Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.32
19 reviews
Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No reservations; sites are first-come, first-serve. Official fee not listed in the provided source; user reviews mention roughly $15–$20 per night.
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) 339-4461

What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanwater

Some mention

smallcell service

"Reviewers consistently praise the lakeside location, quiet/remote setting, clean basic facilities (vault toilets) and good fishing/paddling access. Common criticisms are the small number of sites, minimal privacy, lack of hookups/showers, occasional muddy or flooded conditions, and limited shade."

Read all reviews


Best Time to Camp at Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

The campground welcomes visitors year-round without official seasonal closures, though it's worth noting that heavy rains can turn the grounds muddy—pack accordingly if you're visiting during spring thaw or after summer storms. The open terrain means you'll feel the full force of Upper Peninsula weather, from crisp autumn mornings perfect for coffee by the lake to warm summer days ideal for swimming and paddling.

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

    About Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked away on the shores of Beaufort Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this intimate seven-site campground offers the kind of rustic lakeside escape that feels like a well-kept secret. With vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and a first-come, first-served policy (15-day max stay), it's perfect for campers seeking simplicity, starlit skies, and the gentle sounds of lapping waves.
    Rustic state forest campground (first‑come, first‑served) with seven tent and small‑trailer sites on Beaufort Lake; no hookups or reservations.
    Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors year-round without official seasonal closures, though it's worth noting that heavy rains can turn the grounds muddy—pack accordingly if you're visiting during spring thaw or after summer storms. The open terrain means you'll feel the full force of Upper Peninsula weather, from crisp autumn mornings perfect for coffee by the lake to warm summer days ideal for swimming and paddling.
    Natural Features and SceneryBeaufort Lake's 462 acres stretch out before you, connecting to neighboring George and Ruth Lakes in a chain of pristine waters that beckon paddlers and anglers alike. Unlike densely wooded campgrounds, this spot features an open, grassy layout that lets the sky dominate the view—several sites perch right at the water's edge, where you can launch your kayak before breakfast or cast a line as the sun sets. The rural setting wraps you in quietude, with nothing but birdsong and the occasional fish jumping to break the silence.
    Geological RegionEscanaba River State Forest, western Upper Peninsula (U.P.)
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsites7 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

    Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lakeside recreation focused on fishing, paddling and boating; hunting access to surrounding state land; noted for quiet, remote setting and good night-sky viewing.
    Fishing
    Beaufort Lake supports walleye, perch and northern pike; lakeside sites and a boat ramp facilitate angling.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsAdjacent state forest lands are open to hunting during season—campers should be aware of hunting seasons and safety zones. Ground can become muddy after rain; limited shade and little privacy between sites may increase exposure to sun and insects. Water is from a hand-pump well (potable per DNR), though some users have reported discoloration.

    Weather at Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

    26
    °F
    Dec 26
    Friday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 77%
    Wind: 14.5 mph
    Overcast

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    Good to know

    Common complaintsSites are close together with little privacy; no showers or electrical/water/sewer hookups; ground can be muddy or flood after rain; some reviewers reported discolored/tasting hand‑pump water and spotty cell service; very small (7 sites) so it can fill quickly.

    Campground Map

    Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground
    Driving directionsLocated 1.5 miles southeast of Three Lakes via US-41 and Beaufort Road.
    Accessible via US-41 and Beaufort Road; campground is on local roads 1.5 miles from Three Lakes.
    Nearby places
    Three Lakes — 1.5 miles

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.3
    19 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers consistently praise the lakeside location, quiet/remote setting, clean basic facilities (vault toilets) and good fishing/paddling access. Common criticisms are the small number of sites, minimal privacy, lack of hookups/showers, occasional muddy or flooded conditions, and limited shade.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 19 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Lakeside sites with pretty views and direct lake access; good for fishing (walleye, perch, northern pike) and paddling; quiet, remote atmosphere with excellent night‑sky viewing; reviewers report...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early because sites are first‑come, first‑served; bring shade, insect protection and extra water if concerned about taste; pack out trash; be self‑sufficient (no hookups or services nearby);...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Right on the lake"; "there's zero privacy between sites"; "Vault toilet door locks you in if you aren't careful."
    Based on 19 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 13, 2025
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