Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)

4.35

51 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bass 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

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 786-2351

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 51 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)

46.2634, -87.5865

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)

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Swimming, fishing, and paddling readily available; summer is a primary season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Forested setting implies strong fall color and scenic, quiet conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Good fishing/paddling early season but access and muddy conditions may limit visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but access roads and loop not plowed; snowshoe-in/backcountry only.

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

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

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.

FishingBass Lake is stocked with rainbow trout; panfish and bass are also present. Nearby Pike Lake and the Shag Lakes offer additional fishing opportunities.

SwimmingSwimming is commonly done from sites and the lakeshore; a grassy picnic area near the water provides shore access (no developed beach facilities).

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAdjacent 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)

Reviews

4.4

51 reviews

Recommended

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 51 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 51 reviews

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 51 reviews

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 51 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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