Wakeley Lake Area
4.5923 reviews107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
May 1 – September 30
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
May 1 – September 30
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider989-826-3252Null
What Campers Say
4.59
Top-Rated
Based on 23 reviews
50 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."
Fees & Passes at Wakeley Lake Area
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: No stated maximum stay limit.
Cancellation: Null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mio Ranger Station and District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for Wakeley Lake Campground.
Sites SizeThe campground has 5 walk-in campsites, but specific size descriptions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not described for individual campsites.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo details provided about specific site layout.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 1 – September 30
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-in only. No reservations described.
Cancellation PolicyNull
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Boating
Canoeing is strongly emphasized as a popular activity at Wakeley Lake. Boat access is carry-in only, according to authoritative sources.Wildlife viewing
Wakeley 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
Winter activities are not detailed for Wakeley Lake Campground.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to canoeing, which is explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight that gravel roads may soften during rain. Forest hazards such as deep water in the lake are mentioned.
Active alertsNull
Weather at Wakeley Lake Area
20
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Mio 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not addressed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresWakeley Lake is nearby and accessible for canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention unlevel sites, gravel issues during rain, and strictness of campground hosts.
HostReviews are mixed regarding hosts. Some users found them helpful and accommodating, while others complained of strictness.
Campground Map
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
23 reviews
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 23 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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsShow more
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 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details, such as specific site numbers, are not provided in the user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically addressed in user reviews, but no concerns or praises about accessibility were noted.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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