Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
4.6458 reviewsBig Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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) 732-5485
What Campers Say
4.64
Top-Rated
Based on 58 reviews
58 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietspaciouslakefriendly
Some mention
noise
"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (many 5-star comments). Users consistently praise the peaceful, woodsy, lakefront setting, spacious sites, and good swimming and fishing; common caveats relate to the rustic facilities and summer crowding."
Best Time to Camp at Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Summer is when Big Bear Lake truly shines, with warm lake waters and perfect camping weather drawing visitors to this popular spot—arrive early or plan ahead, as sites fill quickly during peak months. For the best trail riding and easiest shoreline exploration, time your visit during dry weather when the forest paths are at their prime.
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 Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Escape to this hidden gem on Big Bear Lake's north shore, where towering evergreens and hardwoods create your own private woodland retreat. This intimate, rustic campground keeps things beautifully simple—just you, the forest, and steps to a sandy beach on warm, shallow waters perfect for summer swimming.
Rustic/primitive lakeside campground primarily for tent camping with some sites that can accommodate trailers; no utility hookups.
Weather and SeasonsSummer is when Big Bear Lake truly shines, with warm lake waters and perfect camping weather drawing visitors to this popular spot—arrive early or plan ahead, as sites fill quickly during peak months. For the best trail riding and easiest shoreline exploration, time your visit during dry weather when the forest paths are at their prime.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in your tent surrounded by a cathedral of dense evergreens and mixed hardwoods, with Big Bear Lake's inviting waters just a short walk away. The campground's sandy, gently sloping shoreline makes lake access effortless, and in summer, the protected waters warm to perfect swimming temperatures. Your adventure extends beyond the campground too—nearby Little Bear Lake and miles of contiguous state forest create an expansive wilderness playground, while the Big Bear Lake Pathway's Eagle Roost and Beaver Lodge loops beckon hikers and mountain bikers to explore rugged forest trails winding through this pristine landscape.
Geological RegionOtsego County, within managed state forest land
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Campsite details
Total Campsites31 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Small, wooded lakeside campground offering lake access for swimming, paddling and fishing, forest trails for hiking and mountain biking, and wildlife viewing; nearby boat launch at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground.
Hiking
Big Bear Lake Pathway (rough forest trail) with about 2.5 miles total split into the 1.8-mile Eagle Roost Loop and 1.0-mile Beaver Lodge Loop; trails are rough and better suited to mountain bikes and sturdy shoes.Fishing
Big Bear Lake supports panfish, pike and musky (also bass noted in some reports).Swimming
Sandy, gently sloping shoreline with relatively shallow, warm water in summer; cited as good for small children and general swimming.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRustic, uneven compacted-dirt sites with roots and slopes; no electric hookups, no showers, and potable water is from a hand-pump well (bring water containers). Typical forest insects and wildlife may be present; hunting is allowed on surrounding state land (with standard setback rules). Cell coverage may be spotty; nearby ORV/ATV trails could produce occasional noise.
Weather at Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 12.2 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsRustic facilities (vault/pit toilets, no electricity, no showers), uneven/compacted dirt sites that can be sloped or rooted, and the campground often fills up or is busy during peak summer weekends; occasional noise from generators or other campers at night.
Campground Map
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated in Otsego County about 1.5 miles southwest of Vienna Corners via Principal Meridian and Little Bear Lake roads.
Access via local roads (Principal Meridian and Little Bear Lake roads); approximately a 20-minute drive to Gaylord, MI.Nearby places
Gaylord, MI (about 20 minutes' drive)
Nearby supplies
Gaylord, MI (about 20 minutes' drive) for groceries, gas, and supplies
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
58 reviews
Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (many 5-star comments). Users consistently praise the peaceful, woodsy, lakefront setting, spacious sites, and good swimming and fishing; common caveats relate to the rustic facilities and summer crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful, quiet lakeside setting with many lakefront sites; spacious campsites; good swimming, fishing and paddling; family-friendly and nature-focused (loons/ducks frequently noted).
Based on 58 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early in summer (campground fills up often and operates first-come, first-served). Bring potable water or water containers (site has a hand-pump well but campers are advised to bring drinking...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
“Totally rustic, bring a generator.”; “Nice primitive campground with lake access. Very quiet and laid back and family friendly.”; “Big lots, right on the lake.”; “Very busy during peak season.”
Based on 58 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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