Is Avery Lake State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Avery Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Avery Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Avery Lake State Forest Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Avery Lake State Forest Campground?

Avery Lake State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Avery Lake State Forest Campground have?

Avery Lake State Forest Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Avery Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Avery Lake State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Avery Lake State Forest Campground?

Avery Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Avery Lake State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Avery Lake State Forest Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Avery Lake State Forest Campground

4.17

63 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)

Get Directions

Avery Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fee amounts listed on source. Sites are first-come, first-serve; no reservations.

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

(989) 785-4388

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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakebeach

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (many 5-star comments), highlighting a secluded, well-maintained, scenic lakeside campground with clean vault toilets and large, private sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Avery Lake State Forest Campground

44.9317, -84.1871

Nearby places

Atlanta (9 miles SW)

Best Time to Camp at Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Summer is the sweet spot here, with daytime highs in the 75–85°F range and nights dropping to 55–65°F. The lake is warm enough for swimming, and weather is stable for boating and fishing. Bugs (especially mosquitoes) are common in warm months. Arrive early on weekends if you want a lakeshore site. The campground is remote, so plan for limited cell service regardless of season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the 'sweet spot' with 75–85°F days; lake warm for swimming and stable boating/fishing weather.

Planning Tips

About Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Avery Lake State Forest Campground offers 16 rustic sites on a quiet lake in northern Lower Peninsula forest, including three walk-in beach sites with direct water access. The campground is first-come, first-served with vault toilets and hand-pump water. It fills quickly on summer weekends.

Rustic, first-come-first-served campground with 16 sites for tent camping and small trailers; three walk-in tent-only lakeside sites; 15-day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the sweet spot here, with daytime highs in the 75–85°F range and nights dropping to 55–65°F. The lake is warm enough for swimming, and weather is stable for boating and fishing. Bugs (especially mosquitoes) are common in warm months. Arrive early on weekends if you want a lakeshore site. The campground is remote, so plan for limited cell service regardless of season.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around Avery Lake's shoreline at 968 feet elevation, with mixed hardwood forest providing shade and privacy. Several sites sit directly on the water, making it easy to launch a kayak, swim, or fish from your campsite. A small beach and boat launch provide lake access. The forest canopy is dense enough to create real seclusion between sites. Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk.

Geological RegionMontmorency County, northern Lower Peninsula

Scenic ViewsWooded lake views from many sites; several sites are lakefront or close to the water and the walk-in tent sites offer direct beach access and shoreline views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (Michigan DNR reservation platform) — note: this campground is NOT reservable; sites are first-come, first-serve.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Best CampsitesThe three walk-in beach tent sites are the most sought-after for privacy and direct shoreline access. Several drive-in sites also sit on or near the lake and offer easier gear access if you're bringing a boat or heavier equipment.

Amenities available

Secluded, rustic campground with basic facilities: vault toilets and a hand-pump providing potable water. No electricity, hookups, or dump station; picnic area with tables and grills.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Small, rustic lakeside campground offering fishing, paddling/boating, wildlife viewing and access to nearby ORV routes and state land for hunting. On-site amenities include a boat launch, picnic area and lakeside access.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTypical lakeside/forest hazards apply: insects (mosquitoes, ticks), wildlife, and remoteness with limited on-site services. ORV traffic on nearby roads/trails may create occasional noise or dust; hunting is allowed on surrounding state lands (observe hunting safety rules).

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Avery Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (many 5-star comments), highlighting a secluded, well-maintained, scenic lakeside campground with clean vault toilets and large, private sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, quiet lake setting with good boat launch and lakeside access; well-maintained and clean campground and outhouses; several large, private sites and three desirable walk-in beach tent sites.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for best site selection (first-come, first-served). Bring necessary supplies and drinking water containers due to limited on-site services. Expect bugs in warm months and limited cell...

Based on 63 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(19)

Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground

Little Wolf Lake State Forest Campground sits on a wooded shoreline 3 miles southeast of Lewiston in Montmorency County. The 24 first-come, first-served sites remain rustic: vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and a 15-day maximum stay. Launch a kayak from your campsite or fish the shoreline without motors or crowds, especially midweek.