThe wooded area surrounding Twinwood Lake hosts a variety of wildlife, including swans, eagles, and other waterfowl. A reviewer stated, 'The lake is calm and full of wildlife.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include litter from previous campers as noted by user reviews, as well as wildlife typical of forested areas.

Active AlertsNo active alerts or closures explicitly mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply; exact times not specified.

Emergency ServicesBaldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station: 650 North Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304 (approx. 20 miles). Phone: (231) 745-4631. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, closed on federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, though one reviewer noted litter issues left by previous users.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Twinwood Lake and Bigelow Creek. The lake has a boat launch but no swimming areas.

Camp HostNo campground host explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Twinwood Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4

94 reviews

Recommended

Twinwood Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment. Many appreciate the large, private sites, and the proximity to the lake and hiking trails. However, complaints include occasional litter, noisy visitors, and limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the quiet and secluded location, spacious campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, and the scenic lake supporting activities like fishing and kayaking. A user noted, 'Sites are...

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include litter left by previous campers, occasionally noisy visitors, and the lack of essential amenities like drinking water and showers. One user mentioned, 'Sites can be litter-filled...

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, especially on busy weekends, as no reservations are accepted. Bring your own water and firewood, though gathering wood is allowed. A user recommended, 'Get there at 1...

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as more peaceful during the off-season, while busy weekends can lead to all sites being occupied. Winter campers appreciated the availability of ice fishing.

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fantastic little hidden site, fishing is phenomenal.' - Killian Knapp 2. 'I've had many memories there... sites are rustic and shady.' - David Long 3. 'Each site has a fire ring and picnic...

Based on 94 reviews