Is Carrieville State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Carrieville 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 Carrieville State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Carrieville State Forest Campground has 3 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.

What is the best time to visit Carrieville State Forest Campground?

Carrieville State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; seasonal roads and some approaches are not plowed in winter. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Carrieville State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Carrieville State Forest Campground have?

Carrieville State Forest Campground has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Carrieville State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Carrieville 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 Carrieville State Forest Campground?

Carrieville 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 Carrieville State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Carrieville State Forest Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Carrieville State Forest Campground

4.40

93 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

981 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

981 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Carrieville 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

(231) 745-9465

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 93 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciouswater

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise the scenic river setting, large and well-spaced sites, and direct access to ORV trails. Common notes emphasize the campground's rustic character (vault toilets, hand-pump water) and that sites accommodate trailers but offer no hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Carrieville State Forest Campground

44.0364, -85.7247

Nearby places

Luther — approximately 2.8 miles

Best Time to Camp at Carrieville State Forest Campground

Summer delivers the warmest and most accessible conditions. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights cool to the 50s and 60s, and roads stay dry for trailer access. The Little Manistee is at its best for wading and fishing, and ORV trails are fully rideable. Weekends can fill early, so plan to arrive before noon if you want a river-adjacent site. Winter is possible but remote: roads aren't plowed and snow covers the forest. Spring and fall bring classic northern Michigan swings. Layers and rain gear are wise.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest, driest conditions; roads stay dry for trailer access and river recreation is pleasant.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and some approaches are not plowed in winter

About Carrieville State Forest Campground

Carrieville State Forest Campground spreads 31 rustic sites along the Little Manistee River in Lake County, about 20 miles northeast of Luther. The campground operates first-come, first-served with vault toilets and hand-pump water but no hookups or showers. Sites connect directly to miles of ORV and ATV trails, and the river draws trout and steelhead anglers year-round.

Rustic state forest campground (vault toilets, no hookups) with 31 tent/RV-capable sites, first-come first-served; no reservations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest and most accessible conditions. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights cool to the 50s and 60s, and roads stay dry for trailer access. The Little Manistee is at its best for wading and fishing, and ORV trails are fully rideable. Weekends can fill early, so plan to arrive before noon if you want a river-adjacent site. Winter is possible but remote: roads aren't plowed and snow covers the forest. Spring and fall bring classic northern Michigan swings. Layers and rain gear are wise.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little Manistee River forms the eastern boundary of the campground, running cold and clear through state forest lands at 981 feet elevation. Sites split between wooded areas with dense tree canopy and open meadow zones that offer more sun and sky. The river corridor supports fishing for trout and steelhead, and thousands of acres of Michigan state forest extend in all directions. Site spacing is generous, with wooded buffers providing privacy between neighbors.

Geological RegionLake County, Little Manistee River corridor / state forest lands

Scenic ViewsRiver views and river access are available on the east side of the campground (river-adjacent sites are generally most scenic). Other sites are wooded or open-field with mature trees and privacy.

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 Campsites31 campsites

Best CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites on the east side are the most coveted for fishing access and water sounds. Reviewers also recommend the larger, more secluded wooded sites for privacy and quiet, especially if you want distance from ORV noise.

Amenities available

Rustic campground with vault (pit) toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. 31 large sites (most accommodate up to 30-foot trailers/vehicles); each site typically has a fire pit and picnic table. No electric/water/sewer hookups, no showers, no on-site dump station. First-come, first-serve (no reservations).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Located along the Little Manistee River with direct river access and direct access to nearby ORV/ATV trails (Little Manistee Trail and other regional ORV routes). Official activities noted include fishing, ORV/ATV use from the campground, snowmobiling, hunting on surrounding state lands (with restrictions near occupied dwellings), and winter camping (campground open year-round though roads are not plowed).

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAdjacent river (bring appropriate caution near water) and seasonal winter access issues because roads are not plowed. ORV traffic/noise can occur because the campground provides direct access to ORV trails and routes. Hunting occurs on surrounding state land—campers should be aware of hunting seasons and 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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Carrieville State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

93 reviews

Recommended

Carrieville State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise the scenic river setting, large and well-spaced sites, and direct access to ORV trails. Common notes emphasize the campground's rustic character (vault toilets, hand-pump water) and that sites accommodate trailers but offer no hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, spacious sites with wooded buffers and good privacy; immediate access to ORV/ATV trails; strong trout/steelhead fishing on the Little Manistee River; cold hand-pump potable water; generally...

Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early (FCFS, no reservations), coming fully self-contained (no hookups or showers), sourcing firewood locally, bringing supplies and water containers, and choosing...

Based on 93 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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Silver Creek State Forest Campground

Silver Creek State Forest Campground sits along the Pine River north of Luther, offering 26 rustic sites beneath a canopy of hardwoods and pines. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with vault toilets, hand-pump water, and a cash-only fee box. Walk-in peninsula sites 20–26 put river on both sides of your tent.