Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

0 review

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

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Campground Map

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

41.8248, -84.2597

Driving directionsAbout 10.6 miles southeast of Traverse City via US-31 and Three Mile Road; located on N. Arbutus Lake Road on the northwest shore of Arbutus Lake #4.

Accessible from US-31 and Three Mile Road; campground located on N. Arbutus Lake Road approximately 10–11 miles from Traverse City.

Nearby places

Traverse City — ~10.6 miles

Best Time to Camp at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

The campground welcomes visitors from early April through November, offering everything from spring's fresh awakening to autumn's spectacular color show. Summer weekends draw fellow nature lovers seeking this hidden gem, so arriving early in the day gives you the best chance to claim your perfect spot among the trees. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer even more solitude for those seeking a truly peaceful escape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming, boating and busy but pleasant weekends on the lake.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through November with a noted 'spectacular color show' in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open early April; spring 'fresh awakening' noted, though cooler water limits swimming early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; season runs early April through November.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open early April through November

About Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to the tranquil northwest shore of Arbutus Lake #4, where 25 rustic campsites nestle among towering trees, perfect for tents and small trailers. This peaceful, first-come, first-served retreat welcomes you from early April through November with a sandy beach, boat launch, and the kind of quiet that reminds you why you love the outdoors.

A rustic, state forest campground (first‑come, first‑served) with 25 tent/small‑trailer sites and 11 tent‑only sites; includes at least one cabin listed in the DNR description.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors from early April through November, offering everything from spring's fresh awakening to autumn's spectacular color show. Summer weekends draw fellow nature lovers seeking this hidden gem, so arriving early in the day gives you the best chance to claim your perfect spot among the trees. Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer even more solitude for those seeking a truly peaceful escape.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up beneath a canopy of mature beech and maple trees, their leaves filtering the morning sunlight across your campsite. The rolling, wooded terrain creates natural privacy between sites, while the sandy beach beckons just steps away. Your gateway to adventure awaits at the universally accessible boat launch, where you can explore Arbutus Lake #4 and its four connected sister lakes—a paddler's paradise of interconnected waterways waiting to be discovered.

Geological RegionPere Marquette State Forest area; hilly northern hardwood forest (beech and maple) on the shore of Arbutus Lake #4

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Activities center on lake-based recreation (boating, paddling, fishing, swimming) and hunting access on adjacent state land.

FishingAnglers catch black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish and yellow perch in Arbutus Lake.

SwimmingSandy beach area adjacent to the campground on Arbutus Lake #4 for swimming.

Boating

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRustic facilities only (vault toilets, hand-pump potable water); some sites are steep or unlevel and may be unsuitable for larger RVs. Nearby state forest lands are open to hunting; firearms are not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.