Carney Lake State Forest Campground
4.3330 reviewsCarney Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Carney 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(906) 875-3324
What Campers Say
4.33
Recommended
Based on 30 reviews
30 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietlakesites
"Visitors consistently praise the campground as a quiet, scenic, rustic spot with several lakeside sites and large, private campsites. Most reviews are highly positive (many 5-star), highlighting solitude, lake access, and overall natural setting."
Best Time to Camp at Carney Lake State Forest Campground
Experience the Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasonal beauty, from vibrant summer days perfect for swimming and fishing to crisp fall mornings alive with color. Keep in mind that Mother Nature rules here—spring thaws and rainy periods can transform access roads into muddy adventures, so check current conditions before heading out. The campground operates seasonally, so contact local forest service offices for specific opening and closing dates.
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 Carney Lake State Forest Campground
Escape to the peaceful shores of Carney Lake, where 16 intimate campsites nestle along the water's edge and beneath towering forest canopy. This rustic, first-come, first-served campground delivers an authentic back-to-nature experience with vault toilets, hand-pump water, and endless opportunities for fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, and exploring nearby trails and ORV routes.
Rustic state forest campground with 16 sites for tent and small trailer use; first-come, first-served; 15-day maximum stay.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasonal beauty, from vibrant summer days perfect for swimming and fishing to crisp fall mornings alive with color. Keep in mind that Mother Nature rules here—spring thaws and rainy periods can transform access roads into muddy adventures, so check current conditions before heading out. The campground operates seasonally, so contact local forest service offices for specific opening and closing dates.
Natural Features and SceneryCarney Lake's crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding tapestry of hardwoods and conifers that shelter this secluded campground. Roughly half the sites claim prime lakefront real estate, where you can cast a line or launch your boat right from your doorstep, while interior sites offer peaceful forest seclusion beneath a canopy of pines and maples. Whether you're waking up to sunrise over the water or falling asleep to the whisper of wind through the trees, you'll feel worlds away from everyday life.
Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Dickinson County); mixed hardwood-conifer forest surrounding an inland lake
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Campsite details
Total Campsites16 campsites
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 not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rustic lakeside campground offering fishing, paddling/boating access, wildlife viewing, hiking and nearby ORV/ATV trail access. Boat launch and picnic/day-use area adjacent to the campground.
Hiking
Opportunities for hiking in the surrounding mixed hardwood/conifer forest and around the lake.Fishing
Fishing on Carney Lake; reported species include walleye, panfish and pike.Swimming
Lake access for swimming; some visitors report the posted swimming area can be overgrown and not always usable.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRough/muddy access road conditions and occasional ORV traffic/noise on the designated ORV route; very basic facilities (no hookups) so visitors should be self-sufficient.
Weather at Carney Lake State Forest Campground
29
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 8.4 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Iron Mountain (approx. 14 miles)
Good to know
Common complaintsBasic facilities (vault toilets) and cleanliness issues at times (visitor reports of poorly maintained restroom during busy weekends); rough, muddy access road that can be hard on vehicles; occasional trash left by other visitors; posted swimming area may be overgrown and unusable.
Campground Map
Carney Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated about 14 miles northeast of Iron Mountain via M-95, Merriman Truck Trail and Carney Lake Road.
Accessible from M-95 via forest/graded roads; access road can be rough and muddy at times.Nearby places
Iron Mountain — about 14 miles
Nearby supplies
Iron Mountain (approx. 14 miles)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
30 reviews
Carney Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently praise the campground as a quiet, scenic, rustic spot with several lakeside sites and large, private campsites. Most reviews are highly positive (many 5-star), highlighting solitude, lake access, and overall natural setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews
What Campers Love
Quiet, secluded setting; about half the sites are lakeside and highly valued; large sites that can accommodate small trailers; convenient boat launch and good fishing; close enough to Iron Mountain...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a lakeside site (sites are first-come, first-served). Come self-contained (bring supplies and water if preferred) and expect a rustic experience. Be prepared for a rough,...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Very nice rustic campground. Large campsites. Half of the sites are right on the lake."; "We stayed four nights. It was so peaceful."; "The campground was beautiful... the woman's bathroom was...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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