Is Big Bear Point State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Bear Point State Forest Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground?

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Bear Point State Forest Campground have?

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground?

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

4 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,243 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,243 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)

Get Directions

Big Bear Point 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

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 732-5485

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlake

"Reviewers rate the campground highly for its quiet, rustic character and easy lake access; visitors highlight family-friendly atmosphere and good boating access. Reviews note very basic facilities—vault toilets and no running water on the campground side—and recommend bringing your own water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

44.9420, -84.3880

Nearby places

Vienna Corners - ~1.75 miles (southwest)

located in Otsego County

Best Time to Camp at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Summer is the main season here. Daytime highs run 70–85°F, nights drop into the 50s and 60s. Warm enough for comfortable tent camping and the best lake temperatures for swimming and paddling. The small lakeside sites fill fast on weekends during summer months. Shoulder seasons are quieter but the water's cold and the boat launch sees less use. Cell service is spotty across the campground, though signals improve near the lake and road.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer highs 70–85°F; best season for swimming, paddling and tent camping per overview.

Planning Tips

About Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground sits on the north shore of Big Bear Lake in Otsego County, offering 14 rustic tent and small-RV sites available first-come, first-served. The campground keeps it simple. Vault toilets, a hand-pump well for water, and an on-site boat launch. It's a quiet spot for paddling, fishing, and hiking the trails that run directly from camp into the surrounding state forest.

Rustic, first-come-first-served state forest campground serving tent campers and small trailers with primitive facilities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the main season here. Daytime highs run 70–85°F, nights drop into the 50s and 60s. Warm enough for comfortable tent camping and the best lake temperatures for swimming and paddling. The small lakeside sites fill fast on weekends during summer months. Shoulder seasons are quieter but the water's cold and the boat launch sees less use. Cell service is spotty across the campground, though signals improve near the lake and road.

Natural Features and SceneryEvergreens crowd the shoreline where the forest meets Big Bear Lake. The campground sits at 1,243 feet elevation in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, surrounded by dense pines and hardwoods. The Big Bear Point and Big Bear Lake Pathway trails wind from the campground into the state forest, good for morning hikes or mountain bike loops. Lake levels shift seasonally, changing beach access depending on when you visit. At dawn the lake is glassy and quiet; after dark the stars are sharp through the canopy.

Geological RegionOtsego County (northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan)

Scenic ViewsLakefront and wooded views of Big Bear Lake and surrounding evergreen forest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites14 campsites

Best CampsitesSites farther from the boat launch stay quieter, especially on busy weekends when trailers and small boats cycle through. Lake-adjacent sites offer the easiest water access and morning views but expect more foot traffic. If you want solitude, skip the spots near the launch and main road.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with basic, non‑modern facilities: vault toilets and a hand‑pump potable water source. No reservations; first‑come, first‑served sites.

Potable water

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Small, rustic campground located on Big Bear Lake with direct water access and nearby trails for hiking and mountain biking. Fishing and paddling are commonly enjoyed from the campground; a boat launch is located within the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers rate the campground highly for its quiet, rustic character and easy lake access; visitors highlight family-friendly atmosphere and good boating access. Reviews note very basic facilities—vault toilets and no running water on the campground side—and recommend bringing your own water.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, wooded/rustic setting; direct lake access and on-site boat launch; good spots for small boats and family outings; generally well-liked by campers.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and supplies; expect first-come-first-served availability; consider choosing a site away from the boat launch for greater quiet/privacy.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground

Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground sits on the north shore of its namesake lake in Otsego County, offering 31 primitive sites in a wooded setting at 1,283 feet elevation. The campground operates first-come, first-served and fills quickly during summer weekends. Expect vault toilets, a hand-pump well, and lakefront access to sandy, shallow swimming areas.

Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp

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Avery Lake State Forest Campground

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Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Walsh Road Equestrian sits on the Shore-to-Shore Trail in the jack pine forests near Grayling, offering 2 primitive sites for horse campers and self-sufficient tent campers. The $15/night campground has vault toilets and potable water but requires a long drive on rough roads to reach. No cell service.

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Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground

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Round Lake State Forest Campground

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Jones Lake State Forest Campground

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Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

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Jackson Lake State Forest Campground

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Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

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Campgrounds

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Big Bear Point State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

This beautiful, rustic campground sits on the north shore of Big Bear Lake surrounded by proud evergreens. Visitors enjoy the lake, fishing, hiking and mountain biking on Big Bear Lake Pathway A boat launch is located within the campground and provides easy access for boating and fishing. There are 14 sites for tent and small trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 1.75 miles southwest of Vienna Corners via Principal Meridian Road and Little Bear Lake Road. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .

Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

What Campers Say

Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

About Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Weather at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Camper Quotes

From Michigan DNR

Plan a trip to Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

What Campers Say

Best Time to Camp at Big Bear Point State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Camper Quotes