Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open early April thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

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.

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)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsites25 campsites

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen early April through November

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations accepted)

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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

Fishing

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

Swimming

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

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsRustic 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.

Weather at Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 10.4 mph

Overcast

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Campground Map

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

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