Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.31
29 reviews
Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,621 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
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

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 339-4461
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What Campers Say

4.31

Satisfactory

Based on 29 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."

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Campground Map

Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

46.5478, -88.1889

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

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, paddling, fishing and swimming on a 462-acre lake.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely good for solitude, foliage and stargazing though fewer water activities than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Fishing and paddling possible; reviews warn heavy rains and muddy/flooded conditions in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but no winter amenities or activities documented; UP winters may limit access.

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.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    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.
    FishingBeaufort Lake supports walleye, perch and northern pike; lakeside sites and a boat ramp facilitate angling.
    Boating
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsAdjacent 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

    Reviews

    4.3
    29 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 29 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 29 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 29 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 29 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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