Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
4.3543 reviewsBass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
22 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No fee information listed on page. Sites are first-come, first-serve and no on-site reservations are taken.
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(906) 786-2351
What Campers Say
4.35
Recommended
Based on 43 reviews
44 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietshadewaterlake
"Reviews are generally positive about the quiet, scenic lakeside setting, good fishing and swimming; some users praise the private, shaded lakeside sites. Common criticisms focus on limited upkeep, rustic vault toilets and occasional noisy or inconsiderate campers."
Best Time to Camp at Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
While the campground welcomes adventurers year-round, winter visitors should come prepared for true backcountry conditions—the access roads and campground loop aren't plowed, making this a snowshoe-in or ski-in destination when the snow flies. Spring through fall offers classic Upper Peninsula weather: warm, pleasant summers perfect for paddling and fishing, vibrant autumn colors that paint the surrounding forest in brilliant hues, and crisp spring days ideal for spotting wildlife as the forest awakens.
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 year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
About Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
Escape to Bass Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked along the peaceful eastern shore of Bass Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This intimate, rustic retreat offers just what nature lovers crave: shaded campsites nestled in dense forest, direct lake access for paddlers and anglers, and the authentic wilderness experience that comes with basic amenities and pack-it-in, pack-it-out camping.
Rustic, single-loop lakeside campground accommodating tents and trailers; first-come, first-served.
Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes adventurers year-round, winter visitors should come prepared for true backcountry conditions—the access roads and campground loop aren't plowed, making this a snowshoe-in or ski-in destination when the snow flies. Spring through fall offers classic Upper Peninsula weather: warm, pleasant summers perfect for paddling and fishing, vibrant autumn colors that paint the surrounding forest in brilliant hues, and crisp spring days ideal for spotting wildlife as the forest awakens.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up beneath a canopy of mixed hardwoods and conifers, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves and the morning mist rises off Bass Lake just steps from your tent. The campground's single loop winds through heavily wooded terrain that provides natural privacy between sites, while several lucky campers enjoy direct waterfront access or short woodland paths leading to the shoreline. A sunny grassy picnic area at the water's edge—complete with picnic tables—offers the perfect spot for morning coffee or sunset watching, and the gravel boat launch makes it easy to get your kayak, canoe, or small fishing boat onto the water for a day of exploration.
Geological RegionMarquette County, central Upper Peninsula of Michigan
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Campsite details
Total Campsites22 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-serve; no reservations)
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lakeside, rustic campground offering fishing, paddling/small-boat use, a gravel boat launch, picnic area, ORV/motorcycle trail access and hunting access on adjacent state land. Open year-round but roads and campground are not plowed in winter.
Fishing
Bass Lake is stocked with rainbow trout; panfish and bass are also present. Nearby Pike Lake and the Shag Lakes offer additional fishing opportunities.Swimming
Swimming is commonly done from sites and the lakeshore; a grassy picnic area near the water provides shore access (no developed beach facilities).Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsAdjacent state land is open to hunting (firearm hunting not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling). Winter access is limited because roads and the campground are not plowed. Seasonal insects and typical U.P. wildlife may be present.
Weather at Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
27
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 10 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsMaintenance and upkeep can be lacking; vault toilets sometimes in poor condition or full; occasional problems with noisy campers, generators and unleashed or noisy dogs; no on-site trash barrels so improper trash disposal by some campers is an issue.
Campground Map
Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)
Driving directionsCampground is located 10 miles west of Gwinn via M-35 North, Horseshoe Lake Road and West Crooked Lake Lane (listed also as W. Crooked Lake Ln. off of M-35, ~5 miles north of Gwinn).
Accessible from M-35 via local forest roads (Horseshoe Lake Road / W. Crooked Lake Ln.).Nearby places
Gwinn — approximately 10 miles (nearest town for supplies).
Nearby supplies
Gwinn (approximately 10 miles east)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
43 reviews
Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive about the quiet, scenic lakeside setting, good fishing and swimming; some users praise the private, shaded lakeside sites. Common criticisms focus on limited upkeep, rustic vault toilets and occasional noisy or inconsiderate campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Quiet, scenic lakeside campground; good fishing and paddling; several sites have direct water access; large, shaded sites and a pleasant picnic area with two tables at the water's edge. Works well...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early on busy weekends (first-come, first-served). Pack out trash and use the Gwinn Field Office dumpsters. Bring insect repellent, cleaning supplies and be prepared for rustic facilities....
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great little campground with a nice swimming spot."; "Only 22 sites... rustic, no electricity, peaceful..."; "I stayed here for a week and it was absolutely awful... loud, generators running"...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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