Carney Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.41
38 reviews
Carney Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
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

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 875-3324
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 38 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."

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Campground Map

Carney Lake State Forest Campground

Carney Lake State Forest Campground

45.8923, -87.9412

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)

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer described as ideal for swimming, fishing and paddling on clear lake days.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers vibrant color and crisp mornings; praised in seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers shoulder-season recreation but weather is variable; fewer details available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

UP winters can be harsh and site is rustic; no winter amenities or groomed activities noted.

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.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    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.
    HikingOpportunities for hiking in the surrounding mixed hardwood/conifer forest and around the lake.
    FishingFishing on Carney Lake; reported species include walleye, panfish and pike.
    SwimmingLake access for swimming; some visitors report the posted swimming area can be overgrown and not always usable.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRough/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

    Reviews

    4.4
    38 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    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 38 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...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    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,...
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    Based on 38 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 38 reviews
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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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