Wakeley Lake Area

4.60

55 reviews

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May 1 – September 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mio Ranger Station and District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May 1 – September 30

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mio Ranger Station and District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wakeley Lake Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are listed for Wakeley Lake Campground.

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

989-826-3252Null

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 55 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

unlevel

"User reviews provide a mixed perspective on Wakeley Lake Campground. While some appreciate its natural beauty and rustic style, others have expressed dissatisfaction with hosts or specific campground features."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Wakeley Lake Area

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 10 miles. Turn left and travel north into parking lot.

The road access quality is not clearly described, but there are mentions of gravel roads becoming soft during rain as per user reviews.

Nearby places

Grayling: approximately 10 miles (no travel time specified)

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Wakeley Lake Area

From May through September, Wakeley Lake transforms into a summer sanctuary where comfortable temperatures invite outdoor exploration. The season brings a delightful mix of sun-drenched days perfect for paddling and cool evenings ideal for campfire conversations. As summer progresses, clear skies become increasingly common, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities far from city lights. The dry humidity typical of the region ensures comfortable camping conditions, while occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and vibrant throughout the season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and enjoyed May–Sept; summer offers comfortable temps and canoeing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Season ends Sept 30 but early fall likely offers good foliage and quieter conditions; reviews favor warm months.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 1; late spring offers nesting season overlap and good wildlife viewing though not full spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Sept 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1 – September 30
Current Alerts: Null

About Wakeley Lake Area

Escape into the pristine wilderness of Wakeley Lake Campground, where five secluded walk-in sites await those seeking true solitude. Nestled within 2,100 acres of protected semi-primitive nonmotorized area, this hidden gem offers an intimate connection with nature. Here, the haunting calls of loons echo across the water while majestic eagles soar overhead, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your wilderness adventure. Whether you're paddling the serene waters, hiking through ancient forests, or simply observing the abundant wildlife, Wakeley Lake provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in Michigan's untouched natural beauty.

Wakeley Lake Campground consists of 5 walk-in sites, promoting a semi-primitive camping experience in a nonmotorized area.

Historical SignificanceWakeley Lake holds a special place in the hearts of generations of outdoor enthusiasts who have found solace in its tranquil waters and whispering pines. This cherished landscape has served as a personal retreat for countless families, creating lasting memories and deep connections to the land that continue to draw visitors back year after year.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Wakeley Lake transforms into a summer sanctuary where comfortable temperatures invite outdoor exploration. The season brings a delightful mix of sun-drenched days perfect for paddling and cool evenings ideal for campfire conversations. As summer progresses, clear skies become increasingly common, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities far from city lights. The dry humidity typical of the region ensures comfortable camping conditions, while occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and vibrant throughout the season.

ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain makes it accessible to hikers and paddlers of all skill levels, offering easy exploration of the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of ecosystems unfolds across Wakeley Lake's landscape, where ancient forests meet pristine waters in perfect harmony. Towering white pines stand sentinel alongside sturdy oaks, their canopy sheltering a diverse understory that transitions from upland ridges to mysterious tag alder swamps. The lake itself tells a story of ecological diversity, its crystalline waters gradually giving way to marsh areas teeming with life. These wetland edges serve as nurseries for countless species and prime hunting grounds for the resident eagles, while the open waters provide the perfect stage for loons to perform their mesmerizing twilight serenades.

Geological RegionThis remarkable semi-primitive landscape showcases nature's intricate design through its diverse forest communities. Ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain where conifer-dominated lowlands rise to meet oak-studded ridges, creating a mosaic of habitats. The interplay between upland forests of jack pine and white pine with wetland areas of tag alder and conifer swamps demonstrates the dynamic natural processes that have shaped this protected wilderness over millennia.

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Check-in

Open 24 hours a day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours a day.

Stay Limit

No stated maximum stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specified maximum number of guests per site.

Groups

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

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNo details provided about specific site layout.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-in only. No reservations described.

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for Wakeley Lake Campground.

Site SizeThe campground has 5 walk-in campsites, but specific size descriptions are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not described for individual campsites.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesNull

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Wakeley Lake Campground can engage in hiking, wildlife viewing, and canoeing. The area is particularly noted for its diverse habitat, which supports loons and eagles. The annual fishing season runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30, with catch-and-release only using artificial lures. Boat access is carry-in only.

HikingThe area provides moderately sized hiking opportunities, as mentioned in both authoritative content and user reviews. The trails are surrounded by a forested setting, offering diverse vegetation like tag alder, conifer swamps, and upland jack and white pine mixed with oak.

FishingFishing is permitted in Wakeley Lake during the annual fishing season, which runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30. Catch-and-release is mandatory, and only artificial lures are allowed.

BoatingCanoeing is strongly emphasized as a popular activity at Wakeley Lake. Boat access is carry-in only, according to authoritative sources.

Wildlife viewingWakeley Lake is known for its diverse wildlife, including loons and eagles. Visitors are encouraged to view loons nesting from a distance during their nesting season from March 1 to July 15.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight that gravel roads may soften during rain. Forest hazards such as deep water in the lake are mentioned.

Active AlertsNull

Fire PolicyNull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station and District Office at 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647. Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed on federal holidays). Ranger station contact: (989) 826-3252.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not addressed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesWakeley Lake is nearby and accessible for canoeing and wildlife viewing.

Camp HostReviews are mixed regarding hosts. Some users found them helpful and accommodating, while others complained of strictness.

Weather at Wakeley Lake Area

Reviews

4.6

55 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews provide a mixed perspective on Wakeley Lake Campground. While some appreciate its natural beauty and rustic style, others have expressed dissatisfaction with hosts or specific campground features.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently compliment the natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing and canoeing. Quotes such as "Beautiful National Forest Campground" and "Great rustic...

Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily focus on interactions with campground hosts and unlevel campsites. One user stated, "I was literally followed into camp every time I left by the camp host," while another...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend respecting wildlife viewing guidelines, particularly during loon nesting season. Canoeing enthusiasts might find Wakeley Lake appealing due to its carry-in access. Bringing a...

Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is most appreciated during warmer months when outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing are more accessible. However, interactions with hosts and site conditions have...

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Beautiful little lake. The National Forest Campground is really nice and maintained." - "Love this place it's a great rustic camping experience." - "The campground host's were a wonderful couple....

Based on 55 reviews