Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.31
58 reviews
Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 785-4388

What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 58 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."

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About Avery Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to your own slice of wilderness at Avery Lake State Forest Campground, where 16 intimate campsites—including three walk-in tent sites right on the beach—are tucked beneath a canopy of towering hardwoods. This rustic retreat keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump well water, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with stays up to 15 days.
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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight dancing across Avery Lake, just steps from your tent. The campground embraces the shoreline, wrapping around the water's edge where mixed hardwood forest meets pristine lake. Several prime sites offer direct waterfront access—perfect for sliding your kayak in at dawn, cooling off with an afternoon swim, or casting a line as the day winds down. A small beach and picnic area provide the ideal spot for lazy afternoons, while the boat launch makes exploring the lake's hidden coves effortless. The dense forest canopy creates a secluded, peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Geological RegionMontmorency County, northern Lower Peninsula
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Campsite details

Total Campsites16 campsites

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are 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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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
Avery Lake supports perch, bass, pike, bluegill and walleye; additional nearby fishing at Crooked Lake and the Thunder Bay River is noted.
Swimming
Swimming is available in Avery Lake; campground has a small beach/lakeside access.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsTypical 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).

Weather at Avery Lake State Forest Campground

24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 9.7 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Good to know

Common complaintsFacilities are very rustic (no showers, no electricity or hookups); can be buggy (mosquitoes) at times; fishing is reported as hit-or-miss; campground can fill up quickly on popular weekends.

Campground Map

Avery Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated 9 miles southwest of Atlanta via County Road 487 and Avery Lake Road.
Accessible via County Road 487 and Avery Lake Road.
Nearby places
Atlanta (9 miles SW)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3
58 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Avery Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 58 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 58 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...
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Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful"; "Very well taken care of."; "Rustic, small. Perfect for privacy."; "Amazing campground bathrooms but no shower right on the lake."
Based on 58 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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