Black Creek State Forest Campground

Star4.34
124 reviews
Black Creek State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Black Creek State Forest Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee $20 per site.
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
(800) 447-2757
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 124 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespacioushiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors generally describe Black Creek State Forest Campground as a quiet, scenic and well‑kept rustic campground with good creek access for paddling and fishing. Reviews praise shaded, spacious sites and clean vault toilets, while some visitors report heavy mosquitoes, occasional noise from other campers, and gated/seasonal access issues."

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Campground Map

Black Creek State Forest Campground

Black Creek State Forest Campground

42.3156, -85.3416

Driving directionsLocated in Midland County: three miles northwest of Sanford via Saginaw Road and West River Road; about 11.6 miles northeast of Midland via US-10 E.
Accessible from US-10 E to local roads (Saginaw Road and West River Road); campground sits along Black Creek near N. West River Road.
Nearby places
Sanford — ~3 miles southeast
Midland — ~11.6 miles southwest

Best Time to Camp at Black Creek State Forest Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Great for paddling and fishing in summer, but reviewers report heavy mosquitoes at times.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Wooded creekside sites likely show fall colors and offer quieter conditions than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Good fishing and paddling in spring, though season can be wet/buggy; campground remains rustic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Nearby trails support cross‑country skiing; campground is rustic but may be usable in winter.

Planning Tips

    About Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Nestled along the tranquil waters of Black Creek, this rustic equestrian campground welcomes riders and their horses to a shaded forest retreat. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay—fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables, gravel pads, and picket poles with sand footing for your equine companions, plus hand-pumped potable water and vault toilets throughout the grounds.
    Rustic (primitive) equestrian campground with tent and trailer sites; several sites accessible from the water for paddle‑in camping.
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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Small, rustic riverside campground focused on paddling, fishing and trail recreation; nearby multi‑use trails provide hiking, mountain biking and cross‑country skiing opportunities.
    HikingNearby Pine Haven Pathway (about a 5‑minute drive) and local trail networks offer hiking opportunities; regional trails (Pere Marquette corridor) are also accessible from the area.
    FishingFishing on Black Creek is popular; species reported include bass, walleye, perch, pike, trout and panfish.
    Biking
    Boating
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be severe in some seasons; creek banks are steep or mucky in places, which can limit easy water access. No electrical hookups; nights can be very dark.

    Weather at Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    124 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Black Creek State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors generally describe Black Creek State Forest Campground as a quiet, scenic and well‑kept rustic campground with good creek access for paddling and fishing. Reviews praise shaded, spacious sites and clean vault toilets, while some visitors report heavy mosquitoes, occasional noise from other campers, and gated/seasonal access issues.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 124 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Shaded, wooded creekside setting; good paddling and fishing access; several spacious sites (some waterfront); clean vault toilets; inexpensive ($20/night) and first‑come, first‑serve convenience;...
    Show more
    Based on 124 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early for creek‑side sites (first‑come, first‑serve). Bring strong insect protection and lighting (no electric hookups). Be self‑sufficient (no showers, rustic facilities). If paddling, be...
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    Based on 124 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    Examples from reviews: 'Very quiet and peaceful.'; 'No complaints. Outhouses. No showers.'; 'Mosquitos are atrocious.'; 'Great little primitive campground.'
    Based on 124 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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